How to choose the right disc depending on the situation on the field

Disc golf is much more than just throwing a disc into a basket – it is a strategic game where both technique and disc selection are important depending on the situation on the course. If you are a new player, you may think that one universal disc is enough, but the right disc can significantly improve your score. In this article, we will look at how to choose the right disc for different game situations.

1. Throw from the starting area – choose a suitable Long Distance Disc

The first shot has a huge impact on the final score, as it determines how close you will get to the basket and how easy it will be to make subsequent shots. If the first shot doesn't go as planned, you will have to make additional shots, which means a higher score.

To choose the right Long Distance Drive, or driver, consider the following factors:
✅ Your throwing power and technique – if you are a beginner, do not choose discs with a speed parameter greater than 10.
✅ Distance to the basket and width of the corridor – on wide courts you can use long-distance discs or drivers, and on narrower corridors half-distance discs or fairways will be better.
✅ Wind conditions – if there is a strong wind, it is better to use overstable discs, which have a trajectory deviation (Turn) of 0 and a landing deviation (fade) of 3+.

Long-distance vs. Medium-distance – which one to choose?

Disc type	Flight characteristics	Who is it suitable for?
Distant	Flies far, but difficult to control	For experienced players with a strong shot
Semi-distant	Flies medium distance, easier to control	For beginners and more accurate shots

How to recognize long and medium distance discs?

1️⃣ Long distances:

Typically, the speed value is 10+ (Speeds 10–14).
A sharper profile that allows the disc to be more aerodynamic in flight.
If the player's throw is not strong enough, the disc will not stay in the air and will fall relatively quickly.
Good example: Discmania Astronaut , Latitude 64 Musket , Discmania S-Line DD3 .

2️⃣ Middle distances:

Typically, the speed value is 7–9 (Speed 7–9).
Rounder profile and better control, allowing for more accurate shots.
Perfect for playing on wooded courses , where accuracy is more important than distance.
Good example: Discmania Genius , Latitude 64 Explorer , Latitude 64 Diamond .

➡ For beginners: If you are just learning disc golf, we recommend starting with Mid-Long Distance, as this will allow you to develop good throwing technique and control the trajectory.

Additional tips for choosing a disc for the starting throw:

🌪 If you play in windy weather, choose an overstable driver so that the disc is not too affected by the wind.
🏞 If the track is narrow with trees, use half distances, as this will give you better control.
🎯 If you want to achieve maximum distance, choose long distances, but only if your throw is strong enough.

2. For throws – medium distance discs

Once you've successfully thrown your first disc and need to get closer to the basket, accuracy and control are key. Midrange discs are best for this, and sometimes even close range ones, especially for shorter throws.

How to choose a Middle Distance Disc?

Midrange discs are medium-speed discs that fly more steadily and predictably than long-range discs, while still providing greater accuracy. They are great for medium-distance shots where you don't want the disc to turn too quickly to the right or left.

In this category, it is important to understand whether a disc is " overstable " or " understable " because it affects the disc's flight path and how it responds to your throw and wind conditions.

Overstable vs. Understable disks – how to recognize them?

1️⃣ Understable disks (unstable)

Fly straighter and tends to deviate to the right (if throwing a backhand with the right hand).
The most commonly recommended discs for new players.
Helps you make longer casts with less force – good for beginners.
Suitable for players with lower throw speeds, as the disc maintains a straight trajectory.
Perfect for anhyzer throws (when the discus is thrown at a slight upward angle and flies in an arc).

🛠 How to recognize?

The Trajectory Deviation (turn) number on the disc is negative (for example, Turn -2 or Turn -3).
Lower stability means that the disc will easily turn to the right on a backhand shot (for right-handers).

🟢 Good choice for beginners : Latitude 64 Diamond , Dismania Astranout, Latitude 64 Tursas, Discmania Genius, Prodigy F9

2️⃣ Overstable disks (stable)

It flies straight, but completes its trajectory more sharply to the left (if you throw a backhand with your right hand).
Most often used by more experienced players.
Provides greater precision and control, especially in windy conditions.
Suitable for more experienced players as it requires a higher shot speed.
Perfect for hyzer throws (when the discus is thrown at a slight downward angle and flies in an arc downward).

🛠 How to recognize?

The Fade number on the disc is high (usually Fade 3 or higher).
The disc will never go to the right (in a right-handed backhand shot), but will always fall to the left.

🔴 Recommended for advanced players : Latitude 64 Stilleto , Latitude 64 Ballsista Pro , Latitude 64 Rive

See all overstable and understanble in the following tables:

How to choose between Overstable and Understable midrange?

Game situation	Best disk choice
You want the disc to fly straight and slowly turn to the right (for right-handed backhand shots and basic discus for beginners)	Understable midrange
You want the disc to stay straight and finish its trajectory to the left.	Overstable midrange
Playing against the wind	Overstable midrange
Play downwind or want the longest flight possible?	Understable midrange
Playing on a technical, narrow forest course and need a direct flight	Understable or neutral midrange
You need a safe, predictable shot towards the basket that won't fly out of bounds.	Overstable midrange

What is the best way to train with midrange discs?

🎯 Practice throwing from different angles – try backhand and forehand throws to understand how the disc flies.
🌬 Try throwing in different weather conditions – practice in both calm and windy weather to understand which discs work better.
🏆 Experiment with different manufacturers and plastics – some midrange discs perform differently depending on the material and degree of wear.

3. Shot near the basket – putters for accuracy

Once you are 10-20 meters away from the basket, it is time to use the short-range disc, or putter.

✔ Putters – the slowest but most precise discs, designed to provide a controlled and stable flight.

Thicker profile, which makes them more stable and easier to control
Flies very straight and does not bend in the wind
Ideal for shots near the basket

➡ For beginners: If you want to improve your accuracy, it is recommended to practice with a putter, as it will help you develop accurate throwing technique.

4. How to choose a disc according to the weather conditions and playing environment?

In addition to choosing distance and accuracy, it is also important to consider:

🌬 Game in windy weather:

Overstable discs perform better because they are less sensitive to wind effects.
Understable disks can become unpredictable in a storm.

🌲 Game on a forest track:

Uses half-distance and mid-distance discs, which allow for more accurate throws.
Close-range discs will be useful for safely making shots between trees.

🏞 Wide and open spaces:

Long-distance discs allow you to make the most of open areas and make long throws.

In conclusion: How to find the right disc for you?

If you're not sure which disk to start with, here's a quick summary table:

Situation	Best disk choice	Recommended for beginners?
Kick-off	Middle or long distances	✅ Middle distances (understable)
Transition shot	Middle distances	✅ Middle distances
Shot near the basket	Close range	✅ Close range
Game in the wind	Overstable disk	❌ No, it's hard for beginners to control
Playing in tight spaces	Middle or close distances	✅ Yes, to maintain control

👉 Remember: The most important thing is not only the choice of disc, but also the practice! Try different discs, find the one that best suits your skills and enjoy the game!

Good luck with your shots and many aces! 🚀

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