Introduction: Disc golf is an addictive and accessible sport, but many new players hit the course full of enthusiasm only to find themselves stuck in a rut. Why does this happen? The truth is, beginners often struggle not because they lack talent or effort, but because of a handful of very common mistakes. These early pitfalls – from choosing the wrong discs to neglecting the short game – can slow your progress and dampen your fun. The good news is that all of these mistakes are fixable! In this guide, we’ll walk through the ten most common mistakes new disc golfers make and exactly how to fix each one. Avoiding these blunders will help you improve faster, score lower, and enjoy the game even more. Let’s dive in and get you on track to disc golf success.
1. Choosing the Wrong Discs (Too Fast, Too Overstable)
A beginner holding a starter set of discs. Selecting slower, “beginner-friendly” discs (like putters and midranges) helps new players learn control and get a true flight from their throws.
Why it’s a problem: Walk into any disc golf shop and it’s easy to be seduced by high-speed drivers and ultra-stable discs that promise big distance. However, many new players mistakenly throw discs that are too fast or too overstable for their current skill and arm speed. High-speed, wide-rim drivers typically require a lot of throwing power to fly correctly. If you don’t generate enough speed, these discs won’t glide or turn as intended – they’ll just veer hard left (for a right-handed backhand thrower) and crash to the ground. In other words, a disc that’s “beyond” your ability will mask your skills: no matter how well you throw, it still fades out too quickly. This can be incredibly frustrating and can stall your improvement. You might think you’re doing something wrong (when in fact the disc is just too much to handle) or, worse, you might start forcing your throws to compensate for the disc’s overstable flight. Another aspect of wrong disc choice is weight – new players often grab heavy 175g discs because that’s what the pros throw. In reality, heavier discs take more effort to throw. If your disc always seems to hyzer out early or isn’t going as far as you expect, your disc selection might be the culprit.
How to recognize it: A classic sign of this mistake is if all your drivers behave the same (fading hard and dropping early) or if you can’t get a disc to fly straight no matter what. If you’re throwing a high-speed driver (speed 12-14) and it immediately hyzers out, that disc is likely too fast or overstable for you. Also, if you find midranges and putters actually fly farther or straighter for you than drivers, it’s a sign your drivers are too advanced. Many beginners don’t realize there’s a difference between discs; they assume it’s just them. But if you borrowed a slow, neutral disc and suddenly got a better flight, you’ve experienced how disc choice matters.
How to fix it: The fix is simple and rewarding: club down to beginner-friendly discs. Start with slower speed discs (generally speed 9 or below for drivers, or even just stick to midranges and putters at first) that are designed to be more neutral or understable. These discs require less arm speed to fly properly and will reward you with straighter, longer flights as you learn. For example, instead of a max-distance driver, try a fairway driver like an Innova Leopard or a Latitude 64 Diamond – discs known for being easy to throw for newcomers. Even better, spend plenty of time throwing midrange discs and putters. As one pro advises: “Throw more putters! If you can make a putter fly straight and far, the rest of your discs become unbelievably easy to control”. Lighter weights can help, too. Don’t be afraid to throw discs in the 150–165 gram range; lighter discs are easier to get up to speed and often add extra glide for beginners. In short, choose discs that match your arm. A neutral-flying 7-speed or a midrange might not sound as exciting as a speed-14 driver, but you’ll actually throw it farther and more accurately. As you improve, you can gradually step up to faster discs – but by then you’ll have the technique to use them properly. For now, set yourself up for success with beginner discs. (Bonus tip: Learn the flight rating system – speed, glide, turn, fade – so you can identify discs with low speed, high glide, high turn (negative), and low fade. Those tend to be friendlier for new players.)
2. Ignoring Form and Footwork
Why it’s a problem: Many new players pick up disc golf thinking it’s just like tossing a regular frisbee. They rely purely on arm muscle to huck the disc, paying little attention to proper throwing form or footwork. The result? “All arm, no body” throws that are inconsistent and rob you of power and accuracy. If you’re not using your legs, hips, and core in your throw, you’re essentially short-circuiting your potential. Beginners often have a lazy or incorrect reach-back, no hip rotation, and poor follow-through – basically ignoring the fundamentals of form. This can lead to common issues like rounding (swinging the disc around your body in an arcing path) or nose-up throws that stall out. As the Innova team notes, beginners who don’t turn their hips or shoulders and instead let their arm drag tend to throw nose-up with too much hyzer. Ignoring footwork is just as problematic: without proper foot placement (like the x-step in a backhand throw) and weight transfer, you’ll struggle to generate momentum. In short, bad form can limit your distance, hurt your accuracy, and even increase the risk of injury. Plus, ingraining bad habits now means you’ll have to unlearn them later – a much harder task than starting with solid fundamentals.
How to recognize it: The tricky part is, as a beginner you might not know what good form feels like yet. But there are tell-tale signs of form issues. Do you feel like you’re strong-arming the disc (i.e. you feel it’s all coming from your shoulder and arm)? Are your throws inconsistent – one goes left, next goes right, next into the ground? That scatter pattern often means inconsistent form. Another sign is lack of distance even when you feel like you’re throwing hard (if you’re only using your arm, you’re leaving a lot of power untapped). You might also notice wobble on the disc (called “off-axis torque”) which can result from a flawed release angle due to form breakdown. If someone takes a video of your throw and you see that your arm is doing all the work while your lower body hardly moves or your timing looks off, that’s confirmation you’re ignoring proper form. Common beginner mistakes include not reaching back fully, not keeping the disc close to your chest on the pull-through, and failing to pivot on your front foot.
