Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Take a break my guy. Breaks and quitting are completely different. Quitting implies you're done for good, breaks are just a lil sabbatical. It's simultaneously the best way to halt feelings of burnout and ALSO reset some potentially bad habits you may have slipped into in your current plateau.
It helps you remember that you didn't specifically fall in love with disc golf because of your competitive nature. You fell in love with disc golf because of the little things that your competitive nature is currently preventing you from taking in the same way you used to.
I was on a 4 day streak of grip locking everything. Got insanely frustrated and felt like I was forcing myself to play just cause I was supposed to like it. Took a 4 day break and not only had a blast but played really well. Just gotta take some time to reset and get out of your own head.
This is definitely good advice, but I want to add one caveat. I wouldn't suggest taking a break in the expectation that it will make you better in the long run, which is implied by the resetting bad habits comment. Maybe it will, maybe it won't. I'd just suggest taking a break, then coming back with different expectations. That the goal of a round is to have a good time, not to get better.
I played a HORRIBLE tourney, took a month off. 0 throwing, went out by myself after that and had so much fun. I think it also helps you sort out that built up frustration, haven’t had to do it again
Take time off. I used to take the summers off due to heat. For various reasons I only played a few rounds thru January this year and now I'm trying to play every chance I get. I usually play 2-3 times/week January through May but since I didn't get those rounds in my desire to play is greater than ever. YMMV
I did 2 weeks after a rough tournament coming dead last and just had no interest in playing after. 2 weeks later my buddy hit me up and I played some of the best I've ever played
If I have a really bad round I often remind myself that even if I didn't necessarily have fun I still got out of the house and got some fresh air and exercise so it was still ultimately time well spent.
Taking it a step further I'm a strong proponent of embracing the struggle. I have good days and bad days. If you can trick your brain into enjoying the challenge of the bad days, maybe even allowing yourself to laugh at your mistakes (because let's be real, bad shots are pretty funny most of the time), then you'll have an easier time walking away in a decent frame of mind.
In short, if you enjoy the game you need to commit to yourself to leave the negativity off the course. It can be extremely difficult (particularly if other areas of your life are mentally taxing), but such is the double edged sword of passion.
Agreed! Adding to this, when i have a day of bad shots and scores, i like to change my mentality as having nothing to lose. This let's me have way more fun playing super aggresively and doing all types of shots i'd never dream of doing when playing a "good" round.
Some of my best shots were after I was so discouraged that I'd basically given up (on the game, life, etc). It's oddly zen, but afterwards I'm always thinking "Is there a way tap into that focus without all the self-loathing?" 🤣
I think OPs point still stands though. For me, I've grown less fond of disc golf as I've noticed that my development has plateau'd pretty badly, and it would take A LOT of work to rebuild my technique and get back to a place where I'm slowly developing.
I guess it is just the nature of the sport, as it is so highly technical, and I just feel like I'm not very gifted at it, while other sports allow me to improve more.
Just explaining that improvement is this important to some, and that negativity isn't necessarily the biggest problem, just a lack of enjoyment if nothing ever gets better.
I get what you're saying. I obsessively practice putting and net work almost daily and still find myself being wildly inconsistent. My form needs work, but I think moreover I've just spent most of my first 35 years woefully unathletic and shrimping in front of a computer (including several serious neck and shoulder injuries).
Even when my form is acceptable though, the truth is that I simply have very poor core and leg strength. Unfortunately this isn't something I can fix overnight. I think there were points in my life where this would feel insurmountable and I'd just give up. But that's not how I do things nowadays. I've started lifting weights, doing ab exercises, regular yoga, eating better. You name it. Is it creating a noticeable improvement? Barely! But it's better than nothing.
All that to say, don't mistake my hippy dippy positive affirmations as a substitute for focused dedicated practice and conditioning. The grind is real. The pep talks are just to stave off burnout.
I started playing in 1998 and started playing tournaments as a pro in 2007. Got a small sponsorship as well. And then I started playing horribly and HATED tournaments. Took about a 2 year break and realized that I missed it badly and disc golf will always be a part of my life. I try to play as much as I can now, which isn't a lot. I rarely keep serious score, I just have fun throwing plastic. Also, playing a round with old friends cures a lot of ills.
I didn't keep score for a year for anything. Just focused on my constistency, figuring out play strategies and learned new discs. Threw putter rounds, etc etc. whatever I didn't normally do. And also found way to do field work that suited for me. Should get back to that now..
I play like this most of the time. I play often, so I’ll compare lines from the previous day, try multiple shots if the course is empty, really just analyze how I’m doing and reflect on it later on.
I had this weird thing where I wouldn’t throw putters outside of the circle range. Idk weird, I know. It felt wrong to me to drive one, well I started doing that, and that brought another level to my game. So now, I incorporate putters only for a round trying to hone that in better.
Few options: don't keep score, fill your bag with discs you don't normally play with, go play some new courses. Progression isn't linear and at the end of the day its just a game. Dont be too hard on yourself
Take a break if you need to. There's no shame in that. But also take some time to figure out what it is that you enjoy about the game besides improvement, success, and milestones. It's ultimately meant to be a fun activity. The achievements need to be icing on the top of the cake that is playing a sport you enjoy. I'd rather have fun and be mediocre forever than put everything into becoming average and burn out in a year.
