how to aim and shoot through trees

[Chef]

I was wondering if there is a technique on how to shoot through trees with disc golf. I have been going to White River a lot to practice and it does not seem to get any easier.

Also, any techniques to learn how to aim?

[Bullseye]

I was wondering if there is a technique on how to shoot through trees with disc golf. I have been going to White River a lot to practice and it does not seem to get any easier.

Also, any techniques to learn how to aim?

One thing that I found helped me was to not look at the trees, but rather look at the GAP through the trees. This helps me avoid object fixation.

A good example of object fixation happens when we're driving our cars down the highway and we see something in the road. Being so focused on that thing in the road, causes us to look right at it, and as a result we often run right over it. Where we look... is often where we go.

Hope that helps.

Jeff

[Adam Schneider]

Don't just look at the gap; look at a point 100 feet beyond the gap.

[Chef]

I am having a hard time avoiding the trees with my drives. I know where I want to go... like I want to hyzer it through those two trees which will land in the fairway but it doesnt ever end up that way.

Another good example is when there is an A set up of trees all the way to the basket. If I drive it straight, it will naturally turn to the left. If I hug the tree line, I usually always hit a tree.

When you drive through trees and do your pull back, do you take your eyes off where you want the disc to go?

I get conflicting opinions on how to aim. Same say your shoulder aims, some say it is your front foot. I am confused about this.

[NWDiscer]

Tree's what Tree's i see no stinkin tree's

Think/See throw/line what you want your disc to do not where you want it to go..........

[Chef]

NW: what do you mean?

[NWDiscer]

NW: what do you mean?


which part?

[Chef]

lining what you want your disc to do

[NWDiscer]

lining what you want your disc to do


you have to "figure out/be able to see" the "line" of the throw before you throw it then there are no tree's....:cheers:

[NWDiscer]

lining what you want your disc to do


if you mean "learning" not "lining" then it is all repetition/practice in a field.

It can be boring, but you will get better and better.:cheers:

[NWDiscer]

i would also like to clarify that i am not a "Pro Discer" nor do i portray 1 on TV.

I also did not stay at a "Holiday Inn Express" last night either....that is unless they want to pay me for saying that...:whistler::biggrin2:

[proto something or other]

As for the pullback/follow through and taking your eyes off the target:

I usually try to throw through the trees with confidence. That being said, I try to execute my normal throw (since that's the one I am most confident with). To do that, I try not to change the mechanics of the throw.

I think what Jeff and others have said regarding trying to aim at a point 100 feet beyond the gap is a great piece of advice. At some point in your learning curve, your body and muscles know exactly what to do. You only task is to pick the disk and start the motion. The rest becomes muscle memory.

[Ol' Bob]

Fortunately, I never hit any trees. Nope, never happened to me.

Seriously, pin-point accuracy is just tons of practice, and not throwing too hard. If I want to lose my accuracy (such as it is), I just have to put a little more on the shot and I either yank it a bit, or it slips out early. I'd say it would be good to put yourself in a position that requires an accurate shot and practice hitting your marks. I still go through times when I can't miss the trees. I hit more trees on long uphill tight shots because I'm pulling harder on those shots (see hole three at Mud).

[Chef]

I cant wait for the muscle memory to kick in!! :)

It is frusterating.

When you "think" you have it, you dont.

Damn disc.

[JMan]

It will Chef, practice, even then 30 years later you'll still hit trees. Great thing about this game, you get another chance, sometimes sooner, sometimes later. Don't sweat it.

[Ol' Bob]

Yeah, but how do you get rid of them strokes, once you got 'em? The wonderful thing about those tree bounces, is the lie you usually get gives you more practice with the trees. The road to tripple bogies is lined with trees.

You know what I love? I love that term: "technical." From what I've seen, technical is just a fancy word for trees in the way.

You asked, Chef, about aiming. I don't know if you noticed the time we played, that I, being terminally stiff, take my eyes off the target for most of my driving stroke. Innitially, as I learned, I would pick out a point behind me to start my stroke. That was all well and good, if I was only playing one course, as I was. The late Dave McCaddon caught onto what I was doing and would stand back behind the tee pad, smile, and give me a cute little wave when I looked back for my marks. I realized I had to give up that crutch because I wouldn't always be on a familiar tee pad or even on the same course. I eventually had to trust my form and had to work on NOT seeing anything behind me when I rotated my upper body away from the target. So here, six or so years into this, I feel confident (on some days) that my drives are going somewhere near the direction I think I'm throwing.

[Dr. Zaius]

Another good example is when there is an A set up of trees all the way to the basket. If I drive it straight, it will naturally turn to the left. If I hug the tree line, I usually always hit a tree.

