What happens during a lesson? How do you know what changes to make?
I want to answer these questions and let you know precisely how the process works.
Many people want band aide fixes because it offers a quick fix. But I’m here to tell you that’s not my objective. I adhere to a gradual process designed to make permanent changes in the student. The following is a template for making a swing change. It’s an inside look to the progression of a lesson.
The first step – initial assessment
The initial assessment is not a lesson. It’s a conversation between the student and teacher. First, the teacher determines the experience level and goals of the student. Experience level and goals reveal where the student has been, and where he or she wants to go, with their golf game. Second, the student’s most frequent ball flight is discussed. Learning from common ball flight, it can be determined what type of swing path and angle of club face is most habitual. A sense of direction is gained for the lesson plan by discussing these details. It’s critical to cover these areas.
The second step – set-up evaluation (50% of first lesson)
The set-up evaluation is the first half of the first lesson. The teacher observes the student hitting balls, while set-up fundamentals such as grip, stance, posture, ball position, and alignment are critiqued. The majority of this lesson is spent covering important areas of the set-up, especially elements that are lacking most. The student will receive a full synopsis of all set-up fundamentals.
The third step – identifying major swing flaws (50% of first lesson)
Major swing flaws are recognized that are specifically limiting the functionality of the swing. What is preventing a square club face down the intended line through impact? This question helps identify what’s unnecessary or lacking in the swing. The performance of the swing is analyzed from a perspective of ball flight. Flaws are spotted that associate to an old habitual ball flight.
The fourth step – developing a plan for further lessons
Developing a plan of attack is the final step of the swing change process. Keep in mind, the plan commonly evolves in several directions after it’s created, according to the progress of the student. Suggestions are made, from a ball flight perspective, to build action plan to follow. This serves as the framework for development. These can be mostly set-up changes or full swing changes, depending on the student. The goal is to disassociate with old habits. This process will continue advancing until the student experiences real improvement in the swing. Can the student repeatedly deliver a square clubface down the intended line through impact? If the answer is yes, the swing change process is completed, at least for the time being.
Remember; you never want to force anything. Swing change is a process; a gradual development toward an objective.
Long and Straight,
Adam
