Disc Golf

Unit/Lesson Plan

Prepared for Radford University’s Department of Exercise, Sport, and Health Education

Teaching Physical and Health Education Program

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Table of Contents

History and Background of Disc Golf……………..Pg. 3Rules of Disc Golf………………………………....Pg. 4Terminology of Disc Golf………………………….Pg. 5Potential Benefits……………………………….....Pg. 6Task Progression………………………………......Pg. 7Key Performance Cues……………………………Pg. 9Lesson Plans………………………………............Pg. 10Assessment………………………………..............Pg. 13Info for Written Test………………………………Pg. 15Practice Activities and Lead Up Games………….Pg. 17Strategy………………………………..................Pg. 18Etiquette……………………….…………………Pg. 19Expense………………………………..................Pg. 20Special Needs Accommodations………….………Pg. 21Sources………………………………...................Pg. 22

Part 1: History and Background of Disc Golf

Although Disc Golf has only been around for 50 years, it has rapidly gained a massive following worldwide, and has become one of the most popular outdoor recreational sports to play.

Disc Golf has a somewhat mysterious beginning. Some believe that disc golf was invented in the early 1900’s with the invention of the “flying disc,” but many generally believe that the form of disc golf we play today was popularized in the late 1960’s with the mass marketing of Wham-O! Frisbees. However, due to the name “Frisbee” being a trademarked item, inventors of the sport were forced to use the term “Disc Golf.”

The forefathers of the sport are George Sappenfield, and “Steady Ed” Headrick, who invented the chain link basket for competitive play. On top of this, the duo also formed the PDGA in 1975, which is still the governing body of all competitive disc golf events. It is said that Sappenfield, who was a counselor at a children’s summer camp, thought it would be fun if kids could play golf on the camps playground. He then proceeded to set up a golf course, full of obstacles and other types of hazards. This was the basic set up that most early disc golf courses used, ranging from small items such as trash cans to larger objects such as fire hydrants. Soon, the Wham-O! corporation started donating fresh Frisbees and hula hoops for targets for events. However, it would not be until 1970 that official courses started to take shape all over the east coast and Midwest.

Ed Headrick is known as the “father of disc golf” as he, as an employee at the Wham-O! corporation, started designing Frisbees to maximize aerodynamics, accuracy, and speed. Along with working together with Sappenfield to form the PDGA, Headrick also formed the International Frisbee Association(IFA).

Today, disc golf has seen remarkable growth globally, with millions of players participating in events annually, along with over 30,000 disc golf courses throughout the world, of which 87% are free to play on. Though not as internationally recognized as the Professional Golf Association(PGA), disc golf has gained a very big following with college and high school students alike, with many going pro after graduation of college. With the growing interest of the sport, disc golf is sure to remain popular for decades to come.

Part 2: Rules of Disc Golf

Disc Golf is played a lot like traditional golf, but for this paper, we will keep it very simple so that advanced players and beginners alike can grasp the key concepts of the game and pick up a Frisbee and play with little confusion.

Teeing Off: Each player will stand at the tee at different times and throw their Frisbee towards the basket. Players must stay inside the designated tee off area, and are allowed to take a running start if the player wishes. However, players must stay in the designated zone. Failure to stay in the designated zone will result in a 1 throw penalty.

After the tee off: After teeing off, players will walk down the field to wherever the players Frisbee landed. From there, whoever is farthest away from the hole(or basket) will take turns throwing. When throwing, players may not take any additional steps, and both feet must stay grounded when throwing.

Putting: Once players are on the putting green, or 32.8 feet away from the basket, players can not take a follow through step after the throw, and both feet must stay grounded. Failure to do so results in a 1 throw penalty.

So you lost your Frisbee. Now what?: One of the most common things that can happen to a disc golf player is losing your Frisbee; be it in a tree, in a lake or on a roof. If this is to happen, make all attempts to retrieve the disc. If retrieved, it may be played on the closest piece of ground and the player will be assessed a 1 throw penalty. If the disc is completely lost, a new disc will be given to the player, and the player will be assessed a 1 throw penalty.

