HOW WE TAKE IN INFORMATION AS INDIVIDUALS IS SO IMPORTANT TO OUR SUCCESS WHEN LEARNING NEW SKILLS…

The actual vocabulary we use is so important when it comes to the internal conversations we have or what I call our ‘self-talk’. The words we choose to use can have a profound impact on our self-esteem and achievements. It can also affect how we take information from others, especially when we are learning new skills.

When we speak, we communicate in channels abbreviated as VHF – Visual, Hearing, and Feeling. If you listen for the kind of words that a person uses when they are talking, they are providing you with an indication of whether they are thinking in pictures, sounds or feelings. The same is true of you and your internal language.

These phrases indicate that a ‘visual’ person is speaking:

“I see what you mean.”

“It looks good to me!”

This is the typical language used by an ‘auditory’ or ‘hearing’ person:

“I hear what you are saying.”

“That sounds good. Tell me more.”

This is a ‘feeling’ or ‘kinaesthetic’ person talking:

“I’m going with my gut instinct on this.”

“I have a good feeling about it. I want to really get a grip on this idea.”

Visual, auditory and kinaesthetic are all learning styles.

Some prefer to watch a demonstration; others want to listen in order to learn; whereas kinaesthetic people want to actually physically carry out an activity in order to learn how it feels.

If you have an understanding of how you learn, then when someone is trying to demonstrate a task to you, and you know you are not predisposed to take in information visually, you can ask to get involved and actually try the task.

If the Golf Professional uses visual language, this may in fact be an alien language to you. For instance, ‘watch me and how I am swinging the club’ may not have as much  relevance as his describing where you should be feeling the movement (i.e. which part of the body). The right communication is so important, and if you know you need to actually ‘feel’ how something should happen then speak up and get your Pro to describe which muscles or parts of your body should be feeling what.

Visual

Typically, people who are in a visual mode stand or sit with their heads up and/or their bodies erect with their eyes up, and will be breathing from the top of their lungs. They often sit forward or on the edge of their chair.

Visual people tend to be more organised, neat, well-groomed and orderly. More deliberate, more appearance-oriented and sometimes quieter and are usually good spellers. Visual people memorise by seeing pictures and are less likely to be distracted by noise. Often they have trouble remembering verbal instruction and would rather read than be read to.

A visual person will be interested in how someone looks at them and will respond to being taken places and bought things. They tend to use words like ‘see you later’, ‘I want to look at it’, ‘Show me’, ‘Focus’, ‘Watch it’, ‘be clear’, ‘foggy’, ‘picture that’, ‘notice’ and ‘it appears that…’

Hearing (Auditory)

Someone who is auditory will move their eyes sideways and also down to the right. They breathe from the middle of their chest. Auditory people typically talk to themselves and are easily distracted by noise. They often move their lips when they are mentally saying words. They can repeat things back to you easily. Auditory people may find maths and writing more difficult and spoken language easier. They like music and learn by listening. They memorise by steps, procedures and sequences. An auditory person is often interested in being told how they’re doing, and they respond to a certain set of words and phrases like:

‘listen’, ‘talk to’, ‘said’, ‘speak’, ‘sounds like’, ‘hear’ and ‘good to talk to you’.

Feeling (Kinaesthetic)

Kinaesthetic will typically breathe from the bottom of their lungs so you’ll see their stomach go in and out as they breathe. Their posture is often more slumped over and they often move and talk very slooooooowly.

People who are really in touch with their feelings will typically check in with how they feel regularly in order to ‘get a feel’ for what they are doing. They respond to physical rewards and touching. They also stand close to people and touch them.

Kinaesthetic people are often physically-orientated people such as athletes and manual workers. They may move a lot and they memorise by ‘doing’, or walking through something. They use words like: ‘feelings’, ‘get in touch’, ‘hold’, ‘grasp’ and ‘handle’.

MY FIRST RULE is all about helping you to get to know yourself. It is your responsibility to take the steps to understand what makes you tick in order for you to get the best out of life and to gain clarity on what works for you and what doesn’t when it comes to your game golf. If you truly want to achieve the success you seek in any area of life including golf, then a great FIRST STEP is to understand how you take in information most effectively. This way it will help you ‘fast-track’ your way to learning what you need to in order to make the CHANGES to achieve the success you seek on and off the golf course.

So next time you are having some instruction and you are finding it difficult to understand how a skill is being taught to you, then speak up and tell your Coach how to deliver the information the best way for you. The Coach is there to help and he or she will be only too glad to explain in a way that will help you to move on; if they don’t then change coaches!

It is all about communicating – both externally and internally.