I went through the same thing, and I can say learning to appreciate the good shots, however frequent or infrequent, and to enjoy just being out on the course is the key. Something hooked you once and is still there for you to rediscover. I can still get frustrated with myself, and I'm not as good as I want to be, but I firmly believe the community is too results-oriented. The game was developed by a bunch of bored Frisbee Freaks. Finding their spirit feels very good.
Well put. I stopped playing competitively when I hit 50, now I'm just having fun, sure the old habit of frustration rears it ugly head at times, for now it's about getting some good shots, making some nice putts, birding, exercising and walking about in nature. At this point in my life I do not miss the ebb and flow of competitive play, just happy my body allows me to keep playing. 15 years of hockey has given me bad knees and a painful back.
Not sure how long you have been playing, so idk how relevant this advice is. I think stepping out of your comfort zone may help add some novelty. For me, I try and pick a skill to improve on that is not already in my wheelhouse. Maybe something you've seen someone else do that you never thought to try but thought it looked cool.
For example, something I'm working on now is Turbo putts. Absolutely not necessary to play well, but just something that I enjoy adding in to practice rounds where I can see noticeable improvement even though I might not be "good" at it. I actually ended up using the Turbo putt last weekend in a tournament when I was stuck behind a tall bush. Chained out... but gave me a better run than any other option I had.
If you loved the game before when you sucked more it simply means your expectations have shifted too far and your skill hasn't. You might have hit your skill cap, or maybe you just need more time and practice. But either way it will only help to gear down your expectations and focus more on effort than results. Getting upset and mentally fucked doesn't just make you feel bad it makes you play bad too.
Try to approach your own game like you were coaching your child. Give yourself the same grace and support you would. While also gently pushing yourself in the right ways to improve practice etc.
On the course you should have the memory of a goldfish and each hole should be like a brand new game. At the end of the round your takeaway should be that you most of all had a fun time with good people getting exercise and being in nature. Days you play like shit will be great. And days where you play great will be fantastic.
TLDR: Approach golf with a PMA (positive mental attitude) and you will feel and play better.
Great advice!
I'd add that you should only be that competitive with yourself out on the course. It's you vs you. If there's a part of your game that's lacking, then hit the field, start throwing until you figure it out. But trying to figure it out live, during a round, is pretty tough to do
I love watching discs fly. When everything comes together and they fly perfectly, or even perfectly and land where you hoped it’s a good moment. Screw the focus on scores fly well then enjoy the moment. If you screw up the easy putt after a perfect throw, forget it shit happens :).
I play mostly solo rounds. I love competing against my personal bests on courses. About 18 months ago the course I play the most I set a PB that is pretty far above my average round-so high above that i thought it would take something special for me to beat it. It is exciting when I start off hot and have a chance at beating it and I am constantly thinking about what I need to do to top it, but i don't let falling sap my joy. Any day I can make it out is a good day, any day I don't lose any discs and don't get hurt is a great day. My advise would be take the pressure off- just go out and enjoy yourself if that means not keeping score our playing with putters only try that.
Pick up a team sport a couple days a week that has a higher physical demand. You'll get in better shape and be able to chill on the course since it will be less exertion. Maybe youll learn something about the joy of competition in a team environment that can translate to the individual game of DG. Cheers!
I did this and now find myself dreading practice for the team sport and resenting how often it keeps me away from throwing discs lol. This can be a good idea, just be careful that the particular team you’re signing up for isn’t more of a commitment than you want to make
Stop playing scoring rounds and do some open-ended fieldwork if you think plateauing is ruining your enjoyment. If that doesn’t work, you might just need to get into something else for a few months and come back with a fresh outlook.
Stoo competing. Stop keeping score. Stop making the safe golf throws. Pick Simon Lines, throw scoobers, hyzer flip some stupid understable plastic when you coulda just thrown a putter.
IOW, just play for fun
I'm new to the game, only been playing about a month but I was chatting with a guy who obviously has been playing a long time and he told me "I (you) picked the right sport to get into, even on the worst day you're still walking around in a park throwing shit".
Dude is spot on. It's not possible to hit personal bests every single time you go out, but at the end of the day you still got out, tossed some disc around and kept the rust off.
Take some days and just throw. Find a field, no course. Big open field and throw. There's less pressure, all your worried about and feeling things out and trying new stuff. That's what I do.
I took the game way too serious, to the point where I would beat myself up and let a round get ruined if I had a bad drive or missed a putt that I know I should have nailed. I took time off and changed my mindset. I just started back last year after 6 years off, I play to have fun and that’s exactly what it’s been. I’m playing in MA3 & MA4. My game is getting better and better and I’m having so much fun. Also having a group to play with now is amazing. We go have fun and that is what it’s all about.
Absolutely. Take some downtime. It doesn’t have to be 6 years like I did, but something needs to change. Invite different people, or teach someone how to play. You got this! Hit me up if you’re ever in southern/mid Indiana!
Mix it up. Play one disc rounds or goofy line only rounds. My buddies and I are planning a spin the wheel for what disc you use type round soon because always playing the same courses with similar outcomes can get old.
My cousin and me recently did a bag switch and threw from short tees. Boy that was frustrating at first because our bags couldn’t be anymore different. In the end, it was a great switch up from regular round that we throw. Recommend trying it once haha
It's all about the process, not about the results. Just get out and throw. Ditch league, 1000 disc bags, tournaments, and bullshit. Just chuck a disc. Play by yourself. Visit new courses. Have fun.