Part 3: Terminology of Disc Golf

Ace: A hole-in-one.

Birdie: Completing the hole one stroke under par

Par: The average number of throws for a player to complete the hole.

Tee Pad: The designated tee-off area.

Basket: The device that catches the disc

Along with the basic definitions listed above, there are numerous definitions that a player would pick up over a period of time of playing disc golf. Check them out at http://www.discfly.com/Category~CategoryID~659.html.

Part 4: Potential Benefits

Although disc golf is perhaps one of the easiest activities to learn to play, it is by far one of the most fun recreational activities that can be learned.

For the younger age group, disc golf can teach hand eye coordination, crossing the midline of the body(which is crucial to the development of a child ages 4-8), throwing, and, if used in a running workout, the beginning of basic running. It can also help teach children the basic rules of the real game of golf and the concept of how to play golf.

For the older ages, disc golf teaches arm control, reinforces hand eye coordination, and if working as a team, can show off strategy and teamwork.

Perhaps the best aspect of disc golf is that both young and old can participate in this sport for as long as they wont. Disc golf is not a activity that is limited to a certain age group, or a certain stage of physical fitness as anybody can play as long as you can throw a Frisbee and walk for a few hours at a time. It’s a lifetime recreational activity!

Part 5: Task Progression

1: Throwing the Frisbee: Frisbee throwing is probably one of the most important aspects of playing disc golf. Without being able to throw a Frisbee a short distance at the least, the player will struggle with this activity. Activities such as paring into small groups and tossing the Frisbee a short distance to each other can teach proper Frisbee throwing mechanics, and can also teach accuracy when actually throwing to partners.

2: Increase the distance, try different throwing styles: Once the basic of throwing a Frisbee has been mastered between partners, increase the distance. This will help the players learn how hard to flick the Frisbee, further increase the need for an accurate throw and increase the difficulty of actually catching the Frisbee. Along with increasing the distance, try different throwing styles such as throwing underhanded, and baseball throwing it as well. When trying different throwing styles, varying throw placements are a good way to test footwork

3: Throw to targets: After practicing throwing to partners and throwing from a distance, place a target on the ground several yards away from the throw zones. Preferably, a large hula hoop would work the best with this. Have participants throw to hula hoop, with emphasis on trying to get the Frisbee as close as possible to the hoop. Occasionally, increase the distance between the throwing zone and the hoop. However, this may only be advised for more advanced students, as younger children may not have the power to reach the target at a distance.

4: Accuracy Challenges: Obviously the whole point of playing disc golf is to get as close as possible to the target, and from personal experience working with kids, they tend to get very upset after repeated failure to get close to the target. So, before any real game is played, it is very necessary to raise the students confidence levels and make them as comfortable as possible throwing the Frisbee. Using accuracy challenges will help the student be precise when throwing the Frisbee, will teach that technique, not pure muscle, is key to low scores, and once again, will help the student grow confidence with each throw. These challenges are rather simple. Place targets at intermittent ranges on a playing field, and have each student try to get as close as possible to the targets. There are no winners or losers in this exercise! This is purely for practice.

5: Mini Game: Before having a full blown round of disc golf, set up a small playing field somewhere on school property. This could be a baseball field, football field, parking lot or any other large, open area. Place several cones as tees in varying spots, with matching colored hula hoops a distance away to throw to. If at all possible, add obstacles throughout the course. Try to keep the course fairly small and contained to keep the students interested.

6: The Real Game: After all above steps have been completed, the only real activity is to have a real game. The course itself can be almost anything you can think up with your imagination. Anything from throwing from one end of a football

field to the other, or from the top of a hill to the home plate on the baseball field, anything goes with course design. The playing course if you so desire can be spread out or kept in a tight area, but for the sake of the students getting out and getting exercise, spreading the field can be best. Split participants up into groups of 3, provide them a score sheet with a map of the course and send them all to different holes. As the observer move around the course to make sure each group is participating and following the rules. After each group is done, tally up the scores to find out which group is the winner of the activity.

