Subject: rec.sport.disc FAQ (5/5) Disc Golf
Date: 12 Jan 1996 21:33:11 GMT

Rec-sport-disc-archive-name: faq-part5
Posting-Frequency: monthly

rec.sport.disc FAQ (5/5) DISC GOLF

===================================================================

Table of Contents:

 *    Indicates new or vastly revised questions

Send corrections/additions to: josh@pogo.cqs.washington.edu

To find a question, search for #N, where N is the number of the
question.

Contents:


 1) What is disc golf?

 2) Is there some governing body in disc golf?

 3) Where can I find a golf course near me?

 4) What is an "overstable" disc? What is an "understable" disc?

 5) What does "hyzer" mean? What does "anhyzer" mean?

 6) How many different golf discs are there? Who makes them?

 7) Where can I buy golf discs?

 8) Okay, I can buy them, but how will they fly?

 9) So can you only throw these things backhand?

 10) I can't seem to get any distance on my throws. How do you get them
     to go over 100 meters?

*11) Where are some Web resources that might help?



#1) What is disc golf?

Disc golf is a great sport for everybody that relies on one's
ability to throw a disc with power and accuracy.  People of any
age, ability, and gender can excel and enjoy disc golf immensely.

The object of the game is to traverse a course from beginning to
end in the fewest total number of throws of a golf disc.  Similar
to the traditional golf game, a course is composed of a number of
holes, in which each player begins by throwing from the tee, and
completes the hole by landing in or striking the target.

The total score for a course is determined by totaling the
number of throws made on each hole. The winner is the player who
completes the course in the fewest number of throws...or whoever
has the most fun!

Disc golf courses exist in many different terrains.  Often they
are laid out among wooden areas, with water hazards, large
elevation changes, and difficult throws.  Other courses are
mostly flat, with few natural obstacles.  The obstacles should be
considered part of the course, and not tampered with (even when a
tree eats your disc!)

The average course is 18 holes, but 9 hole and 27 hole courses
exist as well.  The average hole is around 425 ft (130m), but
some are as short as 150 ft (45m) or as long as 1000 ft (300m).
Courses usually have a listed par, for pro or amateur players.
Of course, people practice disc golf all the time by just aiming
for an object a hundred yards away, which is the kind of disc
golf one will often see being played on university campuses or
urban parks.

Terms:

Tee - this the area where the player starts each hole. Some
   courses have multiple tees for each hole. The material on the
   tee surface varies from concrete, asphalt, dirt, crushed
   stone, or wood chips.  In general, any flat non-slippery
   surface is good.

Target - The target is where the disc must land in in order to
   complete the hole.  The target is usually a "pole hole" which
   is specially made to catch the golf disc. Courses that do not
   use pole holes are usually known as object courses. A typical
   "object target" is a tree trunk, 4x4 or pipe.

Golf disc - a "golf disc" is a flying disc made especially for
   the sport of disc golf, although some players use Wham-O type
   frisbees.  Golf discs vary in weight and size. They are
   usually harder and denser than Wham-O type frisbees.  Special
   models exist for driving, putting and "up shots" (not as far
   as a drive, but more than a putt) much like different golf
   clubs exist in ball golf.  However, players are not required
   to use a "driver" as a driver or a "putter" as a putter.  Some
   players throw a putter as their first shot from the tee.  A
   golf disc generally costs anywhere from US $5-7, depending on
   how many are bought.

A professional tour exists, currently with about 10000
active members, some of whom play on a professional level for
money, and some play on a amateur level for non cash prizes.  The
top money winner last year won over US $16,000.



#2) Is there some governing body in disc golf?

Yes. It's the Professional Disc Golf Association, or PDGA. One need
not actually be a professional to join the PDGA, but one should be
interested in playing disc golf and working to improve the game. The
PDGA can be contacted by US mail:

     PDGA
     c/o Route HC 51 Box 171-L
     Graford, TX 76449

Membership dues are US $25 to join, and yearly renewals are US $20 for
pros, and $15 for amateurs. Overseas memberships are US $40 to join,
and renewals are $30 and $25 for pros and amateurs respectively.

