8/2/2023
So what did we learn about the Short Game? First of all, James is the first to say that “a “Secret” technique does not exist, and those that are constantly looking for that shortcut at some point end up lost, frustrated, and racked with anxiety. If you want to reach your goals and play up to your potential, then you must formulate a plan and follow it. The plan will require you to master a few simple key elements and see growth in performance as a result of the process.”
“The “Secret” is simple:
- Improved Technique so that the ball is struck solidly, with consistency and control.
- Efficient and Effective Practice so the time you invest bears fruit.
- Mental Prowess so that you are empowered to play with a high level of focus, confidence, and resiliency.” - James Sieckman
You see, anyone can tell you that the “Secret” lies in you clicking on the link in your inbox, but having a trained eye look for the intricate movement patterns in your delivery of the club, be it a putter, a wedge, or a Driver takes time. Motor patterns are engrained and rejigging those motor patterns is not how the brain functions. Each neuropathway that you have engrained to allow you to perform your swing needs to be overridden by new and stronger neuropathways and this happens through Efficient and Effective Practice.
The goal of the coach is to go slowly and ensure that the learning process is thoroughly understood each step of the way which is why each session begins with a clear understanding of the
Foundational Pieces that are the non-negotiables in learning a particular skill.
As an example, let’s use Putting. James says that “a great setup and proper pendulum swing should allow you to roll your ball on your start line with consistency and control.” If you tend to set up with your shoulder line too far left, or too far right, you may have a pattern of hitting the ball left of the hole or right of the hole. If you set up with your hands directly under your belly button and not your shoulders, your putter is probably too short and you may tend to miss to the left as well.
Setting up properly is one of the
Foundational Pieces that is non-negotiable. If you set up too tall, with the putter too far out in front of you, chances are the putter is too long for you and you need to be properly measured for your putter length. A tall setup will cause you to swing the putter on too great an arc and not on a controllable, neutral path.
Student of the Year Award goes to…
If you are questioning your foundations, I will be continuing my weekly Short Game Clinics every Wednesday and Saturday (with some exceptions). If you are looking to join any of these clinics,
please use the link at the top of the page to add your name to the list.
As always, thank you for taking the time to read. Have a wonderful day and remember that life’s too short not to practice because practice makes progress.
All Quotes come directly from James Sieckmann
Thank you for reading,
Ryan Rinneard
Director of Instruction/Head Teaching Professional
Mad River Golf Club
e:
[email protected]
c: 705-607-4653
*For lessons please click here.
