Lessons: Question about teaching style

[Rickins]

The topic of lessons came up the other day at work and we kicked around different thoughts on the subject including the sort of teaching style we each felt would be most beneficial.

For instance, we all agreed that patience should be a given. From there we kind of divided off into two groups consisting of what I would name as the "pat-on-the-back" group and the "kick-in-the-fanny" group.

The "pat-on-the-back" camp felt that encouragement would benefit them more than criticism, i.e. a sort of kinder, gentler form of instruction. The "kick-in-the-fanny" group - me among them - feels that, while there is certainly a place for encouragement, we'd like a tougher approach to the process. That is, don't tell me to "keep up the good work" if I haven't hit three balls out of thirty the way you've instructed me to.

Just wondering if those of you who've had a fair amount of golf instruction had any thoughts to share on this.

Rick

[iacas]

The topic of lessons came up the other day at work and we kicked around different thoughts on the subject including the sort of teaching style we each felt would be most beneficial.

I haven't had any. I think the proper balance lies in between, though - the student should be motivated enough on their own that they shouldn't need a kick in the pants OR coddling and "encouragement." The reward is playing better golf or learning something new, and the desire keeps you at it.

[Pepe510tp]

I never quite looked at it like that. I always looked at it through the style of teaching. As in Technical or more of a feel style. Some teachers are real specfic about what they want you to do and others want you to feel the swing. I always like the Technical style. I have the feel for the game but not the Tech side of the swing down pat..

If I had to choose between the 2 you listed I like the Kick in the butt style..

[Rickins]

"The immediate result of a golf lesson is the elimination of the one unconscious move you make that allows you to compensate for all of the other flaws in your swing."

Choosing between the two styles you've offered, I, too, would opt for the Technical style. You can let "feel" work into a technically sound game but not the other way around. In fact, I would argue that you must let "feel" be a part of the game.

We talk about a 3/4-shot but, was it really 75%? Was it closer to 60% or, was it maybe 85%? It's "feel".

On the other hand, if you don't know how to properly execute a shot, you're going to bring just what thousands of other hackers bring to the course every day...with the same, typically, dismal results.

(Just me but I wish I had never, ever, heard the term "reverse pivot". I confess to pulling one, or two, per round and then quickly look around to see if anyone noticed. )

Rick