New members receive a lifetime PDGA member number, custom logo golf
disc, personalized mini disc, rules book, personal membership card,
and the official PDGA newsletter, _Disc Golfer_. You can also earn
points on the PDGA Pro and Amateur tours, which can qualify you for
the World Championships.



#3) Where can I find a golf course near me?

If you have access to the World Wide Web, you can look in the online
course directory, at the URL:

  http://weber.u.washington.edu/~jahayes/discgolf.html

This page has, among other things, a course directory that is sorted
by state or country, so you can find out where courses are in your
state (or country) or in nearby states.

If you don't have access to a Web browser, you can always order the
course directory from the PDGA (see question 2). It costs US $8.



#4) What is an "overstable" disc? What is an "understable" disc?

The answer to this question assumes you are a right-handed thrower,
throwing back-handed. 

If you throw the disc out flat and it curves to the left, that disc is
"overstable". If you throw it out flat, and it curves to the right,
it's "understable". If you throw it flat and it pretty much goes
straight, it's simply "stable".


#5) What does "hyzer" mean? What does "anhyzer" mean?

These terms refer to the angle of the disc relative to the ground,
when you throw it. Again, think of a right-handed golfer throwing
backhand in this explanation.

If you throw the disc with the outside edge closer to the ground than
the inside edge (that is, the disc is tilted down and away from you)
it will curve from right to left when you throw it. This is a
"hyzer". If you throw it tilted UP, toward you, it will curve from
left to right. This is an "anhyzer".

Most discs have a natural tendency to fly a particular way, regardless
of how they are thrown. For example, a Stingray (Innova-Champion)
tends to curve left to right even when thrown flat. To make it go more
or less straight, you have to throw it with a lot of "hyzer" to
compensate for that tendency.



#6) How many different golf discs are there? Who makes them?

There are an awful lot of different model golf discs out there;
probably there are now literally hundreds of varieties. These are
made, mostly, by four manufacturers: Innova-Champion, Discraft, Whamo,
and Lightning. Here is some contact information for each company:

Innova-Champion Discs, Inc.
1735 Monticello Ct.
Ontario, CA 91761 

Discraft
PO Box 850275
Westland, MI 48185
discraft@aol.com
(313)624-2250 (voice)
(313)624-2310 (fax)

Lightning Contact Info:
Steve Howle
(214) 328-9017
$5.00/disc direct from mftr. 

Whamo does all their disc provision through "Discovering the World":

Discovering The World
Catalog Address: Box 911, La Mirada, CA 90637 
Retail Store: 6272 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90621 
Phone: (714)522-2202 
Fax:(714)670-6340 
email: dtworld@aol.com 
They have a free catalog, and accept Visa, MC, and AmEx. 



#7) Where can I buy golf discs?

Most disc golf courses have one or two people who hang around there a
lot and sell golf discs. Most of the time these run about us $8,
although some brands are less expensive (locally I pay eight dollars
for discs except for Lightnings, which are six dollars).

There are a number of mail-order places you can get discs, disc bags,
clothing, and other stuff from, including Discovering the World,
listed above. Here are a couple others:

Disc Golf World
P.O. Box 4474
Overland Park, KS 66204 
(913)648-1905 

The Wright Life
200 Linden St.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
(303)489-6932 or (800)321-8833 (voice)
(303)490-2714 (fax)
bwright@pr1.k12.co.us
http://www.fortnet.org/WrightLife/wlhome.html

Disc Flights, Inc. (Rick Neil) 
P.O. Box 470794 
Tulsa, OK 74147-0794 
(918)622-6648 

SKY SOUTH
PO Box 9662
Mobile AL 36691-0662 

HEART OF TEXAS DISC GOLF
PO Box 684382
Austin TX 78768-4382

IFO (Identified Flying Objects)
c/o Tom Monroe
2426 NW 119th Ave
Gainesville FL 32609 