When you drive through trees and do your pull back, do you take your eyes off where you want the disc to go?

I get conflicting opinions on how to aim. Same say your shoulder aims, some say it is your front foot. I am confused about this.

sounds like you need to learn how to throw a straight shot with a tbird or more exclusively a ROC. then learn an easy anhyzer and easy hyzer shot with the same disc.
i do take my eyes off the target entirely, and yes i visualize the shot. unlike some of the comments above, i do not focus 100ft pass the window, but actually aim precisely for the fat part of the window that i want to hit. I aim with my shoulder, visualize the shot, and if the disc is at the correct angle when it hits the window then your shot will be golden... let the disc do the rest of the work eh?
i don't know if that will help but it has helped me tremendously. give it a shot. :merlin:

[Chef]

Interesting Dr. I do find my upshots more precise and straight then I find my drives.

[Dr. Zaius]

this might help what i'm describing. the circle is the fat part of the window i want to hit. I focus on the left side of the circle (next to the tree), visualize the shot as a "flat to very soft hyzer" and typically hit the right side of the circle. if the disc is flat to slight hyzer, and i hit that circle, i'm golden.
annie shots are the same way except i stand on the right side of the t pad. same aim, same visual but with an annie, hopefully the same result.
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o153/wilburg2/disc%20golf%202008/Untitled-Sign.jpg

[Chef]

sorry for the dumb question, but wouldnt you want to go around that big tree that is in front of the circle? Maybe that is my mistake, maybe going to far with my throws.

[Eric Olson]

I think the circle is for in between the trees closer to the tee. The big tree is all the way down by the short basket placement. Not that you would want to hit that tree, but it's more toward the end of the flight than the beginning. Makes me want to play Dexter anyway.

[Ol' Bob]

All the answers will reveal themselves over the next million or so throws. When you can miss those trees, Grasshopper, you will be ready.

http://images.cafepress.com/product/204095715v3_150x150_Front.JPG

[Chef]

patience... I need it. Sometimes it is hard to think if I am getting better. I play 3-4 times a week and practice either putting or driving 4 times a week.

[NWDiscer]

patience... I need it. Sometimes it is hard to think if I am getting better. I play 3-4 times a week and practice either putting or driving 4 times a week.



:cheerleader::cheerleader::cheerleader:


DING DING DING We have a WINNER

Tell him what he has WON

A SOLID Disc game that will have many peaks and valleys and yet after all those 1000's of throws you will still find that those tree's will step right out in front of of you at any given time......:pullhair:

So keep on drilling with your driving and always practice putting it will only make you better.

Good Luck

:cheers:

[jevon]

sounds like you need to learn how to throw a straight shot with a tbird or more exclusively a ROC.
Follow this advice. I've been throwing TeeBird, Roc, and Aviar almost exclusively since summer and have shaved a stroke or two off my average at Pier. Doesn't sound like much but I spent all summer house hunting so didn't get to play much. Learn to throw flat and straight and everything else will fall into place. Plus, when carrying only three discs, you have more room for beer! :chug:

[Chef]

you will use your tbird and roc as a driver too?

[zippyboy]

Also keep in mind that there is no "ONE" disc out there that will make you a better player. Some like to throw a Roc (whereas, I would rather throw a rock), some prefer the Buzzz, others a Shark, possibly a Comet, etc. There are so many components that go into your game, the disc is only one of those components. The practice is what will make your game better. Not the newest, fastest disc to come out on the market (however, Ol' Bob and I are currently working on the world's first speed 42 putter). Take the collection of discs you have now, and really work on getting to know those discs. Once you can throw them, and throw them well, you will get a much more clear idea what others you might need in your arsenal. And as many on here have said, no matter how much you practice, the trees will eventually end up jumping into the flight path of your disc. It just happens. As it does with stick golfers, too. Worry less, enjoy more. Besides, hitting a tree is just another opportunity to work on your short game (which is more important than driving, anyway - at least at our skill level).

[zippyboy]

sounds like you need to learn how to throw a straight shot with a tbird or more exclusively a ROC. then learn an easy anhyzer and easy hyzer shot with the same disc.

Or a Comet, or an Avenger SS, or a Wizard, maybe a #2 Driver... :slapface:

Sorry. :blush:

[jevon]

you will use your tbird and roc as a driver too?
Yes, I use the TeeBird as my driver. Sure, it may not go as far as my Wraith or Destroyer, but the purpose is to work on your form and throw it straight. Since it is such a neutral disc I can use it for anny, hyzer, and roller shots too. After I get good with it I will start mixing in my other discs, or I may just throw an Orc in my bag and use that as my driver as the next stage.