How to fix it: Embrace the mantra “technique over power”. Start by learning the basics of backhand throwing form from the ground up. Focus on a few key fundamentals of a good throw, such as:
- Footwork and Balance: Try using a standstill throw or one-step throw at first. This forces you to learn balance and timing without the complication of a full run-up. When you do progress to a run-up, practice the “X-step” footwork (a crossover step common in backhand drives) to engage your legs and hips. A good throw starts from the ground – your weight shifts from your back foot to your front foot as you throw.
- Reach-Back and Pull-Through: Reach straight back (don’t swing the disc around in a wide arc behind you) and pull through on a straight line toward your target. Imagine pulling the disc across your chest like you’re starting a lawnmower – you want a straight, tight line, not a big loopy swing. Keep the disc relatively level (flat) as you pull through to avoid nose-up releases.
- Use Your Hips and Shoulders: As you begin the throw, rotate your hips and shoulders – your upper body coils when you reach back and uncoils as you pull through. This rotation, combined with weight transfer, generates power much more efficiently than just your arm. A helpful thought: your arm is like a whip – but the handle of that whip is your body’s rotation. If you engage your core and legs, the “crack” of the whip (your disc ripping out) will be much stronger.
- Follow-Through: Let your body pivot and your throwing arm follow through toward the target. A full, balanced follow-through (ending up facing the target, rear leg swinging forward) isn’t just for show – it means you’ve smoothly transferred energy to the disc. If you abruptly stop your arm or don’t rotate through, you’re likely losing power and risking injury.
Taking time to learn and drill these fundamentals will pay off hugely. Consider watching an instructional video from a pro (for example, Simon Lizotte’s backhand basics) to visualize proper mechanics. Better yet, practice in an open field with a slow disc (like a putter or midrange) and focus on one aspect of your form at a time. You might start by throwing standstill shots, ensuring your weight shifts forward and you follow through. Then add a slow x-step and work on timing the hit (the moment the disc leaves your hand). It’s also wise to video your own form periodically – seeing yourself can help identify issues. Remember, slow is smooth, and smooth is far: don’t rush your throws. As one coach advises, even throwing at 50% speed with good form can match your full-power bad form distance because timing and technique are what generate distance. Be patient and diligent with form practice, and you’ll build a solid foundation that makes everything in disc golf easier (and more enjoyable) as you progress.
3. Underestimating the Importance of Putting
Why it’s a problem: “Drive for show, putt for dough.” This old saying in disc golf rings true: booming drives are fun, but putting is where scores are made or broken. New players often fixate on throwing far and tend to neglect their short game. It’s completely understandable – sinking putts from 15-20 feet can seem trivial compared to learning to throw 300 feet. However, ignoring putting is a huge mistake that will cost you strokes and confidence. If you consistently miss 10-footers or three-putt from 20 feet, your scores will balloon no matter how great your drives are. More importantly, a lack of putting practice can mess with your head: stepping up to a basket with doubt or poor technique is a recipe for frustration. Underestimating putting also slows improvement; putting is one area where beginners can improve rapidly and shave strokes off their round quickly with practice. Consider this: even advanced players only park so many drives; everyone has to make putts to finish holes. If you treat putting as an afterthought (“I’ll just wing it on the green”), you’re likely leaving 5, 6, or more strokes on the table every round.
How to recognize it: Do you find yourself missing a lot of short putts (inside 15 feet) or feeling very uncomfortable on the putting green? If you often say “I’d be scoring so much better if I could just make those easy putts,” that’s a glaring sign you’ve underestimated putting practice. Another clue is if your idea of practice is throwing drives in a field while you never practice putts except during rounds. Many beginners only focus on throwing and never develop a consistent routine for putting. If in rounds you frequently take two or more putts to finish from close range, or you dread any putt outside of tap-in range, it’s time to admit putting needs more love.
How to fix it: The fix here is straightforward: practice putting regularly and with purpose. You don’t need a full course or a ton of time – a little consistent putting practice goes a long way. If you can, get a practice basket for your yard or find a nearby course basket when it’s not busy. Grab a stack of putters (even 5-10 putters if possible, all the same model) and dedicate time to honing your putting stroke. Start close, like 10 feet, and establish a routine: pick a stance (straddle or stagger), focus on a link or a spot in the chains, and practice a smooth release and follow-through (don’t just “snap” your wrist; use a bit of lower body and weight transfer even on putts). As you get comfortable, move out to 15 feet, then 20, and so on. A great drill is the “around the world” – make 5 putts from 5 different spots in a circle around the basket, then move out a few feet and repeat. It builds confidence from all angles and distances.
Make putting practice fun: set a goal (e.g., “I won’t leave until I make 10 in a row from 15 feet” or “I’ll do 50 putts before dinner”). Track your progress – it’s encouraging to see your make count go up over time. And bring some pressure to practice: if you only practice casually, you might still crumble in real rounds. So challenge yourself – maybe you must make 8/10 from 20 feet before you call it a day, simulating a “must-make” situation. This builds mental toughness. Also, don’t neglect inside 10 feet – those should become automatic. The more you practice short putts, the more they become muscle memory (so even on the course with your buddies watching, you’ll hit center chains).
