How do people hit the freaking ball perfectly EVERY TIME?

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Date: 29 Oct 2006 21:28:32
From:
Subject: How do people hit the freaking ball perfectly EVERY TIME?

I can't believe that when I go to the driving range, some little frail
female or jerky looking man pulls up next to me, and they hit the ball
perfectly every single time. The ball goes high in the air and far.
All my balls trickle on the ground or I don't hit the ball at all. Why
are they so much better than me? Can't they EVER miss the freaking
ball? I miss most of the time no matter how hard I try. I had a golf
lesson, they guy showed me something about a grip or the swing, but I
still can't hit the ball. Do you have to be born a certain way to hit
the ball nicely? Do you have to be of a certain ethnic group? I
certain body type? I get very angry watching them smirk at me or
totally ignore me, rather than explain why they're hitting perfectly
every time and I always miss. If the little 5 foot 5 guy or 100 pound
woman can hit the ball 200 years, I should be able to hit it 300 yards.

Date: 30 Oct 2006 17:05:19
From: Rob Davis
Subject: Re: How do people hit the freaking ball perfectly EVERY TIME?

If you're missing the ball, then I suspect you're moving your feet or
head around too much. The golf swing is mostly a circular motion,
swinging (repeat "swinging", not "hitting") your arms and the club in a
smooth arc around your torso (or spine). During most of this your feet
and head stay relatively still (note ... not stiff and rigid ... just
generally in the original position). I think this really helps
beginners, to consistently stay in position so the club head gets back
to the ball on the downswing. As someone else posted, thinking about
hitting down in the back of the ball (as opposed to lifting it into the
air) also helps make a more precise hit.

It takes some time and practice to consistently "find" the ball. A lot
of folks are afraid of hitting the ground, so they miss on top of the
ball. Over time your mind, eyes and body will better judge the exact
distance to the ball and allow you to hit it more precisely.

In my way of thinking, this is the first step ... to make a smooth,
swinging arc and learn to make consistent contact (the more precise the
better). Once you can do that, you can think about making it go straight
... but that gets a lot more complicated 8^).

Rob

jgrace5@hotmail.com wrote:
> I can't believe that when I go to the driving range, some little frail
> female or jerky looking man pulls up next to me, and they hit the ball
> perfectly every single time. The ball goes high in the air and far.
> All my balls trickle on the ground or I don't hit the ball at all. Why
> are they so much better than me? Can't they EVER miss the freaking
> ball? I miss most of the time no matter how hard I try. I had a golf
> lesson, they guy showed me something about a grip or the swing, but I
> still can't hit the ball. Do you have to be born a certain way to hit
> the ball nicely? Do you have to be of a certain ethnic group? I
> certain body type? I get very angry watching them smirk at me or
> totally ignore me, rather than explain why they're hitting perfectly
> every time and I always miss. If the little 5 foot 5 guy or 100 pound
> woman can hit the ball 200 years, I should be able to hit it 300 yards.
>

Date: 30 Oct 2006 08:39:11
From:
Subject: Re: How do people hit the freaking ball perfectly EVERY TIME?

>A little technique goes a long way.<

I also suffer from the same frustrations that "jgrace5" posted.
I don't necessarily feel anger toward those kids ...gals ...old men
etc. that are stricking the ball reasonably straight and long but I
sure reek with envy..! (smile)

Thanks Mr. Levac for an interesting and concise tutorial.

Best regards

Bill

Silver Lakes Country Club
Helendale, California

Date: 30 Oct 2006 08:00:49
From: Larry Bud
Subject: Re: How do people hit the freaking ball perfectly EVERY TIME?

jgrace5@hotmail.com wrote:
> I can't believe that when I go to the driving range, some little frail
> female or jerky looking man pulls up next to me, and they hit the ball
> perfectly every single time. The ball goes high in the air and far.
> All my balls trickle on the ground or I don't hit the ball at all.

It only looks like it's a perfect shot because you're admittedly not
very good. So it all depends on what you consider a "miss". If I'm
at the range and I hit a wedge 20 yards to the right of target, to you
it might look like a good shot, but for me it's a miss. If you're
waiting for me to dribble a wedge 20 yards, it's just not going to
happen.