Part 6: Key Performance Cues

Throwing the Frisbee: This is usually the biggest problem for beginners to the game of disc golf, as most have no idea how to properly throw a Frisbee with launching it sideways or making it flip upon release.

-Preparation: Hold the Frisbee comfortably in your fingers. Hold it firmly but gently. Curl your wrist slightly with your elbow pointing upwards and outward.

-Action: Acting as if your hand is a small spring, throw the Frisbee with a

flick of the wrist. The forearm should not have much movement at all. Failure to keep the forearm still will result in the Frisbee going in random directions and flipping almost immediately after release.

-Follow Through: After throwing make sure that your arm and wrist revert back into the starting

Throwing the Frisbee underhanded: Quite possibly the hardest way to throw a Frisbee for beginners and novices alike, learning this technique will improve your accuracy by quite a lot.

-Preparation: Grasp the Frisbee gently but firmly in between your fingers(Pointer finger and thumb)

-Action: Once again, act as if your wrist is a spring. When throwing be sure to keep your arm as stationary as possible so the Frisbee will get distance. If the forearm moves, there is a chance the Frisbee will fall immediately. Also, take care to keep for wrist straight when throwing, otherwise the Frisbee will shoot upwards or downwards upon release, depending on the position of your wrist.

-Follow Through: Just like the overhand throw, be sure to bring your range of motion all the way through the throw when throwing the Frisbee, and bringing it back to resting position after throwing.

Part 7: Lesson PlansElementary Lesson Plan

Lesson Content: 5th grade disc golf Lesson #1Equipment: Frisbees, Hula Hoops, Multi-colored cones

Teach Goal/Objective: To introduce elementary school kids to disc golf

Initial Activity(2 minutes): Color Tag Call Roll

Fitness Stations(5 minutes): 1: Stretching, 2: Lunges 3: Sit Ups 4: Push Ups 5: Jumping Jacks“When finished, meet in middle of gym.”

4 in 4 corners of gym, one at baseline of gym.

5 minutes, rotate through each one once for 1 minute.

Lesson Activity(20 minutes): Split into groups of 3, while 1 person fetches a Frisbee.

Review: How to throw a Frisbee properly

Teammate Toss: Assemble into a triangle, and while standing somewhat close, toss the Frisbee to each other

Variations: Have one teammate move farther from rest of group to get more distance into the throw. Have the team member who moves farther away change sporadically

Monkey in the middle: While still in groups of 3, have 1 person get into the middle of the other two members, and have the middle member attempt to intercept the Frisbee while other two teammates throw to each other. IF caught, the monkey in the middle changes to the person who threw it.-Encourages footwork and jumping using arms-Hand eye coordination to actually catch Frisbee

Variations: Have kids throw the Frisbee a certain way. Have it thrown low, high, to the middle, a long throw, etc. This will help the students actually move to try to intercept the Frisbee instead of standing in one place.

Target Practice: Set a “tee off” cone somewhere in gym, and set hula hoop at a distance on the other side, have the groups throw to the hoop to test accuracy.-Throw power and accuracy is tested here

Variations: Set different sized hula hoops, or other objects that can be “targets” in place of a normal sized hula hoop to further re-enforce throw power, etc.

Around the world: Using one or two Frisbees, split students into two lines. Have kids throw to one another, and move to the back of their line-After a while of doing this, have kids run to the other side of the court after throwing Frisbee.-This will also help timing and staying alert. And to an extent, accuracy

Remember to remind students to always run to your RIGHT to avoid collisions and confusion.

Small scale game: Using the gym or a small course outside, play a very small game of disc golf. Remember to keep it very simple. there are no winners in this as of now!

Reminder: Students at this age may not be able to handle a real game. Act accordingly to how the class reacts to games

Cool down/stretching: While stretching, review what you learned today, and preview what you will be doing the next day

Part 7: Lesson PlansMiddle School Lesson Plan

Virginia SOLs: 8.1 Skilled Movement and 8.2 Movement Concepts

Student Objective(s): By the end of this lesson, students will have learned how to properly throw a Frisbee, concept of a real game of golf, and working together as a team to achieve a low score.

