The long
title might sound scary – but I will simplify it. Basically, it is messing
around J
title might sound scary – but I will simplify it. Basically, it is messing
around J
Skill is
the ability to carry out the demands of the task to produce the required performance.
For example, you could be skilled in hitting the ball into the fairway, be it
with a big cut, or a massive draw, or a more neutral flight (or combinations).
Having the skill to be able to vary those flights/control the amount of
curvature is a subset skill of this. A process skill would be to be able to control
the sweet spot of the club through the swing, and be able to strike the ball
with the part of the face you desire (hopefully the middle, but having the ability
to vary it at will is also important).
the ability to carry out the demands of the task to produce the required performance.
For example, you could be skilled in hitting the ball into the fairway, be it
with a big cut, or a massive draw, or a more neutral flight (or combinations).
Having the skill to be able to vary those flights/control the amount of
curvature is a subset skill of this. A process skill would be to be able to control
the sweet spot of the club through the swing, and be able to strike the ball
with the part of the face you desire (hopefully the middle, but having the ability
to vary it at will is also important).
Perception
action coupling (PA coupling) can come in many forms, but I am going to talk
about the ability to match your perception of events with your action, or
controlling action through varying perceptions. For example, when you strike the
face, are you hitting the ball where you are intending to. If you aim to hit
the middle of the face, is the ball actually coming from the middle? Also, do
you have the ability to change your perception if there is a difference between
your PA coupling? An example of this would be a player who is striking from the
heel when they desire to strike from the sweet spot. The Perception is ‘centre
of the face’ but the action is more heel biased than the perception. Does this
player then have the ability to move their perception more towards the toe in
order to move the action more towards the middle? Whilst not optimal (ideally
we would like to have our PA coupling match up perfectly), it is an important
ability to develop, as day to day fluctuations in PA coupling mean we often
have to use whatever form of focus which gets our performance how we desire. I
have played some great rounds when my strike pattern has been more heel biased
than my desired. But I get through it by simply shifting my perception more
towards a toe strike, so reality (action) becomes more centred. This ‘offset
reality’ can be quite strange, unless practiced. And, as golf is largely a game
of managing your broken state, it is an important quality to have if you are to
play consistently high level golf. You are mistaken if you think there will be
one day where everything just comes together, the swing is built and now will
function perfectly. It doesn’t and never will happen. Most of the time you are
playing an act of damage limitation and constant self-correction.
action coupling (PA coupling) can come in many forms, but I am going to talk
about the ability to match your perception of events with your action, or
controlling action through varying perceptions. For example, when you strike the
face, are you hitting the ball where you are intending to. If you aim to hit
the middle of the face, is the ball actually coming from the middle? Also, do
you have the ability to change your perception if there is a difference between
your PA coupling? An example of this would be a player who is striking from the
heel when they desire to strike from the sweet spot. The Perception is ‘centre
of the face’ but the action is more heel biased than the perception. Does this
player then have the ability to move their perception more towards the toe in
order to move the action more towards the middle? Whilst not optimal (ideally
we would like to have our PA coupling match up perfectly), it is an important
ability to develop, as day to day fluctuations in PA coupling mean we often
have to use whatever form of focus which gets our performance how we desire. I
have played some great rounds when my strike pattern has been more heel biased
than my desired. But I get through it by simply shifting my perception more
towards a toe strike, so reality (action) becomes more centred. This ‘offset
reality’ can be quite strange, unless practiced. And, as golf is largely a game
of managing your broken state, it is an important quality to have if you are to
play consistently high level golf. You are mistaken if you think there will be
one day where everything just comes together, the swing is built and now will
function perfectly. It doesn’t and never will happen. Most of the time you are
playing an act of damage limitation and constant self-correction.
