Can we train our brain?

[PattyTP]

Hello Guys,

This is my first post so be gentle

I have been looking at the so called golf brain training software that is everywhere on the web. They advertise that using the software will almost 'tune' your brain to think more like a pro on the course.

I have been looking to possibly invest in something like this to help get my handicap down however I don't want to throw away money.

Just wondering if anyone had tried any of these products or have any comments on it.

Thanks

 

[bobmac]

Hi Patty and welcome to the forum.
Do you mean the Karl Morris stuff?

Nice goals by the way.
Where do you play?

 

[PattyTP]

I have been looking on the web and have seen quite a few products. The was one called 'In the zone' another 'Golf state of mind'.

Thanks I play at Aldenham GC, Hertfordshire.

 

[pokerjoke]

Welcome to the forum.I would say it is possible to train the brain,however myself i would not invest in the software you mentioned.You are obviously a very competent player,what you are looking for is something to take you to the next level.I would try books,P.M.A.books practising getting yourself in a positive frame of mind before you play keeping away from all the negatives that can go on around you.Surround yourself with positive people and it will rub off on you.

 

[freddielong]

Hi

If we can train a parrot to ride a bike I am sure we can train ourselves to think better

I would keep away from the software though maybe have a look at Golf is not a game of perfect by Bob Rotella or Zen Golf by Joseph Parent and see how you get on

 

[PattyTP]

I have read a couple of books by Bob Rotella. 'Golf is not a game of perfect' and 'Putting out of your mind'.

I must admit they helped a great deal. I would recommend these books to anyone looking to improve their game.

 

[drawboy]

I cannot train my brain to read my Bob Rotella book I've had Putting out of your mind for a week and still cannot get past the first few pages.

 

[PattyTP]

From what I can remember (as it's been a while since I read the books) there is a lot of 'story telling' involved if you get my drift. A lot of scenarios that Bob writes about but I guess its to get you to understand the points he makes.

There are some great tips in the books and 'Putting out of your mind' definitly helped me with my putting. The 'Gain control by losing control' (if thats right) was the most influencial.

Back to the software question. I did like the idea of something audio that I could listen to whether it be lying in bed or on my way to work. You don't always feel like picking up a book.

 

[freddielong]

Zen golf is availible on an auidio book from Itunes

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I would recommend the Rotella books. They do tend to go over the same points (albeit in a different setting) but the logic is there and it does work and its a very cheap initial outlay. I'm going to be using a teaching pro who has done worked on mind techniques up to tour level and so will be reporting back here and on my blog.

I think you need to decide what it is you want to train the brain to do exactly. The Rotella and a lot of other books will focus on picking targets, preparing a mental visualisation etc but it's my understanding that some of these top sports psycholgists can go a lot further with it in terms of training the brain

 

[JustOne]

Hello Guys,

This is my first post so be gentle

I have been looking at the so called golf brain training software that is everywhere on the web. They advertise that using the software will almost 'tune' your brain to think more like a pro on the course.

I have been looking to possibly invest in something like this to help get my handicap down however I don't want to throw away money.

Just wondering if anyone had tried any of these products or have any comments on it.

Thanks

Hi,.... you are having trouble with confidence, course management or your actual swing?

 

[PattyTP]

I really am not too sure. I think its more to block out negative thoughts and thoughts in general when stepping up to the ball. I tend to be very competitive on the golf course and have trouble playing my own game especially in a club competition when I focus on other peoples scores.

Everyone has heard of people talking about being in the zone and I'm wondering if theres a way to get in the zone and block everything out when playing golf. Just being able to play your own game and know that you will play it well.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Patty,

Where do you play? I think its a common problem you describe, worrying about the game of your partners. I tend to suffer this more in matchplay scenarios where my thought process tends to get reactionary depending on what the opponent has done rather than reactionary and dealing with my own ball

 

[RGDave]

Welcome to the forum.

My initial thoughts to your idea are not positive I'm afraid.

I believe that practice, commitment and mental effort (most probably with the help of a teacher) are all that most of us need.

In my many years of teaching/coaching (not in golf) I have yet to come across anyone who has successfully utilised this type of self-help. Call it a sort of cognitive therapy or self-improvement through altering your attitude to things, it's mostly ineffective.

People in real therapy find training their thoughts and actions hard enough and that's to fix up troubles that are maybe even ruining their life.....sport related behaviour/thought tampering is probably best left to those needing an edge at the very top of their field.

Then again, I am a sceptic generally.

 

[PattyTP]

I play at Aldenham GC in Hertfordshire. I am working on a pre shot routine to try and eliminate the thought process over the ball but I still struggle to think positively about every shot. Theres always a 'dont hit it right' or 'have I taken enough club' that creeps in when setting up for the shot.

I have looked on the internet where there are a lot of these products that claim to help you focus on your game and think positivly about your shots and to be honest there are a few that look very good and have tempted me. I just wonder if something like this would give me an edge when it comes to playing my shot and keep me focused on my game regardless of whats happening around me.

I always want to play my best and beat whoever I may be playing and I guess thats just competitive nature but I end up going for shots and puting pressure on myself to pull of these shots because I need to, to be able to win or halve a hole rather than playing my game when my game is good enough to do it.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I think we're kindred spirits. A lot of people on here will tell you I practice way too much, have way too many lessons and try way too hard on the course. To be honest they may be right but I a) love to practice and learn how to play different shots and try out different things b) I get a real feeling of fulfillment when I can put a swing change a pro has given me into practice and make it stick and c) I have a lazy golfing mind and so unless I try and be as competitive as I can, at least mentally then I become lazy in my set up and execution and start to fritter shots away.

I'm hoping the pro I'm going to in April time will give me some real insight into how top players use their golfing brains and prepare before a round and what they think about during it.

 

[JustOne]

I really am not too sure. I think its more to block out negative thoughts and thoughts in general when stepping up to the ball. I tend to be very competitive on the golf course and have trouble playing my own game especially in a club competition when I focus on other peoples scores.

It's been said on here a few times now about the importance of a pre-shot routine. Provided you have set up correctly (and are aiming in the right direction) then you should be able to pull the trigger.

Stick to what you know, don't start changing your game (ie hitting lob shots) if you wouldn't normally. Don't feel intimidated just because someone else hit a few good shots.

Most shots where you are going to rip the skin off the ball are invariably the WRONG shot to play

 

[viscount17]

I have been looking on the web and have seen quite a few products. The was one called 'In the zone' another 'Golf state of mind'.

Thanks I play at Aldenham GC, Hertfordshire.

welcome to the forum.

you'll have to give me some tips on Aldenham, our society is headed your way this season, when hopefully it will be warmer.

 

[Smiffy]

I love to practice and learn how to play different shots

I have problems enough learning how to hit a straight shot consistantly....
I'll leave the "different" shots alone until I've mastered consistant and straight.

 

[CrapHacker]

I really am not too sure. I think its more to block out negative thoughts and thoughts in general when stepping up to the ball.

Most shots where you are going to rip the skin off the ball are invariably the WRONG shot to play

Hark who's talking !!

Patty.

You have some fantastic goals, and are already at a place way beyond where I will ever get to.

But for what it's worth, I think you will struggle to reach where you want to be using self help books alone. You will need one to one, personal guidance from a professional. That may be a golf pro, or it may be a mind pro. That may be lessons, or just guidance.

But you are an individual, and whilst a book may help a small amount now, it won't get you to where you want to be.

And if that's the case, why not aim straight to the top, and get that personal help now?

Your's, a deeply fillosoffikal,

CrapHacker