ptld2001's Page

Fun to hear from you and I'm glad you're still working on your game. I'm delighted at your improvement, yea you! Fun when you can truly measure your progress, isn't it?

I've added a new aspect to my game: the sidearm (now forearm, I think it's called). Because of my knees I can't do a run up and it's affected my distance. I realized recently that with the forearm drive you don't need a run up so I'm gonna see if that might work for me.

So far my forearm drives are only about 120 feet but my backhands are maybe 160 so maybe I'm onto something.

Of course, I have some accuracy issues with the new drive but I've only really practiced it once (winter in MI has infringed on my playing). I'm on Jekyll Island this week on a writing retreat but had to go get some exercise.

I'll keep you posted on my progress you please continue keeping me posted on yours. I'd say you've made some excellent progress - keep it up! Leslie

Hi Karen, aka ptld2001 -
Sorry it's taken me so long to respond but I've been traveling a lot and I've also had quite a few disc golf events.
My advice is to keep on keeping on. I don't know if all of your practice throws are on courses, and if so, I'd suggest you spend some time on a soccer field where you have a big open area and you can throw every driver in your bag.
Experiment a little bit and if you have a particularly good throw, try to review what you did. It will come in dribs and drabs.
Based on my experience (I'm a slow learner of physical skills, combined with my having started playing when I was way older than most everyone else in the world).
It took me two seasons before my body starting "getting it." That muscle memory stuff is hard to come by, at least for me, lol! But once you get it, the technique tends to stick.
Are there any good women players who would be willing to play a round with you from time to time and give you a few coaching tips? After that you could go to the soccer field and practice.
I've found that focusing on form and technique is way more beneficial than trying to rip one and overpower the disc (that always screws up my throws!).

Don't get discouraged! Have fun when you play and focus on what you do right, or well. For example, my drives still suck in comparison to all of the women I play with. It seems I average maybe 100 - 160 or so feet, which is short, but screw it. I'm doing my best, lol. My accuracy has improved a little bit this year. But my up shots are quite good. And lately, my putting has really been spot on.

Do work on coming across your body, chest high, and think of your elbow as a spring. The spin will come in time, don't worry about it for now. As for tournaments, I encourage you to try one when you can (a small one, perhaps an unsanctioned event) and just bite it about scores. I don't know if it will work for you, but playing tournaments has helped me get more focused.

Resist telling yourself how bad you suck and remind yourself constantly that you're doing this for fun. Oh, I should ask: what weight drivers are you throwing? All of my drivers are 150 grams.

Great to hear from you, keep playing, and I hope you'll check in from time to time and give me some feedback! - Leslie

Definitely hang in there. It takes time. Watch the good players and adapt what you can for your body and style. It actually took me two years to reach 100+ feet and if you've only been playing a year, you're doing better than I did, LOL!
Thanks for reading my post and keep on keeping on. Any kind of learning that involves both your brain and your body is very good for your mind. If you ever need encouragement, just write back to me! : ) And thanks for taking the time to send me a message.