Disc Golf Guide for Schools and Kids Clubs

What is Disc Golf?

Disc golf is a fun and accessible sport that’s growing in popularity across schools and community clubs. Much like traditional golf, the goal is to complete each hole in as few throws as possible – but instead of hitting a ball into a hole, players throw a flying disc into a raised metal basket.

The game is simple to learn, requires minimal equipment, and can be played almost anywhere – from school playing fields and parks to indoor sports halls. It’s inclusive, low-impact, and a brilliant way to get pupils active while developing their throwing skills, coordination, and strategic thinking.
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Basic Rules of Disc Golf

Disc golf follows similar principles to traditional golf but with simplified equipment and play styles, making it ideal for younger age groups.

Objective:

Throw your disc from a designated starting point (called the tee) and aim to land it in the basket in as few throws as possible.

Basic Rules:

• Each throw counts as one point
• The player with the lowest total score at the end wins
• Players must throw from where their disc landed on the previous throw
• Courses usually have 6–9 or 18 “holes” (targets), but schools can create flexible versions with as many targets as space allows

Key Terms to Introduce:

• Tee: The starting point of each hole
• Basket: The target, usually a raised metal frame with chains to catch the disc
• Par: The expected number of throws to complete a hole

Watch the video below for a quick guide on how to play Dic Golf:

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Equipment Needed

Disc golf is a low-cost, adaptable sport that’s perfect for schools, clubs, and inclusive PE lessons. Whether you're running a quick intro activity or setting up a proper course, you don’t need a lot to get started.

Discs

For schools, simplicity and durability are key. Rather than using different types of discs for drivers, mid-range, and putting, many school programmes focus on one reliable disc that can be used for all skill levels and distances.

We recommend:

• Baseline Disc Pack – This pack includes 10 discs suitable for a wide range of players, from complete beginners to more advanced learners. Durable, easy to grip, and great for teaching throwing, accuracy, and scoring skills.

Targets (Baskets)

In official disc golf, targets are metal baskets with chains designed to catch the disc. For schools, these baskets help replicate the real game and give students a goal to aim for.

We recommend:

• The Keep Basket – A sturdy and affordable target ideal for school grounds or sports fields.
• The Castle Basket – Offers enhanced durability and visibility, suitable for more frequent or outdoor use.
• The Keep Pack – A ready-to-go solution including a Keep Basket and set of discs.

Alternative Equipment Ideas for Schools

If baskets aren’t available, you can still run engaging disc golf-style activities using common school sports equipment. These options are especially useful for indoor sessions, multi-use spaces, or budget-friendly alternatives.

Target Alternatives:

• Cones or hoops – Use as ground targets to develop aim, distance control, and scoring zones.
• Floor markers or beanbags – Encourage precision and controlled throwing in target-based games.
• Pop-up goals – Turn these into larger targets for beginners or younger students.
• Targets or taped zones – Great for indoor spaces to build accuracy in a controlled area.

Disc Alternatives:

• Flying discs – A low-cost way to introduce disc throwing and accuracy skills.
• Skinned flying discs – Lighter, softer, and easier to handle for younger pupils or beginners, reducing the risk of injury indoors or in small spaces.

These alternatives help schools deliver the core benefits of disc golf — accuracy, coordination, inclusive participation, and strategic thinking — without needing a full disc golf setup.
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Teaching Tips and Game Variations

Whether you’re working with KS2 pupils or secondary students, disc golf offers flexibility for lessons and after-school clubs. Here are some ways to keep it fresh and engaging:

Warm-up Activities:

• Target challenge: Set up hoops or cones for pupils to aim at before moving on to baskets.
• Accuracy zones: Create zones with increasing point values to help with scoring and decision-making.
• Games and Variations:
  Around the School: Use playground markings or field boundaries as creative course locations.
• Team Disc Golf: Pupils work in teams and take alternate throws – encouraging teamwork and inclusion.
• Obstacle Course: Add cones, markers, or soft play equipment to create fun challenges.
• Timed Throw: Set a target and see how many successful hits pupils can make in 2 minutes.

Tips for Delivery:

• Start with basic grip and throwing technique (backhand throw is most common)
  Use larger targets for younger children
• Keep games short and simple at first, then build up to full games or inter-class competitions
• Adapt rules to suit your space and age group – for example, allow pupils to rethrow from missed attempts if needed
• Disc golf is low-prep and high-reward, making it perfect for rainy day indoor adaptations or sunny day field sessions.