I currently throw my mids from 220' to 245' (on a real good throw) but average closer to the 220' range.
That's not bad. When I started playing regularly a few years ago I could only throw about 210' with a 150 Champ Sidewinder. I was convinced I had reached my maximum distance.
The average distances I'm hitting with my distance drivers is only marginally better than my mid range drivers . . .
Distance drivers need to be thrown nose-down or they stall out. Midranges are more forgiving of nose-up. When you learn to have the disc rip out of your hand rather than letting go it will help you keep the nose down. Until then, you will probably see better results with mids and fairway drivers.
I've been told by a few other players that I have probably about maxed out my distance due to my age.
Never listen to other players when they are wrong.
I disagree. I think that if I work on and improve my form, practice and maybe begin strength training targeting the appropriate muscles I should be able to make fairly significant gains in my distance. :\
Distance is all about form. Read about technique, watch videos, and practice as much as you can. Disc Golf Review has an excellent technique section that helped me a lot. Strength training certainly won't hurt, especially building grip strength, but technique trumps strength.
So I guess the questions is are these guys right... have I about maxed out or can I ever hope to hit or exceed 300'?
I hope some of you in the 50+ age group can chime in here and give me a ray of hope. :thmbup:
You can do it. I am in my early 50s with a plethora of joint problems, but continue to improve distance and accuracy. I was stuck at 300' for a few years (a common problem), but over the past few weeks I finally started breaking the 300' barrier consistently, occasionally touching 350'.
For me, the keys were to pull straight, let my legs and torso do most of the work, keep my arm relaxed until the very last minute, and then grip the crap out of the disc just before it leaves my hand.
If an arthritic old fart like me can improve, you can too. Good luck!