[brianmontgomery2000]

There will always be good days and bad days. On the good days there isn't much need for swing thinking; Address the ball. Everything looks and feels OK. Do the motion. It is on the other days that our image of the swing mechanics makes the biggest difference. What we try to do when something in the stroke is broke is depending of our understanding of the mechanics involved.

With an inadequate understanding things tend to get worse the harder we try to fix it. Typical examples are the slicers who produces their biggest slice when they absolutely can't affort a leak towards right field. And the hooker(*cough*) who snaps the drive when they absolutely can't afford a curved ball off the Tee. And the typical trap that most golfers with a history has been in several times: The more we try to fix the swing on the course the worse it gets.

You are right there. If you understand the mechanics, you are way ahead.

One thing, it's better to stop trying to think through the swing. Better to concentrate on something like an Impact point or tracing. Just give the conscious mind something to do and let the subconscious take over.

I believe in the four stages of learning physical behavior -- unconsciously incompetent, consciously incompetent, consciously competent, unconsciously competent. Driving is a great example. You don't remember driving home from work today. You did it very competently, but you didn't "10 and 2" it like a student driver thinking about every lane change, etc.

Your golf swing (any athletic endeavor, really) should be the same -- select the pattern to fit the situation, visualize the shot then step in and execute.

The drills in slow motion I think are a great way to get to feel the swing and ingrain the motions and feels. Basic Motion also being a great way to isolate the mechanics and feel of impact.

My next step is to become consciously competent!