Feedback and Training Outputs

Training is much more than just exercise selection, sets, reps, and weight. How the training is executed is a key factor that dictates the stimulus provided and adaptations that result.

One of the most important things a coach can do is to create an environment that gets golfers to train with intent which matches the purpose of the training. Feedback can be a key driver of this intent!

I recently posted about a meta-analysis (Weakley et al., 2023), which analyzed the effects of feedback on resistance training performance across studies.

Check out the full social media post here.

Overall, when feedback about lifting velocity or power during each rep is provided, trainees tend to move more explosively than when no feedback is provided. And while there’s less research on long-term effects, the current research is promising, with consistent use of training feedback resulting in better sprint and jump performance over time.

Importantly, none of the studies found negative effects of feedback on training outputs or gains, so it’s a low-risk strategy to drive higher outputs in the short term, and potentially greater gains if used consistently in the long-term!

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Here are a few notable takeaways from this research: 

1. Type of Feedback: Visual feedback had a larger effect compared to verbal feedback. But both are effective.

2. Consistent Provision: Consistently providing feedback is probably important, as some studies indicate that performance returns to baseline once feedback is removed. Though there can be value to spreading out feedback with more experienced individuals if the goal is motor learning. This is a topic I’ll post about later on in the context of golf speed training!

3. Variety of Exercises: Feedback benefits were observed across different exercises and set numbers, with no significant effects of load, body region, or number of sets reported.

4. Feedback Types: Movement speed/power is just one type of feedback, which is primarily meant to drive intensity/effort. But other feedback types may be more appropriate for certain training goals.

5. Balancing Feedback: We shouldn’t rely solely on feedback data at the expense of movement quality or other training goals. Feedback should complement quality coaching rather than replace it .

PRACTICAL TIPS

The golf swing is an explosive movement which is performed at fast speeds (at least on full swings). And training for that speed requires intent.

But many golfers fall into the trap of thinking training must feel “hard” to be effective. Yes, working hard is important. But this means directing energy and focus towards working hard in a goal-dependent manner. There are many ways to make a workout feel hard. But that does not mean it’s optimally preparing you for the velocity demands of golf.

Feedback can push the focus towards what we care about within that given exercise. Whether it be speed, power, jump height or distance, etc. 

Here are a few ways I incorporate feedback into my training programs:

Golf-Specific Speed Training

I am almost always measuring speed during golf speed training for some purpose. For high effort days, it’s to drive intent. Other days, it’s to help guide the exploration towards more efficient movement strategies. What feels fast may not actually be fast, and vice versa. So speed feedback is critical.

Physical Training

In the gym setting, you’d ideally have devices such as linear position transducers, force plates, or jump mats to get instant feedback on each rep.

These devices have the added advantage of providing feedback on HOW the golfer achieved a given movement output (e.g., timing variables, squat depth, etc.), which helps provide deeper insights into their movements over time. But these devices are not readily available to all golfers and coaches.

Luckily, the ability to provide movement feedback is becoming more and more convenient every day. For example, in the video below, I use the MyJump iPhone app (I have no affiliation, but just a fan of the app having worked on similar projects myself). With a bit of know-how, you can even calculate out quite a few additional strategy metrics using apps such as this.

Yet feedback does NOT need to be tied to technology. There are even simpler (and budget-friendly) options for getting basic feedback if you’re creative. For example, here are methods I’ve used when training individuals with no access to tech:

1. Vertical Jumps: jump and touch as high on a wall as possible. Set a piece of tape at your highest jump and use that as a target to drive intent for your next set.

2. Broad Jumps: Perform baseline jumps, and set a cone or other object at your furthest jump point. This becomes your target for subsequent reps.

3. Medicine Ball Throws: Place tape or cones down at each meter or yard distance to create a distance grid. Mark off your furthest throws and use that as a visual target to beat. 

You may not get the same degree of technical feedback as you would using technologies like force plates, but do not let budget or tech hold you back from solid training principles! 

Driving Competition

And if you are training a group of golfers? Driving competition can be a valuable tool. Post the highest scores for different tests, pair up golfers that you know will feed off each other to drive intent.

But be sure to consider individual personalities. Some thrive off competition, while others may need a bit more of a soft touch to get the best results. 

Get creative, drive intent, and get after it! 

Until next time!

• Alex

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