I am starting over with Building Blocks.

[niblick1]

I have had two lessons with Brian and am still struggling with the change I need to make to my pivot, but I have learned a tredmendous amount about golf through his videos, the yellow book and this forum. Maybe too much (in the short run). I think I have about 4 different swings now. None of them are that good. Yesterday I was standing on the range after two hours of "digging" and thinking about how frustrated I can get with golf lately. I thought my head might explode there on the practice tee. The only thing that gave me solace is that two guys I see there all the time were talking to themselves out loud and flipping the heck out of it. At least I don't do that anymore (or not much). I know a tremendous amount more than I used to and can sometimes hit really excellent shots that make me think I am headed the right way, but my crappy, flipping, OTT swing that I grew to despise was at least consistent enough to shoot an occasional 75 (and also "consistent" enough to make me realize I had maxed out with those mechanics and could never get better and that I could never get rid of that OTT pull/pull hook that threatened my interest in continuing to playing golf).

I finally decided I am going to start over. With Building Blocks. I am at least going to become an excellent chipper and pitcher of the ball this winter -something I am not close to being now. It starts today. I know building blocks demonstrates swinging vs. hitting, but I am sick of my rushed hitting motion anyway and at least some of the time I've experimented with a swinging motion, I've felt like I at least had decent tempo for a change. We'll see how it goes.

 

[self-mastery]

Hitting is soooo 2003...

I don't remember Brian showing hitting in Building Blocks. In one of Manzella's youtube vids he said that the pattern is a 4 barrel max. part. pattern, but everyone doesn't end up with that pattern, some end up with a 3 barrel pattern. Building Blocks is my fav video. I might start teaching my niece in a similar format. Enjoy

LOL I just turned it on.

 

[Jared Willerson]

Hitting is soooo 2003...

LOL

 

[cmartingolf]

Niblick,

Hang in there. Master the punch/pitch with a little float load. Take that action up to a 5-iron and hit it 100 +/-.

Your extensor action likely goes by the wayside on bigger swings (at least that's most of my students) and they start missing and hitting all over the place and frustration sets in. It's a learning curve and you seem to be on the right track.

 

[Bill Miracle]

Hang in there Bro......

I've had two lessons (two sets, 6 hours the first time and around 3 the second) with Brian as well. After both lessons, I went through a period of swing nirvana followed by complete swing breakdown. In both cases, I went into a phase of extreme pushes. The first time, I was not able to get back and see Brian as soon as I wanted. I ended up adding all kinds of compensations. After the second lessson, the same thing.... big time blocks. In trying to fix that, I got to where I couldn't even hit the ball...I mean literally, I was hitting the ball 60 feet off the tee and literally close to tears. This was all since my last lessons with Brian in Mid-Oct.

So where am I now. Well, I am striping the ball better than I ever have and for the first time, I think I have some things that are going to stay for good (only been playing 2 years).

Brian continued to help me with answers to questions in this forum but, I also got a tip or two from one of the other forum members that really hit something that I was over doing. One little tiny weenie bit of info took everything Brian ever showed/told me and wham...like magic.

Since finding this out, I've put one long range session and one round in and was estatic with the results. I will hold final verdict until after Jan 01. Playing about 10 rounds between now and then. But, I am going into those rounds with loads of confidence.

So, hang in there. The one tidbit I got would not have worked without the understanding I gained from Brian and his lessons. What I am trying to get across to you is...you may be closer than you think. Keep searching!!!!

 

[birdie_man]

"Golf swings are more like gardens than buildings." -Brian

I was trying to come up with some kind of big elaborate garden analogy for you but after a few tries I have failed.

...

I will just say: I think your problem is fairly common. (and BTW I'm trying to give you hope moreso than minimizing the problems in your game)

You correct things and blow up other things.....and then you OVERDO it.....then you have to do back the other way....then you overdo THAT.....etc. etc. etc.....

....this goes on.....and you eliminate the most glaring faults in your swing (starting with the WORST things ...i.e. consider root cause)...........and then eventually you are ready to develop a custom pattern that works best for you. You are then left with "maintenance" on that pattern and managing your tendencies.

i.e. David Toms I think sometimes gets into swinging too far to the right...as I understand it, he may always have to monitor this. (so long as he actually knows which he may or may not)

Other players have similar things they get into doing. Over-accelerating...coming out of tilt...etc.

...

And really (maybe above all else), it's also a good sign that you do have an idea of what you need to improve....and that you do know that you need to make some changes in order to get better. (and you are right- you ain't reaching your full potential flippin it that's for sure)

Good luck. Brian will get you straightened out.

 

[birdie_man]

BTW this is basically the whole premise behind Brian's "Manzella Matrix."

NSA.....NHA......Flipper (in there somewhere after NSA)...etc. etc. more fixing.....custom pattern when you are ready. (hands/pivot trained)

 

[joeparr]

I see that most that had lessons with brian or mike jacobs all have the same problem ,we lose what was taught. I think the problem is what was taught was just a small amount of what we need to learn . The problem is a continuing lesson. 1 or 2 lesson is not enough. 4 ,5 or whatever is needed to fix our swing. However its like impossible to get these lessons. omn a weekly basis. I got all videos and have a hard time relating it. real life lesson is the best. Well thats my problem....joe

 

[Leek]

I have had two lessons with Brian and am still struggling with the change I need to make to my pivot, but I have learned a tredmendous amount about golf through his videos, the yellow book and this forum. Maybe too much (in the short run). I think I have about 4 different swings now. None of them are that good. Yesterday I was standing on the range after two hours of "digging" and thinking about how frustrated I can get with golf lately. I thought my head might explode there on the practice tee. The only thing that gave me solace is that two guys I see there all the time were talking to themselves out loud and flipping the heck out of it. At least I don't do that anymore (or not much). I know a tremendous amount more than I used to and can sometimes hit really excellent shots that make me think I am headed the right way, but my crappy, flipping, OTT swing that I grew to despise was at least consistent enough to shoot an occasional 75 (and also "consistent" enough to make me realize I had maxed out with those mechanics and could never get better and that I could never get rid of that OTT pull/pull hook that threatened my interest in continuing to playing golf).

I finally decided I am going to start over. With Building Blocks. I am at least going to become an excellent chipper and pitcher of the ball this winter -something I am not close to being now. It starts today. I know building blocks demonstrates swinging vs. hitting, but I am sick of my rushed hitting motion anyway and at least some of the time I've experimented with a swinging motion, I've felt like I at least had decent tempo for a change. We'll see how it goes.

Don't despair. Call Brian and I bet he can give you a suggestion or two and get you back on track until your next lesson.

 

[c21heel]

I walked away from a lesson with Brian about a year ago thinking I finally had the swing figured out. But, two weeks later I was struggling with shanks. For me, the problem was over emphasizing what we worked on during the lesson. I was so focused on getting my hands forward that I forgot to pivot correctly.