Thank you very much! I needed someone to "state the obvious" because what you pointed out had not been obvious to me! I *was* thinking in terms of looking down at the shaft from my view at address.
The biggest problem that I have with the book and the way that TGMers refer to it is with "planes" in general. There are many different planes and I often see sentences such as, "Turn your hands to the plane, bring the shaft and clubhead to the plane, go to follow through, use on plane hinge action, then swivel to the plane." On plane to WHAT?! I realize that Homer was an engineer, but what would be so terrible about using the terms, "target line" and "club path?"
Oh well. I needed to vent. Golfbulldog, I apologize for somewhat threadjacking your original post. Thanks again, ChrisNZ and everyone else who responded.
The biggest problem that I have with the book and the way that TGMers refer to it is with "planes" in general. There are many different planes and I often see sentences such as, "Turn your hands to the plane, bring the shaft and clubhead to the plane, go to follow through, use on plane hinge action, then swivel to the plane." On plane to WHAT?! I realize that Homer was an engineer, but what would be so terrible about using the terms, "target line" and "club path?"
teach
Teach,
"Planes" may be easier to deal with if you remember that they're strictly about the orientation of the clubSHAFT - which is either On Plane (i.e. lowest end pointing at the Plane Line) or not. Whether you're trying to turn your hands to the Plane, or swivel back to the Plane, or whatever, it's always about doing so while maintaining that orientation of the clubshaft.
I try to recite my mantra every day: Plane is clubSHAFT control, Lag is clubHEAD control, and Flat Left Wrist is clubFACE control.
The biggest problem that I have with the book and the way that TGMers refer to it is with "planes" in general. There are many different planes and I often see sentences such as, "Turn your hands to the plane, bring the shaft and clubhead to the plane, go to follow through, use on plane hinge action, then swivel to the plane." On plane to WHAT?! I realize that Homer was an engineer, but what would be so terrible about using the terms, "target line" and "club path?"
Teach,
To communicate in English requires that you know the English language.
To communicate in Spanish requires that you know the Spanish language.
To communicate in G.O.L.F. requires that you know the G.O.L.F. language.
So much that is not defined in conventional golf instruction is defined in The Golfing Machine®. To speak in 'Pennsylvania Dutch' just doesn't get it.
Learn the G.O.L.F. language.
And break the bonds that have so long constrained your Game.
As a teacher myself, I understand and appreciate what you are saying. I am in the process of trying to learn this new language. I have read Homer's book in the prescribed order twice. Over the last two weeks, I have printed every single explanatory post on the major components and principles of TGM from the archives here, and from the forums at Brian's site and Chuck's site. I then placed these print-outs into large envelopes and have begun to study these pages in what seems to be a logical sequence; hence my question regarding address position. As I go through my envelopes, I will certainly have more questions.
In addition to my "book" study, I have taken three lessons with a local G.S.E.M., Rick Nielsen (with another lesson scheduled for Saturday), and go to my back yard every day to practice my chipping, my impact bag work, and my dowel work in thirty degree weather. Clearly, I have made a major commitment to the *principles* of TGM.
Having hopefully established my bona fides concerning my work ethic, I respectfully, but vehemently, disagree with the linguistic approach taken by many TGM afficianados. I don't feel that I should have to keep Mr. Kelly's book next to my computer, so that I can look up the various chapter references that are made in many of the posts. I would have come to TGM a year ago, were it not for the fact that my first exposure to it came on fgi.com, where a poster constantly made statements along the lines of "trace pp#3 along the plane, then release accumulator #2." This, to me, was and is exclusionary jargon, not a clarifying language. This usage is frankly elitist. And that is the crux of my point. I have seen countless posts decrying the lack of recognition of TGM; yet there seems to be a subconscious need on the part of its followers to keep TGM as our own little secret.
My understanding is that one of your main goals is to bring TGM to the masses. If I am correct about that, then why can't "the right index finger" be used in a sentence, rather than PP#3? Why should I, or anyone else, *have* to learn a new language? Why should "lifting the fog" have to be one of the most frequently encountered terms on the three TGM-oriented forums? After all, the *ideas* of Mr. Kelly are really not that complicated.
Believe me, my intent is not to start an argument with you, or with anyone else. Every single person who has replied to a question of mine has been both generous and clear. However, as a recent convert, I can state with total confidence, that the apparent need to learn a new language has prevented thousands of golfers from becoming G.O.L.F.ers. I know, because I was very nearly one of them.
Wow! 12 piece, you are a prince. These many different uses of the word, "plane" were definitely a problem for me, mainly because I often could not tell which plane was being referenced. I very much appreciate your taking the time to respond so thoroughly. I'm going to print your post to keep as my "cheat sheet." Oops, a teacher should never use that term
Thanks again.
teach
P.S.- If it's not too personal, I'm curious about the origin of your screen name.
