How To Find Disc Golf Instruction and Why You Need It

Disc golf can be a fickle sport. One day your putter is hot and the next it’s not. Another day your tee shots are parked under the basket and another they’re in the drink. We all want to become better players and gain more consistency, but how do we get there? Through in-person instruction.

Disc golf is in an age of growth where most of the teaching is done through YouTube. Everyone has their favorite tutorials and teachers online. But I argue that your best teacher will be with someone in person. One-on-one instruction affords you a give and take format which can rapidly advance your game. This simply cannot be done via YouTube. But where to find instruction? This blog will lay out the process for you to find instruction in your area via various channels. But first, it is necessary to understand your swing.

Start With Video of Your Swing

While you may think you know how your disc golf swing looks, video evidence is required. You may even think you have the PERFECT swing, but I beg to differ. We could all use a little help. There is a multitude of information to glean from watching footage of yourself. Have a friend take your video from multiple angles in slow motion. This will give you a reference point as you compare it to various sources online. This is your starting point. Take a look at the following Simon Lizotte video for professional instruction on swing mechanics.

As you learn and gain momentum from online sources, your confidence on the course will grow. This is a wonderful aspect of disc golf. One can progress quickly in the sport as you dial in mechanics. Look out Paul McBeth!! Learning through online sources can be invaluable. But then the inevitable hits as it has hit every disc golfer throughout the ages; the plateau.

The “Plateau”

The plateau hits each one of us at a different stage. It humbles us and leads to a feeling that we will forever be at this same skill level. The plateau leaves you throwing the same shots on holes that historically turn out poorly. It leaves us frustrated and wondering how professionals can do what they do. The plateau can be a hindrance and frustration when we do not recognize it for what it is.

Fortunately, the plateau points the way forward when we are able to label it as such. This is the time to be honest with yourself. In life, we all plateau in everything. When we hit these points we must educate ourselves, learn through trial and error and overcome obstacles to achieve anything and grow. Disc golf is no different. So let’s start right here where you have plateaued. Maybe it’s only certain aspects of your game or maybe your entire game has slowed to a trickle. You are not getting better through YouTube videos or insights from your friends. Do not fret! It is time to get in-person instruction. But where to look??

Reaching Out

For some of us, this is a humbling experience. I know this was true for me. It was hard to admit that I was not the best player in the world and indeed needed help from others to progress in the sport. “I can figure it out on my own!!” Sound familiar? Have a slice of humble pie and recognize that a teacher’s influence will greatly enhance your game.

Your approach to reaching out for help will be two-fold; formal and informal. A formal lesson would be paying someone for one-on-one instruction. This may take place in a field or on a course but it is clear that it is a teacher/student relationship. An informal lesson would be playing a round with someone and asking for pointers. Each has its own benefits and I recommend using both approaches. Many players are willing to give instruction though it is rare for them to advertise. This is why it takes effort and persistence to find an instructor.

There are many places to reach out for instruction. Disc golf does not have designated pros that hang out at courses and offer instruction as does ball golf. We are at an age in our sport where it takes some effort to find instruction. But with a little gumption and know-how, you will be on the fast track to improvement. Listed below are places where you can reach out for instruction:

• Local Clubs- Most local clubs have a Facebook page or group that you can follow or join. They can be a wealth of information and have great resources at your fingertip. They typically have professionals amongst their ranks and can point you in the right direction for some help.
• Local Leagues- Leagues are a great way to play some competitive disc golf in a laid back atmosphere. Depending how many courses are around you there may be many leagues happening in close proximity throughout the week. This is also a place where many quality players show up and are more approachable than at tournaments. Talk to the League Director and get some names of players who may be of interest for instruction. Check out this UDisc Leagues page to find a league near you.
• Tournaments- Depending on the tournament style (shotgun, flex, tee times, A Tier, B Tier, etc.) there may be casual time where players hang out and mingle after a round. I recommend talking to players after their round to make connections. This will ensure more of a laid back conversation. Head over to Disc Golf Scene to find local tournaments.
• Local Shops- Go anywhere discs or disc golf merchandise is sold and talk to the employees. Let them know your motive and make a flyer with your intention and contact information so they can post it in their store.
• Craigslist Post- You would be surprised. During COVID I noticed how many players were on the course and posted on Craigslist to offer instruction. I received multiple messages and gave out multiple lessons. This is a great option to cast a wide net as you never know who is perusing Craigslist. After all, it doesn’t cost a thing.

Conclusion

In-person disc golf instruction is necessary to take your game to the next level. It is also a great way to learn about yourself and grow in the disc golf community. Begin by taking a video of your swing and concoct a plan of how you would like to reach out for a lesson. By opening yourself up to instruction you invite better players into your sphere. This will only make you better. Remember to enjoy the process as disc golf is about the journey, not the destination.