The
uncontrolled manifold hypothesis states that elite level performers are able to
use variable movements to produce the same desired action/skill. For example, a
high level golfer will not only be able to produce an on line shot using
multiple different trackman numbers (negative/positive paths AOA etc), but they
will be able to produce the same trackman numbers with subtle (or sometimes
larger) variances in the limb and muscle synergies. So an elite level player
would be able to produce similar/the same trackman numbers with varying
backswing positions and hand/club/shoulder planes of motion. This is an excerpt
from Wikipedia
uncontrolled manifold hypothesis states that elite level performers are able to
use variable movements to produce the same desired action/skill. For example, a
high level golfer will not only be able to produce an on line shot using
multiple different trackman numbers (negative/positive paths AOA etc), but they
will be able to produce the same trackman numbers with subtle (or sometimes
larger) variances in the limb and muscle synergies. So an elite level player
would be able to produce similar/the same trackman numbers with varying
backswing positions and hand/club/shoulder planes of motion. This is an excerpt
from Wikipedia
“A more recent hypothesis propose that the central nervous system does
not eliminate the redundant degrees of freedom, but instead it uses all of
them to ensure flexible and stable performance of motor tasks. The central nervous system makes
use of this abundance from the redundant systems instead of restricting them
like previously hypothesized. Uncontrolled Manifold (UCM) Hypothesis provides a
way to quantify the muscle synergy.[8] This
hypothesis defines “synergy” a little differently from that stated
above; a synergy represents an organization of elemental variables (degrees of
freedom) that stabilizes an important performance variable. Elemental variable
is the smallest sensible variable that can be used to describe a system of
interest at a selected level of analysis, and a performance variable refers to
the potentially important variables produced by the system as a whole. For
example, in multi-joint reaching task, the angles and the positions of certain
joints are the elemental variables, and the performance variables are the
endpoint coordinates of the hand.[8]
not eliminate the redundant degrees of freedom, but instead it uses all of
them to ensure flexible and stable performance of motor tasks. The central nervous system makes
use of this abundance from the redundant systems instead of restricting them
like previously hypothesized. Uncontrolled Manifold (UCM) Hypothesis provides a
way to quantify the muscle synergy.[8] This
hypothesis defines “synergy” a little differently from that stated
above; a synergy represents an organization of elemental variables (degrees of
freedom) that stabilizes an important performance variable. Elemental variable
is the smallest sensible variable that can be used to describe a system of
interest at a selected level of analysis, and a performance variable refers to
the potentially important variables produced by the system as a whole. For
example, in multi-joint reaching task, the angles and the positions of certain
joints are the elemental variables, and the performance variables are the
endpoint coordinates of the hand.[8]
This hypothesis proposes that the
controller (the brain) acts in the space of elemental variables (i.e. the
rotations shared by the shoulder, elbow, and wrist in arm movements) and
selects in the space of manifolds (i.e. sets of angular values corresponding to
a final position). This hypothesis acknowledges that variability is always
present in human movements, and it categorizes it into two types: (1) bad
variability and (2) good variability. Bad variability affects the important
performance variable and causes large errors in the final result of a motor
task, and a good variability keeps the performance task unchanged and maintains
successful outcome. It suggests that the brain only works to decrease the bad
variability that hinders the desired final result, and it does so by increasing
the good variability in the redundant domain.[8]”
controller (the brain) acts in the space of elemental variables (i.e. the
rotations shared by the shoulder, elbow, and wrist in arm movements) and
selects in the space of manifolds (i.e. sets of angular values corresponding to
a final position). This hypothesis acknowledges that variability is always
present in human movements, and it categorizes it into two types: (1) bad
variability and (2) good variability. Bad variability affects the important
performance variable and causes large errors in the final result of a motor
task, and a good variability keeps the performance task unchanged and maintains
successful outcome. It suggests that the brain only works to decrease the bad
variability that hinders the desired final result, and it does so by increasing
the good variability in the redundant domain.[8]”
So, as the
last paragraph describes, there is always variability and fluctuations in human
movement. We can have good and bad variability. Our aim is to increase the good
variability. As golf is also a game played on varying slopes with varying lies,
encouraging variability is important. Changes do not happen in isolation, so we
have to improve our ability to understand how one variable will affect another –
EXPERIENTIALLY.
last paragraph describes, there is always variability and fluctuations in human
movement. We can have good and bad variability. Our aim is to increase the good
variability. As golf is also a game played on varying slopes with varying lies,
encouraging variability is important. Changes do not happen in isolation, so we
have to improve our ability to understand how one variable will affect another –
EXPERIENTIALLY.
Drills
I have
recently been working with a scratch handicap player (secondary to my teaching
partner). One of the things I have added to his practice routine are some
variability drills which develop all the above qualities. Take a look at the
below video, followed by a description of each.
recently been working with a scratch handicap player (secondary to my teaching
partner). One of the things I have added to his practice routine are some
variability drills which develop all the above qualities. Take a look at the
below video, followed by a description of each.
CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO SEE VIDEO
This drill
involves hitting balls from varying heights relative to feet. So ball one is
slightly below the feet, and then we have a few from tees and ground level. The
aim was not only to successfully strike the ball, but to get it within a target
of 20 yards (average green size). There was a clear improvement in his ability
to match all variables successfully after practicing this drill for just 5
minutes. His technique responded to the demands of the task (self-organising
behaviour), and was done with the target as a primary focus in order to improve
PA coupling of target/result (encouraging course transference of skill). It is
a variability practice drill because it is aiming to do the correct things (hit
the target/control the swing circle) but in varying ways. It is also a random
practice drill because the shot is different every time. To make this a
block/variability drill, you could practice just one tee height more than once.
involves hitting balls from varying heights relative to feet. So ball one is
slightly below the feet, and then we have a few from tees and ground level. The
aim was not only to successfully strike the ball, but to get it within a target
of 20 yards (average green size). There was a clear improvement in his ability
to match all variables successfully after practicing this drill for just 5
minutes. His technique responded to the demands of the task (self-organising
behaviour), and was done with the target as a primary focus in order to improve
PA coupling of target/result (encouraging course transference of skill). It is
a variability practice drill because it is aiming to do the correct things (hit
the target/control the swing circle) but in varying ways. It is also a random
practice drill because the shot is different every time. To make this a
block/variability drill, you could practice just one tee height more than once.
The skill
being developed here is swing circle control. In order to successfully strike
the ball, the player needs to control both the height and position of the LOWPOINT. They also need to control their D-Plane variables (consisting of the
BALL FLIGHT LAWS) in a variable way, as changing the low point position will
have an effect on these.
being developed here is swing circle control. In order to successfully strike
the ball, the player needs to control both the height and position of the LOWPOINT. They also need to control their D-Plane variables (consisting of the
BALL FLIGHT LAWS) in a variable way, as changing the low point position will
have an effect on these.
Toe/heel to
centre
The goal of
this drill is to be able to strike the centre of the face, but the caveat is
that you must start by either addressing the ball from the heel or the toe. Our
player found this massively difficult at first, but quickly learned not only
how to re-find the sweet spot from less than desirable starting positions, but
he was able to hit the ball within his 20 yard circle. No technical instruction
was given; the player self-organised technique through the demands of the task.
this drill is to be able to strike the centre of the face, but the caveat is
that you must start by either addressing the ball from the heel or the toe. Our
player found this massively difficult at first, but quickly learned not only
how to re-find the sweet spot from less than desirable starting positions, but
he was able to hit the ball within his 20 yard circle. No technical instruction
was given; the player self-organised technique through the demands of the task.
Whilst
conducting this drill, the player is subconsciously learning how variables
affect each other. For example, his first few attempts at the toe address position
resulted in several thin shots, before the player learned to put his body in a
more desirable position to be able to successfully strike the ball. Even if
this player is to never do this on the course, he is learning valuable
proprioceptive abilities which can carry forwards to other, more stable swing
styles. By challenging a skill beyond what is required, it is forced to grow
and improve, just like muscles grow in the gym when challenged with weight
training. The player is also developing an ability to control where he hits on
the face and improving PA coupling of strike.
conducting this drill, the player is subconsciously learning how variables
affect each other. For example, his first few attempts at the toe address position
resulted in several thin shots, before the player learned to put his body in a
more desirable position to be able to successfully strike the ball. Even if
this player is to never do this on the course, he is learning valuable
proprioceptive abilities which can carry forwards to other, more stable swing
styles. By challenging a skill beyond what is required, it is forced to grow
and improve, just like muscles grow in the gym when challenged with weight
training. The player is also developing an ability to control where he hits on
the face and improving PA coupling of strike.
Shot
Shaping
CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO SEE VIDEO
The player
was asked to hit a fade (start inside the 20 yard circle and move left to
right), a draw (start inside the 20 yard circle and move right to left), a
slice (start outside the 20 yard circle and move left to right) and a hook
(start outside the 20 yard circle and move right to left). This is a
variability drill, because the player is attempting to hit the target but in
varying ways (different ball flights). It is also random practice because the
player is varying the flight each time – but this could be made into a block
practice drill by performing one ball flight for 2 or more consecutive shots.
was asked to hit a fade (start inside the 20 yard circle and move left to
right), a draw (start inside the 20 yard circle and move right to left), a
slice (start outside the 20 yard circle and move left to right) and a hook
(start outside the 20 yard circle and move right to left). This is a
variability drill, because the player is attempting to hit the target but in
varying ways (different ball flights). It is also random practice because the
player is varying the flight each time – but this could be made into a block
practice drill by performing one ball flight for 2 or more consecutive shots.
This drill
develops the player’s ability to control and sense fluctuations in path and
face relationships, as well as building and improved ability to hit the target.