Wow! 12 piece, you are a prince. These many different uses of the word, "plane" were definitely a problem for me, mainly because I often could not tell which plane was being referenced. I very much appreciate your taking the time to respond so thoroughly. I'm going to print your post to keep as my "cheat sheet." Oops, a teacher should never use that term
Thanks again.
teach
P.S.- If it's not too personal, I'm curious about the origin of your screen name.
No problem! I learned a lot while writing! It was a win-win.
Origin . . . fat southern people LOVE fried chicken.
I hear what you are saying regarding the lingo. I'm sure as a teacher it's virtually impossible for you to throw out TGM lingo to a student who obviously wouldn't have a clue what you are talking about. You probably also can't expect your students to read and absorb the book.
Having said all of that, what I really like about the book is Homer Kelley identified components and gave them names. With the components identified and named, it becomes very easy to talk very specifically with others who are also familiar with the book and the terms. I'm very analytical and so I LOVE that TGM is written just like it is written.
I like being able to say "right forearm flying wedge" and know exactly what that means without having to describe it with 5 or more sentences.
There are certainly a lot of people on this site who are very literate with the TGM lingo and so you will see it being used in many discussions here. I wouldn't label that "elitist" necessarily.
I also believe most golfers out there will never want to be bothered with learing any of the TGM technical terms. I think that is where the challenge lies for the teachers out there. Most golfers are not students of the swing. They just want their slices cured!
I see your point. It's just that I get frustrated at times, as I try to learn the lingo. To use your example of the flying wedges, I probably need those 5 or more sentences to make sure that I understand them. Once, I *do* understand them, then I can speak about them, but only with other TGMers. Having said that, you're undoubtedly correct that most golfers could not care less about the terminology.
To clarify where I'm coming from as a teacher, I teach U.S. History, not golf, but I believe that the learning principles are the same. Every single day, I take the most important concept of the lesson, and dramatize it with my students.As an example, when I want to show why our first foreign policy was one of isolationism, I walk into the room wearing a diaper over my pants. The kids go wild because I look ridiculous, but they see that we were too young as a nation to get involved overseas. The point is, I go "where the students are" at first. Then I can stretch them intellectually. First I hit them with the slapstick, then they can learn to back up their thesis statements with evidence, etc. They don't need an AI to translate for them and they don't need to learn a new language.
I just feel that Homer's ideas were fantastic, but that the golf world badly needs "TGM For Dummies." Thanks for your thoughtful response.
Thank you very much! I needed someone to "state the obvious" because what you pointed out had not been obvious to me! I *was* thinking in terms of looking down at the shaft from my view at address.
The biggest problem that I have with the book and the way that TGMers refer to it is with "planes" in general. There are many different planes and I often see sentences such as, "Turn your hands to the plane, bring the shaft and clubhead to the plane, go to follow through, use on plane hinge action, then swivel to the plane." On plane to WHAT?! I realize that Homer was an engineer, but what would be so terrible about using the terms, "target line" and "club path?"
Oh well. I needed to vent. Golfbulldog, I apologize for somewhat threadjacking your original post. Thanks again, ChrisNZ and everyone else who responded.
teach
Teach,
We can help you clear this Plane thing up . . . The word PLANE shows up in the book and on the forums in MANY contexts. So it is important that you understand the context in which PLANE is being used. You got your "On-Plane", "Plane Line", "Plane Angle", "Bent Plane Line", "Plane Shifts", "In the Plane of's", "Plain Shrimp", "Shrimp Salad", "Shrimp Scampi", "Fried Shrimp", "Boiled Shrimp", "Broiled Shrimp", "Shrimp Burga" etc. etc.
Let's see if ole Mr. K can help you out . . .
PLANE GEOMETRY
We of the Koolaid Stained Shirt live GEOMETRY. The beautiful science of relationships (we ain't talkin' the Dr. Phil kind). It is ALIGNMENTS. It is the FOUNDATION. Plane is first mentioned on Page 2.
1-C GEOMETRY It’s not the theorems but merely the shapes and lines of Plane Geometry – familiar to all – that are used herein. Most useful are lines and relationships that are flat, parallel, horizontal, vertical, straight, On Plane or centered because their precision can be checked visually – there is no question of degree in such alignments.
INCLINED PLANE
From these relationships and alignments we construct our Machine. And like Mr. K said not no wooden dug out rinky dink stump canoe. BUT a BATTLESHIP constructed by many pieces. Our Machine has 3 functions that it MUST control. Say 'em with me now clubFACE!!! clubSHAFT!!! and clubHEAD!!! I can't hear you!!! The ole Hinge Action of an Angular Motion on an INCLINED PLANE.
and guess what . . . per 1-L the Machine Concept A. The Inclined Plane is Clubshaft Control – See 2-F and 4-0 You must control your SHAFT (uh huh). Per 1-L, The Clubshaft lies full length on a flat tilted plane. Your clubshaft basically lays on a ROOF. Some Roofs is steep. Some Roofs ain't. AND your Roof can move . . . But it's GUTTER can't (or shouldn't anyway). The 3rd Imperative is A STRAIGHT PLANE LINE.