Materials needed: 16-20 Frisbees, 9 cones of varying color, 9 hula hoops, 9 flags of varying color.

Lesson Activities/Tasks Cues/Questions SpaceInitial Activity(1 Min) Homebase(Gym)Fitness Activity(4 Min) General Space(Gym)Lesson Activity(30 Min)

Please pair up in groups of….

Equipment space is here and here….

Game Play(15 Minutes) Always move to the next hole

One team at each hole

Closure(1 Min) Homebase(Gym)

Part 7: Less PlansHigh School Lesson Plan

Lesson Content: 10th Grade Disc Golf

Virginia SOLs: 10.1 Skilled Movement and 10.2 Movement Concepts

Student Objective(s): Student Objective(s): By the end of this lesson, students will have learned how to properly throw a Frisbee, concept of a real game of golf, and working together as a team to achieve a low score.

Materials Needed: Materials needed: 16-20 Frisbees, 9 cones of varying color, 9 hula hoops, 9 flags of varying color, Pencils, Score sheet(1 for each group)

Less Activity/Tasks Cues/Question SpaceInitial Activity(2 min) Homebase(Gym)Fitness Activity(5 Min) General Space(Gym)Lesson Activity(15 min)

Please work in groups of….

Outside, 9 holes

Game Play(25 min) You win by… Disc Golf Course(9 holes)

Closure(5 min) Homebase(Gym)

Part 8: AssessmentAssessment of Disc Golf

Assessment Tools: 1. Skills sheet, 2. Written Test(History and Basic Rules Handout), 3. Daily Participation, 4. Playing

Profile

Skills sheet: 150 PointsWritten test: 120 PointsParticipation: 60 Points(5 per day)Playing Profile: 60 Points(5 per day)Extra Credit: 10 Points(Helping with equipment, etc)Total Points: 400 Points

Disc Golf Skills Sheet

Name:____________ Class Period:_____________Partner(s):__________________________

Date

Skill Description Classmate

1. Read and study “information for written test” handout.

2. 5 consecutive catches between partners w/out dropping frisbee

3. 10 consecutive catches between partners w/out dropping frisbee

4. 20 consecutive catches between partners w/out dropping frisbee **

5. Complete at least 15 of 20 tosses to partner while throwing Frisbee at a low height. /20 /20 /20 /20 /20 /20 /20

6. Complete at least 15 of 20 tosses to partner while throwing Frisbee at a height above the head. /20 /20 /20 /20 /20 /20 /20

**

7. At a larger distance than previous, complete at least 10 of 20 tosses to partner /20 /20 /20 /20 /20 /20 /20

8. Accurately throw a Frisbee within 5-7 feet of target hoop from a distance of 20+ feet

9. Accurately throw a Frisbee within 5-7 feet of target hoop from a distance of 30+ feet.

**

10. Play a mini game of disc golf inside a gym using basic understanding of disc golf.

11. Play a large scale game of disc golf using a somewhat more advanced **

understanding of disc golf rules(Using proper terminology, strategy, etc)

· **These skills require a teacher “check-off” before moving on to the next skill.· Record your progress with the /20 by writing in how many you successfully complete each

practice trial. For example, 8/20; 11/20, etc. would mean you improved from 8 to 11 out of 20 the second time you practice the skill.

· Use the back of this sheet for more practice trials as needed.

Information for Written Test

Disc golf is a variation of real golf, but instead of using holes, tees, balls and clubs, the player uses a Frisbee, a metal basket to catch the Frisbee, and the players arm as a “club.” Disc golf can be played almost anywhere where there is an abundance of wide, open space, be it a parking lot, a football field or a baseball field. Fields generally do not have to follow a certain criteria, so using

imagination when creating a field is highly recommended.

Disc Golf was created in the late 1960’s in California by George Sappenfield and Ed Headrick(who was actually a Frisbee designer for the Wham-O! corporation), though there is some controversy on if this is the actual creators of the game, as many people claim that Disc Golf has been around since the early 1900’s with the onset of the flying disc toy.