Finally, treat putting practice with the same respect as driving practice. It might not be as glamorous, but it’s arguably more important for scoring. As one article put it plainly: the single best way to shave strokes off your game is practice putting consistently. When you start banging putts that you used to miss, you’ll feel a huge boost in confidence. There’s no better feeling for a new player than seeing real improvement on the green – it often translates into overall enjoyment of the game. Remember, every putt counts the same as a drive on the scorecard. Give your short game the attention it deserves, and you’ll be rewarded with lower scores and higher confidence in every round.
4. Throwing Only Backhand (No Forehand Development)
Why it’s a problem: It’s very common for new players to stick with what feels natural – and for many, that’s the backhand throw. Backhand (standing sideways and swinging the disc across your body) is the throw most people start with, and it can indeed be easier to learn initially. However, relying exclusively on backhand is like playing golf with only one type of shot in your arsenal. Eventually, you’ll face situations where a backhand is not the best (or even a viable) option. For instance, imagine a hole that doglegs to the right (for a right-handed player) or a tricky obstacle placement that calls for the disc to curve in the opposite direction – a backhand might have to be contorted into a difficult anhyzer, whereas a simple forehand (sidearm) could naturally handle it. If you never develop a forehand throw, you limit the kinds of shots you can comfortably execute. You also may struggle in windy conditions where a forehand’s spin might be advantageous or when you’re stuck behind a tree and need an awkward stance throw. Beyond shot selection, throwing only backhand can overwork one side of your body and leave you less versatile. Advanced players generally have both a solid backhand and forehand, even if one is their go-to, because being well-rounded is key to managing different course challenges.
How to recognize it: This one is pretty straightforward: if you realize you never throw forehand in rounds (or you tried a few times and gave up), you’re a one-trick pony on throws. Think back: do you automatically line up a backhand on every tee, even when the hole bends to favor a forehand flight? Another sign is if you struggle whenever you need a shot that finishes right (for a right-handed player). If your solution to a right-curving hole is always an anhyzer backhand or a roller, instead of a simple forehand, you might be avoiding the forehand due to lack of confidence. Similarly, if you find yourself in trouble (say behind a tree on your right side) and you have no forehand to get you out, that exposes the gap in your game. Many beginners “feel” that forehand is hard or worry it will hurt their arm, so they stick to backhand – if that resonates, it’s a sign you’ve been avoiding forehand development.
How to fix it: The remedy is to start practicing forehand (sidearm) throws in a low-pressure setting. Don’t wait until you need a forehand in a round; develop it on the practice field. Begin with short throws: a great way is to take a putter or midrange and stand about 50-100 feet from a target. Work on the basic forehand motion – which is more of a flicking motion similar to skipping a stone across water or throwing a ball sidearm. Key forehand tips: grip the disc with two fingers (forehand grip) tucked against the rim, orient your body mostly facing the target, and lead with your elbow forward, snapping the disc outward. It helps to keep the disc parallel to the ground (avoiding nose-up) and to follow through toward the target with your palm up or thumb pointing at the target. At first, focus on control, not power. It’s normal for beginners’ forehands to wobble – that’s okay. Emphasize a smooth release. One drill is to practice throwing forehand from a standstill with just your wrist and a little elbow motion, aiming to keep the disc flat. As you get more comfortable, incorporate a short step and a bit of hip turn (for more power).
Start with discs that are easy to forehand. Counterintuitively, very overstable discs (which many people recommend for forehand) might be too much fade for a beginner. A neutral-stable fairway driver or midrange can be easier to learn with because it will fly straighter for longer. For example, a Discraft Buzzz or an Innova Leopard can be forehanded without a ton of torque and will give you a gentle flight. As you improve, you can move to more typical forehand discs like a Firebird or Felon for specific shots. Another tip: use the forehand in your approach game first. Try forehanding short upshots (30-100 feet) to get a feel for aiming and controlling touch. This is less about power and more about developing finesse and confidence.
Make a point to throw a few forehands every round, even if it’s just during casual play or warming up. For example, when you approach a hole that could be done with either backhand or forehand, force yourself to try the forehand. It might feel awkward at first, but repetition is key. Don’t be discouraged by early wobble or lack of distance – every forehand master started with a wobbly 50-footer! Over time, your wrist snap and timing will improve, and the wobble will reduce. Having a serviceable forehand will dramatically expand your shot selection. You’ll be able to confidently tackle dogleg-right holes, get out of trouble spots, and even deal with wind more effectively. Plus, learning the forehand can actually deepen your understanding of disc flight (it’s thrown with opposite spin, so you’ll see your discs in a new way). In summary: begin with easy throws, practice regularly, and gradually up the power. Your goal isn’t necessarily to make forehand your primary shot, but to have it as a trusty tool in your toolbox whenever the course calls for it.
5. Overpowering Throws Instead of Focusing on Technique
Why it’s a problem: This mistake is almost a rite of passage for new disc golfers – the belief that throwing harder = throwing farther. It’s natural to step on a tee and think, “I really need to muscle this disc to make it go far.” Unfortunately, disc golf drives don’t work like pure feats of strength. When beginners try to overpower their throws, several bad things happen: their form breaks down (they tense up and swing wildly), their timing goes out the window, and often they grip too hard or yank the disc on a bad line. The result is usually a shorter, less accurate throw than if they had thrown with 80% effort and good form. Overpowering typically leads to strong-arming – using only your arm and shoulder with a lot of force, instead of a smooth, coordinated whole-body throw. You might even notice a “baseball throw” style follow-through (some have jokingly called it the “John Travolta method – ending with a hand up like Saturday Night Fever”). Besides poor flight results, trying to throw at max power all the time can increase injury risk – your muscles and joints take a beating when you tense up and hurl with maximum force, especially if your form isn’t efficient. The irony is, the harder you try to throw, often the worse the outcome. As the saying goes, “grip it and rip it” can backfire if you’re literally just ripping with brute force.
