The best series on Foundation Disc Golf’s YouTube channel deals with Konner Kennedy attempting to toss a sub-85 from the long teepads at New London Tech in Bedford County, Virginia. If you know nothing of the course’s layout, it’s a complete and total monster …
Pro Worlds is headed that way in 2024.
The first time Konner went for it, a Onewheel was on the line – he failed. The second time he gave it a go, yet again, he came up short: The fishing kayak simply wasn’t meant to be. If you’ve not yet seen either episode, my apologies for spoiling the pair of outcomes – still worth a watch.
That second battle hit me with an unexpected nugget, though …
Playing the role of both caddie and personal cheerleader, Robbie “Robbie C” Crawford was on Konner’s bag. With only half of the holes under Kennedy’s belt, the situation looked grim. It was at that point Robbie offered up a piece of strategic advice – bust out a pen and paper, peeps:
“Pick your line and smash it.”
In one way or another, I’ve heard this mentality expressed before …
But Robbie’s way of simplifying it struck a chord with me – it’s good advice.
Having a bad round?
Follow it.
Here’s why …
1. It’s simple
Yes, there’s more to it than this, but a good throw (largely) comes down to two things:
- Factor No. 1 – Angle control.
- Factor No. 2 – Distance control.
Using Robbie’s method, you worry about the first one – and completely screw the second. On the surface, this might seem like a dumb way of doing things. But assuming your head’s in the middle of an emotional landslide, eliminating half of the equation could be just the ticket.
2. Let the disc do the work
Speaking of distance control …
It’s not TOTALLY forgotten.
But instead of you fretting your pretty little face about how far the disc will fly, to account for it, simply choose the right tool for the mindset – let it do the heavy-lifting. Disc-down, set the desired angle during your reachback and smash it like you know what you’re doing.
3. Commit to confident play
This is BIG for me …
Timid, fearful play comes up short.
Confident play knows it’ll hit a line – so it attacks it full-throttle.
Is this always the smart way to do things?
No, but on confidence alone, it’s right WAY more often than it’s wrong.
Admittedly, I don’t know much about Robbie’s YouTube game – what he does or teaches.
And given the second nature with which most full-time touring professionals throw a frisbee, this kind of advice doesn’t much apply to them. But when things go south for the weekend warrior-type amateur, this is a brilliant motto to play by out on the course …
“Pick your line and smash it.”
Put it on a t-shirt. Then, go out and make it happen.
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