Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

O.K. I've written three reviews of this book but withdrawn every one because my reviews are longer than the book (and I'm conscientious, too). In essence, as a dedicated amateur and student of the game, I must advise beginners against this book, if only for one reason: The driving methods advocated by the author (namely the 180 degree and 360 degree turns) are antiquated and even counter-productive, rather than merely innocuous. The "X-step" or "scissors step" run-ups that are now used by the vast majority of good players are never even mentioned once in this book. To make matters even worse, the author illustates his run-ups by using footprints much as one might see in a dancing class. This important section is just plainly insufficient and out-of-date from start to finish. For anyone still with me, this book is written by a playwright, director, screenwriter and someone who is an "avid disc golfer". Is that it? Does merely loving a sport entitle you to give instructions to others? I think not. If he had other credentials, I'm sure he would have listed them but he doesn't. (I guess birds gotta' fly and writers gotta' write.) In fairness, some parts of the book aren't bad and even entertaining. However, the out-dated practical information, omissions and inaccuracies are too much to ignore. Folks, I must tell you that good disc golf just ain't easy. A good throw is as tricky to attain as a good tradional golf swing. It will take a lot of practice to get to the proficiency level many of you will want. Therefore, starting with ineffective or incorrect techniques will only force you to unlearn things later on. (The 180 degree turn driving technique is an excellent example.) This is, in essence, a cutesy and folksy little book that won't be of much practical help to a beginner (except in advising you to be polite, take along plenty of water and not be a "Chatty Cathy". Wow! A Chatty Cathy? How about that one.) Finally, and importantly, the drawings are often vague, give no sense of the dynamics involved and sometimes illustrate anatomical impossibilies. Try the internet (some good video stuff there), go to your local course and join a local club. See, in person, what works and what doesn't. I've found that people are usually very willing to help a beginner get started. (Especially with a little flattery.) Learning disc golf is true hands-on stuff! You have to see it and you have to do it. Reading about it and looking at static drawings just won't make you happy for very long. I promise. Well ... still a pretty long review but I guess I'll go with it. By all means give this game a try, though. It can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities and can be downright addictive. I promise you that, too.