THE DISC CONNECTION
1801 Richardson Dr #6
Urbana IL 61801 

LITTLE FLYERS 
c/o Craig Myers
1911 Monroe St
Indianapolis IN 46229 

DISC GOLF WORLD
PO Box 4474
Overland Park KS 66204 

AIRBORN SPORTS
PO Box 767
Bowling Green KY 42101-0767 

JAY BIRD DISCS 
c/o Jay Matthes
735 Bon Air Rd
Lansing MI 48917 

IN FLIGHT SPORTS
1339 E Grand River
East Lansing MI 

LAS VEGAS DGC
127 McLaren St
Henderson NV 89014 

DISCWORLD
1829 W Galbraith Rd
Cincinnati OH 45237 

DISC n DAT
c/o Don Bayliss
6009 Vine St #2
Cincinnati OH 45216 

DISC FLIGHTS
PO Box 470794
Tulsa OK 74147-0794 

DISCARAMA
2518 Nolensville Pike
Nashville, TN 37211 
Phone: (615)256-7738

If you have access to a Web browser, Juliana Korver Bower has a pretty
complete listing of disc sellers, at the URL:

. http://www.cs.iastate.edu/~korver/discgolf.html

There is also a pretty good listing on my own disc golf page, listed
in #3 above.



#8) Okay, I can buy them, but how will they fly?

Everyone has his or her favorite discs, and people often disagree
about what discs are good for what shots. My wife loves Stingrays for
drivers, but I find they are too understable for most shots. Here are
some descriptions culled from articles by Peter Henriksson and Lance
Brown about some of the many discs out there, and a few of my own
comments. This section is subject to change as new models come out,
and old models disappear...

Discs by Innova-Champion:
===================================================================

Aviar
Stable approach and short drive disc. ( < 100 meters)
Also a favourite as a putter. (It also comes in a "Putter"
version which is softer than the original.)
A good choice if you only want one golf disc.

Barracuda
A bit like the Scorpion in flight charasteristics. The Barracuda has a
lower rim and is less stable though (It turns more to the right for a
right handed backhand thrower than the Scorpion) and it don't go as
far as the Scorpion. It seems to wear out fast - you don't have to use
it for long before it gets understable.

Birdie
Has a very high rim which make it easy to grip. Doesn't fly very far but
it's stable in short throws. Used mostly as a putter. 

Cobra
Semi-stable medium to long distance driver (< 120 meters )
Basically a stingray with a "lip" on the rim.
Also a good roller choice.

Condor
Big (high diameter) stable disc. Proposed use by Innova is for
approach throws.

Gazelle
Same size as a Whippet but not as stable, which makes it easier to control.
Flight path something like a Stingray. The Gazelle were retooled in
April 1994. The new ones are more stable than a Cobra, and they also
fly longer than a cobra. Innova's expected best-seller in 1994.

Gopher
Big diameter approach disc with a flat edge and a "thumb grip" cupola 
similar to the Zephyr and Piranha. Very slow flight.

Griffin
Very overstable disc. Could be described as a Whippet with a round edge.
Not as fast and long flight as the Whippet, but even more overstable.

Lynx
Much like the condor, a bit higher rim. Same use for golf. It also
comes in a lightweight version, which many use for Self Caught
Flights, especially in strong wind. No longer made since the mold got 
damaged.

Panther
A bit understable, small diameter easy to control driver. 
A nice disc with a good grip for distances up to 90-110 meters.
Not as understable as the Stingray or the Cobra and with a higer rim.
Great all around golf disc.

Phenix
Not used very much for golf. Used to be the choice for distance before
the era of the Viper. Very overstable, large diameter driver with a
high, easy to grip, rim. 

Piranha 
Looks a bit like a Zephyr, but has smaller diameter.
It's overstable and used as an approach and putt disc.

Polecat
Similar to the birdie but with a lower rim. Good control for approach
throws and putts.

Python
Very understable disc with the fastest flight of the Innova discs.
Viper sized with a low rim. Thrown with full release speed it needs
a lot of hyzer to avoid it from turning over into a roller. When the
speed runs out, it drops heavily to the left for a right handed
backhand throw. After the first runs of Pythons from the factory they
retooled it in April 1994 with a dramatical change in flight
characteristics. It's now almost as overstable as a Viper.

