"POSITIVE DISTRACTION" by John W. Rider, PGA

Golf is a sport that is very mental and requires coordination and rhythm.  My method of teaching golf is to concentrate on the rhythm of the swing.  I call this “Positive Distraction”.  I teach my students to use a rhythm count of 1-2-3-4, or whatever they would like to keep the swing in a fluid motion while hitting a golf ball.  All Tour players spend hours each day to maintain a smooth rhythm though out their swing.  The rhythm count is used for the Driver as well as the Putter and Irons.  The “Positive Distraction” allows the golfer to concentrate on their golf swing and not let the left side of the brain (the analytical side) confuse their thoughts during their swing. 

 

When teaching a beginner I will usually start with putting shots, then chip shots and then the full swing.  I will also demonstrate and teach a

“Pre-Shot Routine” that helps with grip, ball position, posture and distance from the ball.  A full swing starts with a putting stroke, chip shot and then full shot positioning of the club.  I also teach a “Chin to Chin Drill" that shows the student how the chin should touch the top of the shoulder going back, which means to stop the swing, and then touch the other shoulder on the down stroke that means to look up.  This keeps the golfer from pushing themselves up on the back swing and keeping the head and shoulders in position to strike the ball on the down stroke. 

 

Many golfers do many different things on the back swing but must be in the correct position on the down stroke because of the 5 laws of physics that are involved in hitting a golf ball.  The release and a full finish are important to ensure that the weight is transferred from the right side to the left side to complete the fluid swing.  Golfers should make fluid swings using the “Positive Distraction” method so that they do not become “result oriented” which will keep even the world’s best golfers from being successful in the game of golf.  When a golfer thinks of a score that they need or a pay check or trophy, they will almost always double their scores instead of winning.

 

Golf is a fun and competitive sport and is one that can be played for a full life time.  I teach people to enjoy golf and I have fun doing so.

 

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