4...3...2...1 A Most Effective Learning & Practice Routine

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By Skip Guss

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  • 10 Replies
  1. Skip Guss

    Skip Guss
    Marlborough, MA

    When helping a student learn a new skill, habit, practice routine, or making a mechanical change, I urge them to incorporate "4...3...2...1"! Here's how it works:

    Let's say I am working on improving my impact position (see video):

    Step #1. Notice that I am rehearsing proper impact position...slowly...methodically....to learn the new position. I will rehearse this... 4 TIMES

    Step #2: I am expanding the motion...a few small backswings...while maintaining proper impact position. I will rehears this... 3 TIMES

    Step #3: I am expanding the motion to both the backswing and forward swing....still focusing on proper impact. I will rehearse this...2 TIMES

    STEP #4: One strike of the golf ball, doing my best to incorporate proper impact position.

    I will then completely repeat the process: 4...3...2...1 for the duration of my practice session.

    The goal, over time, is to improve impact. The key here is "over time"...it WILL take time to develop the new habit. I must have confidence in what I am doing...how I am going about it...that I WILL get it...and it will work under pressure. "OVER TIME"!

    No matter what you are working on...try this routine...."4...3...2..1". I will help!

  2. pulplvr

    pulplvr
    Spring, TX

    Military
    Sounds like a decent process, Skip, but I do not see any video to accompany your post.
  3. Skip Guss

    Skip Guss
    Marlborough, MA

    Videos are/should being posted.....sorry for the delay. Hope the message was communicated adequately, though. Let me know if I can assist further!
  4. Elson C

    Elson C
    Southgate

    Thank you for the tip, I find mind bugging that some people take practice swings with no purpose other than swing the club.
    Similar to what you outlined, I use a 3 3 3 approach.
    3 short swings focusing on the Impact, specifically making sure I can mimic getting a good contact point on the bottom of the swing
    3 full back swings still focusing on the impact but also looking at my take away path.
    I will give it a try to your 4 3 2 1 next time I am on the range
    than 3 full swings with focusing on the Impact take away and finish
  5. Skip Guss

    Skip Guss
    Marlborough, MA

    Elson:

    you got the idea! Glad you are following a specific path to improvement! Keep up the good work!
  6. Chris C

    Chris C
    Medway, MA

    Great Information. I like the the key words "over time" Practicing with a plan will pay off.
  7. Skip Guss

    Skip Guss
    Marlborough, MA

    Chris:

    I tell my students...all the time...you gotta "bake it!' Baking....heat over time!!!!! Ya gotta bake it!!!!! Thanks!
  8. Darryl M

    Darryl M
    Wichita, KS

    Excellent process Skip, most people just hit & look hit and look. I'll give your method a try this weekend I have a practice session as my game doesn't seem to be on track yet.
    Thanks for the insight....
  9. Rob R

    Rob R
    Chicago, IL

    Skip g thanks for the tip. I will be at the range tomorrow morning and going to incorporate your drill.

  10. Lance P

    Lance P
    Hillsborough, NC

    4..3..2..1..sounds like a solid practice routine.

    However my favorite swing thoughts are ClubProGuy's 7-4-7 methods. Pure gold!
  11. Skip Guss

    Skip Guss
    Marlborough, MA

    Lance:

    Finding a practice plan that fits you is the main objective! It's certainly NOT about hitting a bunch of golf balls on the range. Perfect practice...practice with a purpose....practice with a plan. ALL good things to remember!

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