Recently, I was encouraging the a student to create more width in their swing but in doing so they got rigid. Instead, I was looking for soft, natural wing-span where the arms and hands (particularly through impact) stretch to their maximum radius from our center. So I said- please try again and give me "extension without tension." I've since used this phrase with a bunch of students and it seems to be simple and efective. When something is good- I pass it on. The next time

Close your eyes and take a practice swing. You won’t believe what you can learn. Percy Boomer a late but great teacher said in his 1946 book: "when I play with my eyes shut , my senses are wide open." This kind of practicce will test your balance, timing and coordination. If you are truly paying attention this kind of practice can tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in your swing and how to improve. Things to "look" for , well, I guess "feel" for

This time of year (winter) in many parts of the country, golfers are relegated to indoor practice. If you have a clear area to swing in your house with a little carpet or golf mat, practice the approach shot ideas in this video. Check that your backswing is fairly vertical, listen and feel for a soft "thump" at your ball position and pay attention to the delivery of the club to the ground and what part of the sole is bottoming out- aim for the bounce and not the leading edge.