Speed up Golf Skills Learning

Golf skills can be learned more quickly by implementing the findings physical skills research. There are several critical factors which will aid 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.

After learning a new skill get a good sleep. While you sleep the neural pathways are being "cemented" in place. The skill becomes more automatic and smoothly performed without conscious effort. It is crucial to get sleep following skill introduction. Sleep builds pathways.

During you practice sessions take regular breaks. Performance is hindered if a practice session is too long. Practice can take place over a long period provided you take frequent breaks. Alternate practicing your new full swing skill with putting practice and chipping practice. Take a 15 minute break to get your attention away from your new skill and then return to the skill.

Perform a variety of shots and your learning will become permanent. Repeating motions over and over does not require the thought necessary to create deep memory. Changing clubs, shot patterns, and targets encourages you to recreate the necessary motion on every shot thereby deepening the memory.

Follow these principals to learn and enhance your golf skill acquisition: focus on a single new skill, sleep after learning, insert rest periods into your longer practice sessions, add variety by switching clubs, patterns, and distances