Jump to content

Tour Striker Smart Ball


ts511

Recommended Posts

[quote name='Dinosaur' timestamp='1399819100' post='9273055']
[quote name='tm3' timestamp='1399802084' post='9272287']
How is this better than the Ledbetter swing link or a belt holding the arms?
[/quote]

none, but probably more consistent and easier to use. I believe it is Zach Allen that advocates using a belt. With the belt, there is no doubt what you are doing on the range, and no chance of somebody thinking you have an eccentric taste in jewelry.
[/quote]

I know I'm the guy who sells the ball, but I don't believe in a belt. Belts force the arms together. With the ball, you keep the arms together. IMO, big difference in how you manage your body.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 184
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

[quote name='_Fred_' timestamp='1399731785' post='9268401']
Hi Cmartimgolf,

Any idea if there are already online stores in Europe that sell the Smart Ball?

Cheers,

_Fred_
[/quote]

Fred, it will be awhile before it is onsale in Europe. You can make a version of one pretty easily with a little thought. Martin Kaymer uses a lanyard and a tennis ball.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='SullGolf' timestamp='1397519235' post='9091771']
Got mine today and was messing around with it indoors. As expected. It's like the ball drill I already know I like, but no chasing it around when I drop it. As I said, I've never hit balls on the range with the ball in place because I don't want to throw it down range somehow. Keeping my arms together on the takeaway is probably the single best swing thought that I use on the course, so having something to reinforce that helps me. It probably costs less than $5 to make in China, but I'm okay paying the price because it works for me. I'm sure there are a lot of people out there who would rather spend the time making their own to save $25 though.

I'm looking forward to taking it to the range, and will try to report on the session if I remember. Also, one thing that I haven't seen it advertised for is putting, but it's good to use for that too.
[/quote]

Thanks for your comments and support. I appreciate it. I'm glad it is helping you.

Time is money and if people have the time and stuff laying around to make one, great!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey Martin. Been using the ts clubs with my students with success. The visual of the club alone helps communicate the idea itself. I was wondering your thoughts on students who can easily create forward divots with the line drill but still struggle when the ball is present. I watched to see if they are just dumping the club at the ball and failing to rotate shoulders through the ball...tried getting them to focus on pp#3 through thegh the hit but this right side concepts in only seems to exacerbate the dumping...any thoughts.
Thanks,
Ed

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I got my Smart Ball a few weeks ago and have had a chance to use it for a few practice sessions now. My big swing issue is working the takeaway way inside, having my arms trail way behind my pivot, and doing an early flip. The Smart Ball (or any ball between the arms) is really a continuation of a swing thought that works well for me, which is to keep the forearms together in the takeaway. It definitely seems to be making some improvements to my swing. I've hit some shots on the range that were just towering, so high that I figured they must be a flip, but traveling more than normal distance (my swing normally results in lower iron shots).

Very pleased so far. The other day I had my best practice session that I can ever remember having. Haven't gotten to the course as much as I'd like. The times I have played I was hitting the ball better overall, but got sunk by a few bad penalties and short game blow ups. Playing 36 this weekend so we'll see if it continues to work magic for me.

Is it better than any cheap nerf ball that is rigged with some rope? Possibly not. But the lanyard to tether it to me is the only reason I use it on the range. Otherwise I'd live in fear of throwing the ball down range. It's also real easy to inflate/deflate, so it's light and portable. Will live in my bag for the time being. To me, it's been worth the $35.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='SullGolf' timestamp='1400002334' post='9287253']
I got my Smart Ball a few weeks ago and have had a chance to use it for a few practice sessions now. My big swing issue is working the takeaway way inside, having my arms trail way behind my pivot, and doing an early flip. The Smart Ball (or any ball between the arms) is really a continuation of a swing thought that works well for me, which is to keep the forearms together in the takeaway. It definitely seems to be making some improvements to my swing. I've hit some shots on the range that were just towering, so high that I figured they must be a flip, but traveling more than normal distance (my swing normally results in lower iron shots).

Very pleased so far. The other day I had my best practice session that I can ever remember having. Haven't gotten to the course as much as I'd like. The times I have played I was hitting the ball better overall, but got sunk by a few bad penalties and short game blow ups. Playing 36 this weekend so we'll see if it continues to work magic for me.

Is it better than any cheap nerf ball that is rigged with some rope? Possibly not. But the lanyard to tether it to me is the only reason I use it on the range. Otherwise I'd live in fear of throwing the ball down range. It's also real easy to inflate/deflate, so it's light and portable. Will live in my bag for the time being. To me, it's been worth the $35.
[/quote]

Sounds just like me, my order just got placed!!!!!

