As a golf instructor, one of the first things I try to determine with a new student is their learning style. Every person learns to understand the golf swing through their own dominant method. A student will fall into one of three categories: auditory, kinesthetic or visual.
Auditory
Auditory learners are usually good listeners and key on certain words. The verbal descriptions offered will help their image of how the golf swing is supposed to be done. Once the pre-swing fundamentals become habit, the motion functions are learned through rhythm, timing, and balance. The use of music can be very valuable for both play and instruction.
Kinesthetic
Kinesthetic learners must “feel” how the swing is supposed to work. Seeing demonstrations or video, or being told how it works is virtually useless until they can put themselves into the positions and understand the proper move by “feeling” it.
Visual
Visual learners, on the other hand, relate best to instruction which allows them to “see” how it should be done. Demonstration and viewing of still or video pictures is absolutely the best way for “visualizers” to learn.
It is important for me to identify which way a person learns best, so I can determine the right way to instruct them. If I were to teach an auditory learner by demonstrating shots for them, I would not be as effective as with a visual learner. A kinesthetic learner will not develop quickly if I try to give them verbal references, but put them into each and every position of the golf swing, and their comprehension level increases tenfold.
This is one reason I get excited for my students who train using 3-D technology. The 3-D K-Vest utilizes all three learning styles. The auditory and visual feedback along with the physical training help students hear, see and feel the positions of the golf swing. A player can fast track their learning process by validating what their senses are telling them.
When you determine which way you learn best, you can focus on more effective practice. By discovering your learning style you will be able to concentrate on drills that match your style.
To find out more information about learning styles feel free to email me at dargolfer@aol.com or stop by my learning center at Champion Hills Country Club.
About the Author
Darlene Sommer
Title: Head Golf Pro a Champion Hills Country Club
Specialties: The K-Vest, Sonic Golf, Tomi Putting System, TPI Fitness Assessments, Golf Pilates and Maximum Golf Exercise Classes.
Email: dargolfer@aol.com
