dtb300

+1 for this Drill. Super drill that I start my practice time with. Get that weight forward and hitting the ball first into the "noggin" - reinforcement right at the start is great.

Great topic on practicing correctly. I see poor practicing in the other sport I participate in, as well as poor practice at the driving range. I also think each person should get to know what type of learner they are. Some learn better by watching someone else, some learn better in a group, some learn better by themselves. Some need to know EVERY LITTLE DETAIL and every inch of position in the swing. Some just need to know an overall goal and will choke on too much detail. Some people LOVE drills and really benefit from them, some just cannot do a drill by themselves unless they have video and/or coaching enforcement. Video, no matter who the student is, will help with "Perception is not Reality" problems. They think they are doing something, yet the coach is saying they are not, and the argument could go on and on. A quick video review proves the point in question. So getting a student to "practice the right way" according to their learning skills, should also be part of the "S's" - just cannot think of an "S" word to put here LOL :)

I have similar swing speed and the chart Iacas posted falls right in line with my numbers when getting fit for a driver: ClubSpeed Ball Velocity Launch Angle Ball Spin Carry Distance Total Distance Angle of Attack 93.8645871 137.7493304 15.26484375 2315.478795 220.0897321 243.1845982 5.215625 These numbers were near the end of last year and I plan on going back and seeing where I am at this year as I work on my swing/game.

Quite the Mind, Trust the Body.....

Right now I own the Callaway Octane Driver and the Octane fairway wood. Due to back issues, could not play until the end of the golf season last year for about 8 rounds. I was hitting the Octane Driver well, but noticed that my ball flight was very high. I had the stock Grafalloy Project X 5.0 (regular Flex) shaft. Two years ago, had some numbers on the launch monitor with my coach. Summary of that session and then the recommendation of purchasing the Octane. ClubSpeed Ball Velocity Launch Angle Ball Spin 93.8184375 137.68125 15.815625 2278.40625 Here is the info on the Octane driver. Loft Lie CC Face Angle Available In Length Swing Weight 9.5° 57° 460 Square RH Only 46 D4 The shaft is 60 weight, Mid Torque, Low Kick point. I was considering either changing the shaft, or getting the newer X-Hot driver as that shaft (Project X again) has a slightly higher kick point. While I seem to be on the border with my swing speed, I was going to stick with the Regular flex shaft. I have always liked the Callaway Drivers/Woods, so will probably stick with this brand. Thanks.

+1 on the new Chrome Hex Yellow....

Last year I added a 5H to my bag and removed my 5 iron. It was a very good move for myself and my game. I now use: Driver, 3W, 5W, 3H, 4H, 5H, 6-9, PW, GW, SW, Putter - Found I used my 5W more than my Lob Wedge

The concern I have with the new RAZR Black is the 1 degree open for the 8.5 and 9.5 drivers. Where my 9.5 Octane is Square. Also wondering the difference between the Octane shaft (Project X) and the Black shaft (Fujikura Motore F8) but the shafts have same weight, same torque, and same kick point.... I guess the best way to see is go hit some and see how it goes for me and my game...

I had the same experience with the R9 when I changed to the Diablo Octane last year. Better distance, better control, better dispersion pattern. Now I am considering the new Razr Black to replace the Octane. Not sure if it is worth the change or not.

Shelly Manne and his Men - Live at the Black Hawk

Better sound quality is a very subjective thing. Some like more treble (highs) some like more bass (lows). Entymotics are some of the best Ear Buds available for sound quality and exterior sound rejection. If you think the ones above are expensive for $60, they have two other HIGHER models above the MC5. FWIW, the MC5 has some very good sound for the price. Here is how you should buy audio hardware. Set a price point, try to listen to AS MANY models as you can. Decide which YOU like best, and buy them. Monster? Would not even consider them....

Finding the right instructor for you and your game is a trial and error process. Each of us learns differently and we need to find an instructor who can teach us in a way we understand so we can attempt to perform the task at hand. If one feels they are not getting proper teaching from instructor "A", then switch to instructor "B". Simple. If instructor "A" gets bent/mad that you changed to "B", then they are not a good instructor. Now with the internet, lower prices cameras, and video watching software, almost anyone can watch their performance, compare against what they see on TV, YouTube, etc. etc. and then try to change their game to match. Some may be able to do it this way. In my experience with sports and coaching, you will progress much faster working with a certified instructor who meshes and blends with you, your personality, and your way to learn. If you think you can find an instructor, take one lesson, not practice, and expect your scores to get better, then you have the wrong idea about lessons. Changing a motor skill in sports takes a serious amount of time and effort by both parties to be able to make the change. As you learn, you will be fighting your unconscious memory/muscle memory, hence you will struggle to perform these new tasks. And a good instructor will be able to fine tune their instruction to match with your learning abilities. One of the biggest issues people have when learning is "what you perceive you are doing, and what you REALLY are doing", is usually two different things (perception is not reality). This is where a good coach will give you proper DRILLS to help you learn your new task quicker. Look at some of the drills IACAS and other owners of the site do in their videos. For instance: They do not just tell a student to shift their weight forward in the downswing, they initially use DRILLS to help them get the feel, then progress from there.

