Best training method

Maybe you guys can help me,

I still haven't discovered the best way to train a swing change, not as I shy away from practicing but also the quickest too.

Please don't say hit a thousand balls in a day!!!!!!!!


Ian.

Hi Ian,

Hitting 1,000 balls in one day is the best way. hehehe

What I do is train my brain first. Videotape yourself so you can visualize what you are actually practicing. Also, breakout the changes so that you can think directly about them. Practice the little portion of your change during coffee or lunch breaks without a club. That way when you swing your clubs next time you have thought extensively about the changes and now you only have to train the muscles because the thought patterns have already been changed.

Thanks Gord,

This is exactly what I do, just hoping for maybe a different line.

I think about it 24-7 until my next visit to the range.

Never mind


Ian.

I concur - video training is the most effective way to spot problems (and reinforce changes) I know of.

Again - visualization is fantastic. See the proper swing in your mind. See yourself making the swing over and over.

Practice (drill) small portions, or practice the swing slowly and controlled to the point of the change (for example, I would take my backswing to the top, making sure to keep my left wrist flat).




The other option is to simply keep swinging the way you do, and play the shot you make (in other words, if you slice, aim left and play the slice).

I have found that the best way to try and implement a specific swing change is to first, as mentioned get a clear picture in your mind of the mevement you are trying to acieve then mimick this image in front of a mirror. Without the use of a mirror (or camera if available) it is very hard to get an idea if you are actually making the movements that you want. I think the mirror is a very under used tool for implementing swing changes, it has certainly helped me a lot. Hope this helps.

If you are looking for help in getting a good swing change "routine" going, then here are some guidelines:

QUALITY NOT QUANTITY – 1000 balls will only groove calluses. If you take time between each shot, going through your pre-shot routine even in drills, and focus on the ONE aspect of what the drill is trying to accomplish, you will spend less overall time getting to where you want to be, and less money. You will hit fewer balls over a longer period of time, but those balls hit will have the proper quality within them.

PATIENCE - Depending on the severity of the change, you should set a goal that is obtainable within a month doing quality practice sessions 3 times a week. So in about 12 sessions you will reach your goal. This will keep your mind focused and entertained at the thought that you are getting somewhere as you do boring drills. Each sub-goal should be about ½ of the overall goal. Start with getting 5 out of 10 the way you want. Then, the next session, work to get 7 or 8 out of 10, 9/10 then eventually 10/10. If you do not reach your goal in this prescribed time, don’t worry. Just keep doing the drills, and be patient. Everyone is different, every swing change is different and there is no perfect formula, only guidelines.

REALISTIC - You should realize that your old swing is what comes natural and accept that it will want to come back. Getting mad or disappointed that an old swing resurfaced in a pressure situation will only cause your new swing to have to “fight” its way back. You want the new swing to be “invited” to play…so accepting that you will make mistakes along the way won’t scare the new swing away.

SEPARATE PRACTICE FROM PLAY – Remember that practice is just that, practice. Do not mistake a good day at the range as the potential of a good day at the course or vise versa, and bad day at the range does not predict a bad day on the course. You could have the best day ever at the range, and still go out to the course the next day and play your worst round ever. There are to many things that can cause a round to go bad that are essentially out of your control. The one thing that you can do is know that a day on the course is one day only. The next is going to be different, better or worse. Don’t gauge how well you were practicing based on your score. Only until you have a swing change grooved can you start to see the benefits from you hard work. Playing while you are in a change is good to do to test your level under pressure. But treat it as only a test, not a final exam.

Thanks guys,

Grinding out another change then.

Ian.

Did you honestly think there was a better way?

Not at all Greg,

It is a very long time since I made any major swing changes, I intend to work this winter on my swing change following a couple of lessons.

If I am to get lower than 5 h/capp next season my pro thinks that my slightly flat swing needs to be a touch steeper and on a little better plane for more consistancy.

Ian.

WOW - does that sound familiar! I was told at the end of August that I need to work on the EXACT same thing!

I worked on that for September and I noticed quite a bit of change in my results. The biggest change for me was I gained an extra 4-6 yards per club on average. I still haven't perfected the change and I will be working on it over the winter as well. Good luck with your changes Ian!!!

I went to the range last night and worked for about an hour, 75 balls or so.

I practiced one, hit one, practiced one, hit one etc.

after a couple of not so good hits I finally started to hit with a good contact, although pulling a few, this I think is due to the more upright backswing.

It's been along time but I'll stick with it.

Ian.