Research is showing both golfers and instructors that there is a better way to learn golf skills. There are several critical factors which enhance learning.
Master one skill at a time. If more than one new skill is introduced at the same time retention of both skills is diminished. Our brains physiology dictates that to optimize learning of a new skill we learn only one new skill at a time. The first six hours after a new skill is introduced and practiced is critical. The brain continues to cement the new skill into long term memory during that first six hours. If an additional related skill is introduced during those six hours the learning of both skills is diminished. During your golf lessons focus on only one new swing skill at a time. Master one skill before learning another.
Sleep following the learning of a new skill is critical. Sleep continues to enhance the learning that took place during acquisition of the new skill. The skill becomes hard wired into the brain. It becomes more automated and reproducible enabling us to carry out the new task without actively thinking about it. It's important to get a good night sleep after your lesson. The brain builds necessary pathways during sleep.
Take frequent breaks during your practice routine. Prolonged attention to a single task hinders performance. An effective practice routine includes practice and rest periods. For example: practice your putting, after 15-20 minutes move to the chipping green to practice chip shots, after another 15-20 minutes stop practicing and take a break, do something different, stretch, rehydrate, take a moment to talk to a friend, after your break return to practice. Brief breaks will actually help you stay focused on your task.
Variety enhances learning and performance. If you robotically repeat the same drill over and over again in long practice sessions your brain does not have to process very deeply. Variety in practice requires renewed focus. Make each shot unique by varying the type of shot, club used and distance to target. Challenge yourself to think about what you want to achieve with each shot. Your memory of the skill is enhanced when practice is challenging.
Learn and enhance golf skills by following these principals: learn one new skill at a time, get a good nights sleep after learning a new skill, take breaks during the practice of routine skills, add challenge to practice routines by varying the type of shot, club used and distance to target.
Master one skill at a time. If more than one new skill is introduced at the same time retention of both skills is diminished. Our brains physiology dictates that to optimize learning of a new skill we learn only one new skill at a time. The first six hours after a new skill is introduced and practiced is critical. The brain continues to cement the new skill into long term memory during that first six hours. If an additional related skill is introduced during those six hours the learning of both skills is diminished. During your golf lessons focus on only one new swing skill at a time. Master one skill before learning another.
Sleep following the learning of a new skill is critical. Sleep continues to enhance the learning that took place during acquisition of the new skill. The skill becomes hard wired into the brain. It becomes more automated and reproducible enabling us to carry out the new task without actively thinking about it. It's important to get a good night sleep after your lesson. The brain builds necessary pathways during sleep.
Take frequent breaks during your practice routine. Prolonged attention to a single task hinders performance. An effective practice routine includes practice and rest periods. For example: practice your putting, after 15-20 minutes move to the chipping green to practice chip shots, after another 15-20 minutes stop practicing and take a break, do something different, stretch, rehydrate, take a moment to talk to a friend, after your break return to practice. Brief breaks will actually help you stay focused on your task.
Variety enhances learning and performance. If you robotically repeat the same drill over and over again in long practice sessions your brain does not have to process very deeply. Variety in practice requires renewed focus. Make each shot unique by varying the type of shot, club used and distance to target. Challenge yourself to think about what you want to achieve with each shot. Your memory of the skill is enhanced when practice is challenging.
Learn and enhance golf skills by following these principals: learn one new skill at a time, get a good nights sleep after learning a new skill, take breaks during the practice of routine skills, add challenge to practice routines by varying the type of shot, club used and distance to target.