Tag: Paul McBeth

Two approaches to teaching disc golf

by Parked, posted in Instruction

By Valarie Jenkins and Josh Woods ~

McBeth_Sexton_Clinic
Paul McBeth and Nate Sexton give an instructional clinic at the McBeast Challenge in Ocala, Florida (March 21, 2017). Photo by Brian Wells.

“Back in the weeds … great!”

Learning how to play disc golf can be frustrating. Searching for your disc in thorny underbrush while your friend taps in for birdie can test the patience of any disc golfer.

But then it happens: A breakthrough. The disc leaves your hand, glides along an intended path and lands near the basket. The sun peaks from the clouds. Birds chirp happily in the trees. You can breathe again. Okay, maybe you’ll play another round.

Moments of success keep disc golfers coming back for more. But where do they come from? How do disc golfers learn to play better? Continue reading “Two approaches to teaching disc golf” →

Without a net: All professional disc golfers are underdogs, even Paul McBeth

by Parked, posted in Opinion
Paul McBeth
Paul McBeth at the Pittsburgh Flying Disc Open, 2017 – Moraine State Park, hole 3, final round. Photo by James McDonald, editor at Full Metal Basket.

Paul McBeth is feeling small.

On September 16, 2017, shortly after dropping out of the Green Mountain Championship due to an injury and carding his first-ever DNF in a PDGA event, McBeth posted a message on Facebook:

“Being 5’8″ 160 lbs you’ll never be the favorite in sports. That’s why I like my story. #MyMindIsReady #USDGC” Continue reading “Without a net: All professional disc golfers are underdogs, even Paul McBeth” →

Does the fear of death inspire people to play disc golf? A review of Gessner’s ‘Ultimate Glory’

by Parked, posted in Culture, Grow the Sport

Cover Art D4

One of the most interesting books about disc golf is a book about Ultimate Frisbee. David Gessner, in Ultimate Glory, offers a rowdy, confessional tale about his years playing Ultimate in the 1980s. Ultimate players may be the intended audience, but disc golfers and other athletes of emerging sports—in fact, anyone who cares about a thing that many people consider ridiculous—will find this book fascinating. Continue reading “Does the fear of death inspire people to play disc golf? A review of Gessner’s ‘Ultimate Glory’” →

In the News, July 1-15, 2017

by Parked, posted in Media

InTheNews

Grow-the-sport news from around the country: Mcbeth, Panis make TV appearance; Discmania gives tips for going pro; Dodger Stadium disc golf; high-value disc golf news coverage in Boston Globe, Wall Street Journal; dog lovers trash course; PDGA’s Chargualaf gains footing; new courses in Alabama, Illinois, New York, Washington and Weber State. Continue reading “In the News, July 1-15, 2017” →

“Wow, that hurt”: A look At The Injury Bug, And How To Avoid It

by Parked, posted in Instruction

umbrella

Injuries can be rich learning experiences. When I was ten, for instance, I learned that leaping off a garage roof with a beach umbrella is pretty much the same thing as leaping off a garage roof without a beach umbrella.

Having sustained several flamboyantly unnecessary injuries, I probably shouldn’t be giving advice on how to avoid them. Still, my goal here is not to air my own wisdom, but rather to add to yours by cultivating some available resources. Continue reading ““Wow, that hurt”: A look At The Injury Bug, And How To Avoid It” →