Disc golf: Where should you put your index finger when putting?

Putting is all feel.

In an effort to maximize control from short range, anybody with at least a handful of functioning brain cells putts with some sort of fan-grip variant. As far as grip is concerned, the creativity of it all comes from the placement of the index finger. There’s no right or wrong way to go about placing it. Should you need proof, look to the Pro Tour – that finger’s all over the place.

Still, here’s what you’re most likely to see …

Along the outside rim

This is (arguably) the most popular method.

It’s because it’s the most natural. Hand a virgin disc golfer a frisbee with zero instruction, and that’s likely where they’ll put their index finger – and for pretty much all backhand shots.

Placed along the outside rim, the index finger helps ensure a more solid grip. For many, it’s the last point of contact as the disc leaves the hand and heads towards the basket. The great Jay “Yeti” Reading insists his index finger keeps the disc from drifting right of the target, too.

* Note #1: Reading is right-handed. If you’re left-handed, it’d prevent a left-drifting release.

The first finger crease

This one’s weird to me, but pay attention …

Lots of guys do it.

Take a closer look at the index finger on your putting hand – do you see the first finger crease near the tip of it? Touring professionals like Eagle McMahon prefer to place said crease just under the outside edge of their putters. Dave Feldberg is another one – he’s BIG on this.

* Note #2: To clarify, the index finger doesn’t curl and tighten – it simply rests on the edge.

According to Dave, this makes for a cleaner release, as there’s minimal contact between the disc and the index finger when putting. As Feldberg sees it, when there’s too much contact, unless the timing on the release of your shot is impeccable, it’ll result in a wobbly putt – you’ve seen this.

Furthermore, there’s a widespread belief the index finger in this location leads to more spin on the disc, as it serves as a more precise, compact hinge point to generate rotation. So if you’ve ever been in awe of Eagle putting from a standstill from 75-plus feet, this might be why …

Give it a whirl.

Tucked firmly underneath 

Yeah, this one’s mega-odd …

But who am I to tell Michael Johansen how to putt?

Watch this.

And before you do, keep in mind that M.J. uses this grip for ALL of his shots …

Not just putts.

The biggest selling point?

Uniformity.

If you can get past the feeling (either real or imagined) of your index finger catching on every putt, there’s not really a reason to mess with it much. Depending on the grip, the rest of your fingers might do some maneuvering, but the less finger-shifting you have to do, the better.

Does your putt feel broken?

Tinker with your index finger until you find success.

Then, stick with it.

Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.

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