The answer is proper mechanics learned through lessons and proper
practice. When you go to the range, what are you trying to accomplish?
Just to have fun and beat balls, or are you working on a particular
move? I am.

Date: 30 Oct 2006 07:17:43
From: John B.
Subject: Re: How do people hit the freaking ball perfectly EVERY TIME?

jgrace5@hotmail.com wrote:
> I can't believe that when I go to the driving range, some little frail
> female or jerky looking man pulls up next to me, and they hit the ball
> perfectly every single time. The ball goes high in the air and far.
> All my balls trickle on the ground or I don't hit the ball at all. Why
> are they so much better than me? Can't they EVER miss the freaking
> ball? I miss most of the time no matter how hard I try. I had a golf
> lesson, they guy showed me something about a grip or the swing, but I
> still can't hit the ball. Do you have to be born a certain way to hit
> the ball nicely? Do you have to be of a certain ethnic group? I
> certain body type? I get very angry watching them smirk at me or
> totally ignore me, rather than explain why they're hitting perfectly
> every time and I always miss. If the little 5 foot 5 guy or 100 pound
> woman can hit the ball 200 years, I should be able to hit it 300 yards.

Is there a pro at your range? If so, take a lesson. Have him take apart
your swing from set-up to follow-through. It'll help a lot.

Date: 30 Oct 2006 07:14:02
From: Patty
Subject: Re: How do people hit the freaking ball perfectly EVERY TIME?

jgrace5@hotmail.com wrote:
> I can't believe that when I go to the driving range, some little frail
> female or jerky looking man pulls up next to me, and they hit the ball
> perfectly every single time. The ball goes high in the air and far.
> All my balls trickle on the ground or I don't hit the ball at all. Why
> are they so much better than me? Can't they EVER miss the freaking
> ball? I miss most of the time no matter how hard I try. I had a golf
> lesson, they guy showed me something about a grip or the swing, but I
> still can't hit the ball. Do you have to be born a certain way to hit
> the ball nicely? Do you have to be of a certain ethnic group? I
> certain body type? I get very angry watching them smirk at me or
> totally ignore me, rather than explain why they're hitting perfectly
> every time and I always miss. If the little 5 foot 5 guy or 100 pound
> woman can hit the ball 200 years, I should be able to hit it 300 yards.

They are probably using their Bodies as their power source which is
much stronger than your arms. Their arms are passive and just hold onto
the club,
Watched a young guy yesterday about 14-15 years old hit over 300 yards
EFFORTLESSLY.

His body completely controlled the swing.

Date: 30 Oct 2006 22:29:36
From: Sparky
Subject: Re: How do people hit the freaking ball perfectly EVERY TIME?

On 30--2006, "Patty" <simplycisco@hotmail.com > wrote:

> They are probably using their Bodies as their power source which is
> much stronger than your arms. Their arms are passive and just hold onto
> the club,
> Watched a young guy yesterday about 14-15 years old hit over 300 yards
> EFFORTLESSLY.
>
> His body completely controlled the swing.

Bingo!

me

Date: 30 Oct 2006 07:32:33
From: Alan Baker
Subject: Re: How do people hit the freaking ball perfectly EVERY TIME?

In article <1162186112.741855.29380@e3g2000cwe.googlegroups.com >,
jgrace5@hotmail.com wrote:

> I can't believe that when I go to the driving range, some little frail
> female or jerky looking man pulls up next to me, and they hit the ball
> perfectly every single time. The ball goes high in the air and far.
> All my balls trickle on the ground or I don't hit the ball at all. Why
> are they so much better than me? Can't they EVER miss the freaking
> ball? I miss most of the time no matter how hard I try. I had a golf
> lesson, they guy showed me something about a grip or the swing, but I
> still can't hit the ball. Do you have to be born a certain way to hit
> the ball nicely? Do you have to be of a certain ethnic group? I
> certain body type? I get very angry watching them smirk at me or
> totally ignore me, rather than explain why they're hitting perfectly
> every time and I always miss. If the little 5 foot 5 guy or 100 pound
> woman can hit the ball 200 years, I should be able to hit it 300 yards.