Designed to play in the car on the way to the Golf Course, I guarantee my CD series ‘Drive Your Way to Golfing Success’ will help you to get into a really confident and positive mood before you arrive at the Club.Check out –
www.golfmindguru.com/cdseries

To find out what order you are VISUAL, AUDITORY or KINAESTHETIC, complete the easy-to-use questionnaire in this free report:
http://www.golfmindguru.com/download/vhffreereport.php

Till next time ...

Gail Smirthwaite

GOLF MIND GURU

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/golf-articles/learning-style-is-important-when-learning-new-golf-skills-1015885.html

NINETY percent of golf is in the mind. If you feel confident when you swing the club, the ball is much more likely to respond as desired. If you choose an EXACT target for your shot, the ball is much more likely to travel in that direction. If you visualize the trajectory of your shot, again the ball is much more likely to fly in a similar way, and so on.

On the flip side, if you don't choose an exact target, how can your mind direct your body to swing the golf club so the ball travels in the right direction? If you don't decide in your mind where the ball is going, how can you impart the correct information to the ball at impact with the clubface? If you are thinking "I don't like this club" how relaxed and confident is your golf swing going to be?

I know what you're going to say now. "But I don't feel confident with that club" or some variation of "this is how I am". And if that's how you're thinking, nothing will change. It's a bit of a chicken and egg situation. You have to feel confident in order to hit the ball well; and you have to hit the ball well in order to feel confident. Or do you?

What causes a lack of confidence? Is it a fear that the ball is not going where you want it to go, or a fear of making a fool of yourself, or a fear that your swing needs to be fixed? We're not born with fear. Fear is learned...and therefore can be unlearned. The question is "how?"

First, stop thinking that your golf swing needs to be fixed; it's just fine. Just look at all the professionals on TV and you won't see two same swings. If you topped the ball on the last shot, you topped it. If you hit it fat, you got under it too much. These are relevant facts which provide feedback to you which enable you to adjust your next swing accordingly. Your entire swing doesn't need fixing.

Secondly, having emptied your mind of irrelevant "swing needs to be fixed" thoughts, you can use your mind to create a feeling of confidence. Think confident thoughts and you'll feel confident. Everything in life starts with a thought. Thoughts create your emotions which direct your actions. Just by consciously choosing to direct your thoughts in this way you will reap great rewards. However, if you really want to appreciate the full power of your mind in golf, hypnosis is the way to go.

The use of golf hypnosis allows you to access your subconscious mind, the part that knows just what to do, just how to do it, the part that acts automatically and spontaneously. Your conscious mind thinks whilst your subconscious mind acts automatically. Golf hypnosis will allow you to access your automatic thought patterns and to change them. Many people don't even know the thought processes which are embedded in their subconscious mind; all they know is how they feel and how they act, without knowing why. And in golf, as with everything in life, awareness precedes choice which precedes change.

With the help of golf hypnosis cds or hypnosis downloads, you can become aware of and empty your conscious and subconscious mind of confidence destroying thoughts. You can also direct your automatic thought patterns in a way that you desire. You can make suggestions to instill yourself with hypnosis confidence; you can learn to visualize clearly the results you want to happen, so that when you go out on the golf course you have an instinctive feeling of confidence and an expectation that the ball is going to end up in the right place. And, seeing as hypnosis is in itself a state of relaxation at one with a state of heightened awareness, you can learn to relax and focus at will whilst on the golf course.

How can a golfer who cares about his or her golf afford to NOT use golf hypnosis? How can you not WANT to be hypnotized? How can the state of hypnosis mean you're not in control? Take one look at Tiger and ask does he seem in control or not?

Why not spend some time focusing upon your golf mind? You can learn how to change your habitual thoughts with the help of hypnosis downloads. Why do you think the professionals use golf hypnosis? They use golf hypnosis because it works; hypnosis downloads can be used to get you to focus, to stay in the now, to visualize a great swing and to have greater feel. You can use golf hypnosis downloads to help you to play the golf of your dreams.

Roseanna Leaton, specialist in golf hypnosis cds and hypnosis mp3 downloads.

With a degree in psychology and qualifications in hypnotherapy, NLP and sports psychology, Roseanna Leaton is one of the leading golf psychologists. You can get a free hypnosis download from http://www.RoseannaLeaton.com and view the golf hypnosis cds and hypnosis downloads.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/golf-articles/hypnosis-in-golf-part-2-1014240.html

Although I’m sure golf clothes  could be used to improve any game, or at least make the game more amusing for the spectators, this article is focused on potential ways to improve your golf game by choosing the correct clothes to suit the specific situation.  

I’m not sure how much effort you normally put into choosing what you’re going to wear to the golf course, but I’m assuming that there must be a certain amount involved due to the fairly strict etiquette surrounding what one can and cannot wear on the course.  Recently I got to wondering whether spending a little bit more time deciding what to wear might actually give you some huge advantages and maybe even improve your game – these were my thoughts.