How to recognize it: If you frequently find yourself out of breath or off-balance after a drive, or if your throws feel like a lot of effort for not much distance, you might be overpowering. Another indicator is if your throws are very inconsistent – one goes way left, next one slips right, next one slams into the ground – that scatter can come from over-throwing and losing your fundamental form each time. Pay attention to your body: are you tensing your arm and shoulder muscles as hard as possible during the throw? Do you feel like you’re “whipping” your arm furiously? Those are clues. Also, if you often overthrow past your target on upshots or blow 40 feet past the basket when you only needed a 100-foot approach, you might be habitually throwing too hard without touch. When playing with others, if you notice your motion looks more violent or rushed compared to experienced players’ smoother motions, that’s a visual cue that you’re trying to brute force it.
How to fix it: The fix is counter-intuitive: slow down and use less power – which will actually give you more distance and control. Focus on smooth technique and timing over raw strength. A useful mantra here is the oft-quoted: “Slow is smooth, and smooth is far.” Instead of sprinting through your run-up and heaving the disc, try clubbing down your effort to maybe 70-80% of your max and really concentrate on form (reach back fully, pull through on a straight line, and follow through fluidly). You’ll likely be amazed that the disc goes just as far, or farther, when you stay smooth. One reason is that a relaxed arm can whip faster than a tensed arm, and good timing (hitting that snap at the right moment) multiplies power in a way brute force cannot.
Practical drills:
- Standstill throws & one-steps: Practice throwing drives from a standstill position. This removes the temptation to run-up like crazy. It forces you to generate power with proper weight shift and rotation, not sheer speed. Once you’re comfortable, do a slow one-step throw. Focus on a smooth acceleration of the disc, not an all-at-once jerk.
- Form checks with mids/putters: Go out to a field with only a putter or midrange and try throwing it for distance. These discs won’t respond well to overpowering – they’ll just turn and burn or flop if you throw too hard. To make them fly far, you’ll naturally have to throw smoother and get the nose down. This exercise teaches you to let the disc work for you.
- “80% Power” rounds: Play a casual round where you deliberately throw at 80% of your full power on every drive. Club down if you have to (throw a fairway driver or midrange instead of a distance driver). You might find your scores improve because you stay in control. Note how your body feels – you should remain balanced and not contorted by effort.
Also, ensure your disc choice isn’t forcing you to overthrow. As mentioned earlier, if you’re throwing a disc that is too overstable or high-speed, you might be unintentionally trying to hammer it just to make it fly straight. Switching to a more neutral disc will allow you to throw with less effort and still get good results. A pro tip from experienced players: when you focus on snap and rotation (that whipping action of the disc at the hit point) rather than pure arm speed, you engage the correct sequence of your body. Think “fast last” – your run-up and reach-back can be slow, and then you accelerate through the hit right at the end. This generates a lot of disc speed without feeling like you muscled it.
In summary, dial back the brute force and work on being smooth. It may take a bit of discipline – our egos often tell us to throw hard – but trust that smooth, clean technique will eventually outdistance a wild full-power throw. Your throws will not only travel farther on average, but they’ll also be more accurate and consistent. Plus, your body will thank you for the reduced strain. Once you’ve built consistency, you can gradually add a bit more power back in – but you’ll find you rarely need to go 100% except maybe in a distance competition. For normal play, 80-90% with good form is the sweet spot.
6. Skipping Warm-Ups or Stretching
Why it’s a problem: You arrive at the course, meet your friends, and without any warm-up, step up to the first tee and try to smash a full-force drive… sound familiar? Skipping warm-ups and stretching is a common mistake that can lead to poor early-round performance and increase your risk of injury. Disc golf is a physical sport – you’re using your arms, shoulders, core, and legs in explosive movements. Demanding full power out of cold muscles is asking for trouble. At best, you might notice that it takes 3-4 holes before you “find your throw” because your body is loosening up; at worst, you could pull a muscle or hurt a joint. In fact, many players have learned the hard way that not stretching can lead to injuries – even something as serious as a rotator cuff strain or back tweak. Beyond injuries, skipping a warm-up often means your first drives or putts of the day are subpar – you might grip-lock a drive or early-release because your range of motion isn’t there yet. That can be mentally deflating, putting you in a frustrated mood early in the round. Essentially, not warming up is like trying to sprint without walking first; your body performs better when it’s prepared. Disc golf might not seem as intense as running or contact sports, but the repetitive, asymmetric motions (like lots of backhands) can be rough on an unstretched body.
How to recognize it: Think about your first few holes in a typical round: do you often bogey the first couple because of errant throws that you later iron out? Do you feel stiff or notice your throws lack power initially? Those are signs you weren’t warmed up. Also, if you frequently experience little aches – maybe a twinge in your shoulder or a tight lower back especially at the beginning of a round – that’s a red flag that you’re going in cold. Another indicator is simply your routine (or lack thereof): if your “warm-up” is just walking from the car to the tee, you’re skipping it. Some players grab a disc and do one or two practice swings, but that might not be enough, especially as you get older or if it’s a chilly day. If you’ve ever said, “I’m just not loose until hole 5,” then you definitely need to incorporate a warm-up routine.
