It's All About Learning...

I had an interesting ah-ha moment during a recent lesson. One of my students said she needed to remember the concept we were working on. It dawned on me that golf is about more than remembering to use a skill--it's learning the skill. 

To remember involves mental capacity. To have learned involves being able to act on an idea that has taken root.  When practicing, work to learn an idea instead of just remember it. That should help, for example, the golf swing become a more natural motion instead of just an idea that doesn't translate into the swing. 

There are several stages needed for learning to take place. 

1. Understanding the concept (knowledge)
2. Acquiring the skill to use the concept (practice)
3. Appling the skill under pressure (transfer practice/play) 

Remember a golfer can't hit a golf ball with the brain... a golfer must play with feel. Practice to learn, not just to remember!