Putting Practice

[Matt Grayum]

What are you trying differently than before? Fan grip? Push put? Leg lift?

Hitting the chains!

Always a good thing...

Just to update on my putting... Confidence is huge like we have all discussed and practice can help in gaining that confidence. I have been practicing more so that it feels natural stepping up to putt. I have also created a "routine" for every putt that seems to work for me.

Since posting this thread I have been working harder to improve my putting game. I am happy to say I deuced 8 of the Pyramid Silver baskets in a round the other day, due mainly to my putting, it just felt right/on.

For me, it's going to be maintaining consistency that will improve my standings. Another thread idea would be "how to be consistent in your disc golf game".

[Gary Cyr]

Another thread idea would be "how to be consistent in your disc golf game".

That one is easy.

Don't try to do things that are outside your own disgolf abilities.

[Chris Mergemekes]

A difference for the better? ha, just messin.

What are you trying differently than before? Fan grip? Push put? Leg lift?

1. Fan grip - Up until a few weeks ago, I was fan gripping but noticed my the disc was wobbly, so I started putting my index finger in front to stabilize the disc and I was doing fine, even though it's not "proper" technique and isn't good for longer putts. But now with those other tips, and with the fan grip, the disc isn't wobbly as often as it was.

2. Leg postion - I am squaring up to the basket more and keeping on my toes, and lifting my chin. Previously, I was keeping my back leg more behind my front leg than out at an angle like Avery does in the video, except when straddle putting, obviously. I took his suggestion of staying more on my toes.

3. Chin up - I didn't know about the chin technique.

4. Being confident that I can make the putts that I know I can make and laying up when the odds are less in my favor.

With all of this in place now, the sensation of release recognition is even more prevalent. And it seems to take less effort than before and I was getting to a good point of "effort-less" putting but I was getting close more than hitting my target spot. I use the push putt unless there's wind. It's good to have both techniques. I can spin/ wrist putt pretty good so it was those other things that have really helped.

And yes,

Hitting the chains!

[Matt Grayum]

A difference for the better? ha, just messin.

What are you trying differently than before? Fan grip? Push put? Leg lift?

1. Fan grip - Up until a few weeks ago, I was fan gripping but noticed my the disc was wobbly, so I started putting my index finger in front to stabilize the disc and I was doing fine, even though it's not "proper" technique and isn't good for longer putts. But now with those other tips, and with the fan grip, the disc isn't wobbly as often as it was.

2. Leg postion - I am squaring up to the basket more and keeping on my toes, and lifting my chin. Previously, I was keeping my back leg more behind my front leg than out at an angle like Avery does in the video, except when straddle putting, obviously. I took his suggestion of staying more on my toes.

3. Chin up - I didn't know about the chin technique.

4. Being confident that I can make the putts that I know I can make and laying up when the odds are less in my favor.

With all of this in place now, the sensation of release recognition is even more prevalent. And it seems to take less effort than before and I was getting to a good point of "effort-less" putting but I was getting close more than hitting my target spot. I use the push putt unless there's wind. It's good to have both techniques. I can spin/ wrist putt pretty good so it was those other things that have really helped.

And yes,

Hitting the chains!

Something they only slightly mentioned was "aiming high or low based on tail/head wind". Something that has helped me dramatically improve my putting game (thanks to Keith Burtt) was in talking about putting practice he mentioned that he aims for a specific chain link. Literally an individual chain link on the basket. Depending on wind or elevation he will move up or down the link to the appropriate location. I used to aim for "center/right chains" and now that I am picking a more specific spot I seem to hit putts more often.

[Chris Mergemekes]

... aims for a specific chain link. Literally an individual chain link on the basket. Depending on wind or elevation he will move up or down the link to the appropriate location.

See my first pst in this thread.

[Dave Hickson]

practice the confidence it takes to make putts.

I like this.

I utilize all the methods that have been posted so far. I'll stack some putters from one spot and scatter from different locations. I approach each putt as it were my only one. If I shoot multiple putts from one location, it helps correct mistakes. I'll end a set with a group of putts from a distance that I'm confident that I can make. I'll use different makes and models too, because from 10/ 15/ 20 feet, It doesn't matter if a putter is stable, overstable, etc. since it's pretty much a straight shot to the chains. Depending on the distance, slope, and wind, I aim at different locations on the target. If it's the chains, I'll pick one link of a chain to aim at. I agree with 20 minute sets. For longer shots, one technique I utilize a lot is the "Doubles" technique: I'll use two putters/ approach discs, put the first one close, then run the other one. I once read something about remembering what it feels like physically to makie a putt and I have to say that at first it took some getting used to, but now, I know immediately after release, if it's going in, if I rushed, if I followed through, or if my aim was off.

Good post Matty!

[Matt Grayum]

Another thread idea would be "how to be consistent in your disc golf game".

