No, we’re not talking about extra juicy lies of the verbal kind here – we’re referring to the times we’ve all experienced footing that’s a little more than questionable. When it comes to playing disc golf in nearly any kind of weather, there’s a chance that you might end up in a situation where your safety needs to come before the success of your shot.

But do you really have to pick one over the other? Let’s discuss ways to manage slippery lies, tips to think about, and how to achieve safe play with excellent execution.

All Slippery Surfaces Aren’t The Same

When it comes to disc golf, the kind of terrain you play on is often as varied as the shots you throw. Here’s a quick review of some of the more common types of ground you might be forced to deal with:

  • Concrete tee pads can become slippery during wet weather, giving players an unexpected surprise during their run-ups.
  • Shots from the grass can be slick after a fresh rainfall and usually include some mud in there too. This combination is one of the worst for trying to stay on your feet and maintain your balance during a run-up.
  • Obviously, ice and snow are the worst of them all, discouraging players from even going out for several months out of the year. If winter weather frustrates you to no end, check out some of our best tips for getting out and playing in the cold.

Not all footing issues are a result of slippery lies either, as the angle of the ground can play a huge factor. Are you attempting to do a run-up down a hill? You may want to stop for a second and think about if that added power is really worth the potential injury.

Foot Placement And Disc Selection

Since these issues are unavoidable, how do you handle a slippery or uneven lie? It comes down to how you use your feet and your discs. As we mentioned just a moment ago, tricky situations might give you a moment for pause – ask yourself how much there is to gain from a run-up and if you can instead ensure safety by throwing a standstill shot.

If you still opt for the run-up, consider how you transfer your weight during your throw. For many players, shifting to a rotation on your toe or the middle of your foot instead of your heel might provide better stability. That doesn’t mean you have to completely change your form, but certain circumstances might warrant a bit of a modification.

Another crucial element to finding success with slippery lies comes with disc selection. Assuming that you can’t execute a shot with full power due to your footing, compensate for that with a different disc. Think about throwing something that turns a little easier, use a hyzer-flip, or play a safer shot to ensure you stay upright.

We’ve found that success in disc golf comes from a thorough knowledge of your discs so that in situations like these, you know exactly where to turn to. If it’s been a while or you’re still learning, check out our post that illustrates how and why discs vary and which ones might be right for you.

The Name Of The Game

Yes, we all want to crush every single shot we throw, and if weather dictates that your game is going to be a bit more challenging than usual, you’ll want to take into consideration your safety above all else. The name of the game isn’t winning, it’s avoiding injury! Do you have some specific strategies for managing slippery lies? Share them with us below.