We started emphasizing the TPI Mental Game Assessment in late June and results with new clients have been off-the-charts.  Many players contact me through Titleist, TPI, and my website about club fitting or fitness, or just for a lesson.  I now require these new clients to take the assessment before we even schedule a session.  It provides me so much information about who is coming to my studio.  I follow the script laid out by the client's personality and it feels like we've been friends for years.  The lessons flow so much better and the players leave with a greater since of accomplishment.  

In the first part of our mental game series, we discussed the four personality and learning style traits all golfers possess:  Dominance, Inspirational, Steadiness, and Conscientious (DISC).  Players can have a mix of all four styles, or they can score high in only one.  Once a player identifies his or her playing style by taking the assessment, the coach must use the correct  coaching style by employing a certain set of coaching techniques.  

The idea is to make the practice and the relationship efficient as possible.  Over the course of many years, players and coaches will certainly develop a chemistry that leads to great communication.  But why would a new client wait that long for results?  Sharing the profile between player and coach is the first step towards building a successful partnership.  Coaches need to teach to the player's learning style, rather than the player adapting to a new coaching style.

Teaching the D Player:  Dominance (Fast Paced, Results Oriented, Seeks Results)

• Be formal and businesslike...there is no wasted time
• Ask about goals and results
• Teach the bottom line (We need this to change in order to produce this shot/ball flight/etc.)
• Give the D player options (you can feel this... or this... but not that)
• Don't mention swing mechanics or swing theory
  

Teaching the I Player: Inspirational (Friendly, Optimisic, Talkative, Seeks Recognition)

• Be friendly, informal and enthusiastic.  Turn the lesson into a happy hour
  
• Ask questions that reveal their need for approval..."Where should we practice today, on the course?"
• Show interest in their goals and dreams by illustrating your own
• Work on visuals such as video of other swings and focus on swing feels..."swing inside", "stand taller"
  
• Don't mention swing mechanics or swing theory

Teaching the S Player:  Steadiness (Patient, Laid Back, Consistent, Seeks Peace and Security)

• Give plenty of time to get comfortable and loose 
• Take plenty of time getting to know the player...be very friendly
• Emphasize harmony...this change coupled with this change will produce this shot
  
• Be very patient with the player during the lesson.  No rushing.
  
• Show appreciation for their efforts
  

Teaching the C Player:   Conscientious (Deliberate, Analyitcal, Serious, Seeks Precision)

• Be formal and cordial
  
• Ask questions about their knowledge of the game, their occupation, their interests
  
• This player lives in the mechanical swing and has a ton of swing thoughts..be prepared to answer questions
  
• Explain that the player can get to a higher level by making orderly and logical swing changes.
  
• Emphasize the mechanics or process of visualizing shots and being target oriented

These are the basic scripts for my lessons.  If I deviate from the script, the lesson begins to loose its flow.  Everyone's attention span is different.  When I stay right on point, the lessons just flow and are much more positive. 

The final part of our mental game series will be an actual session with one of my players.  You will see how I steer the lesson towards his personality and utilize the scripts.