That one is easy.

Don't try to do things that are outside your own disgolf abilities.

Then how would a player improve to te next level if they never try things outside what they can do well?

[James Livingston]

Another thread idea would be "how to be consistent in your disc golf game".

That one is easy.

Don't try to do things that are outside your own disgolf abilities.

Then how would a player improve to te next level if they never try things outside what they can do well?

How about during PRACTICE?



Another thread idead would be "how to give advice to the clueless".

[Bear Dunn]

BURN!

[Chris Mergemekes]

Update: I've cut down to only two putters for practice. It helps me concentrate on each individual putt, because I know that they count more than if I had a stack of 5 or 6.

[Todd Lapham]

Another thread idea would be "how to be consistent in your disc golf game".

That one is easy.

Don't try to do things that are outside your own disgolf abilities.

Then how would a player improve to te next level if they never try things outside what they can do well?

He answered your question perfectly, imo.

You asked how to be more consistent in your game, not how to improve.

Consistency comes from executing high percentage shots. High percentage shots are the shots that are well inside your disc golf ability. Hence, if you stay inside your disc golf ability, you will be a more consistent golfer.

As for how to improve, go throw a bunch of different types of shots in a field. Practice shots, not holes. I need to do this myself as I am extremely handcuffed with only having a backhand shot. I don't flick/tomahawk/thumber/pancake or roll.

[Drew Smith]

Something they only slightly mentioned was "aiming high or low based on tail/head wind". Something that has helped me dramatically improve my putting game (thanks to Keith Burtt) was in talking about putting practice he mentioned that he aims for a specific chain link. Literally an individual chain link on the basket. Depending on wind or elevation he will move up or down the link to the appropriate location. I used to aim for "center/right chains" and now that I am picking a more specific spot I seem to hit putts more often.

Good tips!

Instead of a single link, I use links from the two chains hanging on each side of the pole to make a small square target around the pole. It is a slightly bigger target than a single link, but still is the same idea for focus.

I always think that if I miss high/low, I'm putting OK - just need adjustment. And missing low is better than missing high! If I miss left/right, I know I'm not executing correctly.

Gordy gave me a tip a looong time ago which has always stuck. On uphill putts, aim upper-left of chains and release with 45 degree hyzer. Seems to work!

[Josh Connell]

Another thread idea would be "how to be consistent in your disc golf game".

That one is easy.
Don't try to do things that are outside your own disgolf abilities.

Then how would a player improve to te next level if they never try things outside what they can do well?

Todd pretty much nailed it. Gary's talking just about consistency on the course during competition. You don't improve just by playing competitively a lot, you improve by practicing.

Practice shots, not holes is also great advice. A great way to allow yourself to focus on that idea is simply to not keep score if you're playing a round. Judge how your round went by how effective you were at executing throws rather than how low your score was. Sometimes a 59 can be better than a 49 if the result is you've improved something about your overall game.

Alternatively, keep score but try to play in a way unlike the "same old way" you would if it were a tournament or league round. Like an all forehand round (or all backhand if you primarily forehand), or what I like to do...take the drivers out of the bag and play a round with just mids and putters, or even just putters. Taking big distance shots out of the equation forces you to play with a smaller margin for error. When you lose 50-200 feet of distance on a bunch of holes, accuracy and quality of shot becomes that much more important to scoring well. And it can be an eye opener when you shoot a similar or lower score without the drivers than you typically do with them.

Probably is a topic for a whole other thread, so I'll stop there and let the putting talk resume.

[erica johnson]

my favorite way to practice putting- you will need 1 putter, 1 basket, 1 friend.
Have a friend stand next to the basket and toss you your putter back after every putt you hit. move around and putt from different places, as well as different types of putts. start simple then work your way out. when you miss a putt, trade places and rebound for them until they miss. why I like this - Even when you're rebounding, you still get to toss a putter. Also, you feel like every putt counts, or else you will spend your practice time rebounding.

[Matt Grayum]

How about during PRACTICE? Another thread idead would be "how to give advice to the clueless".

My point in asking the "clueless" question was to prompt discussion...that was the whole point of this thread... I was giving Gary a hard time.

As to "how to give advice to the clueless", well, let's play a round sometime and then we'll be able to decide who is clueless... You will be clueless as to how you lost to someone you thought was clueless... get it?


Another new thing I started doing to help my consistency in putting is to have a small "routine". Similar to a free throw shot in basketball.

[Gary Cyr]

Another new thing I started doing to help my consistency in putting is to have a small "routine". Similar to a free throw shot in basketball.

I think putting is exactly like free throw shooting, with the exception that the distance changes. It's all about the routine.

