|
GOLF
TEACHING PRO®
By Thomas T. Wartelle
USGTF Level IV Member, Washington, Louisiana
At my golf academy, our teaching philosophy
and methods are innovative. We use a
combination of “old-style feel” with the latest in
technology.
 We specialize in golfers who are serious about
moving to the next level. Training includes all
aspects of the game with a focus on:
The goal of my academy is to create a positive
learning environment. We divide practice sessions
into different segments: mechanics, feel, and
playing the game. Students see results. They enjoy
the learning process and see positive results with
each session.
The Learning Process:
Mechanics, Feel, & Playing
the Game
A typical session involves a segment
where mechanical issues are
addressed. From a technical
standpoint, we believe that
there is an optimal swing model for each individual.
This model is determined by a person’s athletic
ability, anatomy, physical handicaps, thought
process, and level they wish to play the game.
The goal is to move closer to each individual’s ideal
swing model. Ultimately, this will lead to the most
important part of the golf swing, impact position.
First, we determine a student’s model by an
evaluation of the student in terms of physical
ability and goals. Next, we extensively use the SwingModel video analysis system. SwingModel
was developed by Dr. Ralph Mann,
an Olympic medalist in track
and field. Dr. Mann has been
analyzing sports performance for
over 30 years in many different
sports.
Briefly, SwingModel is science-based.
It uses decades of research
on elite athletes performing
the optimal movement in
certain sports. In this case,
the performance is the golf
swing. All elements of the
body motion are followed,
and the athlete’s performance
is digitized by a computer. Using
computer analysis, a model is developed for
the maximum biomechanical effort to perform
the action. The model can then be fit into each
person’s anatomy and ability to perform at a certain
speed. Therefore, the SwingModel is custom-fit
for each individual person. It is then overlaid on a
video analysis of
a student’s swing.
From this point, I can begin to provide the
student the information he needs to progress. The
real art in teaching is to be able to communicate
the information to the student for his/her learning
type and thought process. A valued teacher finds
a way to deliver this information. It is important
to understand each student’s learning process.
The teacher must communicate the skill through
different forms of learning. This includes visual,
feel, and verbal communication.
We use “input amplifiers” to transmit the
information. These are the visual, feel, and verbal
cues that pass the information from the teacher to the student. We prefer to use minimal verbal cues.
We find kinesthetic and visual cues are much more
effective at transmitting information. Often this can
be a simple kinesthetic training aid such as the SwingRite or the visual aid ProAlign1000.
 Through research and
experience, I have found that
many swing flaws are created in
the set-up position. When the setup
is flawed, the swing becomes
a series of compensations. For
instance, ball position has a
major impact on how a golf club
is swung back and through to
impact. A ball position too far
back or forward greatly impacts
how the body will shift and rotate throughout the
swing. A ball position that is too close or too far
away from the body affects rotation of the torso as
well as path of the swing on the backswing and
downswing. For instance, research has shown that
the ball moves back in the stance in relation to the
lead foot less than four inches from the driver to
the wedge. The average distance from the ball (toe
line to center of the ball) with a 9-iron is 20 inches,
and with a driver, 32 inches. Anatomy has an
effect on these measurements. SwingModel tells us
exactly these measurements for each individual.
This is where a training aid such the
ProAlign1000 is useful in reinforcing a proper setup
position. We use SwingModel to tell us exactly
where the set-up position should be, then we set
the ProAlign1000 in this perfect position. Now the
student is obliged to set-up in the desired position.
Only through perfect repetition can the proper
learning process take place.
The same process is repeated through all
aspects of the golf swing where the student should
be close to his SwingModel.
Feel and Playing the Game
The mechanics of a golf shot are just a part of
the game of golf. At any level, the
game involves execution of shots.
Therefore, I am a firm believer in
playing golf on the golf course.
Regardless of skill level, the best
way to learn to play golf is on the
golf course. At our academy, we
also simulate game experience
with certain drills and techniques
designed to teach a golfer how
to perform on the golf course. By
doing this, we instill game-time
performance and repetitive positive habits.
Fitness and Athletic Ability
Fitness training is one of the largest sports
industries. People are now starting to realize that
top golfers are athletes, and better performance
can be achieved with better fitness. We focus on
getting strength, flexibility, and endurance. The golf
swing is an athletic movement. One of the fastest
ways to get better in golf is to treat the golf swing
as a sport and train like other sports. Too often,
golfers want to get better but fail to exercise the
required amount to perform to their expectations.
Also, exercise increases quality of life. Golf fitness
can increase performance, but can also be a fitness
choice for people looking for alternatives to the
regular gym.
For more information on any of these products
or teaching techniques, please visit the following
website:
www.swingmodel.com
Back
to Main Articles
|