The Shiny Shirt Approach

If you are a shy person, easily put off by having lots of people watching you tee-off, consider bedecking yourself in attire similar to that of Ian Poulter in this picture.  As long as it is a sunny day (which I accept is unlikely), the reflection of the sun in your shirt will blind the surrounding spectators, meaning that they cannot possibly watch you while you play.  A perfect tip for the stage-shy, I’m sure you’ll agree!

The Ball Trousers Approach

This clothing-technique is essentially a cheat for those who find teeing-off a bit of a problem.  Maybe a good option for the employee that is so desperate to get in with the boss that they agree to play a few holes, despite having never held a golf club their life.  The idea is to take a pair of ridiculous golfing trousers, like those modelled here by Payne Stewart, then fill the voluminous interior with golf balls.
When it is your turn to tee-off, step forwards and simply hit the ball as hard as you possibly can – way out into the rough where nobody could possibly have seen it land.  Cover yourself with a muffled curse including either the word “splice” or “hook” and trot off after your lost ball, making a big show about stomping around in the rough grass.  Once you have reached a respectable position, a quick snap of sock elastic will secretly magic a new ball out of nowhere!  After that it’s just a few simple whacks onto the green...

In this way, beginners can take advantage of silly golfing fashion trends and use them to overcome the embarrassment of losing a ball every time they tee-off .  Consider branding all the balls with the same distinctive logo beforehand to remove any suspicion that you may have accidently found somebody else’s ball.  Maybe even accessorise with some binoculars; hit the ball as hard as you possibly can, whip out the binos and then make a big show of watching the flight of the ball before running after it shouting “I’ve got it, don’t worry, I’ve got it!”  You won’t look cool, but you will get through the experience with a far more respectable score.

The Distraction Technique

It’s a very cheap tactic for sure but, if you dress cleverly enough, you can actually distract your opponent into playing badly.  Sure it doesn’t make your score any better but, when winning is on the agenda, it doesn’t matter how badly you play – as long as you the other person plays worse.  So, we’re looking for distracting things; shiny things that catch the sunlight, flapping things that distract the eye and jangling things that interrupt concentration...in other words, it might be best to dress like a Morris Dancer. ?

There are many other classic golf clothing techniques that you can implement, including the old “long spikes in the golf shoes used to “accidently” step on opponent’s foot” move and “aerodynamic clothing” for the intense golfer.  The general rule though is to experiment within the boundaries of golf clothing etiquette.  

Confident and skilful golfers probably won’t benefit massively from this guide, but even they should take some extra time getting dressed before their round to ensure their golf clothes aren’t an embarrassment.  There are lots of stylish golf clothes out there, including personal favourite of mine Greg Norman golf clothing and Nike golf clothing; there is no excuse for wearing the same old outdated nonsense every time.

Even if none of these techniques are for you, at least you can now detect a player’s type by the way they dress; shiny clothes probably means they’re secretly shy; baggy trousers suggests that they’re a beginner; too many accessories for take in at one time may imply that the player feels like the underdog.  Maybe this could apply to life as well as the golf course...

William Klimt manages the golf clothing outlet in the Chiltern Heights Golf Club. For more information about golf clothing, please visit http://www.easytigergolf.com/

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/golf-articles/improve-your-game-using-clever-golf-clothes-1011582.html

Golfers of all standards are recognizing that hypnosis does work. There is more to it than the stereotypical stage hypnotist who wears flowing robes, has a goatee and makes usually sensible people cluck like chickens, or do rather more embarrassing deeds whilst under his "spell".

A lot of people are afraid of hypnosis, but this is usually due to lack of knowledge. They've seen a stage show and think "I'm not going there" or "you couldn't do that to me". There is a natural fear of losing control, and a secondary fear that maybe you can't be hypnotized - that it takes a certain type of person to be hypnotized.

Everyone can be hypnotized, so long as you want to be. You pass through hypnosis every time you go to sleep and every time you wake up - it's the dreamlike state between wake and sleep. When you drive home in your car, and ask yourself when you get there "did I check the traffic lights?" you've been in a trance - a state of hypnosis. When you stare through the TV and don't hear your partner speaking, that again demonstrates trance; it is hypnosis.

Hypnosis is natural, normal, and powerful. Think how useful it could be to block out everything except what's in your spotlight of thought, AT WILL?... Not just when you're staring through the TV. Wouldn't that be helpful when you're teeing off on the 1st or putting for eagle on the 18th?

Hypnosis is a state of relaxation at one with a state of heightened awareness. You're not asleep, you're not knocked out and you cannot be made to do something you don't want to do. You can hear and you can think. Again, wouldn't it be helpful to be able to have a relaxed awareness on the golf course? To be able to remain calm inside, but totally aware of what is important at the same time, AND be able to block out unnecessary thoughts and distractions? Just one look at Tiger's facial expressions and you know how he's feeling and focusing when he is playing golf.

