Every golfer has a path to walk in hopes of finding improvement. And, all teaching professionals have a vested interest in helping people find their way. My favorite axiom is “There is an ear for every voice”. Let’s face it, each voice represents a different path to improvement. However, not every one clears the surest path.
Golfers choose their experts based on ideals like passion, knowledge, creativity, and the like. There is an entertainment value in the teacher-student dynamic, which keeps things lively. Because we are all wired differently, what is engaging to one may bore another.
My research, for instance, has been focused upon disproving that the Open Stance is the path to successful ball-striking. And, in the process, I discovered that setting up open is the perfect expression of a specific intent. Furthermore, I discovered that an intentional, Open Stance set-up eliminates confusion during the adaptive journey.
Instructors as well as teachers make many assumptions when delivering their message. Some are wise and some are foolish. Your key to faster improvement is knowing the difference. Unspoken assumptions may create confusion in students while creating wiggle-room for instructors. Consequently, assumptions not spoken leave an “Out” for instructors.
For example, we know Jack Nicklaus set up open and hit a fade. As a result, people were led to believe that hitting a fade required an open set-up. Likewise, it implied that an open set-up created a fade. And, why not… every article you read about hitting a fade will recommend opening your stance. However, what you were not told actually makes the difference in knowledge-transfer.
The missing assumptions are 1) The target does not move, 2) The student’s Intent with their golf ball is precise, 3) The golfer does not change their movement in a new set up, 4) The clubface angle does change in a new set-up, and 5) Results are immediate.
In contrast, teachers communicate the following assumptions to their students…. 1) A specific Intent with a golf ball shapes the set-up relationship between the target, ball, club, and golfer, 2) Golfers adapt in movement to cooperate with a specific intent and set-up, and 3) Results take time
One path leads to relativism and confusion. The other path leads to simplicity and knowledge. The former is the way of instruction. The latter is the way of a teacher. Therefore, my friends, be cautious when vetting your experts.
John Wright – Founder
The Open Stance Academy