Archives for November 5, 2018

Your Path to Single Plane Success

A few years ago we introduced the Graves Golf Academy (GGA) “Path to Single Plane Success.” We call this simply the “Path.”

Over the years we have helped thousands of golfers improve their games. The GGA “Path” is the GGA formula for success– the most effective way that we can help you become a better golfer.

By identifying where you are on the path, we can help you improve more rapidly and have more fun. The Path is the greatest experience GGA can provide for you – the aspiring Single Plane Golfer.

Why Does The Path Offer the Greatest Chance of Success?

GGA’s mission is to simplify the complexity of golf. We do this in the following ways:

  • An easier way to swing – The Single Plane Swing
  • A short game methodology that relates to the golf swing
  • Providing DVDs and training tools to help the student’s self-progress
  • Online schools and coaching for faster improvement
  • Golf schools and hands-on Instruction helping match “feel and real”
  • A system to take learning to the course – for lower scores

The GGA Path is an all-inclusive “System” to improvement

How Long Does It Take?

No matter where you are with your golf game, the “Path” IS the shortcut to your improvement. Based on years and years of experience studying tens of thousands of students, we have identified exactly how students improve. All of them have followed the GGA Path. Think of the Path as though you were building a house. What would you do first? Most people say, “Build the foundation.” But the most important thing is the “Plan,” the “Design,” the “Blueprint.” The GGA Path is the Plan. Once you have the plan in place you can take the next steps – build the foundation and move yourself along your personal Path.

Why Does The Path Matter?

The Path comprises the exact steps you need to follow to build a fundamentally solid Single Plane golf game. The Path matters because we know what it takes to have success. We have built the plan. All you have to do is follow the GGA Plan – stay on The Path.

What Is The Best Way To Start?

Contact a GGA Coach. The best way to start is to determine exactly where you are and where you need to be on the path. The GGA Coaches can help you assess where you are now and help you get to the next level.

What is the most important part of the path? 

Each part of the path is a unique building block of understanding, training and coaching. The most important part of the path is knowing where you are and how to move to the next level.

Where Am I On The Path?

The GGA coaches will help you determine where you are. For example, are you fully familiar with the Single Plane Swing, and the Moe Norman Model? This would place you at step 1.

Are you practicing correctly with feedback tools? Are you using the material provided in the DVD Training when you practice and have you identified your weaknesses? This would place you at step 2.

Have you worked through a 360 Home Study / Online School? Do you understand the TOTAL GGA System of how the long game relates to the short game? This would put you at step 3.

The GGA Path is like building a house, starting with the Planning and Understanding Stage – the building of a foundation of understanding. Constructing the foundation is next. Then, as you progress, you begin to construct framing and walls, add wiring for electricity, plumbing for sanitation and water supply, and other required systems. As you add exterior details, your house takes shape. Along the way, you have your work inspected (inspectors / “coaches”) to make sure you are building everything correctly according to code. Then once everything is built, you fine-tune the details of the paint and trim with the feedback of proper coaching.

Lets look at each step to help you identify where you are in building your Single Plane Golf Swing.

 

Step 1: Discovery / Single Plane Swing Introduction

At this step, your curiosity, frustration (and maybe pain) has led you to look at the Single Plane Swing as an answer to your problem. You haven’t fully committed at this stage, but you wonder if the Single Plane Swing might be the answer to your golf game’s health.

Step 2: Begin Learning the Fundamentals

At Step 2, you have purchased and studied the Single Plane Solution (SPS) video. You have an understanding of the basics for the Single Plane Swing and the short game. You might not be able to swing like Moe yet, but you understand the basics of the Moe Norman model. At this stage you start to teach yourself the Moe Norman swing by watching the videos.

As you attempt to learn the swing, we suggest that you dive deep into the training with the proper drills and practice techniques. The Graves Golf Academy has specific training DVDs and training products that help you understand the model and practice the ideal way. The GGA training aids help you ensure that you are practicing correctly by giving you feedback in every practice session. Step 2 is all about self-practice and making sure you are practicing correctly. This is where you start building the foundation of the house.

Step 3: Deeper Commitment

Step 3 takes in what we call the “breakthrough” zone. This is where students apply the fundamentals they have learned and their practice starts to pay off. This deeper commitment means a deeper understanding as you move into the next stage of building your game. The GGA online school programs include the 360 Home Study School and the Master Class. This even includes working with a Coach in the Video Coaching program. At this stage you are building the walls and putting on the roof and the structure is taking shape.

Step 4: Hands-on Training – (Progress accelerates)

Step 4 is all about attending a GGA School and working with the Coaches. At this stage GGA Coaches can show you “in person” the exact things that you need to do improve. This is where what you have been feeling as you practice on your own meets reality. This is where we can personally customize and tailor the program for your improvement. Progress accelerates in at this stage. This is where you install the wiring and plumbing and drains and put up the exterior walls of the house. Everything starts to come together.

