How a +2 handicapper learns the "Back Swing" and other Mike Austin Techniques
The backswing in the Dan Shauger/Mike Austin golf instruction is very different from the standard golf swing. The unique use of our wrists and legs in the backswing becomes very natural in a short period of time when golfers are taught for the first time.
Ivan has been learning the Mike Austin method via books and Dvd's by Dan Shauger. In the videos below we will go through the different building blocks of our golf swing.
For most golfers of his level of golf this would appear to be madness, as "Mike Austins" golf swing is exactly the opposite of the PGA golf swing that Ivan has learnt over the years.
The golf lesson video series on this page follows lessons that Ivan and Quentin (a close friend) covered on a full day Boot Camp at the Te Awamutu Golf course.
The first video covers the roles of the legs in the golf swing
As you can see and maybe also hear my instructions, we start by having a slightly straightened left leg and a kicked in right knee. This position allows our legs to work automatically as we start our backswing. If you try this position at home you will find that it is almost impossible to keep the legs still when you start your backswing.
Our legs must move!!!
One area we had to work on very hard was the correct use of the wrists. The next video shows exactly how to use your wrists in our golf swing. This video will have a limited viewing as it shows aspects of our method that you would normally have to pay for.
Full Video Instruction on the Proper Wrist Action
More wrist video instruction
I hope the previous videos gave you a clear impression of how to use your wrists in our golf swing. The last free golf instruction video is of Ivan's full swing.
Please be aware of how balanced he is at set up. His hands will start at the centre position and then move into the forward position that we favour by using a small foward press. His right knee will also kick in a little more to start the lower body.
Ivan is blessed with great balance and tempo........watch his fulll swing.
Ivans Swing
To help Ivan learn our golf swing we have given him a "mental golf system" to use. This will help him develop the habits that he will need to execute our golf swing properly.
The system we use is from Carey Mumford called "Clear Keys". Basically it is a system to help golfers take what they learn on the practice range to the course. Using clear keys stops the golfer from thinking about mechanics on the course.
Over a period of time our skills will improve to the point that we have an opportunity to take them to the next level which is automatic execution.
Our practise routine for Ivan is for him to focus on his wrist positions in his backswing. He will do this manually by being aware of the movements, then he will use his clear key to develop the habit for automatic use on the golf course.
The drill we use to build skill and habits is called the "32 ball drill". The 32 ball drill is a process where we practice a certain skill for 4 times manually and then we use the clear key for the next repetition of 4. This will be repeated until he has done the exercises to 32, or 8 x 4.
His pre shot routine on the course will be as follows
Pick a target
Visualise ball flight
Self talk "I will hit straight down the middle" etc
make one practice swing
Use clear keys while moving to the ball
Use clear keys all the way through the swing until finished
This routine should also be used while practicingyour own golf swing
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©A Perfect Swing 2006