At 09:48 AM 10/7/2009, [email protected] wrote:
I found a nice putting training aid from the designer of Yamada
milled putters. It's called the Dream 54. There's a plastic piece
that attaches to your putter shaft. The plastic piece/putter then
fits inside two metal rails attached to two heavy metal feet for
stability. The Dream 54 helps to train a square putter face and a
straight back and forth stroke. It's well made, can be used indoors
our out. Set it up at home or your office and groove your putting
stroke over the winter. If there's any interest I'll import a batch of them.
Information at http://clubmaker-online.com/dream.html
Interesting gadget.
Effective? Probably.
Cost-effective? At $150, I'm not sure.
First off, what is it designed to train?
STRAIGHT BACK AND FORTH STROKE:
This can be taught just as effectively with a couple of parallel
2x4s. Folks have been doing this for decades.
SQUARE FACE:
This is a harder. Have to give props to Yamada for how they handle this.
Next, how does it do the training?
There are several approaches to muscle-memory training:
(1) Compel the correct motion during practice, and enough repetitions
will train it.
(2) Don't compel the motion, but provide feedback whether the motion
is correct or not.
The Dream 54 uses #1. It holds your stroke in line and your putter
face square when you use it.
Which is more effective, #1 or #2? I don't know how much research has
been done on this question, so I can only guess. But I would guess
that #2 is more effective because it trains the body to control the
stroke. #1 always leaves the question of whether the muscles are
controlling the stroke or the training device is, until we remove the
device (the "compulsion") and allow the muscles to work on their own.
________________
Now let's indulge in a little design work. How would you build a
#2-style putting trainer? (That is, feedback rather than compulsion.)
FOR CLUBHEAD PATH, I'd use 2x4s spaced wider than the putter head
length. Practice making the stroke without touching either 2x4. As
you get better, narrow the spacing. At a spacing 1/2" or 1/4" wider
than the putter head, a stroke without touching is very good.
FOR CLUBFACE SQUARE, I'd attach a laser to the clubface to indicate
where it is pointing. If possible, I'd make it a fan shaped beam
oriented vertically, so it gives a vertical line on the target. This
assures that the target is illuminated properly during the back and
through strokes, not just at impact.
The materials for this are about $20 at Home Depot. (The laser from a
$15 laser level is a perfect fan beam.)
Cheers!
DaveT
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