How to fix it: Dedicate 15 minutes before your round to get your body ready. It doesn’t have to be intense or complicated – a simple routine can work wonders. Here’s a beginner-friendly warm-up plan:
- Light Jog or Walk: Start by walking briskly or gently jogging from the parking lot to the first tee or around the area. This literally warms your body up and gets blood flowing to your muscles. Even a few minutes is beneficial.
- Dynamic Stretches: Do arm circles to loosen your shoulders (small circles gradually increasing to larger circles, both directions). Do some gentle torso twists – place your hands on your hips and rotate your upper body back and forth. Perform a few toe touches or leg swings to wake up your hamstrings and hips. Dynamic stretches (moving through the range of motion) are better pre-activity; save static stretches (holding a position) for after the round. Don’t forget your neck – look side to side, up and down slowly to avoid stiffness.
- Practice Throws: Before going full power, throw a few shorter shots. If there’s a field or warm-up area, take a midrange or putter and make 5-10 easy throws at 50-100 feet. This motion at partial speed helps coordinate your body for the throwing movement. If you can’t throw shots (no space), mimic a few throws in the air – go through your x-step and arm swing in slow motion. This is sometimes called “air training.” It primes your muscle memory.
- Putting Warm-Up: Don’t forget to warm up the putt as well. Take your putter and hit a few 15-20 footers. This not only gets your putting stroke calibrated, but it also stretches your arms and focus. Many players find a quick putting session pre-round helps them feel ready mentally too.
The key is making this a routine. Plan to arrive a bit earlier to allow time for it. If you often skip warm-up because you’re rushing, try to factor in those extra minutes – it’s worth it. Not only will you likely play better from the first tee (no more “warm-up bogeys” hopefully), but you’ll help prevent injuries by easing your body into the game. One player recounted skipping stretches and trying to throw hard, only to partially tear a rotator cuff – an injury that took months away from the sport. We definitely want to avoid that!
If you’re not sure what stretches to do, there are resources like Disc Golf Strong (a fitness program for disc golfers) that have warm-up routines. But at minimum, remember this: warm muscles perform better than cold ones. Even in a casual round, it’s more fun when your body feels loose and ready. Take a few minutes to treat your body right – you’ll enjoy your round more and keep yourself playing this sport for years to come.
7. Not Learning Course Strategy or Shot Shaping
Why it’s a problem: When you’re new, it’s tempting to step up to every hole and just “grip it and rip it” straight toward the basket without much thought for planning. New players often ignore course management – the art of thinking your way through a hole – and don’t bother learning how to shape different shots. This can lead to big mistakes like constantly ending up in bad spots, hitting obvious obstacles, or trying miracle throws you haven’t practiced. Disc golf is not just about raw throwing ability; it’s also a strategic game of choosing the right shot at the right time. If you never consider where you want your drive to land for an easier next shot, or what angle your disc should fly to avoid trouble, you’ll find yourself in tough situations that could have been prevented. Likewise, if you only ever throw one type of shot (e.g., straight backhand hyzer) and never develop the ability to throw different angles (anhyzers, hyzer flips, low skips, etc.), you severely limit your scoring opportunities. Course strategy means sometimes playing smart (maybe laying up instead of going for a hero shot over water) and leveraging your strengths. Skipping this mental side of the game, beginners often go for broke on every shot – which can lead to big numbers on the scorecard.
How to recognize it: Do you often find yourself saying, “I should have played that hole differently” after the fact? If you commonly take risky lines that result in hitting trees early or going OB (out of bounds), it may be that you didn’t have a game plan beyond “throw hard at the basket.” Another sign is if you never adjust your shot selection even when it repeatedly doesn’t work. For example, always trying a high hyzer bomb that clips branches, instead of considering a safer low shot. Also, if you’re unfamiliar with terms like hyzer, anhyzer, flex shot, etc., you might not be exploring shot shaping in practice. It’s fine if you don’t know all the terminology, but you should recognize when a hole might require the disc to curve right or left or stay low. If that concept doesn’t enter your mind and you just throw the same shot every time, that’s a clue you’re not thinking strategically. Another indicator: if you rarely “lay up” or play safe and almost always go for maximum distance or the direct route, you might be ignoring strategy. While courage is good, smart golf often means picking your battles.
How to fix it: Start by adopting a simple planning habit: before each tee shot, take a moment to evaluate the hole. Ask yourself: Where is the trouble (trees, OB, water)? Where is a good landing zone that gives me a clear second shot? What’s my highest-percentage shot to get there? Course management is essentially about playing to your strengths and avoiding needless risks. For a beginner, that might mean not always trying to thread a tiny gap or carry a long water hazard if you have a consistent shot that can give you a safe par. A great piece of advice is “No hard shots” – meaning if a shot looks especially difficult or low-percentage for you, find a simpler alternative. Maybe that’s laying up short of a pond instead of attempting to clear it in one go, or throwing a midrange straight down the fairway for position rather than a driver that might fly further but could fade into the woods.
Work on basic shot shapes during your practice sessions. Set up targets or markers and practice making the disc fly on different angles:
- Hyzer: disc starts angled and flies in a curve (for RHBH, curving left). Try tossing your disc on a deliberate hyzer angle and see how it hooks.
- Anhyzer: disc is released on an upward tilt and curves the opposite way (for RHBH, curving right). Practice a controlled anhyzer shot by releasing the disc with the outer edge up.
- Straight / Hyzer-Flip: see if you can throw a neutral disc flat and have it go straight, or a slightly understable disc on hyzer so it flips up to flat.
Learning these will give you tools on the course. For instance, if a basket is tucked right, you’ll know you can throw an anhyzer (or a forehand, per mistake #4) to get there instead of forcing a bad backhand line.
