Video Lessons...

[mikpga]

Those who currently take lessons or are considering taking lessons for the upcoming season...

 

How important is seeing your swing on video?

[Charlie_Foxtrot]

Those who currently take lessons or are considering taking lessons for the upcoming season...

 

How important is seeing your swing on video?

 

I currently take lessons about twice a month. My instructor had just moved to a new course and he wasn't fully set up for the first few lessons. Last lesson he had his video set up and, for me, it made a world of difference.

 

I assume you are asking because you are thinking about adding video to your lessons?

 

My instructor had a very simple set-up: Laptop; swing analyzing software (Cswing); and a Mini DV camera.

 

He was able to video my swing, down the line and head on, and then show it to me within seconds. He was also able to draw the planes on the video; then bring up a split screen video of his own swing and draw the planes on his swing.

 

The whole process took about 5 minutes, and it really helped things "click" for me. I was immediately able to correct my backswing and my posture.

 

I also realized that I need to lose about 10 lbs. ;)

[rosskoss]

I teach myself. Video means everything to me simply because what you think you're doing and what you're actually doing are two different things in the world of golf. I know what I'm supposed to do. Video lets me know if I'm doing it.

[bigpopper81]

I can't imagine not being able to see what my instructor is trying to teach me without seeing it on video. Video is the only way to go.

[Ducky]

Can I ask, why so many questions all the time? Are you trying to do a survey?

[Golfchicago]

Mike,

 

To me the greatest addition to golf in my generation is the video camera. It doesn't lie and it catches everything. I couldn't see ever taking a lesson without video.

[thusgone]

I agree with all the posters above. Video helps you to see that what you think you are doing is almost never what you actually ARE doing. You can absorb more information through seeing yourself and having the thing you need to change pointed out on video than in trying to sort through all the metaphors and descriptions that your pro can think up to describe them. A picture truly is worth 1000 words in this instance, I think.

[mikpga]

1. I already provide video as part of my instruction...

2. I am also trying to get a 'feel' of what everyone likes/dislikes...So yes, a survey, if you will...

 

I use my laptop and a cheap software program to give my students immediate visual feedback...

 

It is a very useful tool for both me and the student...

 

I do not however, want to be tied down to being on video all the time...

 

I know some instructors who use video feedback during every session with every student, and that is what I used to do while at Golf Galaxy...

 

So I guess the real question that I have is...

 

Do students and instructors, tend to get over analytical while using video too frequently?

 

It is my conviction, that video should be used when the visual feedback will be beneficial to the student...

 

If I am working with a single digit, then there may be a need for more video feedback...

 

Thanks for everybody's input...

[cornbred19]

some people don't believe it until they see it...and it keeps instructors honest in my opinion...had a friend take a lesson who needed some pretty serious help, yet came back w/only a grip adjustment and no video, so he feels his swing is fine w/his new grip and is still wondering why he can't break 90...

 

i like taking home a video, so i can be analytical...

[thusgone]

I think it makes good sense to poll interested golfers about their impressions of video and other teaching methods. After all, you can know everything there is to know about golf and the golf swing, but if you can't communicate it to an amateur, you'll never teach anyone anything. The best way to find out how to communicate with amateurs is to ask them questions.

 

I also agree with your point about overusing video or other analytical devices. The object is to play the game better, not to look perfect or be perfect in every frame. You are right that it's easy to lose sigh of the goal when you have all these neato devices to help you, and it's important to know when NOT to use them.

 

I like your approach, mikpga. I suspect your students are learning more easily because of it. Also, it's nice to be able to give feedback on how gofl is taught from the student's perspective.

 

Keep on keepin' on!

[dtwainright]

Love the video camera - probably could be overused sometimes, but very helpful and I couldn't improve without one.

 

My first time on video was very eye-opening..."WOW! I don't look anything like Tiger".

 

I did learn that I got very flat (trying to correct that) and I had a reverse pivot. Very helpful to see myself on video.

 

Regards,

TW

[mfo]

Does anyone have a recommendation on a good model camcorder to pickup and set up in the backyard?

[mikpga]

I got mine of ebay for 150.00...

 

Sony DVR series...Make sure you have a shutter speed of 1/4000...

 

My two cents worth...

[strohs]

I have yet to take lessons with a camera but I was able to get a demo at the local Golf Tec (golfsmiths indoor thing) and wow.

What a difference being able to see your swing makes.

It was instant feedback.

I will definitly be heading back there for lessons