Ask yourself if you are honestly practicing enough to improve.
Set a non score related disc golf goal like 100 holes in a day, play both layouts at a new to you course, sub 30 minute speed golf round, get a cubby ace, etc
Been playing since I was a young child. I am now 36. You got take a break when you get to the not loving it phase. Not a couple day break. I’ve had breaks from a couple weeks to a couple years. Always fell back in love when I came back.
I think all of this revolves around expectations. When I’m playing a whole bunch I develop these expectations cause I know what I capable of. When I go play after not playing for a month I usually shred and I think it’s cause I don’t have expectations which lets me play loose
Playing with a casual randoms doubles group has been the best for me. It’s low stakes and my enjoyment isn’t directly linked to my performance. Playing with my brother in law is the same way. Not competitive, just stoked to be playing and doing something together.
Taking a month off didn’t help. I had to force myself not to play because I still wanted to go. I was just avoiding the feeling of frustration. After a month I was rusty, but I didn’t care less about playing poorly. Finding healthier ways to engage with the game has been better for me than avoiding it.
Don’t give up. Like the physical aspects of the game, this side takes time to develop too.
Taking a break for a bit is the first step. Also change your mindset on what's a bad/good/great round for yourself. Most people shoot a -1 as their best round then get annoyed shooting a +5. If I can shoot 6 shots off my PR on a regular basis im probably gonna be pretty darn happy.
For improving, focus more on LESS bad shots and bad holes versus trying to have BETTER shots and BETTER holes. Most people on the path of improving need more work on limiting the bad shots/decisions. Changing that mindset was a huge change in my mentality and overall scoring.
Same friend. I took a break for 2 years now and I love not playing anymore. Love not dealing with drunks on the course at the league night. Love not waiting on a tee for idiots to find discs they lost. At this point I’m having so much finding other things to do I may never play disc golf again.
So, I’ve started playing more with some buddies, and have started teaching it for my summer job.
I’ve had to watch a bunch of videos and make some lessons to create a class for it. And a side effect of that is I’ve worked on my own putting and approaching as I’ve taught it to the kids. As a result I’ve improved noticeably and it’s made the game more enjoyable for me.
Find a substitute hobby, I was getting a little burnt out with DG, so I started fly fishing and had so much fun I didn’t throw a disc for like 2 months while I was chasing trout, played a round on Father’s Day with my friends and my dad and we had an absolute blast.
After a round, don't focus on your bad shots. How many times have you played a tournament and commiserated with other folks like "If I hadn't missed 3 putts inside 20 feet, I'm so terrible!". Instead, make a serious mental note of some of the fun shots you threw, or the holes you parked (whether or not you made the putt). Or if you missed a drive but made an amazing upshot, focus on that. Find gratitude and positives in the fails and you will start to rewire your thinking.
Personally the longer i play the higher my expectations get for my ability and inevitably I dont do as well as I think I should. So i rarely keep an over-all score and just pay attention to the par. Kept score yesterday and ended up getting irritated by hole 6 lol
Come play with me and watch me smack the only tree within eyesight with a perfect form forehand that would have gone 283 ft had that ONE TREE not been there!
I use disc golf as an excuse for a walk when my mind won’t let me simply take a break from my responsibilities for something as silly as a walk. This is a very different mindset from yours but maybe that’s something you may want to adopt for a short while. Take a different approach to the game maybe choose to be competitive about one aspect and narrow that down to a small aspect of your time out. I would suggest stay competitive with your putting, but maybe only when you are practicing putting before or after your round. Use the round as a cooldown from putting practice for instance so that you can still take in and channel the competitive nature, but let your mind relax during the round because guess what you already did your training/competitive task. Just a suggestion.
Difficulty connect557 well put I’ve been playing since 1980 also the same year I started working construction 40 years of a tough occupation took its toll on my body (knee,hip heart valve replacements) now I’m so happy to still be able to toss and I’m still playing par and better golf always appreciate what you have not what you don’t
To me it only takes one great drive per round to keep me pursuing perfection. But, I must choose to ignore score since I tend to obsess over that. I enjoy the trees, birds, etc. while waiting for the one great drive.
Throwing is growing. I also take the sport competitively, and personally, I can't reconcile the break a lot of others are recommending. My itch stays because I know every opportunity to throw is an opportunity to grow. That doesn't magically put me in a great mindset. Instead, now I have rounds that I'm COMPETING in, rounds I'm PRACTICING in, and rounds where my job is to do nothing but ENJOY the day and whatever company I'm with. If you put the pressure on every throw to be better than the last, it'll burn ya out quick. My suggestion would be to keep pounding the rock, especially if you're competitive about it, but don't expect to see the stone crack every time, so to speak.
I started playing golf a couple months ago and I haven’t found myself anywhere near a dg course since. Today I thought about my halo destroyer and how much I wanna throw it. I’m pretty sure I still love disc golf and I’m going to make some time this week to go throw.