Also, consider disc selection as part of strategy. For example, on a tight wooded hole, you might disc down to a more controllable midrange instead of a driver because accuracy matters more than distance. Or if a hole is a short par 4, plan it as two easy shots: maybe a fairway driver off the tee to a landing spot, then an upshot approach – rather than trying a crazy long shot that could go astray. Think of playing “position golf.”
Another big part of strategy is knowing when to be aggressive and when to be conservative. As a beginner, err on the side of caution. A wise tip: “When you’re new, don’t try to be too aggressive with your shots. Just make easy, balanced, smooth throws and be cautious when you need to be. Once you get better, you can try the more aggressive shots.”. In practical terms, if you’re faced with a risky shot (say a long putt with a drop-off behind the basket), it’s often smarter to lay up and take an easy next shot, rather than run it and possibly end up far past or in trouble. With experience, you’ll learn which risks are worth taking based on your skill level.
Finally, observe and learn: watch how more experienced players navigate the course. You might notice they don’t always go straight at the pin; they might throw to a specific side of the fairway to set up the next shot. Try to understand their choices. Over time, you’ll start approaching each hole with a bit of a game plan. Even a simple plan like “I’m going to throw a safe shot to land at that clearing, then a second shot to the basket” can save you strokes. Disc golf is often described as equal parts physical and mental – by learning strategy and shot shaping, you’re developing the mental game that complements your improving physical skills. The result will be lower scores and fewer blow-up holes, guaranteed.
8. Overreliance on YouTube Form Mimicry (Analysis Paralysis)
Why it’s a problem: In the age of YouTube and social media, new disc golfers have a wealth of instructional content at their fingertips. This is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, you can learn a ton from pro tutorials and form breakdowns. On the other hand, many beginners fall into the trap of overloading on YouTube tips and trying to copy professional players’ form without understanding the fundamentals. This can lead to analysis paralysis – you’ve watched so many videos and heard so many tips that your head is swimming with swing thoughts, and you can’t throw naturally anymore. Also, pros have honed their techniques for years; mimicking, say, Paul McBeth’s form in slow motion might actually hurt you if you don’t have the basics down or the athleticism to do what he’s doing. Additionally, some new players spend more time watching disc golf than actually throwing discs, thinking they can mentally “download” skill. Of course, knowledge is helpful, but nothing replaces field practice. Over-reliance on form videos can also cause you to change your form constantly – one week you’re trying the “reach back farther” tip, the next week it’s “lead with the elbow,” then “keep the disc on one plane.” Each of those cues is fine, but trying them all at once or switching too frequently means you never truly develop consistency. In summary, flooding yourself with information and trying to copy advanced moves can stunt your progress more than help, especially if it takes time away from actual practice.
How to recognize it: If you find that every other throw you’re thinking about some tip you heard (“Am I at 90 degrees here? Am I planting my foot correctly? What about the disc angle?”), you might be overanalyzing. Another sign is if your form feels unnatural or forced because you’re imitating someone else instead of finding what works for you. Perhaps you’ve adjusted your grip three times in the last month based on different videos. Or you watch slow-mo footage of pros daily but haven’t thrown in a week. If you have a YouTube favorites list full of “Top 10 distance tips” and “How to throw 500ft” but still struggle to throw 200ft, it might be a clue that knowledge isn’t translating due to lack of focused practice. Feeling frustrated that despite “knowing” a lot of tips your game isn’t improving is a classic symptom of analysis paralysis.
How to fix it: Simplify and prioritize practice over consumption. Pick one or two reputable sources of instruction and stick with them for a while. For example, you might choose to follow an instructor like Danny Lindahl or a channel like Overthrow Disc Golf – but don’t try to implement every tip from every person all at once. Start with the basics: find a video or article on fundamental backhand form and focus on one aspect (like reach-back timing or hip rotation) during your field work. Give yourself time – say a couple of weeks – to work on that aspect before moving to the next. It’s similar to juggling: you learn one ball before adding more.
Make sure for every hour of YouTube you watch, you’re spending several hours actually throwing in the field or playing. Fieldwork (practice throwing in an open field with specific goals) is where you turn those tips into muscle memory. For instance, if the video says “keep the disc close to your chest,” go to the field and throw a stack of discs consciously doing that, and see how it feels. Don’t also try five other new things at the same time. Isolate and practice. Once you feel improvement or at least comfort, you can layer on another element.
It’s also helpful to film your own throws and compare them over time more than comparing to a pro. Seeing your progress from, say, a month ago to now is more relevant than seeing how your form differs from Eagle McMahon’s – of course it will differ! But are you getting smoother and more consistent? That’s what matters.
Another important fix: avoid constantly switching equipment because of videos. Sometimes beginners watch a pro throw a certain disc and think they need it, when in reality it doesn’t suit their level (tying back to mistake #1). Stick with your set of beginner-friendly discs and work on getting the most out of them, rather than buying the latest overstable driver because YouTube hyped it.
If you find yourself truly overwhelmed by conflicting advice, consider seeking in-person help. A quick lesson or form review from an experienced local player or a coach can pinpoint what you specifically need to work on, cutting through the noise of general advice. They might spot that “hey, your run-up timing is a bit off,” which gives you a focused direction.
