Podcast: Better Swing Mechanics or Skill

General Discussion
#1

Just listened to the podcast and enjoyed it John and Adam. I heard both of you say that it is a blend of both mechanics and skill, which I think, most people would agree with. Here is the point that gets overlooked. Poor mechanics reduces your margin, makes it harder to repeat and requires more skill to perform. In the long term with comparable skill levels, better mechanics will turn in a better performance. IMO

Ripping off Tolstoy – “All happy families (golf swings) are alike, each unhappy family (golf swing) is unhappy in its own way.” John commented on how amateur swings have much more variation compared to the swings on the PGA tour. No surprise. Hitting a ball well with a stick is pretty much understood.

Since we are just finishing up with the World Series, let’s talk about that (sorry Adam). People often point out how widely different MLB hitters look – some have an open stance, some have their hands high wagging the bat around, some are bent over, etc. Watch what happens when the pitcher releases the ball. The open stance strides square to the pitch, the high hands drop to their shoulders, the hips start to open and these hitters now look more alike than not. If you’re going to cover the plate and hit with power, you are going to look like Ruth and Aaron at contact.

An over the top, slicing golf swing is never going to hit the ball as far and straight as a proper golf swing. John Jacobs said that you can play pretty good golf (80’s) with such a swing but not much more than that. My guess is that the podcast listeners and forum members want to be better than pretty good which means they intend to fix these swing faults. Myself, I’m trying to fix my early extension/ early release.

Mike

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#2

It certainly can be true that poor mechanics requires higher skill. I know of many examples where this may be the case.

However, “poor mechanics” is often subjective. Much of what is defined in this category is not necessarily bad, or requiring more skill, but merely a different set of match ups.

For example, many would say that Furyk, Wolff, Daly, Lopes, Floyd, Dustin (the list is endless) require more skill than someone more neutral - say an Adam Scott. However, all of the above have great mechanics - they just look different and have a different set of match ups.

So really, if we are to talk about poor mechanics, we first have to define what they are, and why that would require more skill. Perhaps this could be a topic starter. I’ll go first with a few

  1. low point being behind the ball (with irons) - because it requires greater arc depth control (skill) to create a functional strike
  2. being wildly out of balance in the backswing - because it make it more difficult for the body to coordinate function when it is striving not to fall over
  3. hand path working down through impact - because it creates a greater rate of curvature in the arc through impact
  4. an early release - because it prevents the creation of a bigger flat spot at the bottom of the arc.

I’ll leave with this.
Mechanics matter - I’ll never ever say they don’t. But improvement in skill will help aid in mechanics. They will also allow any given set of mechanics to work more optimally. Improvements in skill also always leads to better results. Improvements in mechanics do not always lead to better skill.

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#3

@Adamyounggolf

I have had The Practice Manual for several years and always find something different rings more true to me every time i review a section. Thank you.

I really love how you specifically focus on skill development and break it up into smaller manageable pieces, sometimes removing the focus from golf and to an external focus, especially for those of us who just cant seem to progress the way we think we should.

Wish I lived near you!

Just wanted to say thanks!

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#4

@adamyounggolf: Thanks for responding. I was beginning to think that everyone was going to let me have the last word. :wink:

I think the difference in swing mechanics within the elite group of pro golfers you mentioned is much smaller than the difference between a 20 handicapper and a scratch player.

I think a guy like yourself could estimate the handicap of a golfer after watching 3 swings.

I think your thesis (which you have explicitly stated) is that through skill development your body self organizes in a familiar manner to more proficiently strike the ball. Coincidentally, while your skill improves, your swing mechanics also improve. You believe this is a better way of learning the game than the other way around.

I think good players at all levels have a lot in common. Some day, I’m hoping to join them.

Mike

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