Step 5: Reinforcement

At stage 5 you have everything you need to know to build a great golf game. Now you need coaching and custom-fitted clubs to practice correctly and put in the dedicated time to improve. This is where the GGA Coaches can help you stay on track and stay accountable. GGA also recommends that at Step 5, if you haven’t done so already, that you take a serious look at your golf equipment to ensure that you are getting the most out of your game. At this stage you are painting your house, getting it inspected and making sure all of the plumbing, electrical and fixtures are up to code.

Step 6: SPS Mastery

At stage 6, you are on your way to SPS mastery by attending Alumni Schools, Camps and Specialty Courses. Your house is built. Now you need to furnish and decorate. But this doesn’t mean the work is done. Anyone who owns a house knows that you can always adjust and improve and make sure that everything is working correctly. This is where the GGA alumni and coaching programs can keep you comfortable with your new game (in your new home).

How do I measure my progress on the path?

Once again, think of your golf game as you would if you were building a house. Do you have a plan? How is your foundation, including your grip and setup? How are your short-game fundamentals? Do you know how to practice or have the tools needed to make progress? If the fundamentals are in place, do you KNOW that you are correct? Do you need help from a coach?

The GGA Coaches can help you determine where you are on the Path and help you Build a Success Plan for 2019.

To set up a time with a GGA coach:  CLICK HERE

 

 

Increasing Speed and Distance (Over Winter)

The upcoming webinar (November 14th, 2018) will be our Winter Indoor Training (Session #2).

This session will cover increasing speed (increasing hand speed leading to increasing club head speed leading to increased in ball speed leading to longer golf shots).

Topics will include:

  1.  Exercises to help you increase speed (this webinar covering shoulder (rotator cuff), wrists and forearm).   
  2.  Equipment – importance of a properly fit grip and a grip that is in good condition.
  3.  Training Aid(s) and Drills – using the Hand Speed Trainers to increase club head speed (guaranteed).

To register for the upcoming webinar (Nov. 14th):  CLICK HERE

As many of you know, we very seldom recommend training aids unless they are directly related to practicing Moe’s single plane swing and to be honest, most of those have been designed and produced by us. From the alignment and ball position trainer to the training grip club to the short game trainer to the perfect impact club, all our training aids have been designed to help you achieve your goals FASTER and MORE EFFICIENTLY. We have always designed our training aids to help all you improve more efficiently and keeping in mind, what will keep all our students on the “right path” during their practice.

One issue, we have dealt with since the start is how to create more distance. The answer has always been (and still is) – become more flexible, or at the least, maintain your flexibility and work on your fundamentals to hit the sweet spot on the club on the perfect plane more often. Ideal mechanics with good flexibility will get you maximum distance for your swing.

But, what can you do to increase distance?  To be honest, we have never had a “great” answer…. until now.

Long story made short…. I have a son who plays baseball and works with his traveling team everyday on fielding, pitching and hitting. A couple of practices ago, one of the dads showed me a new training device that his son was wearing to create bat speed. He told me this device was used by many professional athletes and Olympic athletes to create speed.

The Hand Speed Trainer™ was developed by US Bobsled Team Member and sports enthusiast Dave Owens.

While Dave was traveling, training and competing at sports venues all around the world, he had a vision, a foresight of a training device that was needed but not yet developed to aide in quickness, speed and strength…three key elements that enhance athletic performance. He designed this training device, created it and has now patented the “Hand Speed Trainer™.” The Hand Speed Trainer™, HST™, is like no other. It is a training device that fits securely on your forearm that allows you to accomplish resistance-type training with weights while not restricting any other movement to achieve top athletic performance. It can actually train your body to operate and accept a new level of performance. By keeping the weight closer to the center line of the body an athlete is able to maintain correct body mechanics without altering them. The HST™ allows you to train smarter and maximize your efforts.

The Hand Speed Trainer™, now will allow you to functionally strength train by performing work against resistance the right way. It is as critical to train the specific movement as it is to train the muscles involved in that movement. Your brain simply thinks in terms of whole movements not in terms of individual muscles. The exercises with the highest transfer effect are those that are essentially similar to the actual movement or activity of the skill that you want to perform in your sport.

For you to get optimal results in your sport repeated practice of the precise movement or skill is absolutely essential. It’s a must. It’s required. Because of the unique Hand Speed Trainer™ weighted system, you as an athlete are able to increase resistance in minimal increments in as little as 4 ounces. This prevents the bio-mechanics of the movements that you are focusing on from being compromised.

