Learning to play using Mids and Putters!!!

Ok, this one is going to chap a lot of people, but if we can have a civil discussuion and just present the facts we can get through it. I really want to know, so don't think I'm just being an idiot, although I will be playing the antagonist in this disccission.

 

Here it is: Why is it that so many people recommend to new players that they use Putters and Mids to learn with? We have all heard some form of the statement, "Go learn to throw your putter 300 feet and then you'll understand how to throw", or some varieant on this.

 

I call BULLSH*T!

I think what you'll learn is how to throw your putter 300 feet.

 

I think a more well rounded approach to the game, learning to throw all discs and understanding the numbers and controlling your plastic purchases is a better way to go. Learning the different grips, reach back, runup, keeping things flat and straight is a better approach.

 

OK GUYS, KILL IT!

[Jeff Nichols]

Lol. Preach on Brother Rescue! PREACH ON! :)

[mark ellis]

It may be that this discussion misses the point.  If the point is the best way to learn the game then the answer may not be to avoid drivers or to embrace them (though obviously both sides have their entrenched advocates), the answer might be closer to this:

Practice diligently and play with good players.

I think everyone agrees that there are individual differences between players and that no single form or style or grip or disc is universally the best choice.  Over time, from observing many players start the game and develop to the point where they reach their level, I have noticed that the players who reach the higher levels tend to:

Practice diligently and play with good players.

The term "practice" (aside from the Allen Iverson rant) as used here is a broader one.  One way to practice is to go out to a field with a stack of discs.  Another way is to play round after round after round.  The field may the faster, surer way to practice but playing rounds is a form of practice which slowly teaches skills too.  Many players do not practice in the field (or hardly ever) but still progress from the practice they get during rounds.

I have seen many players with poor form (even comically terrible form) who over time modified their form to become more traditional and effective, merely due to playing with and observing good players.  Think about a beginning player with the classic, hyzer-only form (bent forward at the waist, arm swing low to high, no follow through).  Without the influence of (and exposure to) good players a beginner might stick to this form indefinitely, relying on understable discs to try to shape shots.

In the long run whether a player goes to the discing down approach or not, diligently practicing and playing with good players will make you a better player.

[Nate Nasty]

Very well worded. Thank you Mark. I think that you are right about playing with better players is one of (if not the best ways) to improve your game. I resisted this specific philosophy for a long time beacause I only wanted to play with my friends (many of the better disc golfers in my area are straight douches) and I could still beat many of the pro's. But my "platos" got much longer and tougher to overcome. I am fortunate now to know and play with some great locals players who are also great people. I still mostly play with friends and I get better by playing with them (many are as good as me)- but I benefit tons by playing with the "ballers"

[Jim Coonradt]

This is pretty much what I said as well Mark, that it isn't about the plastic, it's about the technique. And as you say practice and being around other good players will improve a person's technique. The rest should be left up to the individual.

x

[Tim Arnsmeyer]

Okay ! Nobody, told me how to throw. I just went out and started throwing. Alone the way, I checked out the internet and talk with other player. On someday's, I use a lot of Midrange, on long holes and get better respond's. NOW ! Iam lucky, because my locate golf course (BALL), is never uesed much, so I go and throw Drivers one day, next time Midrange's and practised putting at the flag. So, a begginer should have one of each disc type to start with. Now, you can disagree, with what brand to start with. :) :) :)

[All day Corey]

http://youtu.be/Pc4bleBmk5Q  Time marker 5:19. What Nate Sexton said is my point exactly. Control first, then distance.

[wayne durb]

awesome, thanks for posting the link

[All day Corey]

Not a problem.