I spent last week at the Hank Haney Teach the Teacher seminar at Hank's world headquarters in Dallas, TX. For three days Hank talked about his teaching philosophy and his process for working helping players including Tiger, to become the best they can be.
The improvement process is simple but critical, and having a teacher who understands this process is vital.
Step One : Diagnose the problem - You and your coach can use a variety of ways to assess your current game. 3D swing analysis, video swing analysis, skills testing and on course playing analysis.
Step Two : Formulate a Plan - Taking the information you have collected from the diagnosis process, you and your coach will then form a plan for improvement. This plan will include some key performance indicators that may involve tracking your score, handicap index or results in skills tests. It will also include the time commitment you are willing to make to the process as well as a timeline for reaching your goals.
Step Three : Implement the Plan - Now you will work the plan with your coach by getting together on a regular basis so that you can be given drills and a practice program designed around the goals for your individual program. These sessions will be conducted in accordance with the time commitment you have agreed upon and will involve homework for you to do on your own.
Step Four : Measure Progress - You and your coach will check your progress by referring back to your performance indicators. Is your handicap index getting lower? Is your score improving? Have your skills test scores improved?
This process is simple in it's outline but powerful if executed correctly, and is the same outline Hank uses with all his players. If it works for Hank and his players, I guarantee it will work for you too.