Lastly, remember that field experience teaches lessons no video can. There’s a point where you have to turn off the screen and throw. Don’t worry about looking exactly like the pros – focus on fundamentals and consistency first. Ironically, as you build a solid base, you might naturally begin to resemble the efficient aspects of pro form in your own way. Use YouTube as a tool, not a crutch. And when you do watch, favor videos that stress fundamentals (grip, stance, basic drills) rather than those promising instant distance gains. One article wisely advised beginners to ignore the obsession with distance on YouTube and focus on technique, reminding that “slow is smooth and smooth is far” – the distance will come as a byproduct of good form. Keep that in mind next time you’re tempted to binge-watch another tip video. Learn a little, then go out and apply it.
9. Comparing Yourself Too Much to Advanced Players
Why it’s a problem: It’s natural to look at experienced players – whether it’s top pros bombing 500-foot drives on YouTube or just a local club player who seems to birdie everything – and feel a mix of awe and discouragement. For new players, however, falling into the comparison trap can be demotivating and unrealistic. If you constantly measure your drives against that guy who’s played for 5 years or you’re upset that you’re not scoring par when your buddy is, you’re likely being unfair to yourself. Disc golf has a steep learning curve in the beginning; those amazing throws and consistent rounds you see from others are a result of lots of practice and time. By comparing your current self to their years-honed skills, you might feel “I’ll never get there,” which can sap the joy out of the game. It can also lead you to make bad decisions – like trying shots beyond your ability or overreaching in power (tying back to mistake #5) because you want to match someone’s distance. In some cases, comparing too much can make you anxious in rounds or even embarrassed, which is not conducive to learning. Remember, every player was a beginner once – as the saying goes, “we all sucked in the beginning.” The danger is if you forget that and think something’s wrong with you for not being as good as a seasoned player.
How to recognize it: Do you often feel bad about your round because someone else shot better, even if you played your personal best? Do you catch yourself saying “I only threw 200 feet and they throw 350, I must be terrible”? Those are clear signs of negative comparison. If you scroll through social media or watch pro tournaments and then feel depressed about your own game, you’re letting comparisons steal your joy. Another subtler sign is if you are constantly pushing yourself not for your own improvement, but specifically to “catch up” to a friend or a certain player. While a little friendly rivalry can be motivating, if you feel genuine frustration or envy, that’s the downside. Also, if you shy away from playing with better players because you fear you’ll look bad – that indicates you’re overly concerned with comparisons.
How to fix it: The key is to focus on your own progress and enjoy the journey. Instead of comparing yourself to others, compare yourself to your past self. Maybe a month ago you couldn’t throw 150 feet and now you can reach 200 – that’s a win! Keep track of personal milestones: your first par, your first birdie, hitting a new distance, or simply having fewer misthrows. Celebrate those, no matter what others are doing. It can also help to set realistic, incremental goals. For example, “I want to improve my putting percentage from 15 feet” or “I aim to consistently throw 250 feet by the end of the season.” These are tangible and not directly about anyone else’s performance.
Remind yourself that those advanced players have paid their dues. The guy who throws 400 feet likely spent years developing that. In disc golf, improvements often come in plateaus – you’ll be stagnant, then suddenly you break through to the next level after persistent practice. Trust that process rather than expecting instant parity with veterans. One piece of advice from a seasoned player: Be easy on yourself as progress comes in time. There will be plenty of setbacks… but with the right guidance and practice you WILL see results. In other words, don’t beat yourself up for not being an expert in your first year. You will get better if you keep at it, and faster than you think.
It might also help to change the narrative in your head. Instead of “I’m worse than them,” think “I’m learning from them.” Use advanced players as inspiration and a source of tips rather than a measuring stick of your worth. If you play with someone better, observe what they do and ask polite questions (“How did you learn to throw that forehand?”). Most experienced disc golfers are happy to share pointers – they remember being new too. When you see a great shot, appreciate it and file it as motivation (“One day, with practice, I’ll be able to do something like that!”).
Another strategy: limit watching pro gameplay if it’s making you feel down. Watching Paul McBeth park 500’ holes can either inspire or discourage; if it’s the latter for you right now, maybe focus on content aimed at beginners (like tutorials, which are about helping you improve rather than showcasing unreachable feats). Over time, as you improve, you can enjoy pro footage more constructively.
Finally, remind yourself why you play disc golf in the first place – likely because it’s fun! It offers a chance to be outdoors, get some exercise, and challenge yourself. Keeping the emphasis on personal enjoyment and improvement will naturally lessen the sting of any comparisons. Every player’s path is unique. If you keep practicing and playing regularly, you’ll be amazed how far you can progress in a year or two. And when you reach that point, you might find a new player looking at you wishing they could throw like that – then you can kindly reassure them that you’ve been in their shoes and encourage them to stick with it. In short: run your own race, enjoy the ride, and don’t let someone else’s Chapter 10 make you feel bad about your Chapter 1.
10. Not Playing with Better Players or Joining a Local League
Why it’s a problem: Disc golf is a very social sport, and a great way to improve is by interacting with players who have more experience. One mistake newcomers make is keeping to themselves or only ever playing alone or with the same buddy at their level. While there’s nothing wrong with solo rounds or casual play, avoiding the wider disc golf community means you miss out on valuable learning opportunities. Better players can provide informal coaching – even simple observations or tips during a round can accelerate your progress by months. They might show you a new grip, demonstrate a different line on a hole, or help identify what you’re doing wrong on a certain throw. Additionally, joining local leagues or club events introduces you to the culture and rules of more organized play, and it can be hugely motivating. If you never play with people better than you, you might get stuck in a comfort zone and plateau. Worse, if you’re only taking advice from fellow beginners, you could be reinforcing each other’s mistakes (the blind leading the blind scenario). There’s also the fun and camaraderie aspect – disc golf has a welcoming community, and not engaging with it means you might miss out on new friendships and experiences that make the sport even more enjoyable.
