The Consistency Series - Part 2: There is no muscle memory

In our previous article, we explored the concept of consistency in golf and discussed what it might look like. To recap, consistency in golf can be described as hitting more good shots more often and reducing the frequency and severity of bad shots. This objective, while simple in theory, requires a thorough understanding of what goes into making a good shot.

To hit more good shots and fewer bad ones, it makes sense to consider what we need to do. A good shot requires a solid strike, with the clubface and path delivering the desired result. As we discussed earlier, our technique forms the foundation upon which we build our skill. However, to hit quality shots consistently, we need high levels of skill in delivering the club. This is where things get tricky, and where many golfers lose their way in practice. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating process of skill acquisition. If skill is what we need to hit good shots, how do we gain it?

For a more in-depth exploration of this subject, I highly recommend reading "The Talent Code" by Daniel Coyle. Much of my teaching philosophy is based on the insights I've gained from this book.

The Myth of Muscle Memory

A common term I hear from students is the need to develop "muscle memory." The belief is that by repeating a motion enough times, they will be able to repeat it precisely on command. While repetition can help you get closer to this goal, it does not build skill in the way many people think. The first notion we need to dispel is the idea of "muscle memory." Muscles do not have memory. Your body cannot act on its own accord; it is only capable of doing what your brain tells it to do.

Understanding Neural Networks and Myelin

To truly understand skill acquisition, we need to look at the brain. Our ability to perform a task, such as hitting a golf ball, is governed by neural networks in the brain. These networks consist of neurons that communicate with each other through synapses. When you practice a skill, specific neural pathways are activated. With repeated practice, these pathways become more efficient.

The key to this efficiency lies in a substance called myelin. Myelin is a fatty tissue that wraps around the neural pathways, acting as an insulator. The more we practice, the more myelin is built around these pathways. This process, known as myelination, allows the signals to travel faster and more efficiently, much like insulating a wire increases the speed and accuracy of electrical signals. 

Prepare to Fail

While practice helps build Myelin, how we practice will determine how it is built.  In one of my favorite quotes from Coyle’s book he explains that mistake-focus practice is so effective “Because the best way to build a good circuit is to fire it, attend to mistakes, then fire it again, over and over.  Struggle is not an option: it’s a biological requirement.”

Too often I see students struggle to handle hitting a poor shot in practice.  As soon as they hit one, they want to move onto the next ball and try again, hoping it will be better.  Failure is the key to learning.  When we hit a poor shot, we need to take the time to access what happened, think about what we would need to do to make the result better, and then implement that new input system.  This process can be painful and frustrating, but it is the key to acquiring skill and owning it for yourself.  If you did wind up hitting a good shot when you quickly pulled the next ball in and hit it, you may not have known how you did it, so you didn’t learn anything.  So what is quality practice?

Deep Practice: The Path to Skill Acquisition

The concept of "deep practice" is central to building myelin and enhancing skill acquisition. Deep practice involves practicing a skill in a focused, deliberate manner. It is not about mindlessly repeating the same motion but about engaging with the practice in a meaningful way. Here are a few key principles of deep practice:

1. Chunking: Break down the skill into smaller, manageable chunks. Focus on mastering each chunk before moving on to the next. In golf, this could mean working on your grip, stance, and swing separately before putting it all together.

2. Slow it Down: Practice the skill slowly to ensure you are performing it correctly. This helps in building accurate neural pathways. Over time, as these pathways become more efficient, you can gradually increase the speed.

3. Repetition with Variation: While repetition is important, it should not be mindless. Introduce variations in your practice to challenge your brain and reinforce the skill in different contexts. For example, practice hitting shots from different lies and under various conditions.

4. Immediate Feedback: Seek feedback on your performance to make necessary adjustments. This could come from a coach, video analysis, or even self-assessment. Immediate feedback helps in correcting errors and reinforcing correct techniques.

Building Skill for Consistency

By engaging in deep practice, you can build the myelin needed for efficient neural pathways, leading to improved skill and consistency in your golf game. Remember, the goal is not just to repeat the same motion but to refine and perfect it through focused, deliberate practice.

Achieving consistency in golf is not just about having a solid technique but also about developing the skill to deliver that technique under various conditions. By understanding the science of skill acquisition and engaging in deep practice, you can build the necessary neural pathways to hit more good shots more often and reduce the frequency of bad shots. As I progress in this blog, I will discuss skill building exercises and how to incorporate them with the principles of chunking, slowing down, varying your practice, and seeking immediate feedback. This approach will help you build the skills needed to achieve your goal of consistency on the golf course.

Again, for those interested in a deeper dive into the subject, I highly recommend reading "The Talent Code" by Daniel Coyle. It has massively helped me with how I teach and design programs to make students better, and it may help understand how to progress for any other skills you are trying to develop.