Ram
Looks like a smaller cross of a Phenix and a Python. The grip is
similar to the Phenix's with its high rim. The most overstable disc so
far (June 1994). No one I know of can get this  disc to turn over,
it'll start turning left the moment it leaves your hand (for a right
handed backhand thrower) even when thrown straight into hard wind. 
Useful for some extreme "negative s-curve" throws.  

Raven
Similar to a Viper, but with a higher domed cupola. Still overstable but
not as much as a Viper. Flight path something like that of a stable 
Cyclone, but with less glide than a Cyclone. Nice long distance roller
choice.

Roc
Overstable medium distance (< 100 meters) driver and approach disc.
Good all-around golf disc

Scorpion
Stable medium to long distance driver with a very good last "glide",
goes far even in a low throw.

Shark
Overstable medium distance ( < 100 meters ) driver and approach disc.
Good all-around golf disc. The latest runs of Sharks from Innova are
somewhat more overstable than the Roc.

Star Viper
An attempt to recreate the first runs of very overstable "proto-Vipers". 
The star Vipers have a flatter top cupola than the standard Vipers, 
and are indeed more overstable than the standard version of the disc.

Stingray
Understable medium to long distance driver (< 120 meters ).
Very useful for S-curves, one of the most used discs for rollers.

Viper
Very overstable disc which flies FAR. ( > 120 m, provided that there's
enough space to really use the "negative S-curve"). More and more
people use it for distance. (The distance world record of 197.38
meters was set with a Viper) While it's new you have to throw it with
lots of anhyzer.

Whippet
Even more overstable than the Viper, and also a long flight.
The best choice for long tee-off throws straight into the wind - Even
with a very strong wind against you, you throw it with anhyzer release
angle and still it works to turn left. When you've used it a lot and
it has gotten worn out and don't turn as much to the left any more,
it's very useful for long, low and straight throws.

Both the Viper and the Whippet are easier to control when they have been
used and worn for awhile. These discs are almost impossible to control
for a beginner since they require a lot of speed in the throw not to
start turning left (for a right handed backhand thrower) immediately after
the relase from the hand.

D.G.A. also sells "factor" Vipers and Whippets. These are discs where
the rim has been grinded down to make them less stable.

XD
Low profile version of the Aviar. It's less stable and it flies
longer than the aviar. Some players use it for rollers.
Also a good all-around golf disc.

Zephyr
Lynx-sized with a flat edge. the profile somewhat resembles that of a big
Wham-O FastBack. Nice control for approach shots. In lightweight (<160g)
it's one of the favourite discs for the Discathon and Accuracy events.


Discs by Discraft:

Cyclone
Long distance driver (+100 meters). Stability seems to change with the
colour. From the run of discs I've tested the blue and the yellow ones
were the most stable, the blue resembling a factor viper in flight,
and the yellow ones something like a Roc. Orange ones like a stable
cobra and the white ones fly something like a Stingray. (This may
change with each run of discs from the factory, so don't take it for
granted). Late Addition: Green Cyclones are supposed to be the most
stable ones. A lot easier to throw than Innova Vipers, but they fly
almost as far. The Cyclone also holds a gentle curve very nice. It
doesn't turn more and more, instead it keeps going forward holding the
initial curve. The most popular of the discraft drivers and the best
selling disc in the U.S. the spring and summer of 1994. Both the
women's and master world distance records are set with a Cyclone.

Eclipse
Understable medium to long distance driver with a very sharp edge.

Hawk
Overstable medium distance (< 100 meters) driver and approach disc.
Flight path similar to Innova's Roc. (I can throw this WAY more than
100 meters; I think it's a terrific disc!)

Magnet
Looks very much like Innova's Aviar. I.e. it's got a rounded edge and
is a nice putting/approach choice.

Marauder
Overstable predictable flight. It's more stable than Innova's Scorpion
but does not have that nice last "glide", which makes the scorpion fly
longer.

