What have you heard to your face so many times? You can tryKeep your left elbow straight. don’tSwing too quickly? These two pieces of advice are the most popular in golf instruction.
Do you find this scenario familiar? You can learn a new technique during a lesson. However, your new technique disappears the very next day. You will find it more difficult the harder you work.
You give up on this system after several failed attempts.
Many students find themselves stuck in limbo, unable or unwilling to learn a new technique.
All golfers have the potential to learn proper technique. Your progress is not hampered by lack of desire or ability. Two simple words, even if they are not used often enough to cause you to stop progressing can lead to your unconscious and automatic use.
These are the two worst words to use in instruction golf. You can try don’t. Tell a golfer not to think too hard if you really want him to fall to his knees.
Mixed signals are created when the brain struggles to understand a negative command. Your body responds instinctively to a negative command by slowing down. It is like a battery-depleted wind-up toy.
This is the beginning stage of Paralysis by Analysis.
Golfers often tell each other not to try to hit the ball. Negative commands are difficult to process and we often do the exact opposite of what we want. What happens to a student when they are told not to lift their heads?
Are you able to recall the number of times that you have been told? You can try Relax. Try to relax by trying.
A word is the third and final negative command. but. Although this word may not be as fatal as “try or don’t”, it could impede any chances of getting the desired outcome.
What is your inner dialog? However In the conversation It would be great to get past ninety. But, it is not something I do enough. This putt is what I would like to sink, but I have been missing the mark from this distance for the past day.
I think you’ll see the point. Use the word HoweverNegative mental images can destroy any positive outlook. Your body reacts to positive mental images. This effectively eliminates any possibility of success.
What can you do to avoid negative command effects?
Make sure you give or receive advice in positive terms. Pay attention to the temptation to give negative instructions.
Can positive commands be used to guarantee perfection? It is not possible. However, if you are focused on the things that matter, your chances of reaching your goals will be higher. to doInstead of focusing on whatNot to.
Understanding how language influences your abilities is key to playing your best golf.
It would be a good idea to write down 10 of the worst pieces of advice about golf swings, and then reformulate these in positive terms. You will be more aware of the negative effects of certain commands.
For a comprehensive discussion on the effects of language on learning, I would suggest visiting Dr. Harlan Kilstein at http://www.golfersmind.com.
Watch the scene in which Yoda tries to rescue Luke Skywalker’s fighter plane from the Bog if you own a copy. It is an excellent example of the effect that negative commands can have on our beliefs.
The next article will teach you how to maximize practice and build muscle memory.