There is actually a professional league that anybody can join called the Professional Disc Golf Association(or PDGA for short), with events held throughout the country. This league, along with the International Frisbee Association(IFA) has been around since 1975, and is usually credited to be created by both Ed Headrick and George Sappenfield.

Disc Golf is actually preferred in many schools grades 5-12 as it teaches hand eye coordination, accuracy, throwing skills, and is also a great way to be introduced to the real game of golf in a fun, less frustrating activity, as the rules are basically the same, save for very few tweaks made simply to best use a Frisbee.

Basic Rules and Terminology:

Ace: A hole-in-one.

Birdie: Completing the hole one stroke under par

Par: The average number of throws for a player to complete the hole.

Tee Pad: The designated tee-off area.

Basket: The device that catches the disc

Along with the basic definitions listed above, there are numerous definitions that a player would pick up over a period of time of playing disc golf. Check them out at http://www.discfly.com/Category~CategoryID~659.html.

Teeing Off: Each player will stand at the tee at different times and throw their Frisbee towards the basket. Players must stay inside the designated tee off area, and are allowed to take a running start if the player wishes. However, players must stay in the designated zone. Failure to stay in the designated zone will result in a 1 throw penalty.

After the tee off: After teeing off, players will walk down the field to wherever the players Frisbee landed. From there, whoever is farthest away from the hole(or basket) will take turns throwing. When throwing, players may not take any additional steps, and both feet must stay grounded when throwing.

Putting: Once players are on the putting green, or 32.8 feet away from the basket, players can not take a follow through step after the throw, and both feet must stay grounded. Failure to do so results in a 1 throw penalty.

If Frisbee is lost: One of the most common things that can happen to a disc golf player is losing your Frisbee; be it in a tree, in a lake or on a roof. If this is to happen, make all attempts to retrieve the disc. If retrieved, it may be played on the closest piece of ground and the player will be assessed a 1 throw penalty. If the disc is completely lost, a new disc will be given to the player, and the player will be assessed a 1 throw penalty.

Playing Profile(Sportsmanship)

` Just like the real game of golf, disc golf is a gentleman’s(or ladies) game. The biggest factor to the success or failure of this game is honesty. Since you could be out on the playing field either by yourself or with two or three other participants, it is imperative that you are honest in your scores per hole. It is no fun to play with somebody that smudges on their scores in order to win. Although it is fun to win, the whole point of disc golf(and real golf) for that matter is just to have fun, and have a relaxing time with friends while continually striving to improve your score from time to time each time you play the respective course.

0=Unwilling to play with rest of class, spends majority of time sitting on sidelines1=Participates somewhat, but complains continuously, and is in general a poor teammate.2=Participates only when paired with friends, and complains if not w/ friends. Is generally rough on equipment.3=Has fun participating in activity, but still gets flustered easily when losing, or doing poorly.4=Has fun playing the game, win or lose. Can participate with any classmate, and does not complain at all.5=Plays with ALL students without complaining, helps with equipment, and generally strives to make him/herself a better player but does not take the game too seriously to get mad at it.

Date Score Description of Playing Profile Actions

Classmate(partner)

Part 9: Practice Activities and Lead Up Games

1: Partner tosses: Using groups of 2-3 students, have the students toss 1 Frisbee to each other, with distance of throw increasing over a period of time, and height of Frisbee changing periodically(Start in middle area, throw low, throw high, etc)

2: Monkey in the middle: Using the same groups, have 1 student stand in the middle of his/her group and have the other two on either sides of the one in the middle. Have the two on the sides throw to each other in attempts to avoid the person in the middle catching the Frisbee. If person in the middle catches the

Frisbee, the thrower is now in the middle. However, to not hurt feelings and confidence, change who is in the middle every few minutes to keep it fair.

3: Accuracy throws: Have students(still in groups) stand on one side of play area(Probably a gym or football field). Set a throwing zone out for students to stand at, and have hula hoops at intermittent distances ranging from 10 feet from the throwing zone to 40-50 feet(depending on the age group, this will have to vary). This activity will help with the student learning throwing power and putting a touch on the Frisbee instead of just flinging it as hard as he/she can.