From your description, it sounds like you are trying to hit the ball on
the upswing.

I know this sounds counter-intuitive, but try and hit the ball on the
*down*swing. Not just a little bit either. Hit down so that it feels
like the clubhead is traveling on 30 degree down angle. Start with an
easy to hit club, such as a wedge.

Hit the ball, then the matt/ground, and instead of skiffling along the
ground, the ball will rise into the air.

Once you've ingrained in your brain that you don't have to hit the ball
up to get it to go up, you can make the motion less exaggerated.

--
'It is Mac OS X, not BSD.' -- 'From Mac OS to BSD Unix.'
"It's BSD Unix with Apple's APIs and GUI on top of it' -- 'nothing but BSD Unix'
(Edwin on Mac OS X)

'[The IBM PC] could boot multiple OS, such as DOS, C/PM, GEM, etc.' --
'I claimed nothing about GEM other than it was available software for the
IBM PC. (Edwin on GEM)

Date: 30 Oct 2006 14:20:50
From: Howard9
Subject: Re: How do people hit the freaking ball perfectly EVERY TIME?

In article <alangbaker-9E43A4.23323029102006@news.telus.net >,
alangbaker@telus.net says...
>
> Once you've ingrained in your brain that you don't have to hit the ball
> up to get it to go up, you can make the motion less exaggerated.
>
Indeed - I "imagine" that I am hitting the ball flat "along" the ground
or slightly "down" into the ground in front of the tee. It improved my
hitting a lot.

--
Howard

Date: 30 Oct 2006 15:42:19
From: Booker Little
Subject: Re: How do people hit the freaking ball perfectly EVERY TIME?

Date: 30 Oct 2006 01:39:26
From: Martin Levac
Subject: Re: How do people hit the freaking ball perfectly EVERY TIME?

<jgrace5@hotmail.com > wrote in message
news:1162186112.741855.29380@e3g2000cwe.googlegroups.com...
>I can't believe that when I go to the driving range, some little frail
> female or jerky looking man pulls up next to me, and they hit the ball
> perfectly every single time. The ball goes high in the air and far.
> All my balls trickle on the ground or I don't hit the ball at all. Why
> are they so much better than me? Can't they EVER miss the freaking
> ball? I miss most of the time no matter how hard I try. I had a golf
> lesson, they guy showed me something about a grip or the swing, but I
> still can't hit the ball. Do you have to be born a certain way to hit
> the ball nicely? Do you have to be of a certain ethnic group? I
> certain body type? I get very angry watching them smirk at me or
> totally ignore me, rather than explain why they're hitting perfectly
> every time and I always miss. If the little 5 foot 5 guy or 100 pound
> woman can hit the ball 200 years, I should be able to hit it 300 yards.
>

A little technique goes a long way.

Wear shoes with cleats. This will allow you to have a good grip on slippery
ground. Which will allow you to plant your feet firmly in place to have a
stable base. Which will allow you more control than otherwise.

You may then apply this control towards striking the ball properly.

Striking a ball with a club is exactly like transfering momentum from one
object to another.

The more control you have, the better you can strike the ball.
The better you can strike the ball, the more accurate you can be.
The better you can strike the ball, the more momentum you can transfer to
the ball, the more distance you can achieve.

First and foremost, it's a question of control.

Learn to control the club so that you can strike the ball properly so that
you can send it where you want.

In order to send the ball where you want, you must strike it properly. That
means, you must strike the ball in the center of the clubface. That means,
you must be very precise with that club. That means, you must aim at the
ball with your eyes. That means, you must not move your head. That means,
you must not move your shoulder so that it catches your chin so that it
moves your head sideways. Lift your chin. Move your shoulder only _that_
much and not more.

Before you can send the ball where you want, you must learn to send the club
where you want on the ball.

The more force you apply, the less you are able to control that force. Use
only as much force as you are able to control.

There are three things you must look at: The ball trajectory, the feeling
you get when you strike the ball, the mark the ball leaves on the clubface.
Compare all three and adjust accordingly. Eventually, you'll notice that the
adjustments you make are very small and very subtle but at first, it'll
probably feel like you're exagerating everything. That's all good, when I
exagerate, I learn more quickly because I can make a better, more obvious
comparison.

