Why The Method, and Why Now?
By: Brian Weissman
In 1998, I embarked on a journey into disc golf, a sport I knew little about but was immediately drawn to after a friend introduced it to me. Having a background in Ultimate Frisbee, I assumed my skills would translate seamlessly to disc golf. I quickly discovered otherwise. My throws were limited to about 220 feet, and I struggled to understand the mechanics needed for distance and precision. Despite these challenges, I was hooked by the allure of the sport and the prospect of improvement. Throwing drives was fun and addictive.
For the next few years, I practiced diligently, gradually increasing my throwing distance to around 260-270 feet. However, progress beyond this point proved elusive. I sought out the resources that existed in the early 2000s, analyzed video, and practiced incessantly, but I couldn’t overcome the plateau. That finally changed in 2004, when I attended a tournament in Santa Barbara, California. The event was attended by a group of professionals from southern California, including two highly-ranked players named Steve Rico and Bobby Musick. Their effortless backhand throws, which we now recognize as “Pro Form,” were mesmerizing. It was clear they had tapped into a biomechanical efficiency that I did not yet understand.
Determined to learn, I approached one of the pros for a quick lesson. He introduced me to the X-step, a fundamental component of disc golf footwork. However, the X-step he taught was adapted from Ultimate Frisbee and emphasized backward hip rotation. While this approach helped generate spin and control release angles, it did little to harness forward velocity. It did, however, make me quite a bit better, and convinced me I was finally on the right path. I practiced this form for the next16 years, but my throws maxed out at around 60 mph. I remained frustrated, knowing there had to be a better way.
In 2020, a pivotal shift occurred. At the encouragement of my friend and mentor Lee Wence, co-founder of The Method system, I decided to slow down my throwing biomechanics and focus on the fundamentals. Lee emphasized the importance of balance and stability in my swing, teaching me to throw standstills from a one-legged stance. This technique helped me to finally feel the role of a proper weight transfer in generating power. While the results were promising, and let me match my old form with less exertion, they were not the breakthrough I had hoped for.
The turning point came when I embraced what I now call The Method, which I honed in on early in 2023. This approach revolutionized my understanding of the throwing sequence. The Method begins with an intention rooted in the brain’s non-dominant side, enabling the trailing side of the body to lead the throw. This subtle yet profound adjustment unlocked a biomechanical sequence I had never experienced before. By focusing on an inward twist of my left leg while keeping all my weight on my right leg, I discovered a brace that felt natural and powerful. I started feeling heavy leverage in the disc for the very first time.
This newfound stability, or “rootedness,” was transformative. For the first time, I could throw with greater power without sacrificing balance or control. My standstill throws reached distances of 400+ feet with speeds of 61-64 mph, a remarkable improvement over my previous full run-up throws. The experience validated the principles of The Method and inspired me to share this knowledge with others.
Motivated by this breakthrough, I collaborated with director Marc Ostrick and co-founders Lee Wence and Sebastian Behme to create “The Method System.” This free educational docuseries, available on www.learndiscgolf.com, aims to demystify the “Pro Form” and make it accessible to players of all levels. The series emphasizes three core principles: balance, sequence, and leverage. By focusing on these fundamentals, players can unlock their potential and elevate their game.
Creating The Method System has been deeply fulfilling. It’s not just about teaching mechanics; it’s about empowering players to experience disc golf at a higher level. I believe that with the right tools and guidance, anyone can achieve extraordinary results. The motto “Free to Play” encapsulates this philosophy, reflecting both the series’ accessibility and its goal of liberating players to tackle more challenging courses with confidence.
Looking back, the journey to develop The Method was filled with trial, error, and moments of revelation. Each step brought me closer to understanding the intricate dance of balance and power that defines great disc golf form. Now, through The Method System, I hope to inspire others to embark on their own journeys of discovery and mastery.
The timing for this project couldn’t be better. Disc golf is experiencing a surge in popularity, with more players than ever seeking ways to improve their skills. By providing a clear and accessible pathway to learning Pro Form, The Method System is poised to make a lasting impact on the sport. I’m excited to see how this knowledge will shape the future of disc golf and the players who embrace it.