[Rick Mahoney]

I don't want to talk about putting. You know how I practice? 80+ rounds so far this year. Very few wasted practice shots but building a routine I suppose. I am always surprised when I hit a putt. Matt, you're so cerebral. I just try not to think about anything. I had to throw over the trees at the 12 silver basket and it nearly went in. I was asked where I was looking when I threw... "I don't know, my eyes shut off once my arm knew what to do." Someone once asked me where my thumb is when I grip, I have no idea and don't even want to think about it. I grabbed a disc out of my bag on the next tee and showed him where my thumb ended up (four finger power grip was my natural grasp, too), then I put it out of my mind and ripped it, probably parked it.

Remember the commercial with Veejay Singh addressing a teed ball? A thought pops up on the screen, then another and another and then dozens... keep your head down, arm straight, knee bent, blah blah blah. I once struggled through the front 9 in ball golf because I couldn't figure out where to set my jaw.

I am embracing the tag someone put on me, Rec Rick, I am in it for the recreation. Though it was intended to label me a sandbagger because I won my first tourney as a rec, it fits.

[James Livingston]

912

[Matt Grayum]

I don't want to talk about putting. You know how I practice? 80+ rounds so far this year. Very few wasted practice shots but building a routine I suppose. I am always surprised when I hit a putt. Matt, you're so cerebral. I just try not to think about anything. I had to throw over the trees at the 12 silver basket and it nearly went in. I was asked where I was looking when I threw... "I don't know, my eyes shut off once my arm knew what to do." Someone once asked me where my thumb is when I grip, I have no idea and don't even want to think about it. I grabbed a disc out of my bag on the next tee and showed him where my thumb ended up (four finger power grip was my natural grasp, too), then I put it out of my mind and ripped it, probably parked it.

Remember the commercial with Veejay Singh addressing a teed ball? A thought pops up on the screen, then another and another and then dozens... keep your head down, arm straight, knee bent, blah blah blah. I once struggled through the front 9 in ball golf because I couldn't figure out where to set my jaw.

I am embracing the tag someone put on me, Rec Rick, I am in it for the recreation. Though it was intended to label me a sandbagger because I won my first tourney as a rec, it fits.

I appreciate the idea of doing what feels right but at some level an individual has to learn what feels right. Dave Feldberg, Nicco Locastro, Avery Jenkins and the other pros are traveling all around the country trying to teach/help educate on how to play the game. Avery in particular just finished a whole video "tutorial" on how to improve your putting game.

Once I feel like I have the knowledge of the best practices for putting then I'm sure it will turn to much more of a "just do it" mentality.

My putting isn't that bad (won third place at Am Worlds putting competition) BUT I think the biggest thing I lacked was consistency in how to put. Some rounds I would putt horrible and other rounds awesome. Sometimes it was like I totally forgot how to putt alltogether.

My purpose for this discussion is definitely being played out perfectly and I appreciate all input.

I just want (almost there) to be able to get to a place where I don't "forget" how to putt during a random round.

As to me being "cerebral", ha, this is just a small taste. I know this about myself and I'm sure most of my friends want me to shut up. See you out there man! You and your arrow!

[Rick Mahoney]

Oh, ... you have aspirations. I am unable to relate! Have fun, be young, imbibe.

[Josh Connor]

This may be slightly off topic, but I think its still relevant in here. Recently ive been in a bit of a putting funk and have entertained the idea of switching to a new putter in hopes of turning things around.

Not sure if this is mental, physical, scientific or all of the above but might have to give it a try. During the vibram birdy mini I was forced to use the firm? summit that I picked and something about it worked for my putting/confidence/feel in the hand...etc It might have just been the setting of putting being carefree because the come back didnt matter or because something new always feels different/new/better (grass is greener affect), but just wondering if other people have some thoughts on this. My current putter is a kc pro aviar.

[Jeremy Binley]

This may be slightly off topic, but I think its still relevant in here. Recently ive been in a bit of a putting funk and have entertained the idea of switching to a new putter in hopes of turning things around.

Not sure if this is mental, physical, scientific or all of the above but might have to give it a try. During the vibram birdy mini I was forced to use the firm? summit that I picked and something about it worked for my putting/confidence/feel in the hand...etc It might have just been the setting of putting being carefree because the come back didnt matter or because something new always feels different/new/better (grass is greener affect), but just wondering if other people have some thoughts on this. My current putter is a kc pro aviar.

Wizzzzzard! Nuff Ced.

[Matt Grayum]

This may be slightly off topic, but I think its still relevant in here. Recently ive been in a bit of a putting funk and have entertained the idea of switching to a new putter in hopes of turning things around.

Not sure if this is mental, physical, scientific or all of the above but might have to give it a try. During the vibram birdy mini I was forced to use the firm? summit that I picked and something about it worked for my putting/confidence/feel in the hand...etc It might have just been the setting of putting being carefree because the come back didnt matter or because something new always feels different/new/better (grass is greener affect), but just wondering if other people have some thoughts on this. My current putter is a kc pro aviar.

