North Park Advice Needed

[Surffish]

I have been playing disc golf for about 6 months, North Park fairly regularly. I'm hoping to get better in order to start playing in the doubles events but I seemed stuck at 50% par/50% bogie. There are a couple drives on the course that consistently give me trouble and I can't figure out the best strategy/line to approach them. I play strickly backhand at this point outside of forehand troubleout midrange shots.

#3: The obvious line starts left and then curves right. I can't figure that out backhand. I always end up in the holly bushes to the left of the basket. The other route is to hyzer between trees on the right side. Cool when it works but seems a pretty low percentage shot. I usually throw my midrange for these drives.

#7: I have the hardest time getting through the poles and nets. I usually throw a Teebird at 60%. This control throw gets me through over half the time but distance is horrible and I usually end up at the left side fence far from the basket.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Jeff

[ericedge]

Hey Jeff,

I throw backhand shots on both those holes but I use more understable plastic than what you are probably using. On #3 I use an old discraft stratus that I throw with hyzer and try to hit the gap between the two trees off the tee right in the middle. This stratus will pop up to straight and then continue a slow roll to the right. I get a lot of ace runs this way and often end up within 15' of the pin. I also like to throw my Sonic on #3, also with hyzer. It'll pop up straight and float with a very flat, straight finish. You might also try a stingray that's been "tuned" a little (eg. hit a few trees)

On #7 I've been throwing a discraft cryztal avenger ss. I throw it fairly hard and low with hyzer and it'll pop up and fly straight often with a little hyzer finish at the end. I find if I try to throw at 60% as you were describing I may gain some control but the disc will be much more likely to "fluff out" and hyzer off line. #7 is a good hole for a midrange disc too but I usually end up too short when I go that route. The big thing on #7 is working on accuracy to get through the initial gauntlet of poles and nets, that just takes practice and confidence I suppose.

Looks like what I'm suggesting is spending some time learning to throw more under-stable plastic. Using less arm and more pop with the wrist (zzzzzz's) works well.

[REDFIVE]

Just play the doubles and you will get better. dont worry about not being very good now there are quite a few people that are very new and still play in these casual events.

[LakeStevensBA]

and come up to Lake Stevens and play our doubles on Monday nights. All skills are welcome and it is very laid back.

Plus you can be confused on 19 more holes on what route to take and wonder what the %@#! is up with these baskets!

[Surffish]

Thanks for the advice. I plan on trying to hit the doubles soon. I have at least moved out of the gaper stage and into the mildly competent.

I will try my understable discs on #3 and 7. I recently set up this bag so the disc are new and stable. I do have a new star leopard that I hope develops into an understable control disc and an old beat to hell Stringray. It and my Vision are so understable that they get difficult for me to control. Just need more practice I guess. Especially on that forest of poles on #7. I sound like Soundgarden Park off that tee.

Thanks for the input,
Jeff

[sillybizz]

You could also play up at Arlington on Tuesdays as we have a carpool going on right now as many players live in the Shoreline/MLT/Lynnwood area.

[Ken Smith]

Jeff: Eric's advise is very good. I can't really add to it. But don't worry about being embarrassed ... we all started somewhere. I remember (and still worry at times) just trying to keep up with other more experienced players. You'll get better ... ask a lot of questions and figure out what works best for you. At the beginning, more understable and lighter discs are the way to go. Although I don't get out too much nowadays, hope to see you out at North Pole!

[ChUcK]

Yeah, I say play dubs anyways. You'll most likely develop even faster with the occasional casual competition like weekly dubs.

[REDFIVE]

and you might even be teamed up with a pro or someone pretty close to it which will help. ask them questions and watch carefully.