On November 15, 1993, Dr. Tom Amberry made 2,750 consecutive free throws and stopped without a miss. He was seventy-two years old at the time and had only been practicing for a year and a half. How did he accomplish this? Focus and concentration.

Focus is keeping the mind in the here and now and dealing with those things we are in control of. When we speculate about the future we begin to play a dangerous game. There are many things about the future that are uncertain and out of our control. On the other hand, the outcome of past events is known, but they are unalterable. In disc golf, it is ideal to learn to narrow focus for shot making and widen focus for between shot time. This is important so that you can learn to concentrate in golf; not for the entire 2-3 hour round, but for 30 seconds, 50 + times, and still sustain mental energy for the entire round. Our individual personality will dictate width of focus between shots and it is important to stay true to our own style. Some of us are better with a more internal focus between shots (self-talk, daydreaming, small talk with another player) and some of us are better with a broader focus (outgoing, joking, lots of talking).

Concentration is really the partner of focusing. It does not mean "trying hard". It is using our mind to maximize abilities to achieve the highest degree of success. Mental preparation begins with a "mental diet" of positive teaching, and an "empty" mind, perhaps by using a ritual to achieve this quiet state of mind. A consistent ritual like a solid mental routine can help reassure and relax, emptying the mind to let the body do what it has done thousands of times before in practice.

Imagine when you are playing disc golf that you are wearing blinders. As you approach the first tee and each subsequent shot, narrow your blinders to focus only on execution. The blinders should shut out both internal and external distractions. After execution, widen the blinders to sustain energy. Repeat this over and over for the duration of the event.

THE MENTAL ROUTINE (narrow the blinders)

Calculations

*left brain thinking here

*decide type of shot - hyzer, anhyzer; pick your disc

*decide with as little hesitation as possible and commit fully

*end analysis and begin next step

Visualization

*right brain thinking here

*from behind the shot, visualize the flight of the disc to the basket

*visualize this shot as clearly as possible

Feel

*consciously try to feel the exact throw that you have committed to use

*imagery or physical practice throw is acceptable and individual

*THROW THE SHOT

BETWEEN DISC GOLF SHOTS (widen the blinders)

Allowed Thoughts

*self compliments

*visual replay of good shots

*small talk

*study wildlife, landscapes, clouds and birds

*daydreams of favorite places

*humming a favorite tune

*walking with composure and confidence

*deep breathing

Not Allowed Thoughts

*mechanics

*looking ahead or looking behind

*score, cut, position, birdies, bogies

*what others think of you

*what others expect of you

*negative self talk

*what if’s

*how other players are doing

*replaying bad shots and experiences

Focus and concentration are constant challenges. Work in this important area is rewarding. Once we have mastered the mechanics of the various disc golf shots we will be performing out on the course (through conceptual understanding, repetition, habituation), adopt a generally positive outlook that is free of self defeating negative thoughts. Next, develop a way to control thoughts by achieving a state of focus and concentration. Never let the mind wander away where it might find something in the past or future that will suddenly flash onto the screen of the mind. If this happens, it creates tension in the body. Instead, keep your mind in the here and now by repeating your ritual. Do the physical and mental routine rituals and let your body take over. The disc will go where you want it to go. Trust this.

David Letterman: How long did it take you to set the record?

Dr. Amberry: Twelve hours.

David Letterman: And why did you finally stop?

Dr. Amberry: They kicked me out of the gym.

A few tips to help you improve your game.

1. Prepare: practice weaknesses.

2. Use a consistent pre-shot routine.

3. Manage your emotions. Stay even.

4. Visualize the path of the disc to the basket.

5. Concentration on the present.

6. Accept your play on every shot.

7. Engage in positive self-talk.

8. Develop a learning attitude.

The mental game is at least 86% of the game.