Lessons learned

Busy last few days with lessons.  The summer weather has finally broken in the Dallas Metroplex.  It's much more enjoyable to be out teaching when you're not just worried about  water consumption. 

I'd like to share with you some tidbits from some of my recent lessons.

-  Footwork is important.  At address weight is evenly distributed.  As you approach the top of the backswing your weight has shifted about 75% to the back foot and then it moves almost all the way to the front foot at impact and through to the finish.  If you have someone who's body doesn't allow them to turn, have them concentrate on their footwork.
-  Improving your physical technique is important.  It helps create consistency.  But, you must also have motion and rhythem.  All the technique in the world doesn't work if you don't have rhythem and motion.  If someone starts overloading on technique, get some rhythem back in their swing.
-  Someone that averages shooting 90 typically takes 36 putts a round.  How many times to do you hear golfers that are better than a 20 handicap say they took 36 or more putts a round?  Share the above stat with them and then introduce them to the practice putting green.
-  90 mph is basically eqivaulent to 130 mph ballspeed.  If this is the speed you're dealing with in a driver, eliminate their 4-iron.  They don't have enough speed to sufficiently launch it or stop it.  Get them a hybrid or a very lofted fairway wood.  Additionally, they have no business with a 3-wood in their bag unless they just use it off the tee. 
Even after 26 years of teaching, everday produces something new.