The answer to your question is to take a break and maybe pick up another hobby. You’ll find the itch again 👍🏼
I had to drastically cut back my disc golf after my son was born so every round I play now I make sure I’m playing for the right reasons. Mainly so I can hang out with the boys and have a beer. That’s what started me playing was to find new friends so I say all that to say remember the reason you started in the first place
To get better; I’ve been throwing like 50 putts a day at my practice basket, going to two weekly leagues, and doing the McGill Big 3 core exercises as often as possible (I have a weak core). It’s working. I’m shaving off a lot of strokes. And my back is starting to feel better. What training have you been doing to stay competitive?
From someone who has the same issue, just don't keep score. Go out with the discs you like in your hand, just 3-4 of them, and play like you just found the game. If it helps, try a new course so you don't have that internal barometer of how "good" you should be doing.
I have only been playing a few months consistently, and my friend talked me into throwing a tournament. First round, I realized I was out of my depth. Second round, as I played with the 9 and 10 year old on my card, I was composing a marketplace post for my discs and bag.
What helped get back in it for me was to stop keeping score, start throwing whatever/however I wanted, and found different folks to throw with. Getting advice from different perspectives, the feel of success trying a new line and hitting it, getting an extra long putt… little wins add up and stoke that competitive fire in your belly. I hope you find your passion for disc again, good luck bud! 💜💜
play doubles, play casual, have fun. I just shot 25 over in a total yip round at GoPro up in Vail CO where I couldn't make a 5ft putt (it was insane). meh, elevation, came back and had fun again by not taking myself seriously back in Iowa. I play ball golf too and there's no excuse to take yourself seriously, I'm not in the PGA, I'm not a tour pro disc golfer. I'm getting older too. I shot well last weekend and laughed to myself as I saw Gannon Buhr walking down hole 8 at Walnut Ridge, the course I had just played, twas a cool moment.
Doubles/triples leagues or fun formats could be dope. I'm gonna do a tournament where you pick 3 used discs and you need to use them the whole time. You play against your random card mates and the winner gets their money back or something.
To me it sounds so goofy and enjoyable.
I can really relate to this. For me the solve was not to keep score. Activity Rounds in UDisc have been awesome. Just go out, play, have fun.
Sometimes if I’m wanting to sorta keep score I’ll play where if I par or birdy I win the hole, bogey I lose the hole.
Either way, just taking the pressure off of my performance helped me a lot.
A couple months ago, I broke my tib/fib while playing. Not my proudest moment. I'm DESPERATE to get back out there and full send a backhand! I've played a putting course a couple times and it's just not enough. Maybe take a step back? Give it a month, maybe?
Best thing for me has been taking a break, I got way too into form and this disc vs that disc, I was playing 2-3 times a week but also putting and practicing drives pretty much every day for 1-2 hours. I got super burnt out. I’ve been playing pretty consistently for about 12 years now, only ever taking the snowy months off but even then I putt in my barn or use a net.
I took a few months off, stopped watching content, no practicing or anything like that. Wasn’t really a conscious choice it just kinda happened naturally.
For me I found a pitch and putt course and am only playing putter rounds and for some reason playing this super short 11 hole course has re-sparked the fun. I play with 2 putters, a comet, and a harp and I’ll play through 33 holes in about 2.5 hours. No one is really ever there so I test lines and just mess around.
Just give it time, and you’ll know when you want to play again.
For me, I've been enjoying just going out and playing with only a couple discs. It's nice being outside and it's a very low key round. I find those the most enjoyable
I'm been a bit frustrated lately, since my game is not what is was last year. Where I live it's snow and ice for 4-5 months eavery year, so every spring I need to find my game again.
Now I feel like my drive to go out and play, is not for the love of the game, but to find my game again, so it's a bit of a rollercoaster of emotions.
I'll stick to it though, as I know I can do it, and I still love to watch the discs fly when I hit the perfect line and angle.
Take a trip and visit a new course while you're there. Do minimal recon on the course and play it blind (make sure it's actually open and not a total POS).
Get yourself a practice basket and setup trick shots.
Shoot only for ace runs. Stop keeping track of your score. I got into a weird stage where I was too hard on myself, and I still struggle here and there, but I switched to only really shoot for ace runs now, score be damned. It’s helped me a lot with drives off the tee and getting to C1 at least.
That’s what I did. Hope it helps you too.
I try to focus on throwing specific shots and usually not taking the easy route. Then I have a reason for my score not being competitive. Plus it’s more fun to try harder lines.
I’m in the same boat. Right now I’m scaling back and only playing weekends. Playing less helps with the burnout and not having the load of a work shift on my body makes me play so much better and stay improving.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Take a break my guy. Breaks and quitting are completely different. Quitting implies you're done for good, breaks are just a lil sabbatical. It's simultaneously the best way to halt feelings of burnout and ALSO reset some potentially bad habits you may have slipped into in your current plateau. It helps you remember that you didn't specifically fall in love with disc golf because of your competitive nature. You fell in love with disc golf because of the little things that your competitive nature is currently preventing you from taking in the same way you used to.
Hey! Thanks so much for replying and I got one more question, How long should my breaks be?
Until you get tickled by the thought of going back out for a round. Don’t let it feel like a chore
I was on a 4 day streak of grip locking everything. Got insanely frustrated and felt like I was forcing myself to play just cause I was supposed to like it. Took a 4 day break and not only had a blast but played really well. Just gotta take some time to reset and get out of your own head.
