How to REALLY make practice count – Ed Coughlan #289
Dec 8, 2023
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Dr. Ed Coughlan, leading expert in skill acquisition, discusses the best way to make practice count in golf. They talk about creating a productive training environment, training behavior instead of just the task, and the freedom of adaptability. They also emphasize the importance of planning training relative to tournaments, practicing the rhythm of the game, and minding thoughts and words.
Understanding the impact of the environment and context on practice and performance in golf.
Embracing adaptability and consistent behaviors rather than focusing on outcome.
Creating practice environments that develop desired behaviors under pressure and promote mental game development.
Deep dives
Building Stable Confidence Program
The podcast episode begins with a discussion about a new program, Building Stable Confidence, which focuses on acquiring stable confidence in the game of golf. The program is a collaboration between the host and Dr. Raymond Pryor and aims to provide important information on how stable confidence is acquired and the misconceptions surrounding it. The program helps golfers establish a process of building stability in their game, which allows them to access their existing skills. The host emphasizes the significance of this program and encourages listeners to check it out.
Interview with Dr. Ed Cochlan
The podcast episode features an interview with Dr. Ed Cochlan, an expert in skill acquisition, particularly in golf. Dr. Cochlan works with top players on the DP World Tour and discusses the principles of effective practice, focusing on how to transfer practice onto the golf course. He highlights the importance of understanding the impact of the environment, context, and attitude on practice and performance. Dr. Cochlan emphasizes the need for variability and diversity in practice, ensuring that it reflects the challenges and behaviors players face on the golf course. The interview delves into the importance of adaptability and consistency in behavior rather than outcome.
Promoting Mental Game Development
Dr. Cochlan emphasizes the importance of engaging in practice that promotes mental game development. He encourages golfers to be curious and accepting of their thoughts and responses during practice and on the course. This includes being carefree over shots, managing thoughts and words when alone or with others, and creating practice environments that reflect the competitive ones. By being adaptable, developing consistent behaviors, and embracing variability, golfers can enhance their mental game and improve their overall performance on the course.
Creating a Practice Environment that Develops Behaviors Under Pressure
The podcast explores the importance of creating a practice environment that not only focuses on improving technical skills, but also develops the desired behaviors under pressure. Rather than just completing tasks, the emphasis is on practicing in difficult locations and incorporating consequences that encourage the desired behavior. The goal is to ensure that players can still perform with carefree athletic movements, while the score remains in the background. Practicing acceptance and creating room for players to be okay with mistakes is highlighted as a crucial aspect of developing desired behaviors.
The Importance of Effective Practice for Golfers
The podcast discusses the challenges of practicing golf effectively, highlighting the need to practice in a way that reflects the demands of the game. Traditional, repetitive, and overly technical practice methods are identified as not being effective in transferring skills to the course. The podcast emphasizes the importance of incorporating variability, consequences, and real game scenarios in practice sessions. Additionally, the podcast advocates for coaches to work together as a unified team, prioritizing the well-being and development of the player. The concept of releasing and not retaining negative emotions and behaviors during practice is discussed as a key factor in optimizing performance.
Today we welcome onto the Brain Booster a wonderful guest in the shape of Dr Ed Coughlan
Ed is one of the leading experts in the world on Skill Acquisition who works with a number of top DP World and PGA Tour players.
Download Mind Caddie for hundreds of short audio lessons and exercises produced by Karl and start improving your mental game the same way as six major champions:
We had a wonderful conversation about the very BEST way to get the most from your practice time
How to be able to TRANSFER your practice to the environment called Golf Course.
EXCLUSIVE FOR CERTIFIED MIND COACHES ONLY!! You have the skills. Now learn how to apply them. Take your skills to the next level and become a MASTER MIND FACTOR COACH. 2 days interactive and immersive learning. 21 and 22 January 2024 in Central Manchester