It seems to be that human nature is that if we're not achieving the results we desire we must be doing something wrong. We look for something that needs to be fixed. In golf this usually means a fine dissection of our grip, stance, alignment, swing path and so on; followed by a rework of the swing (which may take all year to groove). Very few people think that their swing is basically alright, but they need to focus more clearly, relax more, or begin to think straight.

Returning to the "my swing needs to be fixed" culture, ask yourself "why is this the case?" Because most golfers hit several beautiful shots and a few that weren't as beautiful - and each time it was the same person who swung the club. How can your golf swing need fixing when that swing hits both beautiful and less than beautiful shots? Ask yourself as well whether you can remember a day when you started on the 1st and hit some really nice shots and you felt yourself thinking "Oh, it's going well today"?...and your confidence grew, and somehow everything came together and you had a great round of golf? Did your swing need fixing then? Is it your swing or your mind that makes the difference in golf?

Why not spend some time focusing upon your golf mind instead of the mechanics of golf? You can learn how to change your habitual thoughts with the help of hypnosis downloads. Why do you think the professionals use golf hypnosis? They use golf hypnosis because it works; hypnosis downloads can be used to get you to focus, to stay in the now, to visualize a great swing and to see what you really want to see. You can use golf hypnosis downloads to create a great swing which suits you as an individual.

Roseanna Leaton, specialist in golf hypnosis cds and hypnosis mp3 downloads.

With a degree in psychology and qualifications in hypnotherapy, NLP and sports psychology, Roseanna Leaton is one of the leading golf psychologists. You can get a free hypnosis download from http://www.RoseannaLeaton.com and view the golf hypnosis cds and hypnosis downloads.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/golf-articles/hypnosis-in-golf-part-1-1009015.html

In my last article post I finished with suggesting a mantra for life - what the mind can perceive, the mind can believe, and the mind can achieve. Have you noticed how true this is? What is in your mind, your thoughts, your memories, and the things you know to be "right" are simply your own perceptions of reality.

You and I could be standing at a junction and you see the traffic light is red and I see it to be green. It all depends upon the angle from which you are observing the lights. It depends on your perspective. You could, of course, choose to walk to the other side and view it from a different angle.

I would like you to take one minute now to carry out a simple task. Wherever you are at this moment in time, take one minute to look around you and notice, really notice, what around you is the colour blue. Notice as many things that you can that contain the color blue. Spend a full minute really noticing everything that is blue...and then read on.

Now, without looking around again, can you list what is the color red? This simple exercise should demonstrate what happens in everybody's mind ALL of the time. Our observations and the judgments which we make of "reality" are shaped and colored by what we are focusing on, by what we expect to see or happen. Thus our perceptions are not only shaped by the angle of observation but also by our expectation, our underlying beliefs – we see what we expect to see. This is true of everything in life, not just golf. But in golf the effect is so very noticeable!

As Kendal McWade, the genius behind Instinctive Golf, states "Golf balls always do what they are told". Now, if you are telling yourself that you are a bad putter, what are you telling the ball to do? Putting can so ably demonstrate the doubt and fear that holds us back in everyday life – emotions which can literally stop us in our tracks.

A child is not born with fear. We learn fear. Sometimes fear is a useful emotion and protects us from danger, but let's face it, a putt shouldn't be fearful. Even Tiger says that when he was a teenager he would hit the first putt so solidly that if it missed it might go five feet past the hole, and would simply rap it back into the hole without worry or fear...but that as he has got older he isn't quite as fearless. Fears can creep into even the strongest of minds...if you allow them to do so.

So how do we remove fear when it's not needed? How can we change state easily and quickly? Awareness is all important. Most of us are not really aware of the thoughts that are running through our minds. And yet your thoughts create your emotions and direct your actions (and the club and the ball). Let us try another exercise. Stop reading and spend the next minute just observing your thoughts. Notice just how many thoughts pass through your mind in one minute.

How many did you have? I bet there were quite a few. How many thoughts do you have in the very short time in which you swing a golf club? Or, more precicely, how many thoughts do you try to have whilst swinging the club? And how many thoughts run through your mind as you are setting up to the ball, be it for a tee shot or for a putt? Five, ten, fifteen?

Once you become aware of these myriad thoughts, it is easy to understand why the outcome of the shot can be unpredictable to say the least. All of those thoughts can be likened to ants running through your mind, each competing for your attention and focus, thereby taking your awareness away from what really matters - the ball and the target. These two things never change; or, at least, they shouldn't change, assuming you have taken the time to select an exact target.

