I just started working on straddle putting and i have a question. I tend to release the disc at different angles (straight, hyzer angle, anhyzer angle) regardless of the distance, but understand i need to find my consistency. But what is the correct way to release the disc, or does it all come down to personal preference.
Everyone has their own way of getting the disc to the basket. It comes down to what works for you individually. Repitive motion is the key for any throw to become consistent. I try to get my arm to come up and down the entire pole a few tiems before releasing my putt. It helps me to get my line and make sure I follow through so my wrist comes through at the release.
I would agree. Styles will vary. Results are what count. Over the last 2 years i've watched video on all the top players. They are all very unique. I think you have to decide what type of style feels most confortable and go with it. Then decide whether you are a hyzerl, flat, or anhyzer putter. Watch some video of Barry, Doss, Rico, & Kenny. You can get a good idea of all those.
The angle of your release, whether it is a putt or a drive, depends on the stability of your disc and the amount of spin or snap you use. Most of us use less snap the closer we are to the basket which is why most people use stable discs to putt with rather than over stable. You want the disc to hit the chains flat. If it is on a hyzer angle when it hits the chains it is more likely to blow thru and out the other side.
To be honest, I dont think the angle matters all that much, as long as you are comfortable with it. Random cut-throughs with hyzer putts arent the end of the world. At least you're hitting chains. I think putting in whatever style gets you most consistently hitting the middle of the chains is the best. I know some people that are much better as hyzer or anhyzer putters. Worry about hitting your mark, then worry about getting them to stick more consistently.
That being said, I find that straddle putting takes a little more wrist action (snap/spin) than other styles, but generally makes it easier to aim since you square your whole body up to the target. You cant get your body into it as much, so the real danger is putting too much arm into the shot to get distance, and screwing up your aim.
Maybe I am missing something. All the posts here focus on hitting your mark and minmimize the angle. I have watched straddle putters, including the above posters and it seems they all hold the disc at an anhyzer angle. I have done so as well when I straddle. I only straddle when obstacles make it necessary but have found I am pretty consistent doing so. You start with the disc lower and your are coming up. If you have a flat release or a hyzer you will certainly have a hyzer flight. If you start anyhyzer and raise your arm as you deliver from in between your legs you deliver a flatter shot. I find that I start with an anhyzer grip but the disc will have a bit of a hyzer angle by the time it hits the chains especially with a longer straddle putt.
I like to think I can putt either way, but if you ask me I don't like to anhyzer putt like Doss does. The disc will naturally hyzer, therefore I throw with the anticipation of that. Sure I have had my fair share of turtles, but the way I think of it for as many bad putts that go in you have just as many good putts that pop out. The most important thing is the result. I have seen some extremely goofing looking putts but some how they end up resting in the metal. Just go with what feels comfortable and something that you can create consistancy with and eventually your score will be lower. Think of it this way for every putt you make thats 10 points higher on your rating. The factor told me that one time and for some reason it stuck. Good luck!
"Flat" I guess is a relative term. I remember teaching new people to the sport to putt and they were hitting chain at a 45 degree angle or more and getting lots of blow thru or bounce outs. I think the people that you are talking about that throw with a hyzer release of anhyzer release are still hitting chain much more flat that 45 degrees. I've seen very good hyzer putters release on a 45 degree angle and it flips up to a more reasonable 20-15 degrees. But if you can consistently bang down putts at 70 degree angles then more power to you. It's just all about getting it in the basket in the fewest throws.
(Airspuds impersonation)
Best putting style I've seen Steve Rico
Don't worry how you throw it, just toss it in the bucket....confidence is the key. Mount it, straddle it, bang it, hyzer it, jump it, whatever, as long as it rattles chains......
If you ask me the Cubs should just tear down Wrigley Field and set up a beer tent, but maybe thats just me.....
A wise man once told me "dogs don't pay taxes, so don't let those freeloaders take your disc golf land"
Job interview Saturday, my time for putting practice might be done soon if this goes well.....
Your grip sounds like it is your problem if you can not control the flight without consistincy... I use a fan grip to control the angle at release... The anhyser putt is very accurate for a longer putt, I use it for anything over 25ft (not windy) and the good thing about an ani putt is that if you give it more height you get more distance.. no need for a jump putt, I don't jump unless I need the speed for a low hanging branch, or want to layup 80-120ft.
The best advice i ever got was from Brian McCree and Sweb. bring hand straight up the poll like your painting it and reach for the chains on release.. You want the disc to hit the chains with the wind hitting the top of the disc... if it hits the bottom you are prone to get blowouts.. so for a RHBH with a wind form the right, throw anhyser.. from left, throw hyser... tail wind, higher with nose slightly up. head wind slightly higher with nose down.
Good luck
holy hell, i'm gonna have to write that on the back of all my avairs.... Thank you all for some advice...
Since you will probably not have a lot of snap from a straddle putt, you will generally (wind excepting) want to putt with a slight anhyzer. I usually putt with a Challenger, but switch to the slightly less stable Omega SS when straddle putting.