ABC GOLF INSTRUCTION

Written by Mark Officer - Australian AAA PGA Member
REPRODUCED WITH PERMISSION © Copyright 2006
PERFECTSTROKE Mark Officer Version 1.2

TRAINING PROGRAM

1. The Grip
2. Alignment
3. Set Up
4. Power Sources
5. The Full Swing
6. Shaping Shots
7. Ball Flight Laws
8. Putting
9. Chipping
10. Pitching
11. Bunker Shots
12. Video Analysis
    Analysis & Performance

Section 12 - Use of Video

The correct use of video in golf instruction can be of great benefit to both student and coach. The student can see exactly what they are doing in the swing and the instructor can verify what the diagnosis is and how to improve the overall swing or components of it.  However it should be noted that overuse of video or over analysing a swing can have some negative effects. When building or re-building a swing the use of video is recommended but if a player is about to play in an important tournament usually it is better to working on feels rather than technical positions.

Usually when an instructor first meets a student or agrees to help them with their game they will take a video without any prior input or influence. In other words they will record the student’s swing or putting or bunker play before offering any advice. It is then suggested that these recording are kept on file for review later or comparison to check for improvement. This is usually done by transferring onto a VHS tape or a CD/DVD which can be watched either on computer or a TV monitor. The first step is to record the players swing on the range. There are normally two basic views that should be taken by camera. The first is directly in front of the player and secondly from directly back. A third camera angle is sometimes taken by instructor’s  - directly behind the player. Another angle which is sometimes used in sophisticated computer analysis systems is from above the player and this can be helpful in determining swing path.

The camera used for recording a player’s swing needs to have a variable speed shutter which can be adjusted according to the light at the time. In bright sunlight the shutter speed should be adjusted to highest setting – preferably around 1/8000. If the camera cannot be set to this position it at least needs to be changed to the sports mode. On overcast or rainy days or when it is late in the afternoon the speed shutter or light setting may have to be adjusted. It is most important to be familiar with the camera and equipment being used to ensure a professional outlook and delays.

Recording a full swing -

Front view- When filming a student from this direction the camera should be positioned directly face on to the player and usually on a tripod. If a tripod is not used the instructor must hold the camera very steady as often movement of the body or head or legs is referenced by objects in the background.

The camera should be positioned so that the ball can be seen at the bottom of the screen and the club shaft can be seen at the top.                                                             

The club head should also remain on screen in both backswing and through swing. The camera height needs to be from somewhere between hip and shoulder height.

What is probably more important than the camera height is that the instructor is consistent in what he does – that the distance from the player is the same from session to session and so too the camera heights. Usually two shots of the player from front view, then perhaps one sequence of the top half – from grip up, and one shot of bottom half from grip down. Then a close up on the grip from front on, which may include the swing and hit,  to check if the grip position is changing. If the instructor notices anything unusual they may also take additional sequences – such as a close up of the footwork or grip at the top. 

It can also be very helpful to the student if the instructor is using the audio to announce what the player should be doing in their set up or grip or remark where or how the shot went.

After recording the required swings from the front the next sequence should be taken from the back view. These recording should be taken from a position directly on the hand line and parallel to the target and feet line. If the swing is recorded from the target line the club head and swing path will appear to be on the inside and if taken from the feet or shoulder line the path may appear outside.  Again the height of the camera needs to be consistent and we need to frame the player so that you can see all of the swing and club in the sequence. Usually two swings recorded in full view, then one each of the top half and bottom half.

If the instructor notices anything unusual in the swing they should then film a close up highlighting the problem – this may include unstable footwork or the clubface position at the top.

It is recommended that at least one shot of the player is taken from directly behind the player with a full view.

Normally swings are recorded with both irons and driver or fairway wood and the same club used each session. That way comparisons between spine angle, flex in the knees and distance from the ball can be consistent.

When recording any video it is a good idea to start and stop the recordings of each swing as otherwise lots of tape can be used and also it makes it much easier later when transferring to computer. This can either be done via remote or manually. The usual practice is to transfer footage from a digital video recorder to a VHS tape or computer program. This can be done watching the captured sequences in real time and then replayed in slow motion on tape or via computer system.

Analysis of Full Swing –

The first things that should be analysed are the fundamentals – the grip, alignment and set up (GAS). Check for the standard references in each area and check against what the student is currently doing. If different from the  standard  / neutral positions then mention should be made of these differences and what effects these may have.

Analysis of the full swing –

From the front view run the swing sequence forward frame by frame.

Note should be taken of how well the levels are maintained, when the wrist’s are cocking and un-cocking and the extension and balance during the swing. From the back view the swing path and plane should be observed and top of backswing checked.

Comparison between shaft angle at halfway back and halfway down is a very important consideration in determining path in the approach to the ball. Perhaps most important of all is the clubface control during backswing, downswing and through swing.  Comparisons here should be noted in relation to clubface and path when the shaft is parallel to the ground on both backswing, downswing and through swing. The back view is also very important in monitoring the spine angle and knee flex during the swing.

When reviewing the sequences from the directly behind view what can be observed is what is happening with the body turn without being distracted by the hands, arms and club. Weight transfer should be occurring because of the combination of correct body turn and arm swing.

The view of the golf swing from the back view is going to tell you mostly about the ball flight laws that relate to direction – clubface control and alignment, swing path and plane and centred-ness of hit. The view from front is going to tell you more about the angle of approach and swing speed.