DNA - STEP 3
In this section I want to take conception a stage further, in my pursuit to teach you to the best of my ability. Here I will try to explain how conception can easily be over looked in the 'cause and effect' arena.
When a golfer encounters a problem, the first thing to be blamed is the mechanical components of the swing. The problem with the golf swing is that we can normally see or feel the errors we make, but seldom do we find the root cause of it. In other words we blame only what we can see and not what we can't see.
Lets investigate a typical situation with a golfer who is finding it very difficult to move through to his left side and finish his swing properly. When he finishes his swing he notices that the majority of his weight is moving back to his right side. He's had a few lessons and lots of advice from his friends, all of whom are encouraging him to move his weight over to his left side, which he is finding almost impossible to achieve. He knows he needs to work on his leg action and he knows that all the advice is correct. But is it?
If I were teaching this individual, the first thing I would do is to ascertain why he's finishing with his weight on his right side. I would not insist, he simply stops doing it. So why would he finish in the way he is? Let me explain what you cannot see. You cannot see what is going on between the persons ears, but you can obtain this information from the manner in which he is moving his body. Remember the finish of your swing is an outcome, it is not the root problem. So in this case I would argue that his finishing position is actually one hundred percent correct. The reason I say that is because he's trying to hit the ball up. If he attempts this method (subconsciously or consciously) to hit the ball up, then he must finish with his weight on his right side and so in effect he's finished in the correct position. What the eyes see is a swing that looks wrong, but it isn't wrong at all. His finish is merely the outcome of what was programmed from the beginning. It doesn't matter how
much you tell him to move his weight over to his left side, if he's already decided to try and get under the ball and scoop it upwards he will automatically finish with his weight on his right side whether he likes it or not.
To teach this person correctly and professionally, you must explain the rules of engagement which is to demonstrate the art of hitting the ball properly. This
would entail the explanation of hitting the ball down and not trying to hit the ball up. This reversal in his conception would dramatically change his swing and he would experience an automatic transfer of weight to his left side without thinking about it.
After he has come to terms with conception he'll need to continue with some lower half practice drills to help his muscle memory, but the difference now is that he will benefit from the practice because it fits in with his conception perfectly.
We all want to hit the ball in the sweet spot of the club. But, if you're trying to get under the ball in order to help the ball upwards, then it's impossible. Attempting to hit the ball in this way will only force your weight back onto your right side.
I hope I am explaining the idea of conception clearly for you and that you are coming to terms with how important it is. Understanding conception is vital, once you can get to grips with this end of the swing spectrum, then and only then can you start understanding where the problems lies.
This next question is a really important one, in regard to your learning process. Choose carefully
If a golfer is attempting to get under the ball in order to help the ball up, where should the majority of their weight be at the finish of their swing?
A, On their left leg?
B, On their right leg?
C, Equal on both legs?
D, On the balls of their feet?