The Amazing Mr. Smooth

I had a very interesting day today. Here’s the email report to my friend Gary Sopnicar, a busy Paragon Instructor in Ohio.   

Gary,

We know that swing speed and “muzzle control” are, arguably, the most important components of a consistently successful swing. So, late this afternoon, I went to the golf driving range to confirm my theory that slowing my swing down might give me more accuracy, a better golf shot.  

Here’s how my session went.

I bought the Goliath-Bucket of balls, some of them almost looked round. I had no clubs, so the Manager and I walked to the maintenance shed where he found a 7-iron, a 3-Wood and a Driver laying under a mower. After shaking the dirt off, they looked a little bent, but...hey…it’s the golfer, not the clubs, right?

I walked to the driving range with a confident, easy stride. Setting down my bucket, I did a few he-man stretches, followed by a push-up so those on the range could watch, no doubt impressed.

A kid's 7-iron in hand, my lower back on fire and in spasms, the club nearly crippled me after a dozen swings. I think the sounds behind me were oohs and ahhhs of admiration but I’m not sure. Anyway, even the pros take divots. Mine were the size of your Subaru but hey...distance isn’t everything. And, I got to walk out and pick up my ball each time so I got better value from my bucket than those other guys.

After each downswing, I noticed I was digging a drainage ditch in front of me. Waiting for the charley-horse in both legs to subside, I picked up the Driver, knowing only sissies use 3-Woods. I told myself slow, slow, slow. Be graceful. Think smoooooth. I went into a nice, slowwww back-swing and CUT IT LOOSE! Missing the ball completely, my follow-thru spun me around, facing the parking lot. OK, strike one. Old baseball swing habits die hard. Time out. Gary, I hate to admit it, but, maybe, just maybe, there was a tiny bit of room for swing improvement here? Remember though, on the positive side, my bucket of balls was still full!

OK Dan, pace yourself. EEEEEssssssy now,............up nice and slow, RRRRRiiipppppp… I went for the left-field bleachers. Except that it went hard left across the driving range, over the green on hole number 7 and rolled under the neighbor’s dog box, it was a spectacular shot. Yiiiiiikes but that hurt. I guess it was because I was lying face down in the grass that the guy behind me asked if I was OK. I told him, “Of course. Just looking for my tee.” Damn. Every swing so far at warp speed. Nothing like staying within myself. 

OK, this one will be right. Smooth now…down it went in slowwwwww motion. No kidding, straight as an arrow, it bounced off the 250-yard sign. And these dead range balls had been dredged up out of a swamp somewhere. Wanting to appear nonchalant, I restrained myself and only did two fist-pumping celebration laps around the practice area, to more sounds of admiration, I think. They did get a little obnoxious when I walked out and got that ball though. You’d think they could have been a little more respectful!!!

And so it went. 3 rocket downswings for every slow one. Each time I slowed down, a laser over the 200-yard marker. Hey, I’m on to something here. SLOWER GIVES YOU BETTER CONTROL.

Gary, I’m looking forward to going back. I won’t be putting a notice in the paper about when I’ll be there though...I don’t think I’m ready to play in front of a crowd yet.

The Science of a swing appears complicated.

It’s the true simplicity of a swing…there’s the Art.

Men, it seems we can’t help it, be it with a shotgun or Barry Bond’s bat when it’s our turn, testosterone fuels our swing. Looking over our popcorn at the wide-screen, watching our hero take out twelve heavily armed terrorists with his 2-shot derringer…we can relate. Our fevered pitch for winning and “who’s your daddy” masculinity fuels this excitement. Without this adrenaline rush, sports would be as exciting as watching corn grow. 

So, where’s the surprise when we’re asked to hit 2 clay targets with an Acme Thunder 12 gauge throwing lead at 1,400 fps? Muscles tense, eyebrows furrowed and a vice grip on the gun, move over NASCAR, bring it on! Two shots later, yonder targets float onto the grass unscathed. How can that be? Repeated unsuccessful attempts only confound and confuse.

To really understand why all this machismo doesn’t work, I can’t think of a better visual example than to visit an LPGA golf tournament and watch the women on the practice tee. Gone is the Herculean effort to paste the ball into the next county. With supple grace and a relaxed swing that totally defies the impressive result, consistently, she sends the ball 200 yards down the middle of the fairway. She knows. She understands. This is about synchronizing power with control. When we over-power our swing, we sacrifice control, resulting in an inconsistent swing. Understandably, this costs us on our score sheet.

Though some blame their equipment, weather, the target setter or their next-door neighbor, lost targets are typically caused by swings moving too fast, out of control. None of this suggests we micromanage our swing. That said, time and a trillion shells downrange have proven, a swing that’s out of control won’t break targets consistently. And why those who develop their sight pictures with the least amount of random movement, break the most targets.

The advantageous swing cadence I’m recommending comes from being frugal with your movement…which adds precision and consistency to your swing. A cadence your scorecard will thank you for, again and again. 

Thanks for stopping by. We look forward to seeing you here again.

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About Dan Schindler

Dan Schindler is one of only 60 worldwide members of the Guild of Shooting Instructors (UK) and is one of the most highly respected Sporting Clays and Wingshooting Instructors in the US. Dan is an NSCA Level III Instructor (since 1995) and founded the Paragon School of Sporting with one goal in mind. Whether it be for the advanced competitor or providing the basics to the entry-level shooter, Paragon provides the simplest, most practical and most effective Instruction, Coaching and Mental Training for the Sporting Clays & Wingshooting enthusiast. Dan Schindler helps shooters alleviate a lot of their frustration by taking the mystery out of breaking targets, calling their own misses, and make their own corrections. Lessons are fun, enlightening and our clients learn to shoot better in minutes!  

Dan Schindler's Books

"Recommended for shooters of all skill levels, Coaches, Instructors

and parents of youth shooters."

Take Your Best Shot (Book I), 3rd Edition is THE Gold Standard Primer It's all about the fundamentals, a requirement for good shooting. This book is used by high school and college shooting teams, recreational and competitive shooters from around the world. Solid, valuable, concise information that has helped thousands of shooters shoot more consistently with higher scores.

To The Target (Book II) Builds on the steps outlined in Book I. Emphasises Gun Management skills when the trap fires, creating a consistent, reliable, trustworthy swing.

Beyond the Target (Book III) is for shooters of all levels, filled with valuable information, clay target truths. Entertaining and a culmination of 3 decades of Dan's life's work as a teacher, competitor, published writer, and much more.

Here's what Shooters, Coaches and Clay Shooting USA saying...

Take Your Best Shot (Book I), 3rd Edition

To The Target (Book II)

Beyond The Target (Book III)