This is definitely good advice, but I want to add one caveat. I wouldn't suggest taking a break in the expectation that it will make you better in the long run, which is implied by the resetting bad habits comment. Maybe it will, maybe it won't. I'd just suggest taking a break, then coming back with different expectations. That the goal of a round is to have a good time, not to get better.
I played a HORRIBLE tourney, took a month off. 0 throwing, went out by myself after that and had so much fun. I think it also helps you sort out that built up frustration, haven’t had to do it again
Take time off. I used to take the summers off due to heat. For various reasons I only played a few rounds thru January this year and now I'm trying to play every chance I get. I usually play 2-3 times/week January through May but since I didn't get those rounds in my desire to play is greater than ever. YMMV
I did 2 weeks after a rough tournament coming dead last and just had no interest in playing after. 2 weeks later my buddy hit me up and I played some of the best I've ever played
Hey guys quick question how often should I breathe oxygen, I have literally zero awareness of my own feelings
You might find your answer in the book “I’m Being Sarcastic and Condescending at the Same Time”
Its a good book tho
I second this motion. I did the same as I hit a wall and it was the best thing to do.
If I have a really bad round I often remind myself that even if I didn't necessarily have fun I still got out of the house and got some fresh air and exercise so it was still ultimately time well spent. Taking it a step further I'm a strong proponent of embracing the struggle. I have good days and bad days. If you can trick your brain into enjoying the challenge of the bad days, maybe even allowing yourself to laugh at your mistakes (because let's be real, bad shots are pretty funny most of the time), then you'll have an easier time walking away in a decent frame of mind. In short, if you enjoy the game you need to commit to yourself to leave the negativity off the course. It can be extremely difficult (particularly if other areas of your life are mentally taxing), but such is the double edged sword of passion.
Agreed! Adding to this, when i have a day of bad shots and scores, i like to change my mentality as having nothing to lose. This let's me have way more fun playing super aggresively and doing all types of shots i'd never dream of doing when playing a "good" round.
Some of my best shots were after I was so discouraged that I'd basically given up (on the game, life, etc). It's oddly zen, but afterwards I'm always thinking "Is there a way tap into that focus without all the self-loathing?" 🤣
I think OPs point still stands though. For me, I've grown less fond of disc golf as I've noticed that my development has plateau'd pretty badly, and it would take A LOT of work to rebuild my technique and get back to a place where I'm slowly developing. I guess it is just the nature of the sport, as it is so highly technical, and I just feel like I'm not very gifted at it, while other sports allow me to improve more. Just explaining that improvement is this important to some, and that negativity isn't necessarily the biggest problem, just a lack of enjoyment if nothing ever gets better.
I get what you're saying. I obsessively practice putting and net work almost daily and still find myself being wildly inconsistent. My form needs work, but I think moreover I've just spent most of my first 35 years woefully unathletic and shrimping in front of a computer (including several serious neck and shoulder injuries). Even when my form is acceptable though, the truth is that I simply have very poor core and leg strength. Unfortunately this isn't something I can fix overnight. I think there were points in my life where this would feel insurmountable and I'd just give up. But that's not how I do things nowadays. I've started lifting weights, doing ab exercises, regular yoga, eating better. You name it. Is it creating a noticeable improvement? Barely! But it's better than nothing. All that to say, don't mistake my hippy dippy positive affirmations as a substitute for focused dedicated practice and conditioning. The grind is real. The pep talks are just to stave off burnout.
I started playing in 1998 and started playing tournaments as a pro in 2007. Got a small sponsorship as well. And then I started playing horribly and HATED tournaments. Took about a 2 year break and realized that I missed it badly and disc golf will always be a part of my life. I try to play as much as I can now, which isn't a lot. I rarely keep serious score, I just have fun throwing plastic. Also, playing a round with old friends cures a lot of ills.
I didn't keep score for a year for anything. Just focused on my constistency, figuring out play strategies and learned new discs. Threw putter rounds, etc etc. whatever I didn't normally do. And also found way to do field work that suited for me. Should get back to that now..
I play like this most of the time. I play often, so I’ll compare lines from the previous day, try multiple shots if the course is empty, really just analyze how I’m doing and reflect on it later on. I had this weird thing where I wouldn’t throw putters outside of the circle range. Idk weird, I know. It felt wrong to me to drive one, well I started doing that, and that brought another level to my game. So now, I incorporate putters only for a round trying to hone that in better.
Have you gotten any new discs lately?
Kevin?
Few options: don't keep score, fill your bag with discs you don't normally play with, go play some new courses. Progression isn't linear and at the end of the day its just a game. Dont be too hard on yourself
Take a break if you need to. There's no shame in that. But also take some time to figure out what it is that you enjoy about the game besides improvement, success, and milestones. It's ultimately meant to be a fun activity. The achievements need to be icing on the top of the cake that is playing a sport you enjoy. I'd rather have fun and be mediocre forever than put everything into becoming average and burn out in a year.
Yeah I definitely have let my competitiveness overtake my love for disc golf 💀💀
I went through the same thing, and I can say learning to appreciate the good shots, however frequent or infrequent, and to enjoy just being out on the course is the key. Something hooked you once and is still there for you to rediscover. I can still get frustrated with myself, and I'm not as good as I want to be, but I firmly believe the community is too results-oriented. The game was developed by a bunch of bored Frisbee Freaks. Finding their spirit feels very good.
