This is my first post here, but I know I'll get the most feedback money can buy from you guys. Here's the deal...

I'm big guy, 280lbs, 6'3. Needless to say, I'm not the most graceful. My typical drive consists of a one-step approach. Any more than that and I'll probably be whiping dirt off of my face. For some reason, I can't perform this "X-step" approach, no matter how many times someone shows me.

OK, so my question is, how much distance am I potentially losing out on by not running up? I mean, I'm not talking about running up like Dave Wiggins Jr, but I think I need more than one step. Right now, my average drive with a TeeRex is around 360-420 feet. Will a good runup give me more? Will I lose accuracy? Does anyone have any ideas as to a good method of practicing new styles of approach? Thanks for any help.

This is my first post here, but I know I'll get the most feedback money can buy from you guys. Here's the deal...

I'm big guy, 280lbs, 6'3. Needless to say, I'm not the most graceful. My typical drive consists of a one-step approach. Any more than that and I'll probably be whiping dirt off of my face. For some reason, I can't perform this "X-step" approach, no matter how many times someone shows me.

OK, so my question is, how much distance am I potentially losing out on by not running up? I mean, I'm not talking about running up like Dave Wiggins Jr, but I think I need more than one step. Right now, my average drive with a TeeRex is around 360-420 feet. Will a good runup give me more? Will I lose accuracy? Does anyone have any ideas as to a good method of practicing new styles of approach? Thanks for any help.



If your throwing 360-420 with a one step and your getting go accuracy I wouldnt even try to develope a run up..........I would say your going to gain some distance and possibly lose some accuracy but you dont really EVER need to throw more than 420ft and if you can accurately throw 360 without problems you should be fine.........Just my 2 cents

But if you really want to learn the X Step shoot me a PM and I will try my best to help you out.

the best way i've seen to learn something new is just watch the pros and try to mimic them. download video clips (discgolfreview.com is good for that) of whatever you're trying to learn and just keep trying it until you think you've got it down or close. then go out and practice it. when i did this i just slowed down the motion to about half speed to make sure everything was being done right and gradually sped up. it takes a little while to be comfortable with any change so consistancy will probably be an issue to start.

but seriously, if you're getting to around 400' consistantly i wouldn't be in a big hurry to change things up unless you've got lots of free time. if you put the practice in and aren't playing any tournaments for a while, it'll be worth it because you can probably bomb with a good run up/X-step. if you don't have that kind of time, stick with what you're doing. transforming your throw takes a while.

I agree iwith the Rookie here for the most part, the only thing that the x-step will help you with is taking some of the strain off your body by not having to exert yourself so much from just a one step appraoch.

I see what you guys are saying. I'm wondering if it's even worth it to learn an approach. Sounds like I might be able to increase my endurance though. Right now, after about 36 holes I am pretty whiped out. Maybe learning this Xstep will help with that, as Schweb suggested. Thanks guys. I think I'll keep casually practicing a run up, but stick with what I got for now. I'm playing a few PDGA tourneys in October.

Good luck and just so you know.........Im pretty whipped after 36 holes of golf as well and im 24

I'm no Schweb, but here's what I know on the subject...

a. The X-Step is primarily for giving you added reach-back, arm speed, and distance. But if you're already getting up to 420 without it you may be fine with a one step.

b. The second thing that an X-Step is for is rhythm. It is a matter of comfort for many players stepping into, or sometimes even running into, their drives. This comfort level helps them eliminate bad thoughts (remember: your body sets itself to move before you actually consciously THINK to do something, only your own thoughts can deter it).

c. If you're comfortable where you are, and improving as you are, stick with it.


However, if you really want the x-step, here's the best way I can advise you:
Start out from a standstill with (assuming you are right handed) your right foot pointed straight out. Place your left foot behind your right foot with the left heel pointed so that it looks like the following:

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Now reach back in a line diametrically pointing away from your target. You want to be stepping forward with that right foot as you're pulling through with your right arm. Don't just snap forward, though, be smooth with it. Start your arm slowly and build some speed before snapping across your chest.