TaylorMade Sim Max 9.5*
Taylormade M4 Tour 3wood
Nike VRS 18* & 21* Hybrids
TaylorMade P790 5-PW
TaylorMade Milled Grind 50..54..58
Scotty Cameron 009m
Bridgestone Tour Bx

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

[quote name='smoothie4896' timestamp='1404249039' post='9618459']
Hey Martin,

Went on the website to order the Smart Ball today, said it was out of stock. Put my info in to be notified when ready, but wanted to see if you may have any idea as to when they might be ready for sale?

BTW: One of the better training aid ideas I've seen in a while!

Thanks
[/quote]
The other post I saw he mentioned a date of July 20 getting a new order from China.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

Hey guys, I just got notification that the Tour Striker Smart Ball is available. Free Shipping in the US and here is a $5 off coupon code as well. Here is the link.
[url="http://tourstrikergolfacademy.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=76fbc8817d1796ac7d9037e19&id=63c7090157&e=d4a645bc63"]Tour Striker Smart Ball[/url]

G30 10.5 driver - new Ping G425 coming 
G30 3 wood
G30 19 degree hybrid
TM RSi4-PW
Ping Glide 52
Callaway big daddy tour 2 56 degree

Callaway tour 60
SC Dual Balance Newport

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Best training aid I ever used was something called a Swing Extender. You wear it on your right arm if a right handed player and left arm if left landed. It's nothing more than a triangular shaped piece of plastic with a velcro arm attachment. When you swing back, it won't let your arm bend more than 90 degrees and makes you turn. Once you get used to it, the stupid thing actually works. But, it is like a lot of training aids, will take a few weeks or more of using it for you to see the results of it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just ordered mine. Thanks Mr. Martin! Have been looking forward to this for awhile.

Callaway Epic Max LS 9 degrees - Ventus Blue 5S
Sim Max 3HL 16.5 - Ventus Red 6S

Callaway Apex UW @21 - Ventus Red 7s
Titleist TS2 4H @23 - Ventus blue 8s
Mizuno Pro 225 5-G- Nippon 950GH
Titleist SM8 54, 60
Bettinardi Queen Bee 6 - Stability Shaft

Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5.5 - Stability Tour

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ordered two days ago and got the smart ball to practice today! Very fast shipping. After spending 30 minutes practicing amd getting used to it, I'm falling in love with this ball already! I can feel that my flip/chicken wing is slowly disappearing when I try to keep both arms straight while holding the ball (wrists feel more difficulty to flip) and it's harder & feel awkward to just wack at the ball with my arms without properly rotating my body. One thing I really like is that I can adjust the diameter of the ball by blowing just enough air into it. This ball seems to be something I cannot go to the range without from now on.
One thing I'm concern is that I thought someone said this is intended to help in 9-3 swing only, but somehow I can and keep pulling a full swing with it. Will it mess my full swing up if I hold it all along the way?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='PhiQuanTu' timestamp='1408153504' post='9944743']Ordered two days ago and got the smart ball to practice today! Very fast shipping. After spending 30 minutes practicing amd getting used to it, I'm falling in love with this ball already! I can feel that my flip/chicken wing is slowly disappearing when I try to keep both arms straight while holding the ball (wrists feel more difficulty to flip) and it's harder & feel awkward to just wack at the ball with my arms without properly rotating my body. One thing I really like is that I can adjust the diameter of the ball by blowing just enough air into it. This ball seems to be something I cannot go to the range without from now on.
One thing I'm concern is that I thought someone said this is intended to help in 9-3 swing only, but somehow I can and keep pulling a full swing with it. Will it mess my full swing up if I hold it all along the way?[/quote]

I hit full shots w it all the time. I love it, too:). On my bad swings my lower body outraces my upper half. My right elbow slides behind me a bit. The ball helps me sort that out.

Thanks for your support. I appreciate it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

Just received mine today and went to the range with it. I'm about a 15 handicap, been playing on and off for almost two years, have taken a couple of lessons but nothing that was really eye opening. I've been playing a 30yd fade lately and have been wanting to get rid of it. I've always had trouble with any iron longer than a 9i and if I'm not on my game, then it's shank city.

This thing is pretty awesome. I know it's a bit much to pay for what it is, but it's convenient, light, and will deflate to fit easily into my bag. I took a 7i out to the range today. My hits without the ball were slices or shanks to the right...very frustrating. Once I put the ball on, it was a different story. Towering shots down the middle, and any shots that I missed went left with a slight draw. Like others, I could only get a 9/3 swing out of it, but that's alright. It was a night and day difference.

