How to Improve a Golf Swing with Sensory Motor Learning

• 1). Imitation. Golf instructors teach their pupils the game of golf by making them imitate the actions of PGA professionals. True improvement in your golf swing will occur only when you master the inner dynamics of your own movements.
  
  
• 2). Relaxation. You must get yourself into a relaxed and open state of mind in order to change your core movements. You never want to leave your game on the practice range. Some call this "paralysis by analysis" or thinking too much and doing too little on the actual course. Focus on keeping your thoughts simple and your overall score will drop. Tempo is crucial to improving your golf swing.
  
  
• 3). Visualization. Lie on the floor, close your eyes and visualize a target on the fairway that you want to hit with your tee shot. Now, take notice of the positioning of your head, eyes and neck during the follow through of your swing. Think about exactly what you're supposed to be doing and then try to duplicate that on the golf course.
  
  
• 4). Motivation. A key factor in all sensory motor learning is motivation. Some athletes are influenced by the cheers of the crowd and others are motivated by improved scores on their scorecard.
  
  
• 5). Reaction. You cannot read or think about making the necessary changes needed to improve your golf swing. Instead, you have to go to the range and use trial and error while making adjustments to your swing. You need to incorporate muscle memory and sensory motor learning skills to develop a pattern of repeated physical movements. This pattern will become ingrained in the brain and the mechanics of your new swing can be recalled again and again during a round of golf.
  
  
• 6). Golf Simulator Machine. Golf instructors will use the assistance of a simulator to evaluate your new swing in a controlled setting. The machine's built-in technology allows the instructor to analyze your swing and give immediate feedback.
  
  
• 7). Time off. After practicing a new skill, give yourself time away from the game and allow your brain at least six hours of idle time to digest the new information. A recent Johns Hopkins study stated there is a window of vulnerability in which a skill can be erased from your memory if you try mastering another skill.