Scott Family Disc Golf - Clinic Review

Disc Golf Basics by Debbie Scott, Innova Ambassador
Newport News, VA – March 14, 2013

The Newport News Disc Golf Woman's League opened their season this year with a my disc golf basics clinic. Laurine Bonine created an awesome facebook event page promoting the clinic and myself.

We had about 35 people come to the clinic, 21 women (8 that had never played before). The ladies who had never played before and didn't have any discs, Innova gave them a new 150g shark. That was very well received.

I took to the clinic an Innova banner, crate of demo discs, two travel baskets and 10 new sharks for new players. I also had made up reference guides and gave everyone an Innova sticker for coming.
The clinic started off with me generally explaining the sport, equipment used and defined disc golf terms. We started off the hands on part with putting. I broke the group up into three and taught them how to putt normally, turbo, flick and straddle. We had a little competition after everyone had some practice.

The next area of disc golf we covered was the approach. I first defined where they were aiming at, the 'Easy Circle'. Steve Lambert came up with this at the E.D.G.E. Program at the USDGC. I thought it was great and I use it every time I teach approaching. We all gather around the basket, turn out and take 3 giant steps away, turn back, then putt. Most people make it from this distance. I noted to them that most everyone makes in. Next we gather up our discs, this time we step out 6 giant steps, turn and putt again. This time fewer people make it in. I noted to them that fewer would make it in at this distance. So we gathered our discs once again and went back to the original circle (3 steps out) and putted again, where most made it. Before we gathered our discs I explained to them that it was this circle, the 'Easy Circle' that they were to aim for in their approach, not the basket itself. Armed with our discs and knowledge of the 'Easy Circle' we backed up 100 ft. Everyone spread out and one by one they approached to the basket. I showed them the grip, stance and motion of a good approach.

We discussed driving, but did not actually practice driving. I emphasized that they should master the approach distance first, before tackling a fast disc and drive. The end of the clinic I fielded a few questions then some played a half round.

It was a great first clinic. Everyone was very excited about disc golf and seemed very comfortable trying out new ways of putting and approaching. My next one is scheduled for April 18 in Mooresville, NC to open up the new course, The Bridges.

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