The golf swing and how it is taught is a constant cause for debate across the golfing globe. Whether between contrasting views by coaches leading to debate or the avid golfer keen to learn as much as possible about swing mechanics, the way the golf swing and golf in general is taught is a constant hot topic.
Just today whilst browsing through the world of Twitter i came across a debate regarding the Stack & Tilt method. This method has been around for some time now however its credibility against the 'orthadox' technique is still questioned. Debate still rages about how close certain players supposedly using this technique are actually getting to swinging in the way it is described.
One swing coach, a very well known name through his work with Sky TV, even described it as still being a fad. That it hadn't yet stood the test of time to be classed as a respected swing technique.
Stack & Tilt is one of the various models of the golf swing used by Golf Instructors
A fad, is any form of behavior that develops among a large population and is collectively followed with enthusiasm for some period, generally as a result of the behavior's being perceived as novel in some way. A fad is said to "catch on" when the number of people adopting it begins to increase rapidly. The behavior will normally fade quickly once the perception of novelty is gone.
Now the number of takers to the S&T method, and the number of coaches who strongly believe in this method, suggests that it will be around for some time. The belief in it and the defence of its status as reputable technique by its users suggests that it will be around for some time. A little added strength comes from the fact that Tiger Woods new coach, a certain Sean Foley, is a S&T believer.
Now all this talk of models got me thinking. What is my model? Do i have a model i teach or believe in for everyone? I am still not sure. Unless i fall into a so far unnamed bracket of coaches, the ball flight or impact coach.
When i am teaching my main aim is to improve my clients ball flight. If they have a slice then i want them to hit it straight. If the they are too steep and look like they are chopping wood, hitting it heavy then i want to shallow them out and create solid contact.
These factors result in me improving peoples positions at impact. The impact factors which affect ball flight. Clubface aim, swing path, Angle of attack etc. If i can improve these then i will improve my players shots.If there is an obvious floor in the swing technique that is affecting the pre mentioned impact factors then i will change it. If they are too steep i will get them back on plane. If the clubface is open throughout then i will endeavour to fix why this is happening and create a neutral face through the swing for square impact. For me that isn't a model. I may use a move from S&T that works for a particular fault. However that is just a fix for that individual.
I partly feel thus far that i haven't found a method that suits due to what is put in front of me. The club golfer is going to be my customer 80% of the time. They are all different shapes and sizes and have individual limitations and abilities physically and mentally. So for me i fail to see how they can all fit into one bucket. One model of swinging the club. Maybe that would differ slightly if i was working with tuned athletes with full ranges of motion across the board.
My other question mark comes fro the number of varieties of swing about on the professional tours. Take Jim Furyk, Ricky Fowler, Sergio Garcia for example and you will see a wide range of techniques. Ok they fall into various categories, one plane and two plane etc, however there are always variations of how these models are displayed and carried out.
Okay there are some great athletes out there on the pro tours. And there are some great swings. Woods, Kaymer, Mcilroy, Donald, Manassero. The list will go on and on. However they still remain varieties of various methods.
How would a model coach teach Jim Furyk's unorthadox technique
In conclusion i do want to state that i do not believe that all method coaches are one dimensional. Or that they all have a set of blinkers on and remain in tunnel vision 100% of the time to get everyone to swing the same way. This was more a explaining where i see the models currently and where i am sitting in my Professional development and finding my own pathways.
For me currently, I see no one model. No single way that stands out. I create a swing that suits the player. Not the player having to adjust to suit the swing. Earlier posts regarding kinematic sequencing and different swings being the same still lead me feeling i don't quite sit in a particular model. Unless as mentioned impact and ball flight coaching is now its own model.
Thankyou for reading. Please comment if you have any views regarding my post. These are my views and feelings on a personal level at the current stage of my coaching development. Any views are greatly received.
Regards
Daniel Gale PGA Professional
Dan is a fully qualified member of the PGA & certified TPI Instructor
Check out his website at www.dangalegolf.com
I sit with you Dan, nice article, I believe the great coaches use whatever method or style that is appropriate to alter the impact factors effectively and consistently.
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