So the question is "how do we stop these ant-like thoughts from crawling all over our minds?" Cast your mind back to when you were a child and the answer should come to you quite easily. Children's emotions change quick as a flash, crying one moment and laughing the next. They change state easily, quickly, INSTANTANEOUSLY; you and I were born with this ability; it's an instinctive part of us. When a child falls over and scrapes their knees, they cry, and what does the parent do? The adult offers a sweet, they DISTRACT their attention away from the knees that are hurting.

The easiest way in which to displace a negative thought (or a selection of negative thoughts which are competing for your attention) is to give your mind something clear and precise to do. Give your mind something meaningful, interesting and relevant to do, something that is fascinating.

Fear is a function of either the past or the future. Fear does not exist if you are focusing on the now. Think about that for a moment. What are you afraid of on the golf course? The putt not rolling in? That's in the future. The memory of the last shot sailing into the trees? That's in the past. Making a fool of yourself? That's in the future.

So when you are approaching a shot on the golf course, allow the "child" in you to surface - the part of you that's fascinated, curious, the part of you that's "in the now". I was playing with a friend the other day and when we reached the green and saw where my ball was I said something to the effect of "oh, wow! This is an interesting one!" My playing partner's response was "is that a new reframe for "Oh Hell?"!

Try it...and notice the effect. Because if you are "in the now" you will be aware of what you need to be aware of - the ball and the target. And if you are sizing up the situation with child-like wonder and fascination, you will be thinking "how can I get this in" or something to that effect, rather than being a puppet manipulated by A-N-Ts (Automatic Negative Thoughts).

Being "in the now" is a wonderful place to be. It allows you to be aware of what is really happening around you, to appreciate each moment for what it is. It allows you to notice when a rhododendron leaf glistens in the sunshine, or water sparkling as if thousands of stars are twinkling on its surface, and so on. It allows you to notice the feel of the fairway beneath your feet, the feel of the club in your hands, to notice the feel of your swing. (And wouldn't greater feel come in handy?) Being in the now allows you to enjoy the time between shots, remaining relaxed and peaceful; it allows you to fully enjoy the game of golf, AND the game of life. If you aren't in the now, you aren't really living.

Another wonderful thing about being in the now is that you reap the rewards immediately - literally in the now. So many people say that it is impossible to change without hard work and effort. What can be hard about noticing what's happening now? What can be hard when you are interested and curious and fascinated? When you are in the now, past beliefs cannot hold you back.

Are you ready to control your golfing destiny? Are you ready to make a commitment to yourself to play golf "in the now"? Are you willing to allow the natural instinct for wonder and fascination to come to the forefront of your mind? Are you ready to enjoy your golf and play better golf than ever before? Because you are the only person who can choose your thoughts. All you have to do is to choose to do so.

Roseanna Leaton, specialist in golf hypnosis cds and hypnosis mp3 downloads.

With a degree in psychology and qualifications in hypnotherapy, NLP and sports psychology, and a great passion for golf, Roseanna Leaton is one of the leading golf psychologists. You can get a free hypnosis download from http://www.RoseannaLeaton.com and view the GolferWithin golf hypnosis cds and hypnosis downloads.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/golf-articles/making-golf-childs-play-998301.html

Golf, undoubtedly, is a favourite sport; a reason why it is broadcast on TV. Your game may not be up to the level of Tiger Wood’s, but to become good at it, there are just three helpful golf swing tips to attain the proper golf swing.

The first one is that you should have a good shoulder turn to hit the ball dead centre and get it as close to the hole as possible. Easier said than done. Most people labor under the misconception that by lifting the heel high off the ground, they can do what is to be done in golf.

It boils down to this – turning of the hip is good as long as it does not create any recoil. The lesson to be learnt is not to turn much creating recoil – but not by how far the person turns when taking the shot.

The second lesson is not to let your chin rest on your chest. This will make it hard for the left arm to swing back when executing the backswing. You have to keep the chin up to allow the arm – the left one – to move across the chest unhindered. This will result in the formation of a wide arc that is required to strike the ball and send it off in the right direction.

The third lesson is to relax. If you are tensed up, you cannot think properly. If you do not think properly you will forget the two tips given previously resulting in a disruption of your rhythm. Consequently you will not strike the ball in the correct way.

To relax is a bit difficult when you are playing a real game of golf and want to win, but that is what separates the chaff from the grain – the boys from the men. Block everyone around you out of your mind, concentrate and imagine that you are in your “happy place”.

This is exactly what Adam Sandler’s character did in the film “Happy Gilmore” and won the game despite the odds.

Of course, you might not be able to master all the three tips overnight but by constant and regular practice you will soon get the essence of the advice. Jut keep in mind that professional golfers do not always win and that they also commit mistakes.

This thought should give you a good chance to win a competition, but you have nothing to lose because you are at a disadvantage and not expected to win. But the situation changes when you perform well throughout the tournament and everyone expects you to perform even better than you did.