Rattler
Stable putt disc. Looks something like a cross between Innova's Birdie
and the old Super Puppy.

Shadow
Similar to Innova's scorpion, a bit more overstable though.

Sky-Streak
Has a high profile rim which make it easy to grip. Don't fly very far
but it's stable in short throws (< 70-80 meters). Great control for 
approach shots < 40-50 meters. 

Tracer
Its flight is something in between those of the Scorpion and the 
Barracuda. It's got a sharp edge and wears out fast - you don't have
to use it for long before it gets understable.

Typhoon 
A more overstable version of the Cyclone with a slightly bigger diameter
and a somewhat lower inner rim. Nice long glide and flight.

Vortex
Stable medium to long distance driver with a sharp edge.

X-clone
Overstable long distance (+120 meters) driver. Almost as overstable as a 
Whippet, but with a much better "glide" than the Innova counterpart.


Discs By Wham-O

71 mold
First produced in 1983?, it was originally the last? high-profile
golf driver. Then came Champion's Eagle,later to develop into the 
original Aero and the rest is history. Use in modern golf is mainly as
a semi-stable approach disc.

86 mold
Was wham-O's first attempt to take back some of the commercial ground 
lost to Innova/Champion. Promoted use was a driver. Nowadays there's a
"softie" version quite commonly used as a putt disc.

91 mold
Very low profile. A very understable driver. Don't know if it's
manufactured anymore.

77 mold
Basically a Stingray with "flight-rings" on top surface.

78 mold
Basically a cobra with "flight-rings" on top surface.

44 mold
Something like a viper, but with higher cupola and the wham-O patented
"flight-rings" on the top surface. A bit less stable than a Viper, and
it's got a slower flight.

Discs by Lightning

I don't know this category at all well nowadays, but here are a few
discs with comments from Ben Millikan, who LOVES them (also note that
these discs are considerably less expensive than those from other
manufacturers):

THE LIGHTNING DISC SQUADRON

P-38 Lightning       New 1994 mold is a VERY FAST, long-range driver. It has 
                     a solid, controlled and over-stable flight path. The 
                     heavier weights will hook, even into a headwind.
                     140 to 180 grams

                     *personal note - I use this one for slow, long range 
                     putts. (30-50 feet) Sinks them every time!

B-25 Mitchell        New maximum distance driver. Maybe the best long range
                     flyer on the market! Very stable and easy to throw, its
                     recommended for beginners and pros alike.
                     145 to 177 grams
                       
                     *PN - I use one with the "golf" hotstamp "#1 driver" on
                     it. I dont drive EVERY hole with it, but when you need
                     a controled break to the left at approx 175-200 feet, 
                     nothing beats it. Mine is 171 grams.

F-6 Hellcat          A great long distance, straight line flyer. Slightly 
                     understable, this disc has a nice, controlled slice. 
                     Heavy weights are perfect for stand up rollers.
                     165 to 187 grams

Upshot               New 1994 tooling is taller and more stable than original
                     Great for putting and long distance approach shots.
                     available in either Hi-flex or regular plastic.
                     145 to 179 grams

                     *PN - I use a heavy one on short putts. It's
..     styled like a traditional frisbee for stability.
..     Similar to Innova's "Polecat" or "Birdie" but
..     smaller diameter.


Spitfire             Fast, stable and predictable. This is a very forgiving
                     driver and long-range approach disc. Great disc for 
                     beginning players and old pros alike.
                     165 to 185 grams


SBD Dauntless        FEAR NO WIND! This disc is very fast and overstable. It
                     cuts into a headwind for a great long-range hook-shot.
                     Another "one of a kind" disc. (preferred weight range
                     172-177 grams)
                     145 to 184 grams


F-14 Tomcat          A steady, straight-line flyer. This is the perfect disc
                     for beginners. Advanced players use it for a controlled
                     turn-over since it will hold a slice for 90% of its 
                     flight path. It will save right-handers on left-hand 
                     holes.
                     165 to 181 grams
                     