Think of the ball trajectory as the spot where the ball ends up. You don't
need to look at it right away, you only have to look at where the ball ends
up. It takes time, time enough to take in the other two things: Feeling of
striking the ball and mark on the clubface. Time enough that you are in no
hurry to lift your head to look where the ball is going. Time enough so that
you can focus on aiming at the ball longer than you really need. Time enough
so that you are in no hurry to do anything.

This is what I do in practice. If the ball isn't going where I want, I stop
looking at where it's going and don't even look at where it ends up. I think
of the feeling of striking it and the mark on the clubface to learn what not
to do. I play another. I focus on the good shot and try to repeat it as many
times as I can.

With practice, you'll be more precise.

Have fun.

Martin Levac

Date: 31 Oct 2006 05:58:55
From: bill-o
Subject: Re: How do people hit the freaking ball perfectly EVERY TIME?

On 30--2006, jgrace5@hotmail.com wrote:

> I can't believe that when I go to the driving range, some little frail
> female or jerky looking man pulls up next to me, and they hit the ball
> perfectly every single time. The ball goes high in the air and far.
> All my balls trickle on the ground or I don't hit the ball at all. Why
> are they so much better than me? Can't they EVER miss the freaking
> ball? I miss most of the time no matter how hard I try. I had a golf
> lesson, they guy showed me something about a grip or the swing, but I
> still can't hit the ball. Do you have to be born a certain way to hit
> the ball nicely? Do you have to be of a certain ethnic group? I
> certain body type? I get very angry watching them smirk at me or
> totally ignore me, rather than explain why they're hitting perfectly
> every time and I always miss. If the little 5 foot 5 guy or 100 pound
> woman can hit the ball 200 years, I should be able to hit it 300 yards.

With proper technique you could! Find a copy of Bob Rotella's "The Golf of
Your Dreams." In it he has a sure fire way of getting better. It requires
time, proper instruction, and committment. Oh yeah, you won't find it in the
golf rags.

--
bill-o

A "gimme" can best be defined as an agreement between
two golfers neither of whom can putt very well.

Date: 31 Oct 2006 05:39:43
From: George Hibbard
Subject: Re: How do people hit the freaking ball perfectly EVERY TIME?

On 29, 11:28 pm, jgra...@hotmail.com wrote:
> I can't believe that when I go to the driving range, some little frail
> female or jerky looking man pulls up next to me, and they hit the ball
> perfectly every single time. The ball goes high in the air and far.
> All my balls trickle on the ground or I don't hit the ball at all. Why
> are they so much better than me? Can't they EVER miss the freaking
> ball? I miss most of the time no matter how hard I try. I had a golf
> lesson, they guy showed me something about a grip or the swing, but I
> still can't hit the ball. Do you have to be born a certain way to hit
> the ball nicely? Do you have to be of a certain ethnic group? I
> certain body type? I get very angry watching them smirk at me or
> totally ignore me, rather than explain why they're hitting perfectly
> every time and I always miss. If the little 5 foot 5 guy or 100 pound
> woman can hit the ball 200 years, I should be able to hit it 300 yards.

Sometimes it is an issue about eyeglasses, contacts, double vision, or
astigmatism. Despite having "correctional" eyeglasses it is not uncommon
for people NEVER TO HAVE IT CROSS THEIR MIND that they simply misperceive
the location of the ball. When they discover this and aim at a different
spot to accommodate the misperception, everything changes.

I find it very common. Yesterday a pupil with a great swing was "shanking"
and heeling all his shots, despite all kinds of physical accommodations and
adjustments tried. It wasn't until he mentioned that he broke his good
glasses and was using an older pair that we uncovered the underlying issue,
which was, that his depth perception was affected. So when that came to
light he aimed south of the ball about an inch - in the same manner that a
spear fisherman aims south of the fish in order to spear it, and immediately
his ball striking was dead on, shot after shot, and all the other
adjustments were found to be irrelevant and unworkable. All it was was a
problem of optics.

