Putting is one of the most important skills in disc golf — and often one of the most overlooked. While the target is close, there’s a lot more going on than it might seem. Wind, elevation, nerves, and your stance can all affect the result. The good news? There’s no single “correct” way to putt.
Whether you’re a new player looking for your first go-to putting style or a seasoned player wanting to add new tools for specific situations, this guide covers the most common disc golf putting styles — and when to use them.
Major Putting Styles in Disc Golf
There are two main styles most disc golfers use: the spin putt and the push putt. Many players fall into one camp or the other, but some blend the two into a hybrid style.
Spin Putt
The spin putt is like a mini throw — you apply wrist spin just like you would on a drive. The disc leaves your hand with speed and flies in a more direct, flat line to the basket.
Benefits:
- More resistance to wind
- Highly repeatable motion from 10 to 30+ feet
- Good for beginners due to consistent mechanics
Drawbacks:
- Faster putts can cause more spit-outs
- Misses often carry farther past the basket
Push Putt
Push putting is more of a toss than a throw. It uses a slower, arcing flight path — think of it like shooting a free throw in basketball. The disc tends to float with less spin and more loft.
Benefits:
- Highly accurate inside the circle
- Similar motion to everyday tossing tasks
- Soft landings on misses
Drawbacks:
- More affected by wind
- Requires more adjustment for different distances
- Less effective outside of circle 1
Hybrid Putt (Spush)
Many players find a middle ground between spin and push putting — often called a “spush” putt. You’ll see a bent-waist stance like a push putt, but with added wrist spin for stability and glide. This hybrid approach can give you the best of both worlds.
Alternative Putting Styles
While spin and push putts are the most common, there are other styles that come in handy — especially when you’re stuck in tricky situations or putting from long distance.
Turbo Putt
The turbo putt is a specialty throw where the disc rests on your thumb with your fingers wrapped around the rim. You throw it overhead, like a football or baseball.
Why use it:
- Great for getting over bushes or obstacles
- Releases from a higher point
Keep in mind:
- Harder to control, especially at distance
- Not ideal as your main putting style
Jump Putt
The jump putt adds a forward jump to your putting motion to gain extra power. It’s only legal when you’re more than 10 meters (about 33 feet) from the basket.
Why use it:
- Increases putting range
- Gives your normal putt extra reach
Rules to remember:
- You must release the disc before your plant foot leaves the ground
- Using it inside 10 meters is a foot fault
Putting Stances: Straddle vs. Staggered
Besides the type of putt you use, your stance can also impact your accuracy and comfort on the green. There are two common setups:
Straddle Stance
Your feet are set shoulder-width apart, with equal weight on both. You draw the disc back between your legs and release it straight forward.
When to use it:
- Helps get around trees or obstacles
- Keeps your body centered and balanced
Staggered Stance
This is more like a traditional throw stance. Your feet are offset, one behind the other. You rock your weight from back to front as you release the disc.
Benefits:
- Gives a natural forward motion
- Helps generate power and maintain a clean line
Final Thoughts
One of the great things about disc golf is the freedom to find a style that works for you. There’s no single “correct” way to putt — just what works best for your form and confidence. If you’re just getting started, try out a few of the main putting styles and see what feels natural. And if you’ve been playing for a while, it’s worth practicing some alternative styles to add versatility when your usual putt won’t cut it.
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