When everything else fails, try to recall the third tip and relax. The difference between a win and a lose is nothing but attitude and relaxation is a kind of attitude. Continue your practice till you get the proper golf swing. Practice at home, in a range or out on a golf course.

The three tips given above are nothing but technique and attitude. The game starts from the moment you tee off. That is why your swing counts. If you get it right at the start, then the final putt, just a few yards from the hole will be relatively easier.

If you are really lucky, you might even do a “hole in one”, a rare occurrence and something that happens only once in a blue moon. But if you do, you have to move to the next hole, which might be more challenging than the one you just completed.

When you are out there on the course, success can be assured only if you follow the three tips outlined above.

The author Ian Bell says that improving on your game of golf need not be difficult or frustrating. And if you are serious of moving your game up a notch, then you can read many more articles on how you can improve your golf swing too with hints, tips & videos on developing a proper golf swing. Sign up for my newsletter and you’ll receive a free golfing ebook and 7-day E-course, visit: www.GolfSwingBlogger.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/golf-articles/three-tips-for-a-proper-golf-swing-995412.html

Training Aid

Useful Training Aids For Improving Golf Swings

When you're playing golf, your score usually means everything to you. It doesn't matter how often you play, if you're swing isn't good you'll hit a spot sooner or later when your score will stop improving. That's when you'll want to get lessons from a professional or start using one or more of the golf swing training aids.

Many people make the mistake of going out on the golf course as often as possible in order to get better. While this does work, it won't work forever. Eventually outside help will be needed.

In fact, the more experienced you are with golf (the more you've played) the more difficult it will be to change your swing habits. So it's best to learn how to swing correctly when you're first starting to play golf.

Golf lessons are effective but they can also be quite expensive. They are a reoccurring expense that adds up very quickly.

The other drawback to lessons is that you only get the instruction you need at a certain time. There is no flexibility with when you meet and how long you can spend with the instructor.

With swing training aids you can practice your swing whenever and virtually wherever you want. Most swing aids are easy to transport so you can take then wherever you want to practice your swing.

We all have very busy schedules. So it's much simpler to be able to use the equipment whenever time allows. Of course, you still have to make sure you make the time. But with owning the training aid you'll be able to choose to practice any time that you want.

The golf swing training aids can be expensive and usually are pricey. However, it's a one-time fee that will continue to pay you dividends far into the future. So the equipment is usually well worth the cost.

Basically the swing training aids teach you how to swing properly. They are designed so that you know what's wrong with your swing and then you can correct it. Through repeatedly swinging correctly on the equipment, you learn to swing correctly on the golf course.

Most people who use golf swing aids see a dramatic improvement in their swing almost right away. They begin to feel what it feels like to swing a golf club the correct way and they also begin to duplicate the swing.

Learning to swing properly will allow you to hit the ball farther with more accuracy. Sure, everyone can hit a few good shots every round. However, if you learn to swing correctly on every stroke, you'll be hitting a good shot almost every time. Wouldn't that be great?

Golf swing training aids are a great investment for golfers who seriously want to improve their play at golf. You will never reach your full potential on the golf course if you don't first learn how to swing a golf club correctly. The quickest method of developing a great stroke and reaching your full potential is to hone your swing with a golf swing training aid.

About the Author

SwingingAGolfClub is an online portal with expert articles teaching you to improve on your golf swing. To learn more about useful methods to improve your golf skills, visit http://www.swingingagolfclub.com for free access.

i Click Dog Cat Training Clicker trainer pet aid black With Wrist Strap NEW US $2.99

Golf Swing Plane Training Aids Instructional Practice Aid Improvement Guaranteed US $5.99

Swiftstik Stick Hitting Batting Training Aid Baseball 30 W DVD 12 Balls US $16.50

Tour Sticks Blue 1 Training aid Used By Golf Pros US $14.99

Little League Baseball Training Aid Batting Stick Coaches Tool 7 14 YR olds US $22.00

Armored Vehicle Recognition Graphic Training Aid 17 2 8 Study Cards 1 48 US $1.99

New Franklin Multi Directional Batting Tee Baseball Training Aid Future Champs US $7.00

Golf Ball Marker Aligns Putt Regulation Training Aid Christmas Gift Sealed NEW US $7.99

NIB Medicus 460cc Dual Hinge Driver Golf Swing Training Aid Bonus Right Hand Men US $108.99

Bull Whip Cowboy Western Training Aid Quirt or Whips US $10.75

German Martingale Long Split Reins Quality Leather Horse Train Aid Complete New US $63.00

SPORTS SOCCER BASEBALL FOOTBALL GOLF PRACTICE TENT NET CAGE MAT TRAINING AID US $37.99

New Design 5 Point Eventing Elasticated Breastplate Martingale Black Full US $16.67

