In one of EdZ posts he said he was big on laser training . I have got a rough idea on how to use lasers/flash lights in training and would love to see some detailed posts on how to get the most out of laser training. I would really like to see what EdZ has to say on the subject and see if I can learn something new and original. Comments by others would also be interesting. Thanks.
EdZ, Brian and others , Laser training?
- Thread starter hue
- Start date
- Status
Hue.... the basics of laser training are fairly straightforward. At root, a laser from the ends of the club should always point to the targetline. To be 'truly' on plane, the pitch wouldn't change, although the actual 'pitch' of the plane can, and most often does, shift in a good swing.
I find that a laser on a heavy club, not hitting balls, in a dark room if possible, with a mirror, shows the plane to new golfers better than any description (other than Hogan's pane of glass, as a concept). Snead's wagon wheel, or Hale Irwin's 'trough' image can be good ones too.
A laser without a clubhead can be very effective, to start at least. Getting too caught up in the clubface before you can feel the 'swing' and the 'plane' can be counter productive.
I like to have people focus on that beam of light as if it were coming out of the hosel, and have them hit low pitch/punch shots with a 7 or 8 iron. It helps the takeaway tremendously. Gets people to 'feel' the 'one piece' motion (to about 8 o'clock).
The other image I like to use, is to have people become aware of the rotation of the toe 'above' that beam of light. The toe of the club must ALWAYS stay above that beam, or on it. Best to keep it 90 degrees from hip to hip, and the right wrist back/flat left feel is key to that.
The problem with the image is that students sometimes get their hands too far outside (too steep of a pitch), or inside (too shallow).
A great checkpoint (from Nick Price), is that at 9 o'clock, there should be a straight line from your hands, through your sternum, to the target. Get there, with the laser on the targetline, a flat left/bent right and let the club/body fall/rotate, hitting those short shots and letting your weight shift in synch with your chest/club/triangle. If you fail to shift (flow with the club), you may hit some fat/thin shots.
Once you can feel that position, you will start to feel that 'back of the left hand is the clubface' feeling, and the 'in synch' rotation of ALL of your body at/through impact.
The feel of your upper arms staying on your chest can also help, but don't overdo it too much or you'll be unable to 'flow' with the weight of the clubhead.
I find that a laser on a heavy club, not hitting balls, in a dark room if possible, with a mirror, shows the plane to new golfers better than any description (other than Hogan's pane of glass, as a concept). Snead's wagon wheel, or Hale Irwin's 'trough' image can be good ones too.
A laser without a clubhead can be very effective, to start at least. Getting too caught up in the clubface before you can feel the 'swing' and the 'plane' can be counter productive.
I like to have people focus on that beam of light as if it were coming out of the hosel, and have them hit low pitch/punch shots with a 7 or 8 iron. It helps the takeaway tremendously. Gets people to 'feel' the 'one piece' motion (to about 8 o'clock).
The other image I like to use, is to have people become aware of the rotation of the toe 'above' that beam of light. The toe of the club must ALWAYS stay above that beam, or on it. Best to keep it 90 degrees from hip to hip, and the right wrist back/flat left feel is key to that.
The problem with the image is that students sometimes get their hands too far outside (too steep of a pitch), or inside (too shallow).
A great checkpoint (from Nick Price), is that at 9 o'clock, there should be a straight line from your hands, through your sternum, to the target. Get there, with the laser on the targetline, a flat left/bent right and let the club/body fall/rotate, hitting those short shots and letting your weight shift in synch with your chest/club/triangle. If you fail to shift (flow with the club), you may hit some fat/thin shots.
Once you can feel that position, you will start to feel that 'back of the left hand is the clubface' feeling, and the 'in synch' rotation of ALL of your body at/through impact.
The feel of your upper arms staying on your chest can also help, but don't overdo it too much or you'll be unable to 'flow' with the weight of the clubhead.
Brian Manzella
Administrator
There is problem with laser trainers on the backswing, for certain procedures.
I have a problem with most training aids.What happens when you take it away and have to rely on your own swing out on the real course under real pressure?
I would really love to hear from anyone who has relied on a training aid to permanently improve their swing out in real world conditions..not the range.
It's all very well having the laser pointing where u want in practise.But how many holes is that going to last when you're out on the course before it wears out,just like swing thoughts?
I would really love to hear from anyone who has relied on a training aid to permanently improve their swing out in real world conditions..not the range.
It's all very well having the laser pointing where u want in practise.But how many holes is that going to last when you're out on the course before it wears out,just like swing thoughts?
True, but then that same truth holds for lessons too. It just takes time to ingrain the right feels, and many aids can really speed that process greatly, including lasers. Preshot routines are key here as well.
Out on the course, I like to swing two clubs together to keep my feel. The extra weight helps me stay smooth and in synch with the swinging clubhead/shaft.
I also use a 'swing sock' at times, during slow play. I HIGHLY recommend one, especially for those that prefer a true 'swinging' motion ala Snead. You can pick them up off ebay for $10. Higher swingweights in your clubs can also help you stay on plane.
I am a big believer in fundamentals,not swing aids.If you don't setup to the ball correctly you will never strike the ball consistently well.
And in my humble opinion,the setup is harder to master than the swing itself.Yet it's not often discussed with much interest among amateurs.And it shows!How many of them setup to the ball like Faldo or Elkington?
I read somewhere the touring pros spend 70% of their practice on their setup..even them!
And in my humble opinion,the setup is harder to master than the swing itself.Yet it's not often discussed with much interest among amateurs.And it shows!How many of them setup to the ball like Faldo or Elkington?
I read somewhere the touring pros spend 70% of their practice on their setup..even them!
My 2 cents on training aid
Most golfer are just wasting their money.
1. They don't use them correctly
2. They don't seek out training aids to match their swing or fauts
3. They expect instant success
4. One achieved, they move on and forget about them even after the problem pops back up
Golfers (people) have different ques that work for them, this is true with training and training aids.
The right training aid could wonders for the golfer, providing he uses it correctly. Part of that is the same concept in transferring the swing from the practice tee to the course, it is the same with the use of training aid, to aid, not do it. You are to learn, you need to transfer the information, movement, feel, etc.
I have said it before and will say it again, golfers are their own worst emeny in improving.
Most golfer are just wasting their money.
1. They don't use them correctly
2. They don't seek out training aids to match their swing or fauts
3. They expect instant success
4. One achieved, they move on and forget about them even after the problem pops back up
Golfers (people) have different ques that work for them, this is true with training and training aids.
The right training aid could wonders for the golfer, providing he uses it correctly. Part of that is the same concept in transferring the swing from the practice tee to the course, it is the same with the use of training aid, to aid, not do it. You are to learn, you need to transfer the information, movement, feel, etc.
I have said it before and will say it again, golfers are their own worst emeny in improving.
If you strap a laser or flashlight to the inside of your forearm, the beam should be on the targetline until hip high where it is parallel. The forearm basically stays on or parallel to the shaft plane during the swing, but I find that if you just get the feel during the takeaway, you don't have to think about it. Feel like your right palm faces the plane/targetline with the right wrist back.
The right hand/wrist/forearm should be on the shaft plane at least from hip to hip.
Take a look at Mickey Wright - she does this better than anyone IMO. She has one of, if not 'the' best swing of anyone that has ever played the game.
The right hand/wrist/forearm should be on the shaft plane at least from hip to hip.
Take a look at Mickey Wright - she does this better than anyone IMO. She has one of, if not 'the' best swing of anyone that has ever played the game.
- Status