Stop Throwing to the Basket

If you’re throwing for the basket every throw, you’re adding strokes to your round.

Many disc golf players are taught to always aim directly at the basket.

While this might seem like the most straightforward approach, and works well for beginners, the best players think differently.

They plan their shots by targeting landing zones instead of the basket itself. This strategy helps them control the game, reduce errors, and create more scoring opportunities.

Landing zones are just what they sound like, spots where you would like your disc to land. There is no rule for size, but generally speaking it’s about 30 feet across, depending on the situation.

Let’s take a look at what you should be doing differently!

Why You Shouldn’t Always Throw to the Basket

Throwing directly at the basket sounds logical, but it comes with several drawbacks:

• Smaller target and tighter lines

The basket is a small target, often surrounded by obstacles like trees, bushes, or uneven terrain. This leaves little room for error, making it harder to land a successful shot.

• Doesn’t account for follow-up shots

If your first throw misses, you might end up in a difficult position for your next shot. Throwing directly at the basket ignores the importance of setting up easier follow-up throws.

• Scoring becomes more about chance

When you aim only for the basket, your success depends heavily on executing a perfect shot every time. This increases the risk of mistakes and blow-up holes.

• Forces high-pressure execution

Aiming at the basket demands precision and leaves little margin for error. This pressure can lead to rushed or forced throws, especially in windy or challenging conditions.

Why Targeting Landing Zones Works Better

Landing zones are specific areas on the course where you want your disc to land, setting you up for easier next shots. This approach offers several advantages:

• Bigger target and wider lines

Landing zones are often larger than the basket itself, giving you more room to land your disc safely.

• Creates more scoring opportunities

By planning your throws to land in favorable spots, you increase your chances of making birdies or pars consistently.

• Allows for follow-up shots that suit your style

You can choose landing zones that set you up for your preferred throwing style, whether that’s a forehand, backhand, or a specific putting distance.

• Provides more room for error

Landing zones often give you a larger margin of safety, reducing the risk of difficult recovery shots.

How to Choose Your Landing Zones

Choosing the right landing zone requires understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and the course conditions.

Know Your Strengths

Identify what types of shots you execute best. For example:

If your forehand throw is more accurate than your backhand, choose landing zones that set up a forehand approach.

If you have a strong putting ability from a certain distance, aim to land your disc within that range rather than trying to push distance which can lead to decreased accuracy on your upshot.

Recognize Your Weaknesses

Avoid landing zones that force you into shots you struggle with. For example:

If you find backhand shots difficult, don’t set up a landing zone that requires a backhand follow-up.

Stay away from tricky terrain or blind shots that require awkward and obscure foot positions if those are not your strengths.

Consider Wind and Weather

Wind can dramatically affect your disc’s flight. When planning landing zones:

Decide if you want to bite off more distance on the tee or play it safe with a shorter throw that lands in a clean, visible area.

Sometimes, it’s better to sacrifice distance for control, especially in windy conditions.

Plan for Missed Shots

Think about what happens if you don’t execute perfectly:

Will you end up in a tough scramble position?

Is there a more forgiving landing zone that allows for easier recovery?

Choosing landing zones that minimize risk will help you avoid blow-up holes and keep your score steady.

Applying Landing Zones on Different Hole Types

Short, Open Holes

On short holes with few obstacles, you might still aim for the basket to go for an ace. But even then, plan where your disc will land if you don’t make the ace. Consider wind direction and backdrop to avoid tough recovery shots.

The last thing you want to do is almost ace a hole, then have a death putt where if you miss the basket your disc will roll to the bottom a hill or go OB.

Longer or More Complex Holes

For longer holes or those with obstacles, landing zones become essential.

Sometimes your landing zone is simply straight down the fairway.

In these situations, you can also decide whether you want to be on the left or right side of the fairway to set up your next shot.

For complex holes however, you don’t always want to be trying to only get as close to the pin as possible. Often, you’ll want to get to the closest landing zone to the basket that offers you an attackable line or approach on your next shot.

There are holes that we can all think of where a landing zone may be 30-50 yards “out of the way”, but are more favorable for scoring opportunities than being lined up with the basket.

For example,

Imagine a hole with a narrow fairway and a basket tucked behind trees on the right. Instead of aiming directly at the basket, you might choose a landing zone on the left side of the fairway.

This gives you a wider angle for your next shot and avoids the risk of hitting the trees. Even if your first throw isn’t perfect, you have a clear path for your follow-up.

Final Thoughts

Throwing for the basket is a great way to learn the game and develop your skills.

But as you improve and desire to improve your scores on the course, start planning out your shots by choosing landing zones over direct lines to the basket.

With some practice, you’ll be amazed at the results. So give it a shot during your next round and let us know how you do!

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