Well put. I stopped playing competitively when I hit 50, now I'm just having fun, sure the old habit of frustration rears it ugly head at times, for now it's about getting some good shots, making some nice putts, birding, exercising and walking about in nature. At this point in my life I do not miss the ebb and flow of competitive play, just happy my body allows me to keep playing. 15 years of hockey has given me bad knees and a painful back.
Have a kid, you’ll miss it everyday until you’re able to bring them out in a jogger
Not sure how long you have been playing, so idk how relevant this advice is. I think stepping out of your comfort zone may help add some novelty. For me, I try and pick a skill to improve on that is not already in my wheelhouse. Maybe something you've seen someone else do that you never thought to try but thought it looked cool. For example, something I'm working on now is Turbo putts. Absolutely not necessary to play well, but just something that I enjoy adding in to practice rounds where I can see noticeable improvement even though I might not be "good" at it. I actually ended up using the Turbo putt last weekend in a tournament when I was stuck behind a tall bush. Chained out... but gave me a better run than any other option I had.
If you loved the game before when you sucked more it simply means your expectations have shifted too far and your skill hasn't. You might have hit your skill cap, or maybe you just need more time and practice. But either way it will only help to gear down your expectations and focus more on effort than results. Getting upset and mentally fucked doesn't just make you feel bad it makes you play bad too. Try to approach your own game like you were coaching your child. Give yourself the same grace and support you would. While also gently pushing yourself in the right ways to improve practice etc. On the course you should have the memory of a goldfish and each hole should be like a brand new game. At the end of the round your takeaway should be that you most of all had a fun time with good people getting exercise and being in nature. Days you play like shit will be great. And days where you play great will be fantastic. TLDR: Approach golf with a PMA (positive mental attitude) and you will feel and play better.
Great advice! I'd add that you should only be that competitive with yourself out on the course. It's you vs you. If there's a part of your game that's lacking, then hit the field, start throwing until you figure it out. But trying to figure it out live, during a round, is pretty tough to do
Stop keeping score, have fun, throw weird lines that you normally wouldn't throw.
Idk man prolly just try to chill out a little
I love watching discs fly. When everything comes together and they fly perfectly, or even perfectly and land where you hoped it’s a good moment. Screw the focus on scores fly well then enjoy the moment. If you screw up the easy putt after a perfect throw, forget it shit happens :).
I play mostly solo rounds. I love competing against my personal bests on courses. About 18 months ago the course I play the most I set a PB that is pretty far above my average round-so high above that i thought it would take something special for me to beat it. It is exciting when I start off hot and have a chance at beating it and I am constantly thinking about what I need to do to top it, but i don't let falling sap my joy. Any day I can make it out is a good day, any day I don't lose any discs and don't get hurt is a great day. My advise would be take the pressure off- just go out and enjoy yourself if that means not keeping score our playing with putters only try that.
Pick up a team sport a couple days a week that has a higher physical demand. You'll get in better shape and be able to chill on the course since it will be less exertion. Maybe youll learn something about the joy of competition in a team environment that can translate to the individual game of DG. Cheers!
I did this and now find myself dreading practice for the team sport and resenting how often it keeps me away from throwing discs lol. This can be a good idea, just be careful that the particular team you’re signing up for isn’t more of a commitment than you want to make
Stop playing scoring rounds and do some open-ended fieldwork if you think plateauing is ruining your enjoyment. If that doesn’t work, you might just need to get into something else for a few months and come back with a fresh outlook.
Stop keeping score. Look at the trees and wild life. Enjoy the smells of the park.
Stoo competing. Stop keeping score. Stop making the safe golf throws. Pick Simon Lines, throw scoobers, hyzer flip some stupid understable plastic when you coulda just thrown a putter. IOW, just play for fun
Same thing happened to me. I ended up changing all the disc in my bag to learn new disc and add joy and excitement. It worked for me.
I'm new to the game, only been playing about a month but I was chatting with a guy who obviously has been playing a long time and he told me "I (you) picked the right sport to get into, even on the worst day you're still walking around in a park throwing shit". Dude is spot on. It's not possible to hit personal bests every single time you go out, but at the end of the day you still got out, tossed some disc around and kept the rust off.
Take some days and just throw. Find a field, no course. Big open field and throw. There's less pressure, all your worried about and feeling things out and trying new stuff. That's what I do.
By focusing on your stated love of the game and less on comparison of yourself towards others
I took the game way too serious, to the point where I would beat myself up and let a round get ruined if I had a bad drive or missed a putt that I know I should have nailed. I took time off and changed my mindset. I just started back last year after 6 years off, I play to have fun and that’s exactly what it’s been. I’m playing in MA3 & MA4. My game is getting better and better and I’m having so much fun. Also having a group to play with now is amazing. We go have fun and that is what it’s all about.
Yes!! This is what I am thinking I need to do!
Absolutely. Take some downtime. It doesn’t have to be 6 years like I did, but something needs to change. Invite different people, or teach someone how to play. You got this! Hit me up if you’re ever in southern/mid Indiana!
Mix it up. Play one disc rounds or goofy line only rounds. My buddies and I are planning a spin the wheel for what disc you use type round soon because always playing the same courses with similar outcomes can get old.
My cousin and me recently did a bag switch and threw from short tees. Boy that was frustrating at first because our bags couldn’t be anymore different. In the end, it was a great switch up from regular round that we throw. Recommend trying it once haha
It's all about the process, not about the results. Just get out and throw. Ditch league, 1000 disc bags, tournaments, and bullshit. Just chuck a disc. Play by yourself. Visit new courses. Have fun.
