In the last episode of Rules School, we looked at the rules that regulate stance.

We noted that the rules allowed us to begin our run-up and finish our follow-throughs outside of the area of the lie, so long as we were making contact at the moment of release.

Things change quite a bit when a lie is within the putting area.

Official Rules of Disc Golf (806.01): Putting Area »

What is the Putting Area?

The putting area is the area enclosed by a circle with a 10-meter radius extending from the base of the target.

If the distance from the front of your lie to the base of the target is less than 10 meters, your throw is considered a putt. Lies inside this 10-meter circle are commonly referred to as being “inside the circle”.

Sometimes the circle is marked by paint, whiskers, or other markings. If no markings are present, your group can decide whether or not your lie is inside the putting area or out. 

Stance Inside the Putting Area

Inside the putting area, the rules no longer allow us to follow-through past our lie like we can in the fairway.

Instead, players must demonstrate balance behind the marker disc after releasing the putt and before advancing toward the basket. Even if the disc has already come to rest in the basket, a stance violation can be called if you fail to demonstrate balance after putting.

Note: The rule requires only that you demonstrate balance; you do not have to maintain it. You can shuffle your feet. You can fall sideways. You can fall backwards. The only thing that matters is that you demonstrate balance at some point before advancing past your lie toward the basket.

Outside the Putting Area.

Outside of the 10-meter circle, the rules allow for a variety of putting techniques like jump putts and step putts, where the player moves beyond their marker after releasing the disc.

Many players find that these techniques help add power and accuracy to their long-range putts, but be careful - you can be called for a stance violation if your supporting point loses contact with the lie before you’ve released the disc.

Calling a Stance Violation

Whether or not you committed a stance violation is determined by the other players in your group.

If a member of your group calls a stance violation and another member seconds the call, then the call is confirmed. If you've committed a stance violation, your putt still counts, but you’ll receive one penalty throw added to your score for that hole. 

Check out our complete PDGA Rules School Video Series on YouTube »

Class Dismissed!

For more information visit the Official Rules of Disc Golf and be sure to check back each Thursday for a new installment of PDGA Rules School.

See you out on the course!