I was able to use my putter at the Vibram mini contest because I already used Vibram putters (Ridge). I did feel my putting confidence went up because like you said, the comeback didn't matter. I think that definitely had something to do with the better putting on Saturday.

I do think putting is a big mental game. It's almost like the "placebo" effect. If you believe the putter you have is going to go in then your confidence rises and you are more likely to hit the putt. If you took your first couple of putts with the summit and hit the putt you are more likely to think the putter is great and that will help your putting game throughout the round.

Interesting thoughts that you bring up, though. The putting "funk" I get that. That's what started this whole thread. I then proceeded to analyzing putt and work on the basics and regained a lot of my confidence. I would say this, though, inside 20ft I think I could use any putter.

[Mike Cormier]

This may be slightly off topic, but I think its still relevant in here. Recently ive been in a bit of a putting funk and have entertained the idea of switching to a new putter in hopes of turning things around.

Not sure if this is mental, physical, scientific or all of the above but might have to give it a try. During the vibram birdy mini I was forced to use the firm? summit that I picked and something about it worked for my putting/confidence/feel in the hand...etc It might have just been the setting of putting being carefree because the come back didnt matter or because something new always feels different/new/better (grass is greener affect), but just wondering if other people have some thoughts on this. My current putter is a kc pro aviar.

I was able to use my putter at the Vibram mini contest because I already used Vibram putters (Ridge). I did feel my putting confidence went up because like you said, the comeback didn't matter. I think that definitely had something to do with the better putting on Saturday.

I do think putting is a big mental game. It's almost like the "placebo" effect. If you believe the putter you have is going to go in then your confidence rises and you are more likely to hit the putt. If you took your first couple of putts with the summit and hit the putt you are more likely to think the putter is great and that will help your putting game throughout the round.

Interesting thoughts that you bring up, though. The putting "funk" I get that. That's what started this whole thread. I then proceeded to analyzing putt and work on the basics and regained a lot of my confidence. I would say this, though, inside 20ft I think I could use any putter.

I got a new summit there and had a handful of practice putts on the practice basket on the way to hole 1. It felt fine and I wasn't having any problems with it... Got out on the course and I couldn't have hit water if I were in the middle of the ocean in a dingy.... I knew I didn't need to hit a come backer and was going for it but was just in that "funk". It's just a part of the game sometimes. You practice/play your way out of them or to minimize their affect on your game.

[Dave Jackson]

Everyone should try putting the way Tom does. It will help your game. No doubt about it.

[Keith Burtt]

Ive never seen a top 50 player in the world putt like that. Its far more difficult to reproduce, you need to be shifting your weight from back foot to front. $.02

[Scott Selders]

I used 3-5 Putters-Warm up with some short Putts-then about 20 from 50-70' to get my body loose, and my wrist warmed up with Maximum Power Putts.

For Maximum Focus + Concentration I will only Putt about 100 times from different points in my Practice Space. Take A break. When not Putting-Visualize your technique in your mind. Visualize your Disc hitting your Sweet Spot. Visualize Your Grip-Your Chain Focus-Your feet placement-Your Follow Through.

My Mantra is "Shake Hands With Spiderman".

[Dave Jackson]

Ive never seen a top 50 player in the world putt like that. Its far more difficult to reproduce, you need to be shifting your weight from back foot to front. $.02

Ron Russell.

I don't recommend going to his style, rather try it and start to understand the dynamics of air bounce. His style allows you to adjust the air bounce very freely. Air bounce gets 50' putts there.
You can really feel the importance of rotating your shoulders when you putting like Tom does. It helped me in a way that I make more putts from 80' and in this year. Making more than I ever have in years past.

There is something very difficult for players to understand in putting. This is it:

You have a 0% chance of making ANY putt if you leave it short. The disc has to be given an opportunity to go in. It has to reach.

Don't ever leave it short

[Mark Valis]

This may be slightly off topic, but I think its still relevant in here. Recently ive been in a bit of a putting funk and have entertained the idea of switching to a new putter in hopes of turning things around.

Not sure if this is mental, physical, scientific or all of the above but might have to give it a try. During the vibram birdy mini I was forced to use the firm? summit that I picked and something about it worked for my putting/confidence/feel in the hand...etc It might have just been the setting of putting being carefree because the come back didnt matter or because something new always feels different/new/better (grass is greener affect), but just wondering if other people have some thoughts on this. My current putter is a kc pro aviar.

I think because it was a new putter you as well as everyone else that putts with a new putter throws it with a bit more pop because we know it is going to be stable. That is a feeling it always try to reproduce in my mind , to putt very aggressively and not fear that easy 15-18 footer. It seems the harder the putter is thrown the more it wants to go straight. Always remember to lift the back leg same time as you are putting and don't fear the comeback putt!

[Bobby Direnzo]

I like putting and putting like me.