Don't dismiss this because glasses are supposed to "take care" of such
problems; in some cases they aggravate them

George Hibbard
www.perfectimpact.com

Date: 31 Oct 2006 14:32:07
From: Don Fordham
Subject: Re: How do people hit the freaking ball perfectly EVERY TIME?

"George Hibbard" <gh@perfectimpact.com > wrote in message
news:AJF1h.9388$N4.8863@bignews5.bellsouth.net...
> Don't dismiss this because glasses are supposed to "take care" of such
> problems; in some cases they aggravate them
>
> George Hibbard
> www.perfectimpact.com
>
I'm glad to hear you say this, I thought it was just me. I have terrible
eyesight. Uncorrected, I'm legally blind in the left eye. With correction
I'm OK but the prescription is very strong in the right eye and
coke-bottle-like in the left. To hit the sweet spot I have to aim at a
point inside the the ball. The point of aim varies with the length of the
club. With the driver I have to aim a full inch and a half inside the ball.
With short irons I aim at a point just inside the ball.

It works. I'm a single digit handicap. I just thought I was the only one
in the world doing this.

Regards,
Don

Date: 30 Oct 2006 20:32:57
From: Birdie Bill
Subject: Re: How do people hit the freaking ball perfectly EVERY TIME?

Date: 30 Oct 2006 13:15:32
From: pete z
Subject: Re: How do people hit the freaking ball perfectly EVERY TIME?

Patty wrote:
> jgrace5@hotmail.com wrote:
> > I can't believe that when I go to the driving range, some little frail
> > female or jerky looking man pulls up next to me, and they hit the ball
> > perfectly every single time. The ball goes high in the air and far.
> > All my balls trickle on the ground or I don't hit the ball at all. Why
> > are they so much better than me? Can't they EVER miss the freaking
> > ball? I miss most of the time no matter how hard I try. I had a golf
> > lesson, they guy showed me something about a grip or the swing, but I
> > still can't hit the ball. Do you have to be born a certain way to hit
> > the ball nicely? Do you have to be of a certain ethnic group? I
> > certain body type? I get very angry watching them smirk at me or
> > totally ignore me, rather than explain why they're hitting perfectly
> > every time and I always miss. If the little 5 foot 5 guy or 100 pound
> > woman can hit the ball 200 years, I should be able to hit it 300 yards.
>
> They are probably using their Bodies as their power source which is
> much stronger than your arms. Their arms are passive and just hold onto
> the club,
> Watched a young guy yesterday about 14-15 years old hit over 300 yards
> EFFORTLESSLY.
>
> His body completely controlled the swing.

Ridiculous. Was he holding the club with his stomach?

Date: 31 Oct 2006 05:54:56
From: bill-o
Subject: Re: How do people hit the freaking ball perfectly EVERY TIME?

On 30--2006, "pete z" <pz0326@aol.com > wrote:

> > His body completely controlled the swing.
>
> Ridiculous. Was he holding the club with his stomach?

What's the matter Pete? Can't handle the truth?

--
bill-o

A "gimme" can best be defined as an agreement between
two golfers neither of whom can putt very well.

Date: 30 Oct 2006 13:13:31
From: pete z
Subject: Re: How do people hit the freaking ball perfectly EVERY TIME?

