How to Get Help: Finding a Disc Golf Coach or Mentor
You’ve recently set foot on a disc golf course for the first time and decided you might return. You returned once, then twice, and now it’s official: You love the sport! (Welcome to the club, because we do too!) The sunny park, the time spent with friends and friendly new acquaintances, the fresh air and the all-season exercise of disc golf have plenty to offer. And at this point, if you’re like most of us when we started playing, you’d like to gain skills and build a competitive edge.
Disc golf is a game that’s fun to play… and even more fun to win! So how can you find a coach or training resource that can help you make the most of your time on the course? Here are a few things to keep in mind.
The good news: In person coaching is safe and easy to access.
Most of the world has settled into a state of social distancing right now, so if you want to find an IRL coach for close contact indoor sports, good luck. But disc golf is played outside with no contact at all, so chances are you’ll have an easy time reaching out to a local trainer or coach who can meet in you person. Try the Facebook group page for your local town or municipality and ask around. There are also several websites available that help you find coaches within a few miles of your home.
When you make contact, take your training time to heart.
If you meet with a coach for a few sessions or even just one, take everything they tell you and apply it directly to some practice throws in your yard or local park. As we’ve mentioned before, disc golf has a very steep learning curve, so a little advice goes a long way—if you can remember and apply it properly.
Pay for what you get.
Not all disc golf coaching is free, and not all expensive coaching is high quality. Before you shell out a few dollars for some training time, think about the background of the person you’re signing on with, and look online for digital sessions and free video tutorials that can offer the same improvements to your game.
Talk to your coach about gear.
A durable bag, the right set of disks, proper outdoor clothing and appropriate shoes can make your game more competitive and also more fun. (Keep in mind that a disc golf disc and a regular frisbee are not the same thing, so if you’re planning to play frequently, the frisbees in your garage won’t really work.) If you trust your coach, ask for any bag and gear-related advice they may have to offer.
Talk to your coach about teams and networks near you.
The best way to get better at any sport is simple: practice. Your disc golf coach can probably tell you plenty about the disc golf scene in your area and how to connect with others who play at your pace.
For more on where to play, how to gain skills, and how to dress and prep for safe, all-season disc golf adventures, turn to the pros at Upper Park disc golf!