Golf Practice driving Hitting Net training aid cage N03 US $49.98

New Design 5 Point Eventing Elasticated Breastplate Martingale Full Brown US $3.24

new in box GoFit Golf Power Tube Gym TRAIN LIKE THE PROS Training Aid 4 Golfers US $18.88

1914 dept of the interior bureau of mines certificate of first aid training US $5.00

SUPERSIZED GOLF PRACTICE NET DRIVING CAGE TRAINING AID 12 FREE PRACTICE BALLS US $49.50

Wee Target Heat Sensitive Boys Toilet Potty Training Aid Fire Engine Motif US $4.99

Golf Swing Training Aid Tour Alignment Sticks Trainer practice Tool Aids Rods US $9.99

Putting green golf Training Aid Golf Green Putting Mat Putting Green Mats 4x10 US $160.00

Tough 1 CHAMBON Training Aid Leather and Nylon US $23.50

NEW ORANGE WHIP GOLF SWING AID TRAINING ADULT SIZE US $80.00

Hit N Stick 61 Batting Baseball Softball Practice Trainer Training Aid Hitting US $24.95

SUBLIMINAL MARTIAL ARTS AIKIDO TAEKWONDO JUJUTSU KALI JUDO KARATE TRAINING AID US $11.99

Training Aid article

Star Type

What is the origination of wishing on a shooting star? Does this belief have any type of pagan roots?

What is the origination of wishing on a shooting star? Does this belief have any type of pagan roots?

It isn't known as far as I'm aware though as they occur rarely it's obvious it would have been attached to some superstitious belief by earlier humans.

Mens AND Womens Basic Korean Style Stylish Star Beanie Type E US $18.99

AMBER GLASS BOTTLE DECANTER with STOPPER and GOLD STAR TYPE DECORATIONS US $19.99

Star Trek The Next Generation Type 1 Phaser Mouse BRAND NEW US $3.99

Star Trek The Next Generation Type 1 Phaser Mouse Full Case of 6 Mice BRAND NEW US $7.99

Lot Of Holiday Living Gold Glitter Star Type 4 pc US $.99

FG Bur Push Button Angle Head E TypeStarNSK 12 Tooth US $90.00

1952 Star Cal Type 1 70C Larry Yogi Berra Decal US $19.95

Star Wars Mail Away 2012 Boba Fett Proto Type Armor Form 5 Proof of Purchases US $5.51

1994 STAR TREK THE NEXT GENERATION TYPE 1 PHASER BY PLAYMATES MIB US $6.00

Playmates Star Trek Type II phaser Star Trek Micro Machine assortment Talking Q US $26.00

WW 1914 1914 15 Star ribbon original period silk type US $9.38

SNSD Girls Generation star card S 1 15 Unopen Pack TYPE A Display Paper US $200.00

SNSD Girls Generation star card S 1 15 Unopen Pack TYPE B Display Paper US $225.00

1917 Standing Liberty Quarter Type 1 No Stars Bare Breast US Coin Circulated US $12.00

TOMATO JETSONIC HYBRID INDETERMINATE RED 68 DAYS 27 SEEDS JET STAR TYPE 7OZ FRUI US $.99

1952 Star Cal Decals Type 1 Eddie Robinson White Sox US $13.00

Big Star jean capris cropped size 30 Style RIKKI Type Low Rise Fit US $19.99

STAR WARS THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK POP UP BOOK RANDOM HOUSE 1980 COMIC TYPE STORY US $9.99

BULL DOG BUNTING US AMERICAN FLAG GOVT TYPE A 48 STARS 4X6 ORIGINAL BOX LP US $24.97

PLAYMATES STAR TREK THE NEXT GENERATION TYPE 1 PHASER 1994 NEW US $19.99

Lot of 2 Star Wars MM Bank Type Dispensers Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader NIB US $25.00

Yoda star wars classic rerelease on kenner type cardvc202010mnt US $12.50

National Ignition Coil Type STAR US $48.00

IN THE MEADOW SHEEP STAR PENNY RUG TYPE MAT OLDE GREEN CUPBOARD DESIGN PRIMITIVE US $8.49

Vintage Jadeite Jadite green type candle holder 9 point star shape US $7.87

Hotel Star Ratings Spain a Guide

Can you expect all star rating in Spain to be the same?

The short answer is definitely NO. Each of the seventeen regions in Spain give official ratings according their own criteria therefore making it impossible to make an informed choice ( based just on the classification alone ) when deciding where to stay. The only common factor of all regions is that they rate hotels as one, two, three, four or five star according to facilities offered.

In general five star hotels will usually live up to customers expectations as these are the luxury end of the market and are mostly offered by international or national hotel chains who have a quality brand image to live up to. Being the high end market they are of course only for those who can afford them a customer base with high expectations.