How to recognize it: Think about your disc golf routine. Have you avoided attending a local doubles night or league because you feel you’re “not good enough” or don’t know anyone? Do you only play alone or with one friend and haven’t met other local players? If terms like “bag tag league” or “monthly tournament” sound foreign, you probably haven’t dipped your toes in. Another sign is if you realize you have lots of questions (about rules, discs, technique) but no one to ask, so you end up guessing or looking online only. If you’ve been playing for months and haven’t introduced yourself to other players at your home course, that might be a missed opportunity. Also, if your only benchmark is your friend of similar skill, you might not even realize certain strategies or throws exist because neither of you have seen them in action.
How to fix it: Get involved with the local disc golf scene. This can be as simple as saying hi to other players you bump into at the course. Most disc golfers are friendly and love to talk about the sport. You don’t have to immediately join a tournament; you could start by joining a casual weekly meetup or league that welcomes beginners. Many areas have doubles (often called “dubs”) where an experienced player might get paired with a newer player – these are perfect for learning in a low-pressure environment. Pushing yourself to play rounds with people better than you will expose you to higher-level play and likely elevate your own game. You’ll pick up nuances of rules and etiquette, learn new shots by watching, and often the better players will give you pointers if you ask. In fact, one common piece of advice is: listen to those who have walked the path before you – they can help you much better than someone as green as you are. In practical terms, that means if a local pro or advanced am gives you a suggestion, take it to heart and try it out. It also means if you hear questionable advice from a fellow beginner, maybe verify it with a more experienced person.
To find leagues or groups, check if your city or town has a disc golf club Facebook page or a notice board at the course. The PDGA website or apps like UDisc often list local events. Don’t be intimidated – remember, every current member was once a first-timer at league. Most clubs are thrilled to see new players join; they’ll likely be very welcoming and pair you with someone who can show you the ropes. If formal league isn’t your thing yet, even just arranging a round with that guy you met on the course who throws well can be great. Say, “Hey, mind if I join you for the back nine?” or “I’m trying to learn, do you play here often? I’d love to tag along sometime.” These small steps can lead to a wealth of knowledge.
Also, consider finding a mentor. This could happen naturally by playing with better folks – maybe one of them takes you under their wing a bit. Some communities even have mentorship programs or at least an informal culture of it. Having someone to ask “What am I doing wrong on my drives?” or “Which disc would you use here?” is invaluable.
Joining the community has the added benefit of keeping you motivated. When you make friends in disc golf, you’ll want to play more often, and you’ll have people to share your improvements with. And if you’re the type who has been nervous about competitive play, starting in a beginner-friendly league can ease you in. You’ll learn the official rules, proper etiquette, and get comfortable with keeping score and playing with groups. That way, if you ever do decide to enter a tournament down the road, you won’t feel completely out of your element.
In summary, don’t “lone wolf” it forever. The disc golf community is one of the best parts of the sport. By engaging with better players and possibly joining a local league or club, you’ll accelerate your learning and likely have a lot of fun in the process. As the saying goes, surround yourself with those better than you and you’ll rise to their level. Plus, you might gain some new friends and stories along the way – and that makes the whole disc golf journey even more rewarding.
Conclusion: Keep Learning and Enjoy the Ride
Starting out in disc golf is an exciting time – the progress can be rapid and each small victory (your first par, your longest throw yet, chaining out on a long putt) is incredibly rewarding. Yes, you’ll make mistakes (we all did!), but now you know the most common ones to watch out for. Remember that improvement is a journey: focus on one step at a time, whether it’s honing your form, practicing that putting routine, or simply discarding that meat-hook driver for a friendly midrange. Stay patient and positive. As we’ve discussed, avoid the traps of bad discs, sloppy form, neglecting the short game, or beating yourself up with comparisons. Instead, embrace good habits: throw the right discs for you, practice with intention, learn from others, and play smart.
Most importantly, keep it fun. Disc golf is, at its heart, a game you play to enjoy the outdoors and challenge yourself. Be kind to yourself on bad days – even pros have off rounds. If you feel frustrated, take a breath and recall how far you’ve come already. With each round, you’re gaining experience (and probably a good story or two). Keep practicing, keep asking questions, and maybe link up with local players or resources (there are great beginner guides out there on things like best discs for beginners or putting drills if you want more info). And definitely consider joining your local league or club – it’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the sport and accelerate your growth.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’re setting yourself up for steady improvement. So get out there, try some of the fixes we suggested, and watch your game level up. Every pro was once a beginner who almost quit after their disc kept fading into the bushes – but they stuck with it, and so can you. Now that you’re armed with knowledge and a game plan, go have fun throwing plastic! The more you play, the more you’ll learn to love the nuances of this amazing sport. See you out on the course – and don’t forget, the real goal is to enjoy the ride as you grow. Good luck and happy disc golfing!
Resources for Further Learning: If you’re hungry for more tips, check out some beginner-friendly resources like a “best discs for beginners” list to ensure your bag is stocked with forgiving discs, or a dedicated putting guide for new players to dive deeper into techniques. And when you’re ready, finding a local disc golf club or Facebook group can connect you with leagues and fellow players. The disc golf community is ready to welcome you – now get out there and throw!
Sources:
blog.discgolfunited.com
innovadiscs.com
discgolfnow.com
