I've been detecting for about 7 months now and 99% has been beach hunting.
The other .9% is tot lots with sand or bark.
I've done some park/dirt digging, but not for an extended period, until tonight.
I gave up after an hour and just scouted for targets for when I go back.
I use a Garrett digger and it does ok but it's so tiring! The grass at the park was the flat, matted type with some straight grass in the mix.
Do most of you use hand diggers or shovels?
I couldn't cut a round plug easily so I just made a half circle and wedged it up.
My coin popping technique need medical attention too!
I have a new respect for you all that hunt in the dirt.
First off, get a Lesche digger. It's a little thinner, and and has stronger steel. It cuts easier through the sod, and has a fantastic large hand plate, so you can use your body weight to both push into the soil, and leverage the dirt up.
Second, don't dig "plugs". Not only is it tough on the sod, as it isolates the roots, but it is actually far less effective.
Assuming you have a good pinpointer (which is an absolute MUST for keeping digging to a minimum), cut a V or U shaped FLAP in the ground, then just leverage up the dirt under the sod. You can retrieve the target this way, then simply drop the sod flap back down and tamp lightly. Many lawn services use blade aeration, which just puts cuts into the ground. A cut will rarely brown, whereas a plug will almost always.
Keeps everything looking fresh.
I also carry my pinpointer and lesche in my left hand while swinging on the right. I drop to one knee and rest my detector on my hip. The motion is VERY fluid, and doesn't require you to stop, put things down, and reach over to the pouch to retrieve a digger or pin pointer.
On one hand, the efficient movements are much less tiring, and it's far more efficient for retrieval, anyway. I usually have less than 8 seconds on the ground.
On the other hand, because it's so efficient, you fill you do a bit more up/downs than you otherwise would. For me, it's actually cleared up some back issues, as it's strengthened my core.
So... bottom line is:
1) Have a great pinpointer
2) Get a Lesche (I've used them both, and I assure you, the Lesche is superior)
3) Practice efficient motions
Cheers!
Skippy
...cuts perfect plugs for the deep silvers and it's very useful to push myself back upright with after retrieving the target
I was using the free kellyco gator digger I got with the Ace350. Pinpointing was OK using the nox and the vibraprobe but the dirt/sand and rocks while stooped down in a catcher's position is no fun for me 