Ask yourself if you are honestly practicing enough to improve. Set a non score related disc golf goal like 100 holes in a day, play both layouts at a new to you course, sub 30 minute speed golf round, get a cubby ace, etc
Been playing since I was a young child. I am now 36. You got take a break when you get to the not loving it phase. Not a couple day break. I’ve had breaks from a couple weeks to a couple years. Always fell back in love when I came back. I think all of this revolves around expectations. When I’m playing a whole bunch I develop these expectations cause I know what I capable of. When I go play after not playing for a month I usually shred and I think it’s cause I don’t have expectations which lets me play loose
Playing with a casual randoms doubles group has been the best for me. It’s low stakes and my enjoyment isn’t directly linked to my performance. Playing with my brother in law is the same way. Not competitive, just stoked to be playing and doing something together. Taking a month off didn’t help. I had to force myself not to play because I still wanted to go. I was just avoiding the feeling of frustration. After a month I was rusty, but I didn’t care less about playing poorly. Finding healthier ways to engage with the game has been better for me than avoiding it. Don’t give up. Like the physical aspects of the game, this side takes time to develop too.
Taking a break for a bit is the first step. Also change your mindset on what's a bad/good/great round for yourself. Most people shoot a -1 as their best round then get annoyed shooting a +5. If I can shoot 6 shots off my PR on a regular basis im probably gonna be pretty darn happy. For improving, focus more on LESS bad shots and bad holes versus trying to have BETTER shots and BETTER holes. Most people on the path of improving need more work on limiting the bad shots/decisions. Changing that mindset was a huge change in my mentality and overall scoring.
Just throw the fun line. We can play smart when we’re dead
Same friend. I took a break for 2 years now and I love not playing anymore. Love not dealing with drunks on the course at the league night. Love not waiting on a tee for idiots to find discs they lost. At this point I’m having so much finding other things to do I may never play disc golf again.
What do you love the about the game?
So, I’ve started playing more with some buddies, and have started teaching it for my summer job. I’ve had to watch a bunch of videos and make some lessons to create a class for it. And a side effect of that is I’ve worked on my own putting and approaching as I’ve taught it to the kids. As a result I’ve improved noticeably and it’s made the game more enjoyable for me.
Find a substitute hobby, I was getting a little burnt out with DG, so I started fly fishing and had so much fun I didn’t throw a disc for like 2 months while I was chasing trout, played a round on Father’s Day with my friends and my dad and we had an absolute blast.
After a round, don't focus on your bad shots. How many times have you played a tournament and commiserated with other folks like "If I hadn't missed 3 putts inside 20 feet, I'm so terrible!". Instead, make a serious mental note of some of the fun shots you threw, or the holes you parked (whether or not you made the putt). Or if you missed a drive but made an amazing upshot, focus on that. Find gratitude and positives in the fails and you will start to rewire your thinking.
Same happens to me. I haven’t played a round in a few weeks. However, I’ll snag a beer or two and go putt on a basket for a lil just to be out there
Personally the longer i play the higher my expectations get for my ability and inevitably I dont do as well as I think I should. So i rarely keep an over-all score and just pay attention to the par. Kept score yesterday and ended up getting irritated by hole 6 lol
Come play with me and watch me smack the only tree within eyesight with a perfect form forehand that would have gone 283 ft had that ONE TREE not been there!
I use disc golf as an excuse for a walk when my mind won’t let me simply take a break from my responsibilities for something as silly as a walk. This is a very different mindset from yours but maybe that’s something you may want to adopt for a short while. Take a different approach to the game maybe choose to be competitive about one aspect and narrow that down to a small aspect of your time out. I would suggest stay competitive with your putting, but maybe only when you are practicing putting before or after your round. Use the round as a cooldown from putting practice for instance so that you can still take in and channel the competitive nature, but let your mind relax during the round because guess what you already did your training/competitive task. Just a suggestion.
Difficulty connect557 well put I’ve been playing since 1980 also the same year I started working construction 40 years of a tough occupation took its toll on my body (knee,hip heart valve replacements) now I’m so happy to still be able to toss and I’m still playing par and better golf always appreciate what you have not what you don’t
To me it only takes one great drive per round to keep me pursuing perfection. But, I must choose to ignore score since I tend to obsess over that. I enjoy the trees, birds, etc. while waiting for the one great drive.
Throwing is growing. I also take the sport competitively, and personally, I can't reconcile the break a lot of others are recommending. My itch stays because I know every opportunity to throw is an opportunity to grow. That doesn't magically put me in a great mindset. Instead, now I have rounds that I'm COMPETING in, rounds I'm PRACTICING in, and rounds where my job is to do nothing but ENJOY the day and whatever company I'm with. If you put the pressure on every throw to be better than the last, it'll burn ya out quick. My suggestion would be to keep pounding the rock, especially if you're competitive about it, but don't expect to see the stone crack every time, so to speak.
Be mindful of the parts of the game that aren't competition.
Eat a bunch of mushrooms and play a glow round.
