Being able to repeat your setup and swing automatically is a big part of becoming a consistent golfer. But, before it becomes firmly fixed and established, you have to understand what you're doing, why you're doing it, and how you make it happen.
Ed Bullano wanted to know if the bump should be a voluntary thought or an involuntary reaction. Seeing as how your transition is the key to a solid impact position, it's important to know what you're doing to make the right type of swing.
My question today is in starting the transition downswing. Is the " bump" a voluntary thought to action or should it happen as an involuntary swing reaction?
Ed Bullano
Your brain has to simulate all of the actions of the swing. Timing is the proper sequential movement of the parts of the body and in order to have the right sequence, you have to know the basics and fundamentals and then implement them into your swing.
A good way to make these movements routine is to take advantage of practice swings and use the drills that I've mentioned to train your brain. Once you are able to make the same swing over and over again, your swing thoughts might start happening involuntarily because you've practiced them so much. Until then, make sure you're actively thinking about each part of your swing and why each is necessary. Then it's just a matter of you monitoring it to make sure it keeps happening correctly over and over again.
Golf can be a never ending battle to get into the right setup and swing. So make sure you first know what you have to do!
Keep it vertical and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
The Surge
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For those who clicked and still found themselves at swingsurgeon.com I switch to you tube and it made sense. The 'click here' was meant for new comers that may have come across today's video elsewhere such as you tube then when 'clicking' they would be moved to Surges web page where they can 'learn more':)
Surge, thanks for the great reminders in today's tip. Voluntary or involuntary?
The answer was no then yes. In the learning stages it must be voluntary as we practice and learn a new or correct move. It is true for someone coming from a big rotational swing (or other swing theory) to the PPGS and it is true for us who have been learning and practicing this swing for some time but are fine tuning or reworking some aspect needing improvement. Then after we get it to be more automatic it can become involuntary or habitual with less thought involved. that is where we all want to be because it is then that we can be target focused and not mechanics and method focused.
In my own journey I made a break through in 2013 with today's very subject, that is the lateral bump and the proper kinematic sequence. Though still working on it I have noticed lately that I no longer have to exaggerate the loop and drop into the slot from the inside as I bump. Last time out playing - off the tee it was happening more naturally and fluidly.
(for review of how I forced myself to learn the bump and slot drop see the following)
https://www.swingsurgeon.com/daily-video-tips/bump-and-slot
Looking at 2014 my goals as regards to golf are simple;
1) ingrain 'the move' with the rest of my clubs {fairways-wedges}
2) become comfortable working the ball all three primary ways-draw,fade,straight
3) follow a course of multiple drills to improve my putting with a goal of being at 30 putts or less per round.
4) improve wedge game (pitching/chipping 110 yards and in and from around the green)
What? Why? and How?
I really like the following reminders for progress from my current book 'Golf's Three Nobel Truths'
1) What do you wish to achieve?
2) What are you willing to do to achieve it?
Anyone else thought about their golf goals for 2014 yet?
Finding Surgites
Any Surgites in the San Antonio Area? It would be fun to play a round where your playing partner is not trying to convince you to go back to a rotational swing.
Painting by the numbers
I have been a follower of Don Trahan for about 3 years. I am 64 years old. I immediately started playing better "pain free" golf even though I played somewhat like a "mechanical" man. I would think about in the mitt, up the tree, ring the bell, etc. on every shot. I have now come to the point where I am confident about my swing and play more naturally. I know where my club needs to be at the top and my basic thought is the "forward up swing". I no longer think about the "bump" because I naturally have to "bump" if I am thinking about "swinging up" on the forward "up" swing. Golf is so much more fun if you can hit the ball straight.
I'm at about 3 yrs now too,
I'm at about 3 yrs now too, rod. and just turning 62. I think what helped me understand the swing the most was the 'mitt'. going back and going forward. I realized this summer I just don't think about it anymore. I did a slow practice swing to see if I was doing it and I was close. The 'bump' and most thoughts just happen. I'm sure like most of us, I'll take a swing thought and ride it for all it's worth. I'm pretty much just 'playing golf' now and it's the most fun when you can do that for periods of time. 3 yrs ago I was lost,