GOLF TIP
by Lynn Bernadett"Associate the Motion"
When you were born, the process of learning was based on trying something new for the first time, every time. As time has gone by, you no longer grasp at straws to learn. You build upon each experience making it easier to understand. This process is called, learning by ASSOCIATION: "The connection or relation of ideas, feelings, etc; correlation of elements of perception, reasoning, or the like. An idea, image, feeling, etc., suggested by or connected with something other than itself."
Learning golf can become a much easier process if learned by association, or past experiences, and adapting them to your golf swing. Some associative motor skills can be taken from your athletic background or simply through common daily activities. Before your first lesson, I purposefully have a conversation with you to find out about your background in sports and what your life consists of on a daily basis. This initial conversation is not only necessary for us to become comfortable with each other, but, I'm also gathering associative information which will dictate your method of learning.
A successful golf swing requires your entire body to perform well with a synchronized, fluid motion. You will need confidence to carry out this process. Developing your swing or correcting a swing flaw will be easily trusted if learned through the method of association (past experiences in sports and life). I use what you already know, and will continually make reference to that associative skill in order to regain your confidence. Associating the motion, combined with a positive mental attitude, can go a long way in any process towards success. The following are some examples of association for your golf swing:
Your grip pressure should feel...
- like holding on to the hand of a 2 year old, as you would for a pleasurable stroll.
- like holding on to a garden hose, to allow the water to flow freely, without obstruction.
(I will never use the analogy of holding a "bird in the hand" because I haven't, yet, met a person who has had that experience to identify with!)
The full swing motion is ...
- like the delivery and release of throwing a ball, as executed by a pitcher in baseball (hardball).
- like the delivery and release of serving in tennis (flat serve).
- like the delivery and release of a rolling a bowling ball ("strike ball").
The above mentioned, have the likeness of routine, weight transfer, hip & shoulder rotation, coil (torque) & release of coil, the rhythm/tempo/timing of release, and the synchronization required for an effective golf swing.
For some, the golf swing can be hard to learn if taken from "pure" golf terminology. You already have a life full of past experiences, why not adapt them to your golf swing? If you apply them correctly, it can make you understand the dynamics of the golf swing on common terms. It will also make it easier to retain effective motor skills. Associate the feel, associate the motion.
* * TRAIN YOUR MIND TO TRAIN YOUR BODY * *
Lynn Bernadett is an LPGA Golf Professional at The Pines Golf Club at Marana and a Saddlebrooke resident. For lesson information, call 520-991-4952, in Tucson, AZ.
Check out some of Lynn's other instructional articles:
Body Awareness Golf
Balance Your Senses
Acceptance
Counter Balance
Dynamic Weight Transfer
Senior Golf: Flexibility
GolfabiliTEE: Accessible Golf