Every 10 balls or so I would switch the ball in and out. By the end of my bucket, I was starting to really feel that connection and could simulate it without the ball about 30-40% of the time. Another thing I really got out of it was hitting solid, well struck shots. I'm a sweeper by nature and don't consider myself a good ball striker, but this thing got me hitting down on the ball a little more and the feeling was oh so sweet. My only gripe was that I didn't get this thing sooner.

Question for Martin:
I also have your Tour Striker Educator which I purchased in hopes of getting more distance. Could you provide a good training regimen for using both of these products in one session? What should I focus on when using the ball and what should I focus on when using the educator? Do you recommend using these in the same day or should I split them into separate sessions? Any help would be great..thanks!

Driver: Callaway Mavrik Max 10.5* Riptide Regular
Wood: Adams Tight Lies 4w 16* Stiff
Hybrid: Adams Tight Lies 2 4h 22* Stiff
Irons: Sub70 699u 5i/6i, 699 7-PW
Wedges: Callaway MD2 52* Tour Grind, Callaway MD2 58* Tour Grind
Putter: Odyssey Stroke Labs #10

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Rynocks.....Good on ya mate! I keep threatening to get one, but other priorities keep coming up. 30 yard "fade" eh? If it were me, I would have to call it by the other "s" word. ;)

"Non rinunciare mai quello
che desideri...."
Go with what you know!

 

Driver: Titleist 913D

Fairway: Tour Edge XCG 7

Hybrids: Bobby Jones(Jesse Ortiz) Blackbird 3,4,5,6

Irons: 3-PW Titleist 710 MB (Rifle Project X 6.0 Flighted)

Wedges: Tour Edge 52, 56 deg, Cleveland RTX 50 deg 

Putter: Odyssey Custom Metal X 7

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='Dinosaur' timestamp='1409835569' post='10062409']
Rynocks.....Good on ya mate! I keep threatening to get one, but other priorities keep coming up. 30 yard "fade" eh? If it were me, I would have to call it by the other "s" word. ;)
[/quote]

HAHA, I know what you mean. I wouldn't exactly call it a slice either. It doesn't snap as dramatically as a slice and it really only happens with 7i and up. If it's a 150yd shot and the hole is in the middle of the green, I'll aim towards the left side of the green and let it fade out towards the hole.

Driver: Callaway Mavrik Max 10.5* Riptide Regular
Wood: Adams Tight Lies 4w 16* Stiff
Hybrid: Adams Tight Lies 2 4h 22* Stiff
Irons: Sub70 699u 5i/6i, 699 7-PW
Wedges: Callaway MD2 52* Tour Grind, Callaway MD2 58* Tour Grind
Putter: Odyssey Stroke Labs #10

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='RyKnocks' timestamp='1409820752' post='10061881']
Just received mine today and went to the range with it. I'm about a 15 handicap, been playing on and off for almost two years, have taken a couple of lessons but nothing that was really eye opening. I've been playing a 30yd fade lately and have been wanting to get rid of it. I've always had trouble with any iron longer than a 9i and if I'm not on my game, then it's shank city.

This thing is pretty awesome. I know it's a bit much to pay for what it is, but it's convenient, light, and will deflate to fit easily into my bag. I took a 7i out to the range today. My hits without the ball were slices or shanks to the right...very frustrating. Once I put the ball on, it was a different story. Towering shots down the middle, and any shots that I missed went left with a slight draw. Like others, I could only get a 9/3 swing out of it, but that's alright. It was a night and day difference.

Every 10 balls or so I would switch the ball in and out. By the end of my bucket, I was starting to really feel that connection and could simulate it without the ball about 30-40% of the time. Another thing I really got out of it was hitting solid, well struck shots. I'm a sweeper by nature and don't consider myself a good ball striker, but this thing got me hitting down on the ball a little more and the feeling was oh so sweet. My only gripe was that I didn't get this thing sooner.

Question for Martin:
I also have your Tour Striker Educator which I purchased in hopes of getting more distance. Could you provide a good training regimen for using both of these products in one session? What should I focus on when using the ball and what should I focus on when using the educator? Do you recommend using these in the same day or should I split them into separate sessions? Any help would be great..thanks!
[/quote]

I used them in the same session yesterday! My issues: I tend to bow my left wrist a bit at the top. Wearing the Educator gives me an awareness when I'm apply to much torque (bowing) and it helps me keep the wrist flatter without bowing.

The Smart Ball helps remind me to use my body to create swing length without artificially doing it by over-bending my arms. You can over-bend your arms with the SB, but it sure makes you area of torso muscles you forgot you had.

As far as drills, visit my YouTube channel as they are free to view there. Thanks so much for your support!