STRAIGHT PLANE LINE
Your Roof's Gutter is your Plane Line. And your Plane Line AIN'T always your target line (or Line of Flight). So how do you check if you are on Plane? 1-L says The Clubshaft always points at the Plane Line except when they are parallel to each other. Easy enough. Point the head end or the butt end at a straight line unless the club is parallel to the line . . . the Plane Line not the target line. Think of Lee Trevino and Bruce Leaky.
PLANE OF MOTION
Because you stand to the SIDE of the ball and because of the design of your club. You stand with your head stickin' out of the ROOF. Depending on the steepness of your ROOF (Plane Angle), it just may be your noggin stickin' out. OR if it's flatter, you may be stickin' out from your big ass up. The implication of you stickin' out of this ROOF is that the club moves BACK, UP and IN. From "in front of you" to "behind you." Per 2-C-0, a Three Dimensional Downstroke – that is DOWNward (Attack Angle) AND OUTward (Plane Angle) AND FORward (Approach Angle) You are DOWN, OUT and FORWARD BECAUSE you swing on an Inclined Plane (ROOF).
2-F PLANE OF MOTION All the action of the Golf Club takes place on a flat, inflexible, Inclined Plane which extends well beyond the circumference of the stroke – in every direction. The full length of the Clubshaft remains unwaveringly on the face of this Inclined Plane – Waggle to Follow-through. Every other Component of the Stroke must be adjusted to comply with that requirement
Who's your DADDY? THE PLANE IS YOUR DADDY!!!
IN THE PLANE OF . . .
He said, "EVERY OTHER COMPONENT MUST BE ADJUSTED TO COMPLY." This is where it gets fun. Your BODY (hands, shoulders, the RIGHT FOREARM) must COMPLY to the Inclined Plane. So also in 2-F it follows . . .
That includes the Right Forearm. See 5-0. The player must hold the Forearm in the Feel of the same plane per 7-3, dynamically in-line. Picture the javelin thrower with the right elbow and On Plane right forearm leading the hand toward the target (Delivery Line) all during Delivery. See 6-B-1. The Right Forearm of every Hacker comes into Impact too high – pointing beyond the Delivery Line during Downstroke (2-J-3, 7-3). Study 2-G and Components 5, 6, and 7.
Picture the JAVELIN THROWER. The javelin is IN THE SAME PLANE AS THE THROWER'S RIGHT FOREARM. This assembly, the Right Forearm (not the WHOLE right arm but the Right FOREARM) and the javelin move in a VERTICAL PLANE. So now in your mind . . . just bend that ole Javelin Thrower over (uh huh) at the hips into a golf posture. This is how you want to move this Structure, this assembly, that is your Right FOREARM FOREARM FOREARM Flying Wedge through the ball.
3 BASIC PLANES AND HINGING
Now, forget about the Roof for a second. Let's talk swinging DOORS. What does a door swing on? Uh a HINGE right? Holla! So how many ways could you mount a door? 3!!!!!
1. You got your everyday come on in the house door . . . Hinge mounted vertical to the ground. BUT the DOOR moves in a HORIZONTAL PLANE.
2. You got your Trap DOOR . . . hinge mounted horizontal . . . but door moves on a VERTICAL PLANE
3. Then let's say you mount a door on roof. That's ANGLED PLANE OF MOTION.
3 Types of Doors 3 Types of BASIC PLANES (VERTICAL HORIZONTAL ANGLED) 3 Types of HINGE ACTION
PLANE ANGLES AND PLANE SHIFTS
Your ROOF can change pitch for the situation at hand or even SHIFT. Per 7-7:
Players often – consciously or subconsciously – employ more than one of the “natural” Planes. The Shoulder Planes are the more consciously employed – the Elbow Plane the more – almost totally – subconsciously used. Vaguely or incorrectly defined Planes and Variations must be eliminated. The list is restricted to those of fairly common usage – good and bad. Other than the Right Shoulder positions, only the Elbow reference point has any great general usefulness. The “Hand Angle” is emergency or special purpose application. Wrist Action and the selected Inclined Plane must be compatible – watch especially with “No Wristcock” Strokes.
During any Shift of Planes the Clubshaft is held On Plane with the Plane Line as though the Plane itself were moving to the new location. Other controlled procedures that achieve On Plane Impact may be more difficult but need not be deemed improper. Such as positioning the Clubshaft at The Top of the Plane Angle intended for Release.
10-7-0 GENERAL Plane Angle Variations are classified according to the shifts in Plane Angle of the Stroke path. A shift may be made (1) during the Backstroke (2) during the Downstroke, or (3) at the Top of the Stroke
Hope this helps make plain some of the PLANE stuff.
B
__________________
Aloha Mr. Hand
Behold my hands; reach hither thy hand
Last edited by 12 piece bucket : 12-22-2005 at 12:08 AM.
Hybrid Mode