Don't listen to your brother, whatever you do!

[zippyboy]

Remind me to kick you in the shin later, Jevon... :nahnah:

[Eric Olson]

Also keep in mind that there is no "ONE" disc out there that will make you a better player. This is true. On the other hand, it is also true that not all discs were created equal. Some are better than others, and some breed better throwing habits than others. DX Roc is about as good a suggestion as it gets for a true stable midrange, and I believe in the long run it does make a better learning tool than most of the other discs on the market. I'd recommend going lighter than max weight to start with though.

[Dr. Zaius]

I think the circle is for in between the trees closer to the tee. The big tree is all the way down by the short basket placement. Not that you would want to hit that tree, but it's more toward the end of the flight than the beginning. Makes me want to play Dexter anyway.

exactly. this is the first main window, which is the most important window. hit it with the correct angle and speed and the rest is cake. :rolleyes2: well, in a perfect world.

the reason i used a roc is cause that's what i throw. i am non-partisan to other mids. :wink2: i also have been driving with my roc a lot latley too. it's amazing how straight it flies and higher speeds. i've been throwing it 300+ft consistently on a line with very little fade. a lot of the reason for my gained distance came from this you tube clip on midrange grips. i use the fan grip now for my rocs and sometimes my teebirds and eagles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28ABf6csQpM
:cheers:

[Chef]

Maybe I should just add a chain saw to my disc bag :)

Thanks all for the help. I know sometimes I take it too seriously... just the person I am. It is a challange for me and I like it.

[Sam]

I use the gap idea... and I use the "fixate on a point beyond the gap" idea. I do take my eyes off of the target during my run-up but I find it again prior to release.

And don't forget... Spray and Pray. :D

[Leftybagger]

And don't forget... Spray and Pray. :D

Huck and Hope. :laughing:

[Dr. Zaius]

Maybe I should just add a chain saw to my disc bag :)

Thanks all for the help. I know sometimes I take it too seriously... just the person I am. It is a challange for me and I like it.

i find that a really sharp machete is the least noticeable and most fun way to hack down those unwanted woody friends. :merlin: :nono:

it's good that you take it seriously. I take it seriously too. which is why i was up at 2am chatting on a few disc golf message boards and watching dg dvd's by myself with no beer. what the hell is wrong with me!? :laughing::laughing::headbang:

[essjay]

From a significantly less proficient perspective: if you find yourself to be more accurate with your upshots, it is likely because you are throwing at a stand-still or a single-step toss. If I'm in the woods and need to shoot a gap, I usually just take a single step for my drive rather than a full run-up or x-step. You're utilizing fewer muscle groups and taking out some of the variables. It doesn't matter that you can throw really far with a run-up if you hit the first tree and end up in neverland...

[Dr. Zaius]

that's a good tip too essjay. standing still and 'transfering your weight' allows for way greater control. good call.

[Sean Phillips]

Learn to throw flat and straight and everything else will fall into place. Plus, when carrying only three discs, you have more room for beer! :chug:

Great advise. I love throwing straight shots. Ryan G called Brody and I "team f*** the hyzer shot" I thought it was quite appropriate.

[DexterHawk]

This is going to sound weird but if you are throwing a RHBH try aiming left of the gap... look there before you throw and try to stay smooth...

[proto something or other]

From a significantly less proficient perspective: if you find yourself to be more accurate with your upshots, it is likely because you are throwing at a stand-still or a single-step toss. If I'm in the woods and need to shoot a gap, I usually just take a single step for my drive rather than a full run-up or x-step. You're utilizing fewer muscle groups and taking out some of the variables. It doesn't matter that you can throw really far with a run-up if you hit the first tree and end up in neverland...


Seriously good advice here.

[Chef]

dr. zaius:

I teach the A shift at a culinary school. I get there around 4:45 AM in the morning..... the first person to open to school up. I take my putter upstairs in my class room and practise putting into the sink. he he he :)

[Dr. Zaius]

dr. zaius:

I teach the A shift at a culinary school. I get there around 4:45 AM in the morning..... the first person to open to school up. I take my putter upstairs in my class room and practise putting into the sink. he he he :)

nice. i teach at a high school. nearly every day i walk down any main hall all i do is visualize a basket at the end of the hall and decipher which disc i would use. :laughing:
as most of us here can agree, i (we) have a serious problem. :slapface:

[Chef]

I do that when I drive!

In school... I try to figure out which kid I would have to hyzer over.

[JMan]

I just keep a skill shot in my classroom, easier.