In every pursuit, be it playing the piano or throwing a Frisbee, we take lessons with the expectation, that if we follow instruction, there will be immediate improvement. This belief applies, in varying degrees, to every sport - except golf.
Based on my conversations with over eleven-thousand students, the majority only seek professional assistance as a last resort. It's not uncommon to hear that amateur golfers actually expect to play worse after a lesson. This belief often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
In a previous article, I alluded to the notion that every devoted golfer has the feeling deep inside that they should be able to self-correct correct their swing. If simply knowing the cause of a particular problem was tantamount to fixing it, then every weekend golfer would be scoring in the eighties consistently.
Having to publicly admit that you need professional help can be humbling, if not downright embarrassing. What would your friends say if they knew you were taking lessons - especially if you've developed the reputation as the "man" they turn to for advice.
The basic premise of traditional golf instruction is to eliminate swing flaws. This is based on the presupposition that perfect mechanics will lead to perfect results. Obviously,critical errors have to be corrected, however, continually focusing on swing flaws is an endless process. There is no such thing as a perfect swing.
While every instructor secretly wishes to teach a highly skilled player who breaks into the top ten world ranking, the reality is that the majority of once-a-week golfers would be content to break ninety consistently. Clarifying a student's objectives is the first step to developing an effective program.
Based on the constant stream of new videos, articles and magazine centerfolds, the tradition of dissecting a players swing, regardless of skill level, remains a staple of traditional instruction. We are conditioned to look for mistakes - no matter how insignificant in terms of results.
Perhaps the student/instructor relationship would be more productive, if we begin with the assumption that every swing has some redeeming elements, which are submerged beneath an obsession with perfect mechanics. Why not ask the student to recall the feel of his or her best shots and refine their technique based on the answers?
The fundamental goal of any lesson is to instil confidence. If we look hard enough, there is something positive in every swing. An effective lesson will produce immediate improvement which, no matter how small, should be acknowledged. This recognition will provide an incentive to continue the relationship.
Adjusting expectations is the first step to maximizing results for the student and optimizing satisfaction for the instructor.
Based on my conversations with over eleven-thousand students, the majority only seek professional assistance as a last resort. It's not uncommon to hear that amateur golfers actually expect to play worse after a lesson. This belief often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
In a previous article, I alluded to the notion that every devoted golfer has the feeling deep inside that they should be able to self-correct correct their swing. If simply knowing the cause of a particular problem was tantamount to fixing it, then every weekend golfer would be scoring in the eighties consistently.
Having to publicly admit that you need professional help can be humbling, if not downright embarrassing. What would your friends say if they knew you were taking lessons - especially if you've developed the reputation as the "man" they turn to for advice.
The basic premise of traditional golf instruction is to eliminate swing flaws. This is based on the presupposition that perfect mechanics will lead to perfect results. Obviously,critical errors have to be corrected, however, continually focusing on swing flaws is an endless process. There is no such thing as a perfect swing.
While every instructor secretly wishes to teach a highly skilled player who breaks into the top ten world ranking, the reality is that the majority of once-a-week golfers would be content to break ninety consistently. Clarifying a student's objectives is the first step to developing an effective program.
Based on the constant stream of new videos, articles and magazine centerfolds, the tradition of dissecting a players swing, regardless of skill level, remains a staple of traditional instruction. We are conditioned to look for mistakes - no matter how insignificant in terms of results.
Perhaps the student/instructor relationship would be more productive, if we begin with the assumption that every swing has some redeeming elements, which are submerged beneath an obsession with perfect mechanics. Why not ask the student to recall the feel of his or her best shots and refine their technique based on the answers?
The fundamental goal of any lesson is to instil confidence. If we look hard enough, there is something positive in every swing. An effective lesson will produce immediate improvement which, no matter how small, should be acknowledged. This recognition will provide an incentive to continue the relationship.
Adjusting expectations is the first step to maximizing results for the student and optimizing satisfaction for the instructor.
This series of articles is devoted to helping the "average" golfer move beyond swing mechanics and tap into their natural ability. Every golfer knows the feeling of a perfect shot; it's the feeling of effortlessness that is the raison d'etre for playing the game. Improved technical skills are only effective when balanced by a corresponding change in beliefs.
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar