Tutorial: Putting (Disc Golf Putting Tips for Beginners)
Putting is where you’ll save the most strokes the fastest—and you don’t need a huge arm to be a great putter. The goal is simple: build a repeatable routine that gets the disc on line, with clean spin, and a confident release.
1) Choose a simple putting style
Most beginners do best starting with a spin putt (more wrist pop, flatter flight) or a push putt (more loft, more “toss”). Don’t overthink it—choose the one that feels natural and stick with it for a few weeks.
- Spin putt: More direct, less float, great in calm conditions
- Push putt: More loft, often feels easier for low arm speed players
2) Grip: keep it clean and consistent
Use a comfortable fan grip with your fingers under the flight plate and your thumb on top.
- Keep the disc flat in your hand (not tilted up or down)
- Apply firm but not tense pressure
- Make sure the disc can pop out cleanly without wobble
3) Stance: balanced beats powerful
Start with an athletic stance you can repeat.
- Feet about shoulder-width
- Knees slightly bent
- Weight centered (you shouldn’t feel like you’re falling forward)
If you’re inside the circle, focus on balance and a smooth motion—not “throwing harder.”
4) Aim small: pick a link, not the whole basket
Instead of aiming at the entire chains, pick a tiny target:
- A single chain link
- The center pole
- The top of the basket rim (if you tend to miss low)
Small targets create better focus and tighter misses.
5) The motion: legs first, then arm, then wrist
A good putt is a smooth sequence.
Step-by-step putting sequence
- Load: slight bend in knees
- Shift: gentle weight move toward the basket
- Extend: arm moves straight toward your target
- Pop: wrist/fingers add spin at the end
- Hold: keep your hand pointed at the target (follow-through)
If your putts wobble, slow down and focus on a cleaner release.
6) Height and speed: match the distance
Beginners often miss low because they’re afraid of going long. A confident putt should reach the basket with enough speed to stay on line.
- Short putts: flatter, minimal loft
- Longer putts: add a little more loft and leg drive
Helpful cue: “Up to the chains, not at the cage.”
7) Wind basics (keep it simple)
Wind changes everything, but you can keep your adjustments minimal.
Quick wind adjustments
- Headwind (in your face): putt a bit lower and with more spin
- Tailwind (at your back): aim a bit higher with a softer putt
- Crosswind: aim slightly into the wind and commit
When it’s really windy, prioritize a safe miss (close, not far).
8) A 10-minute putting practice plan you’ll actually do
Consistency comes from short, repeatable sessions.
10-minute routine
- 20 putts from 10 feet (focus on routine)
- 20 putts from 15 feet (focus on clean release)
- 20 putts from 20 feet (focus on legs + follow-through)
Track your makes once per week. The goal is steady improvement, not perfection.
9) Common beginner putting mistakes (and quick fixes)
Misses low
- Aim a little higher
- Use more legs
- Finish your follow-through
Misses right or left
- Check your release angle
- Make sure your arm extends straight toward your target
- Pick a smaller target (single chain link) and commit
Wobble / flutter
- Lighten grip pressure
- Focus on a clean finger pop
- Keep the disc flat through the release
No confidence
- Use a consistent routine (same breaths, same stance, same target)
- Practice short putts until they feel automatic
Gear tip: start with a putter you trust
A comfortable putter you can grip confidently makes practice easier. If you’re building a beginner-friendly bag, start with a putter you can throw straight and putt with consistently.
One last tip
Pick one putter, pick one style, and give yourself 2–3 weeks of consistent reps. Your putting will improve faster than you think.
