So I have started "The Best Sports Workout" by Mike Boyle, a TPI guy and nationally known for developing the strength of hockey players. You can find this workout in the Men's Health, Big Book of Exercises. Anyway, these exercises are fantastic for developing your golf fitness.

Here is also a quick look at another trainer, Chris Noss, who trains among others Stewart Cink and Zach Johnson. We use a bit of this training with our Junior Champions. Anyway, check him out here:

Stay on track!

Alright, so I am at the gym today, right? I am doing my program when I met a friend of mine (who is clearly "more seasoned" with his gym workout). He starts showing me a few different ways to do pushups and then a few other exercises. As my ambition is to become stronger, I was easily caught up in his exercises (weight and reps), rather than going back and focusing on what I need to do to move forward and build momentum. It is easy to forget that he is rooted into his way of training, which clearly shows...just check out his biceps or abs (the next time you are at Träningscenter in Tranås, Sweden).

I started to think how this might happen at the range. How many times do you come to me for a lesson, get your drills and when you start practicing, get "caught up" in a better player's practice routine. You might look at what they are doing and change your practice. Then you might see another player doing something else and think "That player is definitely better than me, so why shouldn't I start doing what HE/SHE is doing..." This can easily get you side-tracked and start creating confusion with your progress. My advice is (1) Go see your coach (the one you have built a relationship with and are committed to) (2) get your drills (3) When you are tempted to socialize on the range or get side-tracked, stop your practice and go do something else (i.e. short game practice or play a few holes). The point is to keep focused on YOUR program because it should be designed just for YOU (not your neighbor). Your program should take into account your physical ability/limitations, your short game test results, your stock-shot test results, your average score, handicap, goals and time available for play/practice, among others. Your program should include time for evaluations, new challenges and goals and a way to measure your progress.

Good Luck and Stay committed to YOU!

Steven

Our teaching philosophy and approach

After reading some of the latest blog, Facebook or Twitter posts, it is clear that there are many different teaching philosophies out there. Which one is the best? That is a question only YOU can answer. So to add to the mix of teaching/coaching, here is what I believe.

My philosophy is to create successful golfers by focusing on understanding how the student learns and creating a plan for what the student needs. There are no secrets more than good fundamentals and lots of hard work.

I balance my coaching time over 6 areas for improvement:

(1) proper swing technique

(2) a solid short game

(3) good mental skills

(4) course management

(5) properly fit equipment

(6) physical fitness

I also want to help the student understand HOW to practice; how to divide up the important areas into easy-to-understand concepts so that the student can become his own coach. We can only accomplish this by creating trust between student and instructor. That is why EVERY student from beginner to expert will receive the same amount of energy and enthusiasm from our academy. I want YOU to succeed.

Our Approach:

I approach all our new lessons with an interview. I want to learn as much as possible about you, your goals and the way you learn. This helps me steer the direction of our lessons.

I will then screen you based on the information from the interview. This can be (1) swing analysis (2) physical screen to understand the limitations of the body (3) short game test, etc...

Based from all the previous information, we can formulate a plan with the proper drills to help you improve.

Whether you are a beginner or an elite player, I am serious about helping you become a successful golfer!

Another important aspect of our academy is our Supervised Practice sessions. Just like training in any other team-based sport, we set aside time every week to be available for you. I am here to coach you through your drills, help monitor your plan and support you as your biggest cheerleader. The thrill of your improvement is why I wake up every morning enthusiastic about coming to work!

I feel that measuring progress is an extremely imporant aspect of moving toward the completion of a goal. One great golfstats program that we use is SHOT BY SHOT. For a small fee, you can subscribe to this program and start capturing information that will then measure your progress within my academy!

Come by for a free consultation!

Regards,
Steven

Online lesson vs personal coaching

I have recently started "online lessons" in which a golfer can send me their swing, answer some basic questions and receive some guidance from me. I am very proud to help anyone who seeks my help, but I want to stress that "online lessons" should not"re-place" of private coaching. The absolute most effective way to become better is to train with a coach (preferably one who is certified in getting results :-). Anyway, a coach can help you take the baby steps needed to build a skill, improve on your technique and maintain the quality of your game. A qualified coach should assess your talent extensively to gain a better understanding of YOU and what you need. No matter what swing style your coach prefers, stick with him/her and do the drills they prescribe. This relationship should grow stronger with time. However, if you are looking for a new coach or idea, check out the sample video below that I made for my new student "John"

- Steven

Hunter Mahan Ryder Cup interview

Many people say that the American players do not care about the Ryder Cup. HERE is a great example of how much the Americans care and even how they support one another.

- Steven

Golf periodization

Winter training for our Junior Champions has begun. At the Träningscenter, in Tranås, we spent the evening screening our juniors (TPI screen), looking for potential problem areas. Next week we start our plan to improve these physical limitations. This is a big part of the periodization process. You can read more about periodization HERE.

- Steven