Swing Your Way!
Bio
ONE Way® founder, Michael Riggs, holds a master's degree in applied sports psychology from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville. University of Virginia is recognized worldwide for its emphasis on research and innovation in the field of performance psychology. As an educator, Michael has opened the minds of students at all levels, encouraging them to "dream big." As a multi-sport athlete and longtime coach, he's worked with athletes from skilled amateurs to professionals. And as a business professional, he's fostered innovation.Using the ONE Way platform, each client is personally guided by a ONE Way certified Coach to realize his unlimited potential. ONE Way Coaches serve as objective guides who empower their client to become their own catalyst for change. Since 1996, Performance Consulting Ltd.has offered one-on-one personal coaching, group workshops, and custom presentations for athletes, business executives, and organizations seeking to think better perform better live better.
Fundamental to playing well under pressure is the creation and use of, what ONE Way® Golf calls, a Swing Way. Swing Ways are designed to help you remain confident, focused and calm while swinging the club. Think of a Swing Way as a “mind magnet”; as it attracts and keeps your focus during the swing. A Swing Way keeps you locked in to the right thing – the feel of the perfect swing that will produce the shot you have visualized in your mind’s eye.
The premise behind developing and maintaining a Swing Way throughout your swing is very simple; when you are standing over a “must hit shot” you’ll need something to keep your mind absorbed. If you don’t have something prearranged to be aware of, the wrong kinds of thoughts may fill your mind and negatively affect your swing. These wrong kinds of thoughts are distractions that must be avoided. A Swing Way acts as a lure, bringing and keeping your mind fully focused on the physical feel of the ideal swing that will produce an excellent shot.
Having a Swing Way is designed to simplify the shot-making process so you can swing your best when it matters most. If you find, after considerable experimentation and practice, your Way is “not right” or “gets into your head”, you’ll need to develop a simpler Way. Make sure your Swing Ways are about the “feel” of the perfect swing – not about the mechanics of the perfect swing. No one ever played their best golf with armies of swing thoughts marching around in their head.
Swing Ways aren’t technical or mechanical. Tapping into the quiet mind, Swing Ways pave the way to settling your mind and freeing yourself from doubt or fear so that you can perform to the best of your ability. It’s about getting out of your own way and narrowing your focus to only the feel of the ideal swing.
We asked some swing doctors to help unlock some mysteries of the mind and share some of their key Swing Ways.
Swing Way: Smooth
My number one swing way is “smooth takeaway and smooth acceleration into the ball.” This helps overcome any herky-jerky, anxiety-filled swings while assisting with light but consistent grip pressure. To be smooth, you must be relaxed. This is a great way to help with those first-tee jitters and pressure-filled shots. By feeling a smooth swing you are ensuring a solid, confident swing. It’s perfect for a solid short game, especially chipping, pitching, bunker play and the dough-maker - putting. – Eric Lohman, PGA General Manager, Monarch Beach Golf Links
Swing Way: Soft
When you put the tee in the ground, you can’t bring a lot of mental baggage with you. Here is a simple thought for your next round: soft hands to feel the club head. You can’t generate speed if your hands and wrists are tight, so soft hands are critical to speed and fluidity. Feeling the club head and where it is throughout your swing is a great place to direct your attention to quiet all the other rubbish that can enter your mind while playing. If you know where the club head is, your attention isn’t being misdirected to things you can’t control. – Martin Chuck, PGA, Tour Striker Golf Academy, Raven Golf Club
Swing Way: Rhythm
One of my former coaches used to tell me: “Dance with who you brought.” Once you get to the golf course the time for swing changes and fixes is over, and you have to play with what you have that day. I prefer my students to commit to feelings and sensations rather than mechanics because it is tough to be athletic when you are thinking of a motor skill. It is important that you have a clear intention as to what you want the ball to do and what feeling produces that shot. Try to key into the rhythm of the swing that feels correct in the pre-shot routine, and then commit to the same rhythm through the ball. – Chris Mayson, Director of Instruction, Maderas Golf Academy
Swing Way: Light
A great awareness to have on the course is of your grip pressure. Focus on how light your hands feel on the grip. You don’t want your grip to be too tight. While hitting a shot, keep your attention on feeling a light grip. – Michelle Dubé, LPGA Master Teaching Professional, Tijeras Creek Golf Club
Swing Way: Tempo
Most people think about too many things during their swing. I believe it is important to keep the thinking to a minimum and not get technical with swing thoughts on the course. The best swing feel I always teach my students is tempo. It is important for players to be aware of a smooth tempo so they don’t over swing. I also believe feeling a good tempo relaxes people. – Kyle Oliver, Head Golf Professional, Rancho San Marcos
So, there you go. Some of the best instructors support a core belief of ONE Way® Golf that having a swing feel, or Swing Way, will help you play your best when it matters most. When it comes to playing quality golf, what goes on inside your head plays a crucial factor. Too often, it’s easy to become distracted or overwhelmed in the heat of battle. That’s why it’s key that your mind is in the right place and why having solid Swing Ways is so important.