4: Mini Game: Again, using a big open space, play a small game of disc golf. However, instead of having a big, expansive field, keep it somewhat small. Personally, I prefer 100 yards by 50 yards as a playing field when teaching the basics to first timers, and novices alike.

5: Real Game: Eventually, after enough practice and lead up activities, a real game is bound to happen. For a real game, increase the size of the playing field(if doable, try to cover the whole campus of the school to get the big sprawling golf course feel to the game, if not, using the sports facilities area is quite OK.). After splitting students up into several groups of at least 3 and no greater than 5 , give one student a score sheet and a pencil and send them to a reselected hole. When done, make sure students meet at a predetermined area to tally up scores and declare a winner.

Part 10: Playing Strategy

In disc golf, the best strategy that can be said is to not put a lot of power into your throws unless absolutely necessary. If you put too much power into the throw, there is a high chance that your Frisbee will go in a completely different direction than originally intended. It is generally a good idea to develop a gentle touch to the Frisbee, and try to dink and dunk the Frisbee to the hole for a short putt. Remember, getting a hole in one is great, but ultimately winning is the number one goal and that’s what we are going for. Usually, hitting par for each hole is the best strategy, but if you can get under, that is acceptable as well.

To recap:

-Don’t put too much power into your throw-Dinking and Dunking the Frisbee to the hole does not look glamorous, but it gets the job done most of the time.-When putting, do not put a lot of spin on the Frisbee, otherwise it will hit the ground and more than likely roll out of the hole(if using a hula hoop hole).

Part 11: Etiquette

Just like the real game of golf, disc golf is a gentleman’s(or ladies) game. The biggest factor to the success or failure of this game is honesty. Since you could be out on the playing field either by yourself or with two or three other participants, it is imperative that you are honest in your scores per hole. It is no fun to play with somebody that smudges on their scores in order to win. Although it is fun to win, the whole point of disc golf(and real golf) for that matter is just to have fun, and have a relaxing time with friends while continually striving to

improve your score from time to time each time you play the respective course. Remember, don’t let small things such as a silly game get you upset! Its all in good fun, win or lose!

Part 12: Expense/Opportunities

Discs(Frisbees): A great beginner disc will cost anywhere between $5-$15. Generally, most Frisbees in this price range are acceptable for all ranges, and scenarios. You Can’t really go wrong with them. However, if you’re an advanced player looking for a more professional disc, be prepared to spend anywhere between $35-$80 on discs.

Cones(Tees): A set of 6 multicolored cones will cost anywhere between $13-$20. Its best to look around though, as some stores will give you large discounts if bought in bulk.

Basket(Hole): By far the most expensive(yet durable) of the whole hobby is the disc basket. You can buy a set of 2 for around $300, which is a deal as most sites

I’ve dealt with sell 1 for around $170, with the cheapest being a lightweight, plastic basket for $72. I don’t think I would recommend the plastics though, as the seem to be very breakable.

CHEAP ALTERNATIVE: Hula hoops are probably more acceptable to teach disc golf to younger students and high school students alike, AND you can use them for other activities as well. Searching around, it seems as if you can get sets of hula hoops(multicolored) for around $20-$30, but again, some stores will also sell in bulk.

Also, there is a nice starter kit for sale on www.amazon.com that has 3 Frisbees, and a rule guide all for $25(Pictured below).

Part 14: Accommodations for Special Needs Children

Disk Golf really is a non contact sport to be completely honest, but there are some precautions that can be taken to ensure 100% safety for all students.

For example, there are gummy Frisbees that are floppy and non solid, so if your teaching a special needs class, these Frisbees come in handy because they are not as intimidating to the students, and if hit with one, you barely cause a scrape and not cause any pain. These gummy discs start off at $3 and can go up to has high as $75.

-$3

-$70

Part 14: Sources

Internet Sourceswww.amazon.comProfessional Disc Golf Association:www.pdga.comwww.discgolfvalues.comwww.everythingdiscgolf.com

Book Sources

Zakrajsek, Dorothy B. Quality Lesson Plans for Secondary Physical Education. 2nd. Champagne, IL: Human Kinetics, 1993. Print.