This is the best way to handle your issues. See a Sports Orthopedics doctor if you can. They can easily diagnose your issues and more than likely send you to PT. The PT people will be able to isolate the muscles in question and give you the PROPER exercises to stretch and strengthen your affected area. After a few PT sessions you will have the hang of the exercises and will be able to continue them at home. Remember, once the pain subsides, stay the course and keep up with the exercises as back issues will return if ignored.

People and Lessons....no matter what the sport... People think if they take a lesson they will MIRACULOUSLY transform over night. They do not realize the time and effort required with making physical changes. Lessons and making change will take time and effort as I stated above, but your ability to perform above the level you were before, will go up and down like a roller coaster. One week you are ready to join the Tour, and the next week you are ready to take up Tiddly Winks. :) Stay the course as old habits creep in VERY QUICKLY, where new habits take much longer. If you are thinking of taking lessons, be ready to commit yourself - time and effort, and realize physical changes take time to ingrain into your subconsciousness. How much time? Really depends on the individual. One last thing...do not hesitate to change coaches if you feel you and your coach just do not click. Sometimes it take time to find the right person to jell with your type of learning capabilities. Are you analytical and need to know each and every step and why? Do you need to see something demonstrated in order for you to understand it? And many more items on learning (search Funderstanding on the net for some information). Understanding how YOU learn, is crucial, and your coach should be trying to unwrap the inner you and how you learn best.

9.5 Callaway Diablo Octane, Regular Flex Project X 5.0, Ping Gold Grips

There is a new(er) Casio Camera out now which can do very high frame rates - above the 30 or 60fps you normally see. Here is the model: Casio Exilim Ex-fh100 High Speed Camera And it can do up to 1,000fps (yes that is one thousand and not a typo). Goes for $299 on Amazon. If you want a cheaper solution, Kodak has their Playsport for around $110 and it can do 720p @ 60fps. And Kinovea is great software for viewing these vidoes....slo-mo, line draw, frame by frame, etc. etc.

I have liked the Penta balls and I was playing Bridgestone's. GG had "buy two doz and get one free", but since I had not tried them, I only bought a dozen. Glad I did as I was very happy with the distance I was getting, but I was also happy with the spin for both short and long irons into greens. Putting also had a good feel for me.

I had been playing the Bridgestone balls (330RX and RXS), and recently tried the new TM Penta Balls ($40/Doz). I get good spin with the TP, seems a little better than the RXS, and I get more distance than the RXS. Putting the TP had a real good feel to it too. And after playing the entire round with the TP, it had very limited wear and tear on it even with a bunch of PW-LW strikes. So far I am sold on them.

Company outing we played what they called a "Shamble". Everyone drives the ball, you take the best drive (like a Scramble) and everyone drops their ball there, then plays out the hole with their own ball.

I had compressed nerves all on my right side: my neck, shoulder, elbow and wrist. Got so bad that my ring and pinky would go numb. First thought was Cubital Tunnel syndrome - Ulnar nerve getting compressed in elbow. Slept with straight arm at night (towel around elbow) and that helped a bit but did not cure it. The real issue was in my neck and partly in my shoulder. PT really helped out this situation and continued exercises after PT. Exercises consisted of Ulnar Glides, forearm weight work, inner and outer rotation exercises for shoulder, and as Jim Furyk demonstrated "T"'s, "V"'s and "W"'s arm work with low weights or stretchy bands. For my lower back and hip, it was so bad, I could not even think about swinging a club for almost 10 months. Then drugs along with exercises (stationary bike, stretchy bands, and stretching exercises) really have helped me out. Keep Moving to Keep Moving is a great statement for people with back issues. I could not even think about doing any exercises, as even minimal ones just killed me the next day. So got on a drug program with arthritis doctor, did my exercises daily, and now I can play golf again. Still have to keep a couple of days or more between rounds, but it is better than not playing at all. I posted in another thread, but in case you did not see it, there is a great book called "Heal Your Back" by David Borenstein - read it to learn about why back issues occur and how to help maintain it.