Rubber Putter        A rock-steady putter and perfect approach disc. Totally
                     wind resistant, floats in water and is indestructable!
                     Available in regular and Hi-Flex plastics
                      171 to 177

                      *PN - similar to Aviar "putt and approach" but this 
                      floats in water - and I have A LOT of water hazards!:)


F-8 Bearcat          A must for starter packages! A straight line flyer that 
                     is good for mid- to long-range drives. Heavy weights 
                     hook, lighter weights will turn over for a controlled
                     slice.
                     145 to 179 grams


SR-71 Blackbird      This disc defines the term "hyzer" with its over-stable, 
                     power hook-shot. Its a dead stable flyer in any wind.
                     The lighter weights will float in water.
                     165 to 181 grams 
                      

F-18 Hornet          A very over-stable mid-range driver, even in the lighter
                     weights. With a quick, almost 90 degree hook, this disc
                     will beat any head-wind. Not a distance flyer, but the
                     hardest hook-shot on the market. Weights under 174 grams
                     will float in water.
                     169 to 182 grams

B-17 Flying Fortress   
                     This long-distance bomber is a whopping 9.25 inchs in 
                     diameter! A big disc for big arms: power throwers will 
                     like this one! Master of the double helix, it will
                     turn an "S" curve in flight. It rolls forever and lighter
                     ones will float in water.
                     175 to 195 grams

***************NEW FOR 1995*************

#1 Flyer             This is a new maximum distance, straight line flyer. A
                     taller nose radius makes this a great roller for
..     those 500 foot holes.
                     140 to 177 grams

#1 Hyzer             Very fast and overstable. This disc is recommended for 
                     power hookshots and maximum distance.
                     145 to 179 grams

#1 Hookshot          Slightly altered version of the Dauntless. Still 
                     overstable and very fast, this new tooling will fly 
                     farther before it hooks. Inside grip rings makes it 
                     an excellent forehand driver.
                     145 to 184 grams

#1 slice             This disc has a fast understable flight path. Lighter and
                     middle weights will hold a slice and heavy weights are
                     great for rollers.  Under 170g will float in water.
                     160 to 187 grams

                     *PERSONAL NOTE - This is what I use most. I carry 3 
                       slices; 164g, 176g and 181g and I use them
..       all. The 181g slice is the absolute best
..       all-around disc I have EVER  used. I can drive
..       it about 200-250 feet effortlessly and
                       sink those 30 to 50 foot putts with it also. Because  
                       of the stability, it's "dead on the money" every time!


Disc prices  3.95 ea for 25 to 200 discs. No extra charge for glow.
Disc bags that hold 15 discs are $14.95 each.
T-shirts with Lightning logo  are $4.00 each.
minis and markers are $0.50 each
Dolf towls are $2.00 each

For more info or comments on anything here, E-mail me 
(butwiskr@nr.infi.net) or contact Steve Howle at 

Lightning Discs
PO box 181025
Dallas, Texas  75218
phone   (214) 328-9017



#9) So can you only throw these things backhand?

No. Oh, my, no. There are as many throws as there are people throwing,
probably. But they fall into only a few categories:

BACKHAND: the "standard" throw; flipping the disc away backhanded.

FOREHAND: cocking the wrist and flipping the disc away forehanded.

PANCAKE: This throw is also called a TOMATO, MIRACLE SHOT, and
HELICOPTER shot. Most people use a FOREHAND grip, wind up, and throw
the disc sort of like a baseball: the disc should be just short of
vertical when you release it, and thrown much higher than usual. The
result is a shot that flies upside-down, describing a gentle (or not
so gentle, depending on the disc) corkscrew flight path. I have seen
people throw this way well over 100 meters. This is a great throw to
get over tall obstacles.

BLADE: This is exactly like its Ultimate counterpart: basically it's
an overhand throw in the same style as the pancake, but thrown low and
fast. This is often useful when you have a narrow gap to throw
through.