Martin Levac wrote:
> <jgrace5@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1162186112.741855.29380@e3g2000cwe.googlegroups.com...
> >I can't believe that when I go to the driving range, some little frail
> > female or jerky looking man pulls up next to me, and they hit the ball
> > perfectly every single time. The ball goes high in the air and far.
> > All my balls trickle on the ground or I don't hit the ball at all. Why
> > are they so much better than me? Can't they EVER miss the freaking
> > ball? I miss most of the time no matter how hard I try. I had a golf
> > lesson, they guy showed me something about a grip or the swing, but I
> > still can't hit the ball. Do you have to be born a certain way to hit
> > the ball nicely? Do you have to be of a certain ethnic group? I
> > certain body type? I get very angry watching them smirk at me or
> > totally ignore me, rather than explain why they're hitting perfectly
> > every time and I always miss. If the little 5 foot 5 guy or 100 pound
> > woman can hit the ball 200 years, I should be able to hit it 300 yards.
> >
>
> A little technique goes a long way.
>
> Wear shoes with cleats. This will allow you to have a good grip on slippery
> ground. Which will allow you to plant your feet firmly in place to have a
> stable base. Which will allow you more control than otherwise.
>
> You may then apply this control towards striking the ball properly.
>
> Striking a ball with a club is exactly like transfering momentum from one
> object to another.
>
> The more control you have, the better you can strike the ball.
> The better you can strike the ball, the more accurate you can be.
> The better you can strike the ball, the more momentum you can transfer to
> the ball, the more distance you can achieve.
>
> First and foremost, it's a question of control.
>
> Learn to control the club so that you can strike the ball properly so that
> you can send it where you want.
>
> In order to send the ball where you want, you must strike it properly. That
> means, you must strike the ball in the center of the clubface. That means,
> you must be very precise with that club. That means, you must aim at the
> ball with your eyes. That means, you must not move your head. That means,
> you must not move your shoulder so that it catches your chin so that it
> moves your head sideways. Lift your chin. Move your shoulder only _that_
> much and not more.
>
> Before you can send the ball where you want, you must learn to send the club
> where you want on the ball.
>
> The more force you apply, the less you are able to control that force. Use
> only as much force as you are able to control.
>
> There are three things you must look at: The ball trajectory, the feeling
> you get when you strike the ball, the mark the ball leaves on the clubface.
> Compare all three and adjust accordingly. Eventually, you'll notice that the
> adjustments you make are very small and very subtle but at first, it'll
> probably feel like you're exagerating everything. That's all good, when I
> exagerate, I learn more quickly because I can make a better, more obvious
> comparison.
>
> Think of the ball trajectory as the spot where the ball ends up. You don't
> need to look at it right away, you only have to look at where the ball ends
> up. It takes time, time enough to take in the other two things: Feeling of
> striking the ball and mark on the clubface. Time enough that you are in no
> hurry to lift your head to look where the ball is going. Time enough so that
> you can focus on aiming at the ball longer than you really need. Time enough
> so that you are in no hurry to do anything.
>
> This is what I do in practice. If the ball isn't going where I want, I stop
> looking at where it's going and don't even look at where it ends up. I think
> of the feeling of striking it and the mark on the clubface to learn what not
> to do. I play another. I focus on the good shot and try to repeat it as many
> times as I can.
>
> With practice, you'll be more precise.
>
> Have fun.
>
>
> Martin Levac

Wow, I'm sure glad you explained all that.

Date: 30 Oct 2006 16:44:37
From: Martin Levac
Subject: Re: How do people hit the freaking ball perfectly EVERY TIME?

