PUTTING

The Most Important and Least Practiced Shot

Putting is crucial because it often accounts for 30-50% of a player's total throws, directly impacting their score. Solid putting can save strokes and reduce pressure during the game, making it essential for consistent performance.
In the "Fastest Way to Suck Less" section of the Beginner article the first piece of advice was to: Play 10 rounds (either 9 or 18 holes) with a putter only
This is for several reasons:

Touch & tempo	Develops feel for distance on approach shots and putts.
Accuracy	Forces precise release angles and line control at all ranges. Slower speed discs are also easier to control.
Short-game confidence	Improves upshot-to-putt conversions from 0–200+ ft.
Shot creativity	Teaches low-power shaping (hyzers, anhyzers, turnovers) and safe layups.
Putting consistency	Repetition builds muscle memory for different holds and stances.

Core Disc Golf Putting Techniques

Before you can start practicing some techniques you need to know what they are. Below are the main putting styles; there is also the the air-bounce to do underneath objects but it isn't very common. Try some of these putting styles and settle on the one that feels best. When you get better you can practice more styles.

Putting Styles
Spin Putting	This style involves generating power primarily from a wrist snap and elbow extension, imparting high spin on the disc for stability. The motion is often quick and whip-like, with the disc released flat or with slight hyzer/anhyzer depending on the line.	Longer putts (30-60+ feet), windy conditions (spin helps fight wind), or when you need a stable, penetrating flight path.
Push Putting	A smoother, more linear motion where power comes from shifting body weight forward and pushing the arm straight toward the target, with minimal wrist snap. It produces lower spin but a soft, floating flight.	Short to mid-range putts inside the circle (under 30 feet), calm conditions, or when you want forgiving misses that drop softly without rolling far.
Turbo Putting	An overhead throw where the disc is gripped like a tray (fingers on rim, thumb below center of disc) and released with spin from forward pushing motion, creating a high lofting flight.	Blocked by direct obstacles in front (e.g., bushes, trees, or fences blocking a normal line), elevated baskets, or heavy wind requiring a steep drop.
Jump Putting	A dynamic style involving a leap or hop forward/upward during release, using leg drive for extra power. Release must occur before the jumping foot leaves the ground (PDGA rules apply strictly inside 10 meters).	Long-distance putts outside Circle 1 (33+ feet, up to 70-80 feet), open holes where you need putter control over driver distance, or to clear ground play/rough.
Straddle Putting	Performed from a wide, parallel-footed stance (feet shoulder-width or wider, facing the basket directly), often combined with push or light spin. It minimizes body sway and allows putting around leg obstructions.	Obstructed putts (branches, bushes, or guardians near your feet), wooded courses with frequent low obstacles, or for players seeking maximum consistency with minimal side-to-side error.

How to Improve Your Putting

PRACTICE
There's a little more to it, but practicing with purpose is the best way to improve.

Develop a repeatable pre-putt routine
Example:
- Check the wind
- Stick your disc out in front of you where you plan on releaseing it
- Do one mock swing
- Visualize the disc hitting the chains
Now you putt

Fix your grip
Place your thumb on the top of the disc, closer to the outside of the rim; with your index and middle finger underneath you want to pinch the disc. The rest of the fingers should just be comfortable.
Other Grips include:
- Power Grip
- Fan Grip
- Two Finger Grip
- Forehand Fan Grip
But in general, just start with a backhand grip and practice the others in the future.

Find a putter mold that feels comfortable for you and stick to it.
Switching molds introduces a new variable that will prevent you from fixing your form and knowing how much power to put into a throw. I intentionally recommended many putters in previous guides to help show how a slight change makes a big difference.
Some things that affect hand feel and preference:
- Rim Depth
- Un/Beaded Rim
- Thumbtrack
- Flat/Domey Top
- Thickness
- Weight
- Plastic Hardness
- Gumminess
- Tackiness

Key Tips for Better Putting

Key Tips for Rapid Improvement
Aim Small	Pick a specific chain link (e.g., upper right for right-handers) instead of the whole basket.
Stay Focused	Keep eyes on the target until the disc hits chains; avoid looking down early.
Smooth Acceleration	Accelerate through release— no jerky stops.
Routine	Develop a consistent pre-putt ritual (e.g., deep breath, practice swing without disc, visualize make).
Confidence Mindset	Commit fully—aim to make, not "not miss."
Balance & Follow-Through	Stay stable (avoid falling forward inside 10m to prevent stance violations); follow through toward the target.
Start Close	Master 10-15 foot putts before focusing on longer distances. Confidence in short putts reduces stress on the course.
Stay Relaxed	Tension in your grip or body leads to erratic putts. Shake out your arms and keep your grip firm but not tight.
Learn from Pros	Watch professional disc golf footage (e.g., Paul McBeth, Ricky Wysocki) on YouTube to study their form and routines, mimic their techniques in practice.
Log Mistakes	Keep a notebook of common putting errors (e.g., “missed left at 20 feet, pulled arm”) and review it to target weaknesses.
Sample Practice Plan (20 Minutes Daily)

Warm-Up (5 min)
Circle 1 Drill (10 min)
Pressure Drill (5 min)

“McBeth Putting Drill”

Paul McBeth’s putting drill from an older edition Disc Golfer Magazine is a nice little variation from some of the other putting drills.

If you make all 3, move back 5 feet to the next marker.
If you make only 2, stay put.
And if you make only 1, move 5 feet closer to the basket.
If you miss all 3 discs, start over from the first marker.

Get out there and practice—you'll drop strokes quickly!