Four and three star hotels in Spain tend to be the establishments with the most disappointment when it comes to customers expectations as these vary greatly from region to region and town to town. It is not unusual to find a three star which customers review as a four star and indeed a four star which customers review as a three.

To add to the confusion the official rating given to a hotel is not necessarily that which customers see, as most hotels are booked online or through tour company brochures who have their own star ratings criteria ( or sun, crown, key, moon, diamond etc ). It is also widespread for customers to have their own idea of what a classification actually means based on the services and comfort of hotels in their own country. In Spain the service and especially the type of food offered differs from that of other European destinations and or course is “ typically Spanish “ as you would expect.

A rough guide of what to expect for each star rating.

1 Star – Basic rooms some with a bathroom or shared facilities. Often no amenities such as lounge, swimming pool, television, room telephone, safe or reception services. Generally small rooms most without balconies or sea views. Although basic this can be a good option if on a budget holiday. You may be pleasantly surprised in this type of hotel if you ask to see your room before payment. Expect dining to be simple Spanish meals with limited choice sometimes only on a bed and breakfast rate or room only. Limited fire safety standards.

2 Star – Basic comfortable acceptable accommodation with some rooms en-suite. Many will offer better services and even perhaps a small swimming pool. Rooms may have a television, air conditioning, bigger restaurant, better style of food with perhaps more choice usually on a buffet basis. Many two star hotels in good sea front locations are unable to gain a 3 star due to restraints with the building but do offer a 3 star service with good quality but smaller rooms. Limited fire safety standards but most do have fire escapes now.

3 Star – Here you will get a larger hotel with better facilities such as T.V games room, pool and gardens or sun terrace, 24 hour reception, lounge, separate bar. Generally with larger restaurant with a comprehensive choice food served buffet style for breakfast through to dinner. Rooms will all be en-suite usually with full bathroom facilities, TV, room safe, balcony, air conditioning, telephone and large enough to accommodate twin beds. Most do not offer room service. Many three star hotels do now offer limited gym facilities. Better fire escape standards and better equipment such as hoses extinguishers can be expected.

4 Star – Large formal hotels with well deigned ambient decor to public areas. Usually offer a choice of bars and large restaurant with buffet service plus a´la carte dining choice in many. Most offer outdoor and indoor heated pool with gym, sauna facilities too. Rooms are well appointed with balcony or terrace (unless city center based). All will provide air conditioning, room service, large bathrooms with hairdryer and toiletries plus luxury towels. Many have a mini bar or fridge but not all. Expect satellite T.V with a good range of channels and an in room telephone. Concierge service to book theatres, car hire etc does tend to be available in most 4 star hotels. Most are now up to the EU fire safety standards.

5 Star – These are the best offering a high level of personal service, luxury and high end premises with landscaped gardens ( unless city center based). You will expect luxury rooms with mini bar, trouser press, fine quality furnishings and specially designed luxurious beds and bed linen. Bathrooms will be of the highest quality and large with luxury toiletries and towels. World T.V and pay per view films / games available. 24 hour full room service. A selection of bars and dining areas with award wining food. Usually have a golf course on site or nearby and full spa / wellness centers. Expect a bell boy service and full 24 hour concierge. All will have good fire safety and evacuation procedures in place.

Hostal & Pension Accommodation

For the budget traveller you may also consider a Spanish one or two star hostal or simple pension. These are often the cheapest with two star hostals offering the best with en-suite shower rooms. Many have small restaurants or bars which serve food. Most are bed and breakfast only and offer very limited services with no pools or garden areas.

Pensions tend to very basic with some en-suite shower rooms or shared facilities. Most pensions do not offer food but some may offer bar snacks or a small continental breakfast. With these you do get what you pay for so do not expect too much other than clean accommodation. Best suited to back packers or those who just need somewhere to sleep in between all night partying. Best advice is too ask to see the room first before deciding to stay.

Many of these older establishments do not offer a high standard of fire safety when compared to many countries. Not many have separate fire escapes a point worth considering.

Concerning food, service, expectations, safety

Generally hotels in Spain below three star will offer limited “international” food, which, if not important can be a good thing depending on your taste and willingness to experiment. If however you want food “like it is at home” then you would be best to go three or four star with four being the best choice for good quality international food. The thing to remember is that Spain is Spain and you should be prepared to immerse yourself into the way things are rather than come with expectations of a home from home. This way you will enjoy a much more pleasant stay. If you are concerned about safety Spain does have an excellent record of fire safety and is a very safe place to be with violent crime extremely rare. The plumbing is different, water tastes different but is safe, things are slower, service is – well - Spanish and tomorrow is another day. Enjoy your visit to Spain and the large choice of hotels.

About the Author

Currently living and working in Spain on the Costa Blanca. Publisher of Real Benidorm Guide

Star Type