2-5-09

Let me summarize my progress so far:

1. I'm starting to get more of a feel for the difference between the Throwing(TS) and Non-Throwing(NT) swings:

• (TS): much more of a body swing. torso rotates away from the target and downswing starts with the hips rotating and moving toward the target.

• (NT): more of an arm swing that goes up,down,up instead of back,around,through.

2. I don't know whether to consider this part of the throwing swing or something independent, but my most recent discovery is of something that my right arm does, and the way it feels at the terminus of my backswing. The feeling and position is almost like making a muscle, showing off your bicep - and - I feel like this helps me either straighten out, or keep my left arm straight. And I'm feeling my right arm more during the swing which makes my swing feel smoother and more natural - and - I hope is helping my hands to release as I hit the ball - I will be very interested to see what happens at the range.

3. Progress does not happen as fast as I want it to. In fact, until I actually see how I'm hitting the ball, I can't be sure I've even made any progress. After reading or thinking about what I want to try in the "lab", I'm always expecting immediate results. They don't come that quick. But at the same time I'm kind of amazed at the progress I have made (or that I think I've made). My swing, esp with the driver, has never, ever felt natural, smooth or comfortable - now it's starting to. And I seem to be on a steady path of improvement and discovery - which is exactly what I was hoping for. I still haven't been able to come to any awareness of what my hands are doing - but I'm still hopeful that this will be my next breakthrough because I think the hands will prove to be very important.

4. Head still, eyes on the ball - I work on this every session with the hope that it will eventually become automatic.