As you get into it and used to it, work on stepping into the stance I mentioned, this will give you a full cross step, and the full reach back.

It still takes the same amount of energy to make a given disc fly a given distance, an x-step just transfers some of the work from one part of your body to another. I wouldn't expect a miracle of endurance from the x-step, but maybe enough to add another 12 holes or something.

The X-step is 'likely better' at fully integrating and using the powerbase of leg (both) and hip muscles than a one step approach.

An X-step also 'likely' sets one up for a more thorough follow through - so as to more fluidly dissipate all that energy and momentum - which 'may' reduce repetitive use injuries = sprains & strains...or worse.

A walk-up X-step might suit you to a "T".

I use a run-up a lot less than I used to. I stand and deliver on most holes that are under 300. I think I get better accuracy that way. Either way I'm using the same throwing motion.

However, if you really want the x-step, here's the best way I can advise you:
Start out from a standstill with (assuming you are right handed) your right foot pointed straight out. Place your left foot behind your right foot with the left heel pointed so that it looks like the following:

|
\

Now reach back in a line diametrically pointing away from your target. You want to be stepping forward with that right foot as you're pulling through with your right arm. Don't just snap forward, though, be smooth with it. Start your arm slowly and build some speed before snapping across your chest.



Thanks a lot, I'm going to try and do this, while also recording myself so I can play back and see what the hec I'm doing wrong. I have my first PDGA tournament this Saturday so I'm pretty excited to get out and see what I can do.

Thanks a lot, I'm going to try and do this, while also recording myself so I can play back and see what the hec I'm doing wrong. I have my first PDGA tournament this Saturday so I'm pretty excited to get out and see what I can do.



Most people who have a problem with this are not doing the cadence correctly. It's a four count cadence with three steps. For right handers, step one, on count one, is right foot. Step two, on count three, is left foot. Step four, on count four, is right foot and throw. In other words, it is a skipping cadence. One (two), three, four. Step right foot, hop left foot, step right, throw. Good luck.

Well guess what? Today I was out throwing and took a 4 step approach, disc flew fine, but during the follow through I somehow pulled a muscle in the back of my neck. I can't turn my head right anymore, which is quite inconvenient. lol. Looks like I may be missing the tournament this Saturday. .... :(

I ended up toughing it out and placing 4th out of 12 in my division, which I was happy with.

Your pic/avatar says you're either a lefty OR you're throwing forehand. Which is it? The latter will influence all this advice... a LOT!

Looks righty to me....

Your pic/avatar says you're either a lefty OR you're throwing forehand. Which is it? The latter will influence all this advice... a LOT!



I'm a righty, the avatar is of me doing a flick. My primary drive is backhand, my forehand's only get about 300' and I mostly use them for finesse.

I would only worry about adding extra D if you are on an open course with not much between you and the pin. It helps to have the extra power from the run-up but like everyone says you will lose some accuracy, but on those holes, you don't really worry about 15-30 ft. when you are at the pin in one.

It sounds like the run-up is pretty unnecessary in your case.All an "x"-step does is set up the correct weight transfer,make sure you are lined up for your reach back,and help smooth out the throw.If you can accomplish all these things while doing a one step you are probably fine not learning it. :DLearning a run-up is like learning english in pool,it`s just another thing which can mess up your execution of the shot.If you throw 350-420 without straining yourself more power to you.You can play world class golf without needing to break 400 ft.Accuracy at distance is much more important.

Thanks for everyone's advice. Since posting, I've gotten fairly comfortable with a four step run-up, while maintaining decent accuracy. It's given me the option of hitting 400' when needed instead of randomly. I dont start off the tee, I can squeeze it all in the 10' box. Some of my buddies started callin me Little John because of my newfound distance. It's definitely taken several strokes off my game! I've got a practice basket now so hopefully someday I'll learn to putt from outside 20 feet! lol