Notes on Improving

I have realized that two crucial aspects that have to be discussed even before beginning with lessons, are the following:

What is the client hoping to get out of the lessons? For example - do they just want to see what this is all about? / do they just want to find out how to fix one particular element of their game without too much commitment involved? / or do they want to (and are they also able to) commit to really improving their overall game in the long run?

If it is the latter reason, the following questions should be asked - bearing in mind that you will, in most cases, be taking one small step back initially in order to take many big steps forward in the long run:

Where am I now?

Where do I want to be and know I could be?

Am I able and willing to do it?

How will I get there and by when?

How will it make me feel when I get there?

If this is not decided initially, the worst situation can occur - the client does take that initial step backwards - which is normal and part of the process and will be proportional to how long the client has been unknowingly doing things that have been restricting him or her, so the new feeling does naturally take a while to get used to.

It happens regularly that I can clearly see from the data that improvement is taking place, but for the client it is an uncomfortable experience so this is where they must place trust in the system.

If no follow up takes place or plan is put in place, the client can misinterpret this initial setback as a sign that this does not work for them, and rather slip back into their familiar pattern, even though this was holding them back from more consistency and overall improvement. I will guide you through the process.

If the third question above makes the person realise that they just don’t have the time or willingness to start with the technical part of the process, it is also possible to first just learn all about how to save some shots while playing, by simply learning to lower expectations, making better decisions while playing, and making what little practice time there is, as effective and realistic as possible.

The Three Phases of the Improvement Process:

Teaching & Understanding

Understanding always comes before improvement. In this phase the student learns the mechanical aspect of the process.  What is causing the inconsistencies and the changes necessary for improvement. They should first understand what they need to do, then start to get familiar with the correct feel and sequence. Naturally it also needs to be determined whether the person can physically do what is expected of them, which does however make up a big part of this coaching system.

Training

In this phase the student expands the new feeling into skill using drills and repetitions. Since I am moving you toward what your body wants you to do naturally, this phase moves faster than if you are moving away from your most suitable grip and body action for example. Taking it to the golf course can also begin in this phase, starting with non-competitive rounds.

Transfer

This is the phase where the learnt skills are fully applied on the golf course and in competition. Now the self and on-course management strategies, as described further above, can also be added. A maintenance and further improvement program should now be put in place to guard against slipping back into the old habits.

I look forward to meeting you!