This allows complete focus for your neuromuscular system to specifically and functionally adapt the memorization of the specific movement needed for you to improve your overall athletic skills. Your body will adapt to the demands that are placed upon it. By wearing the Hand Speed Trainers™ as you repeat sport specific movements such as hitting a golf ball or performing drills you will see incremental improvements quickly.

 

Hand Speed Trainer

Hand Speed Trainer

In the past few weeks, Todd and I have used the hand speed trainer and it has shown positive results in increasing hand speed and distance. In fact, results faster than we thought would happen.

A golf study was performed and the following results were found:

Golf Study

Hand Speed Trainer Effects on Club Head Speed, Ball Speed, Total Distance and Swing Mechanics: Weighted Progression; 25 swings, 3x/Week for 4 weeks (Week 1 – 4oz, Week 2 – 8oz, Week 3 – 12oz, Week 4 – 16oz).

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of 4 weeks of weighted resistance training using the Hand Speed Trainer on club head velocity, ball speed and total distance as well as swing mechanics.

METHODS: Golfers of varying ages and handicaps wore Hand Speed Trainers for additional resistance while taking twenty-five swings, three times per week. Resistance began at 113.4 g (4 oz.) and increased by 113.4 g (4 oz.) every week for 4 weeks. By week 4 the resistance was 453.6 g (16 oz.).

Each golfer (ranging in age from 13 to 61) recorded 5 swings measuring club head velocity, ball speed and total distance before and after the four week testing.

RESULTS: Data from 50 swings were collected measuring club head velocity, ball speed and total distance pre and post 4 week Hand Speed Trainer testing. Participants used 6 and 7 irons during data collection.

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CONCLUSIONS: The data indicates that golfers using the Hand Speed Trainers 3x/week (75 swings) for 4 weeks (300 total swings) achieved an average increase in Club Head Speed (+3.50 MPH)Ball Speed (4.55 MPH) and Total Distance (+7.1 YDS) with their 6 or 7 irons. This correlates to 20 to 25 yards with their drivers.

To see more about Hand Speed Trainers:  CLICK HERE

Again – To Register for upcoming webinar on how you can increase speed and distance over the winter:  CLICK HERE

 

Single Plane Swing Wins on PGA Tour – For the 5th Time! Bryson vs. Moe

Bryson DeChambeau vs The Single Plane Swing

Bryson DeChambeau has riveted spectators with his unique golf swing and style. He has introduced the golf world to the Single Plane address position that we have promoted for years.

It is similar to Moe Norman in many ways but we still think Bryson’s swing can be simplified even more and Moe’s golf swing is definitely easier on the back.

If you are to simplify the golf swing the following must occur.

You must –

  1. Reduce lateral movement for consistency.
  2. Reduce rotational movement and still produce speed.
  3. Reduce stress on the body parts throughout the motion.

One thing that has so many people intrigued about Bryson is his address position. Bryson begins the club shaft to where it runs through the middle of the back – also known as the Single Plane. The big difference in the pictures below are the spine positions. Bryson stands much closer to the golf ball than Moe which results in a more upright spine angle

Continuing the address in the pictures below, Bryson has less secondary spine angle, side-bend, than Moe. This leads to straightening the lead leg, a lifting of the body and an over rotation of the torso through impact.

One reason that Bryson has less secondary tilt at address is because his stance width is very narrow. Moe’s stance width is double the width of Bryson’s (with a driver) which helps place the spine further behind the golf ball.

Below is Moe and Bryson at the top of their backswings. Moe on the left, has less torso rotation and maintains the side bend that he started with (this helps eliminate over-rotation).

Bryson on the right, rotates his torso more than 90 degrees in the backswing. The way Bryson generates speed is by extreme rotations and long levers. Bryson is 6’1″, 24 years of age, and has a daily workout routine. The average age of a golfer in the United States is 59 years old. Not many are flexible and healthy enough to copy Bryson’s 24 year old rotational movements.

Below is the release position of Moe and Bryson. Highlighted in Bryson is the torso rotation and the lead foot. Since both of Bryson’s arms are still straight, this has forced the lead shoulder to continue rotating thus eliminating speed production from the arms and wrists. The lead foot has spun out caused by a straightened lead leg forcing stress onto the lower back.

With Moe, the lead foot is fully stable on the ground. The lead knee is flexed which takes the stress off of the back. The torso rotation is less as Moe’s lead arm has folded allowing the wrists to release. Biomechanically, this is the safest way to position the body and the main reason that Moe never had pain.

Golf is fun if you don’t hurt. Therefore our goal is to produce maximum speed and move the body safely to reduce injury. The best and easiest way to learn this is at one of our Golf Schools or through our Gold Membership / Coaching Program.

To see more about our upcoming schools:  CLICK HERE

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