"pete z" <pz0326@aol.com > wrote in message
news:1162242811.718675.104330@e3g2000cwe.googlegroups.com...
>
> Martin Levac wrote:
>> <jgrace5@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:1162186112.741855.29380@e3g2000cwe.googlegroups.com...
>> >I can't believe that when I go to the driving range, some little frail
>> > female or jerky looking man pulls up next to me, and they hit the ball
>> > perfectly every single time. The ball goes high in the air and far.
>> > All my balls trickle on the ground or I don't hit the ball at all. Why
>> > are they so much better than me? Can't they EVER miss the freaking
>> > ball? I miss most of the time no matter how hard I try. I had a golf
>> > lesson, they guy showed me something about a grip or the swing, but I
>> > still can't hit the ball. Do you have to be born a certain way to hit
>> > the ball nicely? Do you have to be of a certain ethnic group? I
>> > certain body type? I get very angry watching them smirk at me or
>> > totally ignore me, rather than explain why they're hitting perfectly
>> > every time and I always miss. If the little 5 foot 5 guy or 100 pound
>> > woman can hit the ball 200 years, I should be able to hit it 300 yards.
>> >
>>
>> A little technique goes a long way.
>>
>> Wear shoes with cleats. This will allow you to have a good grip on
>> slippery
>> ground. Which will allow you to plant your feet firmly in place to have a
>> stable base. Which will allow you more control than otherwise.
>>
>> You may then apply this control towards striking the ball properly.
>>
>> Striking a ball with a club is exactly like transfering momentum from one
>> object to another.
>>
>> The more control you have, the better you can strike the ball.
>> The better you can strike the ball, the more accurate you can be.
>> The better you can strike the ball, the more momentum you can transfer to
>> the ball, the more distance you can achieve.
>>
>> First and foremost, it's a question of control.
>>
>> Learn to control the club so that you can strike the ball properly so
>> that
>> you can send it where you want.
>>
>> In order to send the ball where you want, you must strike it properly.
>> That
>> means, you must strike the ball in the center of the clubface. That
>> means,
>> you must be very precise with that club. That means, you must aim at the
>> ball with your eyes. That means, you must not move your head. That means,
>> you must not move your shoulder so that it catches your chin so that it
>> moves your head sideways. Lift your chin. Move your shoulder only _that_
>> much and not more.
>>
>> Before you can send the ball where you want, you must learn to send the
>> club
>> where you want on the ball.
>>
>> The more force you apply, the less you are able to control that force.
>> Use
>> only as much force as you are able to control.
>>
>> There are three things you must look at: The ball trajectory, the feeling
>> you get when you strike the ball, the mark the ball leaves on the
>> clubface.
>> Compare all three and adjust accordingly. Eventually, you'll notice that
>> the
>> adjustments you make are very small and very subtle but at first, it'll
>> probably feel like you're exagerating everything. That's all good, when I
>> exagerate, I learn more quickly because I can make a better, more obvious
>> comparison.
>>
>> Think of the ball trajectory as the spot where the ball ends up. You
>> don't
>> need to look at it right away, you only have to look at where the ball
>> ends
>> up. It takes time, time enough to take in the other two things: Feeling
>> of
>> striking the ball and mark on the clubface. Time enough that you are in
>> no
>> hurry to lift your head to look where the ball is going. Time enough so
>> that
>> you can focus on aiming at the ball longer than you really need. Time
>> enough
>> so that you are in no hurry to do anything.
>>
>> This is what I do in practice. If the ball isn't going where I want, I
>> stop
>> looking at where it's going and don't even look at where it ends up. I
>> think
>> of the feeling of striking it and the mark on the clubface to learn what
>> not
>> to do. I play another. I focus on the good shot and try to repeat it as
>> many
>> times as I can.
>>
>> With practice, you'll be more precise.
>>
>> Have fun.
>>
>>
>> Martin Levac
>
> Wow, I'm sure glad you explained all that.
>

Once in a while, somebody is born without the full knowledge of the
universe. When that happens, others must teach this poor soul.

What's that, Pete, you raised your hand? Do you have a question that needs
to be answered, Pete? Don't worry, I'll be right with you.

I know, Pete, you just need a little attention. That's alright.

Martin Levac

Date: 30 Oct 2006 12:10:47
From: cja
Subject: Re: How do people hit the freaking ball perfectly EVERY TIME?

Larry Bud wrote:

> > I get very angry watching them smirk at me or
> > totally ignore me, rather than explain why they're hitting perfectly
> > every time and I always miss.
>
> Nobody is smirking at you. They couldn't care less. They're
> ignoring you because they're not there to give you lessons or give
> advice, especially unsolicited advice.
>
I avoid looking at bad swings at the range for a couple of reasons.
First, I'm sure those beginners don't want me watching as they try to
figure out how to hit the ball. Second, it does me no good to watch a
bad swing. I just don't want to see it. If I do happen to glance
briefly, there will be no smirking. Everyone has to start somewhere,
and I'm glad they're trying.

My usenet diagnosis for the OP: you're swinging too hard. Try some easy
half-swings, get used to putting the clubface on the ball, and work
your way up to a full swing. It's likely you have serious problems with
grip, stance, and swing that may require some lessons to solve.

- cja

Date: 30 Oct 2006 11:54:14
From: Larry Bud
Subject: Re: How do people hit the freaking ball perfectly EVERY TIME?

> I get very angry watching them smirk at me or
> totally ignore me, rather than explain why they're hitting perfectly
> every time and I always miss.

