Let's go to the video tape!

I want to invite some comments with this posting regarding your experiences with using video when taking a lesson. I was talking with a friend last night about the positives and negatives of using video cameras when I teach, and I am curious as to whether video (or other technology) has impacted your learning the game in one way or the other.

In general, I try to avoid using the video camera for most lessons I give. One thing I stress to all my students is the importance of feeling the swing, the clubhead, and how our bodies inter-connect during the swinging motion. In addition to this, I like to spend much of the time with experienced players discussing both how to improve ON-COURSE efforts as well as learning the reasons why sometimes things go wrong. When spending a lot of time with this kind of focus, video can become more of a distraction and can in many ways do more harm than good.

HOWEVER, there are some very good reasons to effectively use video in teaching. For one, when I work with individuals on VERY SPECIFIC moves (ie. weight shift problems or length of backswing or shoulder turn), video is very necessary so the student can see specifically where the problem is and what we are trying to accomplish. I also keep a binder full of still pictures of good golf swings, and use it to show trends and key areas that all good moves have in common.

One thing I try to avoid is using video to CREATE a swing. For example, I would not want to take a student and try to build his or her swing to look exactly like that of anyone else's. Each of us has our own swing -- specific to us, and we should work to perfect that one. What we can gain in comparing our swings to that of others is being sure some of our basics follow proven principles evident in those others. I would just caution that trying to copy other swings discourages us from bringing out the best in ours.

Again, I would really like to hear from any of you who have had experience with seeing your swing on video and what has been helpful in doing so. Please either comment on this page or send me an email via the link on the home page.

Super Sunday !!

For me, it's a pretty good day when there is a good golf tournament and a good football game on as there is today. Not that the FBR (Phoenix) Open went down to the wire, I just love watching it evey year. Maybe it is that I know the course and the area from living there six years, or maybe it is because it is typically Superbowl Weekend. But I also think it is because the TPC Scottsdale has a great set of finishing holes. The 15th is a reachable par-5 with water present. The 16th, need I say more? I've gotta imagine that you find out really quick if you can handle playing under pressure when you play that crazy par-3 on the weekend at Phoenix. Provided you get through the 16th, the 17th is a driveable par-4 with water left and a very unique green. Finally, the eighteenth requires an accurate drive and a precise approach, so in the last hour of play ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN.

Today was not the best finish ever, but it certainly was another example of what short-game can do. Phil Mickelson didn't hit a fairway from the time the TV coverage came on until the final hole of the day, but he still won by 5 STROKES. He saved pars on holes 9, 10, 11, 14, & 15, as well as getting "up & down" on the par-5 13th. His short game was the reason he won, from his putting when he shot 60 on Friday to his chipping on the weekend. You're going to get tired of me saying it, but WORK ON YOUR SHORT GAME IF YOU WANT TO IMPROVE.

One more thing, on the distance vs. accuracy debate. I would call today a draw. Long hitters like Mickelson, Mc Carron, & Herron did well, while straight-shooters like David Toms did, too. I predicted last week that the "bombers" would have a hey-day, but the rainy winter made the rough more of a factor than usual putting more of a premium on hitting the fairways.

Up next, Pebble Beach and the AT&T Pro-Am. Watch for the big guys to play well. Singh, Mickelson, & Mickelson will factor into the mix. The Patriots are leading by 7. As long as my Bills aren't in it (and they most certainly ARE NOT), I hope it comes down to the final play. Have a great week!