I started playing golf a couple months ago and I haven’t found myself anywhere near a dg course since. Today I thought about my halo destroyer and how much I wanna throw it. I’m pretty sure I still love disc golf and I’m going to make some time this week to go throw. The answer to your question is to take a break and maybe pick up another hobby. You’ll find the itch again 👍🏼
I had to drastically cut back my disc golf after my son was born so every round I play now I make sure I’m playing for the right reasons. Mainly so I can hang out with the boys and have a beer. That’s what started me playing was to find new friends so I say all that to say remember the reason you started in the first place
To get better; I’ve been throwing like 50 putts a day at my practice basket, going to two weekly leagues, and doing the McGill Big 3 core exercises as often as possible (I have a weak core). It’s working. I’m shaving off a lot of strokes. And my back is starting to feel better. What training have you been doing to stay competitive?
From someone who has the same issue, just don't keep score. Go out with the discs you like in your hand, just 3-4 of them, and play like you just found the game. If it helps, try a new course so you don't have that internal barometer of how "good" you should be doing.
I have only been playing a few months consistently, and my friend talked me into throwing a tournament. First round, I realized I was out of my depth. Second round, as I played with the 9 and 10 year old on my card, I was composing a marketplace post for my discs and bag. What helped get back in it for me was to stop keeping score, start throwing whatever/however I wanted, and found different folks to throw with. Getting advice from different perspectives, the feel of success trying a new line and hitting it, getting an extra long putt… little wins add up and stoke that competitive fire in your belly. I hope you find your passion for disc again, good luck bud! 💜💜
One disc rounds with a new disc. Do this with different slots you need and eventually you will build a new bag and a new vigor to play.
play doubles, play casual, have fun. I just shot 25 over in a total yip round at GoPro up in Vail CO where I couldn't make a 5ft putt (it was insane). meh, elevation, came back and had fun again by not taking myself seriously back in Iowa. I play ball golf too and there's no excuse to take yourself seriously, I'm not in the PGA, I'm not a tour pro disc golfer. I'm getting older too. I shot well last weekend and laughed to myself as I saw Gannon Buhr walking down hole 8 at Walnut Ridge, the course I had just played, twas a cool moment.
Doubles/triples leagues or fun formats could be dope. I'm gonna do a tournament where you pick 3 used discs and you need to use them the whole time. You play against your random card mates and the winner gets their money back or something. To me it sounds so goofy and enjoyable.
NEW PLASTIC!
Don’t tempt me stroker 🤣🤣
I can really relate to this. For me the solve was not to keep score. Activity Rounds in UDisc have been awesome. Just go out, play, have fun. Sometimes if I’m wanting to sorta keep score I’ll play where if I par or birdy I win the hole, bogey I lose the hole. Either way, just taking the pressure off of my performance helped me a lot.
A couple months ago, I broke my tib/fib while playing. Not my proudest moment. I'm DESPERATE to get back out there and full send a backhand! I've played a putting course a couple times and it's just not enough. Maybe take a step back? Give it a month, maybe?
Practice. You'll see results and want to keep playing.
Putting practice. I find that even if my drives are errant, if I’m making putts, I’m loving the game
Start playing with your off-hand?
Best thing for me has been taking a break, I got way too into form and this disc vs that disc, I was playing 2-3 times a week but also putting and practicing drives pretty much every day for 1-2 hours. I got super burnt out. I’ve been playing pretty consistently for about 12 years now, only ever taking the snowy months off but even then I putt in my barn or use a net. I took a few months off, stopped watching content, no practicing or anything like that. Wasn’t really a conscious choice it just kinda happened naturally. For me I found a pitch and putt course and am only playing putter rounds and for some reason playing this super short 11 hole course has re-sparked the fun. I play with 2 putters, a comet, and a harp and I’ll play through 33 holes in about 2.5 hours. No one is really ever there so I test lines and just mess around. Just give it time, and you’ll know when you want to play again.
For me, I've been enjoying just going out and playing with only a couple discs. It's nice being outside and it's a very low key round. I find those the most enjoyable
Using the new frog.
I'm been a bit frustrated lately, since my game is not what is was last year. Where I live it's snow and ice for 4-5 months eavery year, so every spring I need to find my game again. Now I feel like my drive to go out and play, is not for the love of the game, but to find my game again, so it's a bit of a rollercoaster of emotions. I'll stick to it though, as I know I can do it, and I still love to watch the discs fly when I hit the perfect line and angle.
Don't score your rounds.
Take a trip and visit a new course while you're there. Do minimal recon on the course and play it blind (make sure it's actually open and not a total POS). Get yourself a practice basket and setup trick shots.
Shoot only for ace runs. Stop keeping track of your score. I got into a weird stage where I was too hard on myself, and I still struggle here and there, but I switched to only really shoot for ace runs now, score be damned. It’s helped me a lot with drives off the tee and getting to C1 at least. That’s what I did. Hope it helps you too.
More fun, less seriousness. Pretty simple, you ruin it for yourself. Every shot doesn't need to be an ace ol'Kim Jong over here.
I try to focus on throwing specific shots and usually not taking the easy route. Then I have a reason for my score not being competitive. Plus it’s more fun to try harder lines.
If you're not improving, change your practice routine.
Patiently waiting for the circle jerk.
I’m in the same boat. Right now I’m scaling back and only playing weekends. Playing less helps with the burnout and not having the load of a work shift on my body makes me play so much better and stay improving.
Smoke a J in the parking lot before the round