THUMBER: This is like a blade, but will describe the opposite-shape
corkscrew in flight. Instead of throwing using a forehand grip, flip
the disc upside-down and grip it with the thumb on the inside of the
rim. Now throw it like a blade. It's surprising how well golf discs
fly with this throw; I have experimented and can throw accurately and
easily about 75 meters. Over 100 meters takes some serious shoulder
power.

ROLLERS: Rollers can be thrown either backhanded or forehanded. The
idea is to throw the disc so that it lands on edge and then rolls
away, we hope in the direction of the hole! You should use a stable to
understable disc for this and release the disc at about a 45-degree
angle from vertical. Make sure to put plenty of spin on it, since
that's what makes it roll when it hits the ground.

TURBO: This is a weird one. I sometimes putt this way. Hold the disc,
right side up, with your thumb in the center and your fingers splayed
across the back edge, as if you were carrying a tray with something on
it. Then flick it away from you, spinning it as you release it. If
you've ever thrown a baseball, this is a very similar motion. A lot of
people find they can throw more accurately with this than with any
other throw, which makes it useful for short to medium putts. It's
limited in range, however, to about 25 meters.



#10) I can't seem to get any distance on my throws. How do you get them
    to go over 100 meters?

Everyone has different reasons for not getting distance. Here are some
things that have helped me throw farther; maybe they'll help you, too.

First, don't worry about accuracy for a while. When you're really
letting loose and throwing for distance, you'll have a lot of trouble
getting the hang of the release timing. Don't worry about it. Once you
have the distance down, you can refine the release.

Second, don't get all tied up with a thirty-step run-up. The best
distance throwers I've seen have used only a couple of steps.

Third, think of "winding up" your body, like a spring. Get really
coiled, and get that disc way way back behind your body. I usually
turn partway away from where I'm throwing, turning my back on the
target.

Fourth, pull the disc straight through, not sweeping around in a big
arc. The important thing is speed. The faster the disc is going when
you release it, the more distance you'll get.

Fifth, spin. Discs fly because they spin; don't sacrifice spin for
hand speed. The best throws I make have a definite "snap!" feel to
them, as everything comes together in a good throw.

Finally, choose discs that work for you. Don't sweat it if everyone
tells you that Vipers go a mile but you can't throw a Viper. Find a
disc you CAN throw! The newest generation of discs go astounding
distances, and without a lot of effort. It is true that most distance
discs these days are overstable (see question 4), so you'll have to
anhyzer them some to get the best distance out of them. And practice,
practice, practice. Find a nice big field and just whip discs
around. Some discs that I personally like for distance these days:
Vipers, Cyclones, Stingrays, and Hawks. Other people like XClones, but
I have not been able to get them to work well for me.



#11) Where are some Web resources that might help?

A number of people have Web sites that have a lot or a little to do
with disc golf; many of these sites link to each other, so it's pretty
easy to wander around Webspace looking for this stuff. Here are a few
to get you started:

Josh Hayes' Disc Golf Web page
URL http://weber.u.washington.edu/~jahayes/discgolf.html

The Wright Life (disc equipment seller)
URL http://www.fortnet.org/WrightLife

Eric Graves' Dolf Page
URL http://controls.ccd.harris.com/~ecg/dolf/dolf.html

Derek Clayton's Disc Golf Page (awesome graphics)
URL http://UCBEH.SAN.UC.EDU/~CLAYTODL/DISCGOLF.HTML

Bret Hammond's Disc Golf Page (Indiana)
URL http://chammond3.ucs.indiana.edu/www/disc_golf.html

Sean Gillies' Flying Disc Sports Page (Colorado)
URL http://lamar.colostate.edu/~sgillies/frisbee/

Paul Brown's Finland Disc Golf Page
URL http://www.uta.fi/jarjestot/ufo/discgolf/frisgolf-e.html

John Pay's Great Ontario Disc Golf Page
URL http://ccia.icis.on.ca/~jpay/disc/index.html

Juliana Bower (nee Korver)'s Disc Golf Page
URL http://www.cs.iastate.edu/~korver/discgolf.html

World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF) Home Page
URL http://www.cs.rochester.edu/u/ferguson/disc/wfdf