Nobody is smirking at you. They couldn't care less. They're
ignoring you because they're not there to give you lessons or give
advice, especially unsolicited advice.

Date: 30 Oct 2006 11:53:50
From: Weekendshooter
Subject: Re: How do people hit the freaking ball perfectly EVERY TIME?

Date: 31 Oct 2006 08:13:42
From: annika1980
Subject: Re: How do people hit the freaking ball perfectly EVERY TIME?

Martin Levac wrote:
> >
> A little technique goes a long way.
>
> Wear shoes with cleats. This will allow you to have a good grip on slippery
> ground. Which will allow you to plant your feet firmly in place to have a
> stable base. Which will allow you more control than otherwise.

The barefoot ghost of Sam Snead says hi.

Balance is key to hitting consistently. Spikes don't give you balance.

Practcing barefoot is a good way to work on your balance. A side
benefit is that you can tee up a ball with your toes without having to
bend over. I've got a video of me doing that here somewhere.

Date: 31 Oct 2006 11:35:40
From:
Subject: Re: How do people hit the freaking ball perfectly EVERY TIME?

It's interesting you brought this up, because I DO have slight
astigmatism. I never knew I had it until I joked to an eye dor that
in certain glasses, the ground seems to be at my waist. She said that
it's because of the astigmatism, and eye dors purposely make my
glasses a bit less that 20/20 to counter this (although I never use
glasses except for driving). That's very interesting that my
perception be an issue. I do notice that when I swing straight at the
ball I always seem to hit too high. Perhaps because the ball is a bit
lower that I think it is?

I also think that, because I have mild scoleosis of the spine and a
small stomach that my balance is affected as well. It's hard to
control a swinging belly with 50 pounds of momentum behind it in a
split second (or whatever the thing weighs).

I don't think I'm too far off when I say certain groups of people excel
at the sport. Certain groups have natural better vision and long lanky
bodies with perfect balance and maximum torque from long arms, etc. I
don't think I could make a career in the PGA always aiming for a remote
hill to strike a ball at my feet, etc.

George Hibbard wrote:
> On 29, 11:28 pm, jgra...@hotmail.com wrote:
> > I can't believe that when I go to the driving range, some little frail
> > female or jerky looking man pulls up next to me, and they hit the ball
> > perfectly every single time. The ball goes high in the air and far.
> > All my balls trickle on the ground or I don't hit the ball at all. Why
> > are they so much better than me? Can't they EVER miss the freaking
> > ball? I miss most of the time no matter how hard I try. I had a golf
> > lesson, they guy showed me something about a grip or the swing, but I
> > still can't hit the ball. Do you have to be born a certain way to hit
> > the ball nicely? Do you have to be of a certain ethnic group? I
> > certain body type? I get very angry watching them smirk at me or
> > totally ignore me, rather than explain why they're hitting perfectly
> > every time and I always miss. If the little 5 foot 5 guy or 100 pound
> > woman can hit the ball 200 years, I should be able to hit it 300 yards.
>
> Sometimes it is an issue about eyeglasses, contacts, double vision, or
> astigmatism. Despite having "correctional" eyeglasses it is not uncommon
> for people NEVER TO HAVE IT CROSS THEIR MIND that they simply misperceive
> the location of the ball. When they discover this and aim at a different
> spot to accommodate the misperception, everything changes.
>
> I find it very common. Yesterday a pupil with a great swing was "shanking"
> and heeling all his shots, despite all kinds of physical accommodations and
> adjustments tried. It wasn't until he mentioned that he broke his good
> glasses and was using an older pair that we uncovered the underlying issue,
> which was, that his depth perception was affected. So when that came to
> light he aimed south of the ball about an inch - in the same manner that a
> spear fisherman aims south of the fish in order to spear it, and immediately
> his ball striking was dead on, shot after shot, and all the other
> adjustments were found to be irrelevant and unworkable. All it was was a
> problem of optics.
>
> Don't dismiss this because glasses are supposed to "take care" of such
> problems; in some cases they aggravate them
>
> George Hibbard
> www.perfectimpact.com