Martin

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Love the tour striker stuff.

Callaway Epic MAX 10.5*
Callaway Mavrik MAX 15*
Taylor Made M4 19* & 22* hybrids
PING G410 5-U w/DG 105s 
Cleveland RTX 54* & 58*
Odyssey Stroke Lab Big Seven Toe Up vs MEZZ1 vs Seemore
Precision Pro Nx7 Pro, Garmin S60 (watch)


https://forums.golfwrx.com/discussion/1580770/recaps-the-taylormade-twistfaceexperience-7-golfwrx-members-visit-the-kingdom-for-an-exclusive-m3/p1

Link to comment
Share on other sites

the thrift stores are full of stuff to use this doggie kick ball might be best of all . if you made a ball out with a can of insulation foam you could sculpt it to fit your arms no problem. if you want to feel what a swing is suppose to feel like get a small back pack and put 3 lbs of books in it tighten it up and your body and arms will work together - like a team.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just got the smart ball. How do it get started and build a swing?

Callaway Epic MAX 10.5*
Callaway Mavrik MAX 15*
Taylor Made M4 19* & 22* hybrids
PING G410 5-U w/DG 105s 
Cleveland RTX 54* & 58*
Odyssey Stroke Lab Big Seven Toe Up vs MEZZ1 vs Seemore
Precision Pro Nx7 Pro, Garmin S60 (watch)


https://forums.golfwrx.com/discussion/1580770/recaps-the-taylormade-twistfaceexperience-7-golfwrx-members-visit-the-kingdom-for-an-exclusive-m3/p1

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Our picks

    • 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Discussion and links to Photos
      Please put any questions or Comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Monday #1
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Monday #2
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #1
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #2
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #3
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Thorbjorn Olesen - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Ben Silverman - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jesse Droemer - SoTX PGA Section POY - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      David Lipsky - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Martin Trainer - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Zac Blair - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jacob Bridgeman - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Trace Crowe - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jimmy Walker - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Daniel Berger - WITB(very mini) - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Chesson Hadley - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Callum McNeill - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Rhein Gibson - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Patrick Fishburn - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Peter Malnati - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Raul Pereda - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Gary Woodland WITB (New driver, iron shafts) – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Padraig Harrington WITB – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      Tom Hoge's custom Cameron - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Piretti putters - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Ping putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Kevin Dougherty's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Bettinardi putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Erik Barnes testing an all-black Axis1 putter – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Tony Finau's new driver shaft – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
       
       
       
       
       
      • 7 replies
    • 2024 Valspar Championship WITB Photos (Thanks to bvmagic)- Discussion & Links to Photos
      This weeks WITB Pics are from member bvmagic (Brian). Brian's first event for WRX was in 2008 at Bayhill while in college. Thanks so much bv.
       
      Please put your comments or question on this thread. Links to all the threads are below...
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 31 replies
    • 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #3
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Matt (LFG) Every - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Sahith Theegala - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Cameron putters (and new "LD" grip) - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Bettinardi MB & CB irons - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Bettinardi API putter cover - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Swag API covers - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Golf Pride Reverse Taper grips - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
      • 15 replies
    • 2024 Cognizant Classic - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #1
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #2
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #3
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #4
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Brandt Snedeker - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Max Greyserman - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Eric Cole - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Carl Yuan - WITb - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Russell Henley - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Justin Sun - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alex Noren - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Shane Lowry - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Taylor Montgomery - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jake Knapp (KnappTime_ltd) - WITB - - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Super Stoke Pistol Lock 1.0 & 2.0 grips - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      LA Golf new insert putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Garsen Quad Tour 15 grip - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Swag covers - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jacob Bridgeman's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Bud Cauley's custom Cameron putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Ryo Hisatsune's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Chris Kirk - new black Callaway Apex CB irons and a few Odyssey putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alejandro Tosti's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
      • 2 replies
    • 2024 Genesis Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #3
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #4
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Rory McIlroy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Sepp Straka - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Patrick Rodgers - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Brendon Todd - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Denny McCarthy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Corey Conners - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Chase Johnson - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tommy Fleetwood - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Matt Fitzpatrick - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Si Woo Kim - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Viktor Hovland - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Wyndham Clark - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Cam Davis - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Nick Taylor - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Ben Baller WITB update (New putter, driver, hybrid and shafts) – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Vortex Golf rangefinder - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Fujikura Ventus shaft - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods & TaylorMade "Sun Day Red" apparel launch event, product photos – 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods Sun Day Red golf shoes - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Aretera shafts - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Toulon putters - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods' new white "Sun Day Red" golf shoe prototypes – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      • 22 replies

×
×
  • Create New...