The player is also subconsciously building a tool-box for self-correction – if they
are able to move the ball right and left at will, they can more easily
calibrate a neutral ball flight if desired.
develops the player’s ability to control and sense fluctuations in path and
face relationships, as well as building and improved ability to hit the target.
The player is also subconsciously building a tool-box for self-correction – if they
are able to move the ball right and left at will, they can more easily
calibrate a neutral ball flight if desired.
Again, we
can see huge variances in his swing technique, but the player is conducting
those changes without awareness (they are an ingrained skill for this player and
are subconscious/autonomous). But the movement is responding to the intent of
the player. As the player’s intent was on the shape of the shot and the target
(further heightened by the fact he had to try and do all of them in a row successfully),
the player is building an improved PA coupling of target/action.
can see huge variances in his swing technique, but the player is conducting
those changes without awareness (they are an ingrained skill for this player and
are subconscious/autonomous). But the movement is responding to the intent of
the player. As the player’s intent was on the shape of the shot and the target
(further heightened by the fact he had to try and do all of them in a row successfully),
the player is building an improved PA coupling of target/action.
Variability
benefits
When we
encourage variability in practice (in similar ways to this), we learn a
multitude of different skills. Some of them are direct – such as the ability to
shape the ball around a tree. Some are indirect – such as the ability to
control the sweet spot / low point /task demand couplings. This not only
applies to varying lies (as most people think) but even helps us improve our
ability to hit off a flat lie.
encourage variability in practice (in similar ways to this), we learn a
multitude of different skills. Some of them are direct – such as the ability to
shape the ball around a tree. Some are indirect – such as the ability to
control the sweet spot / low point /task demand couplings. This not only
applies to varying lies (as most people think) but even helps us improve our
ability to hit off a flat lie.
Variability
in practice allows us to develop better sense for where the club is in space
which can lead to auto-correction. A player who has sensed and practiced being
out of a desired position is much more likely to be able to correct themselves
if they have already experienced it. Whereas, a player who practices with the
same club over and over to the same target will experience less of this, so
when it happens on the course, they will have less ability to recover.
in practice allows us to develop better sense for where the club is in space
which can lead to auto-correction. A player who has sensed and practiced being
out of a desired position is much more likely to be able to correct themselves
if they have already experienced it. Whereas, a player who practices with the
same club over and over to the same target will experience less of this, so
when it happens on the course, they will have less ability to recover.
Applying
intentional variability (even if it is intentionally bad) can also improve the
good variability we desire. A player who has the ability to hit the toe and the
heel at will (differential practice drill) can more easily calibrate the
desired the result, even from varying movements.
intentional variability (even if it is intentionally bad) can also improve the
good variability we desire. A player who has the ability to hit the toe and the
heel at will (differential practice drill) can more easily calibrate the
desired the result, even from varying movements.
Notes
It is worth
saying that the player found these drills incredibly fun and engaging. He felt
much more challenged and enjoyed the act of working out how to do the new task.
This player is very advanced, and these are relatively advanced drills (I have
a full spectrum of much more/lesser advanced drills), but we can all use a
little bit of this in our training regime.
saying that the player found these drills incredibly fun and engaging. He felt
much more challenged and enjoyed the act of working out how to do the new task.
This player is very advanced, and these are relatively advanced drills (I have
a full spectrum of much more/lesser advanced drills), but we can all use a
little bit of this in our training regime.
Although
these types of drills can cause short term interference (this is off-season for
the player – a time to expand skill sets), try not to be frightened of doing
these. You won’t ‘mess up’ your swing as most people believe. The mantra of ‘perfect
practice makes perfect’ is dying hard with new science in motor learning
emerging. Encouraging variability can be a great long-term asset, improving
feel, awareness, skill, proprioception, self-correction, auto-correction (subconscious
version of self-correction) and toolboxes for self teaching.
these types of drills can cause short term interference (this is off-season for
the player – a time to expand skill sets), try not to be frightened of doing
these. You won’t ‘mess up’ your swing as most people believe. The mantra of ‘perfect
practice makes perfect’ is dying hard with new science in motor learning
emerging. Encouraging variability can be a great long-term asset, improving
feel, awareness, skill, proprioception, self-correction, auto-correction (subconscious
version of self-correction) and toolboxes for self teaching.
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Think about
the other skills in golf and how you can apply these principles to your
training to really maximise your learning.
the other skills in golf and how you can apply these principles to your
training to really maximise your learning.