Back and hip pain now for a couple of years. Done the PT thing, been to Ortho Doctors, had MRI, X-Rays, etc. etc. My life got to the point where any physical activity felt like I was run over by a truck the next day. Finally went to an Arthritis Doctor and he recommended a book to read: "Heal Your Back" By David Borenstein. While it did not cure my back, it gave me a wealth of information on WHY I was having back issues and how to combat it. This book reaffirmed what my doctor was saying - osteoarthritis and wear and tear. Pain Drugs (I take Celebrex and 24 hr Muscle Relaxers - 24 hour version does not make me sleepy) along with DAILY exercises - stretching, riding stationary bike, and work with stretchy bands. You have to start VERY LIGHT and do that for a few weeks, then move up slightly. Another thing which helped confirm this program is something I saw on the Pain Channel (internet site - painchannel.tv ). They were covering someone with Fibromyalgia and the best thing they did was starting an exercising routine. First week(s) just walking to the end of their driveway and back was a chore and very painful, but over time they were able to walk GREAT distances. Took many months, almost a year if I remember right, but the constant exercises was the key. So like someone else mentioned in this thread - KEEP MOVING to KEEP MOVING. Exercises and stretching is one of the best ways to combat back issues. And if you need drugs for awhile to get by the pain in order to work out, so be it. Over time (months, sometimes years) people have found a new life for themselves and not having your back dictate it.

Hollow Creek is not a long course, but has undulating greens. I have played a few times there and each time the course is in great shape. I did not like Whiskey Creek as I was expecting a lot more, and the course conditions were not up to "par" for the price and hoopla about it. Worthington has a great layout and will test your game and all the times I have played the course was in great shape. PB Dye has too many blind shots for my tastes, and the greens were very beat up last time I was there. Many closely mowed areas around the greens makes you pay if you do not hit and stay on the greens.

There are some excellent points made here. One thing you have to remember as you are practicing your new skills from your instructor. Follow the drills or skills to the letter and do not get off path onto something you "think" you should do. Otherwise you may be heading down the wrong path and creating more issues with your game then improving it. Everyone wants to improve and improve quickly. Trouble is each of us learns at a different pace depending on the skill needed. Something like a grip change is easy to look at and duplicate from the instructor and if you are not gripping the way you were taught, then maybe you are not paying attention to it. It feels new, it feels wrong, it causes you to not hit shots well. But then as someone else mentioned, one day it clicks and starts to work for you. Depending on the number of things an instructor throws at you, you need to work on one thing at a time when at the range for 10-20 balls, then move on to the next item. At then end you should clear your head (sing a song, think of your favorite ice creme sundae, etc.) and just hit balls and see how you perform, noting items you are still struggling with. Note these items as ones you need to work on more. We all need more work on the things we do wrong, but do not forget to also give some time to things you are doing right. Learning new things is hard and it takes time, effort, and dedication. Wanting it quicker and thinking if you hit two large buckets instead of just one will improve you faster is completely wrong. Shorter good practice is far superior to longer bad practice.

I am a big "drills" guy when trying to learn new things. If your teacher says you have an OTT swing, but gives you no drills to change this, it can be very difficult for some students. Some can change just by watching, and some need drills to change. I also ask a lot of "why" questions when asked to change something - I am a very analytical/detailed person when it comes to sport execution. Then there is the practice you need to do after a lesson. And it is proper practice, not just hitting balls. Many repetitions are required to learn a new skill, but only a few bad repetitions can take you right back to where you were (it feels right doing something the old way). Another note I would like to make is one teacher may get along just fine with one student, yet another may not mesh well with them. If you feel you are not getting the most out of your lessons, or feel totally confused about what you are being taught, find another teacher. Sometimes it takes awhile to find the right person who can relate to you and how your learn. The really great teachers adapt to their students and their learning needs. One thing that I feel can help students is knowing what type of person or category they fall into with learning. Some learn through pictures, some learn through watching, etc. For teaching students, one of the worse ways is people sitting around in a room while the instructor just talks and talks and talks. Interaction is the key to proper learning. And again each individual learns differently, which a good teacher or instructor will notice and integrate into their teachings. Here is a great link on how people learn, and understanding how you learn and passing that on to your instructor, can really help in your process. http://www.funderstanding.com/about-learning

I finally got a chance to try out these drills yesterday at the range. Great video and some great "thoughts" to have when executing it. Thanks.