Training aids? do you use them?

[Basher]

Look on ebay and you will find literally hundreds of training aids.
All promise to significantly improve your game and drop shots miracculously!

Do they actually work? Do they improve your game?

I think many people have become rather wealthy dreaming up new fangled devices aimed at improving the game. Albeit many golfers will buy anything which may improve their game.

What game improvement gizmos and gadgets have you bought in the past?

Have they helped as promised? Or were they complete tosh and a waste of money?

I have to say I was once tempted to buy a Leadbetter Swingsetter but decided against it as I preferred to spend the asking price on golf lessons.....money better spent? I think so, but that's my opinion.

 

[TonyN]

No, I dont really use any training aids, I think the most effective ones are clubs and balls. I usually no what I am doing wrong and can rectify it (try too) just by placing shafts on the floor or balls to aim through.

If I had a flying elbow I wouldn't stick a towel under it, I would just make it a concious swing thought.

Drills are the way to go!

 

[RGuk]

I've had a few things. My current favourite is the izzo smooth swing.

http://www.izzo.com/trainingGear_detail.asp?tgMenuOrder=9

As unlikely as it sounds, in the old days it was quite common for a pro to tie a belt around the upper arms of a pupil in a similar vein (even Tiger did this!). I use it for warming up, partly because with it on, I remember to keep my left arm close to my chest for the first half of the backswing.

I've had a few 99p beach balls. I'd like a speed stik

http://www.thespeedstik.com/golf/index.html

Other than that.....I tend to invent my own stuff. I use a MacDonalds wooden coffee stirrer quite regularly and towels almost every session. I even invented a plane setter with a bit of pipe and an old christmas tree base!!

 

[andiritchie]

No training aids but do have 2 alignment sticks you know them flexible plastic ones you see sticking out pros bags,well better than using my clubs as i have broke a shaft before

 

[OldWindy]

I'm almost certain that the training aids will work for someone but I suppose it's down to what suits the individual. And that's what separates the good from the ordinary; a device which works for most and not just a few. After all, the golf swing shouldn't be overcomplicated so why develop and market a device which could make matters worse for a few hopefuls.

 

[birdieman]

Errrmm...

Izzo putting mirror
Momentus swing trainer
Speed stick
Inside approach
Izzo smooth swing
Putt returner
Putting mat
Wilson practice net

Have since got rid of all except speed stick,putting mirror and speed stick.

With regard to the speed stick, save your money and swing a piece of pipe or broom handle in the shed instead, the speed gauge on the thing is a Blue Peter effort at best!!

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I use the eyeline putting aid which helps with correct psture for putting (eyes over the ball, square shoulders) and pro-liner which assists with ball position and alignment.

Both work really well for me and are valuable in helping make sure the basics are correct

 

[PeterPumpkinEater]

I've had a few things. My current favourite is the izzo smooth swing.

http://www.izzo.com/trainingGear_detail.asp?tgMenuOrder=9

As unlikely as it sounds, in the old days it was quite common for a pro to tie a belt around the upper arms of a pupil in a similar vein (even Tiger did this!). I use it for warming up, partly because with it on, I remember to keep my left arm close to my chest for the first half of the backswing.

I've had a few 99p beach balls. I'd like a speed stik

http://www.thespeedstik.com/golf/index.html

Other than that.....I tend to invent my own stuff. I use a MacDonalds wooden coffee stirrer quite regularly and towels almost every session. I even invented a plane setter with a bit of pipe and an old christmas tree base!!

If you want a SpeedStik mate, they are £10 from JJB. Got mine from there 3 weeks ago. Was £59 then they dropped it to £20 NOW £10!

 

[RGuk]

If you want a SpeedStik mate, they are £10 from JJB. Got mine from there 3 weeks ago. Was £59 then they dropped it to £20 NOW £10!

Crikey.....I went past a JJB the other day and didn't bother to go in.....I hope it's not too late.....
For £10 I'd get one.
Thanks.

 

[redmike]

I must admit that I bought a Leadbetter swingsetter off ebay once but couldnt realy get the hang of it. Put it back on ebay and got a tenner more for it than I had paid! Used the money for some lessons wich helped more.

 

[Herbie]

I dont use training aids as a rule, i tend to just have practice methods, but if an aid is about and handy and free I'll give it a go lol.

 

[RGuk]

Thanks to Peter, I have aquired a speed stik.

http://www.thespeedstik.com/eshop/cart.php?target=product&product_id=1&category_id=1

Got lucky at at JJB in the next town (I was passing through) and picked up the LAST one for a tenner !!!

Result.

 

[RGuk]

OK.....

So the thread gets a second chance.

I've been using the speed stick for a week now, twice a day for 10 minutes-ish.

I've got the gauge to move up a fair bit, which is good and I quite like swinging the thing. I don't know "how" it's supposed to ingrain your plane, but I'm keeping a close eye (in the mirror of the patio doors) to make sure I'm setting the stick nicely.

According to the "instructions" on the net, you are supposed to swing it

Make 7 continual swings with your dominant side. Start slowly, increasing the speed of each swing, reaching maximum speed by the 7th and final swing. Measure the speed of this swing at least once a week.


Make 7 continual swings with your non dominant side (as a switch hitter in baseball). Start slowly, increasing the speed of each swing, reaching maximum speed by the 7th and final swing. Measure this swing speed at least once a week.

Am I supposed to swing as a left hand player....???..... or just start from the end of the downswing???

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Had a lesson today and was taking hte club way too inside so the pro is trying to get me to do an old Leadbetter drill and grip the club way down the shaft and put it on my belly button and get the feeling of taking it away and moving the belly button and not with the hands.

He also got me using a half inflated beach ball and making short swings to get the feeling of a wider takeaway and hinging the wrists better. I felt a bit self conscious but the takeaway is a lot smoother now and wider but needs work to stop the hands from dictating and rolling inside

 

[RGuk]

grip the club way down the shaft and put it on my belly button and get the feeling of taking it away and moving the belly button and not with the hands.

Odd that, I've been doing exactly the same with the speed stik!!
I have an issue where my hands start by moving further away from my body, this drill is great for this too!

 

[RGuk]

Managed to get the red marker near 100 today.....regardless of if this is in any way accurate.....I'm getting faster.

I'm hopeful, you know.

What's the one thing I've never deliberately worked on in all 16-17 years.....? forcing the speed of my swing?

I'm enjoying the whole thing, better to swing a big blue stick and imagine I'm doing myself some good than dream of being out playing and tuning my swing.

 

[Parmo]

I use or attempt to use this one.

 

[Smiffy]

I use or attempt to use this one.

My Missus would find the grip quite handy