How much should you really care about “average” Tour numbers? In this episode, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson explain why averages only tell part of the story, and why great golf lives inside windows and ranges, not exact positions. They discuss common benchmarks like pelvis rotation and angle of attack, then show how wide the playable ranges actually are, especially when club speed, ball flight goals, and individual matchups are considered. The conversation highlights why movement patterns (upright vs. flat, more shift vs. more turn) matter just as much as raw numbers, and why chasing a single “ideal” position often leads golfers astray. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins ---- If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis or Twitter/X @thespinaxis. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/.

In this reflective episode, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson each share a teaching concept they’ve moved away from, as well as why their thinking changed. Erik explains how extending the trail knee, once a common cue, doesn’t actually show up in great swings and how 2D video can be misleading. Jayson discusses why teaching golfers to “sweep” chip shots often leads to worse contact by introducing too much debris between the ball and face. Tyson breaks down why drills like the Punisher Drill don’t reflect real swing mechanics, and why modern tools and root-cause analysis have reshaped how he coaches. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins ---- If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis or Twitter/X @thespinaxis. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/.

Before worrying about small(er) technical details, golfers need to understand the big pieces that make the swing work. In this episode, Erik introduces what he calls the “three main moves” of the golf swing: 1) lateral motion, 2) rotation, and 3) vertical arm movement. The guys discuss why mastering these movements is essential before chasing finer mechanics. The crew breaks down how pressure shift and lateral motion set everything in motion, how proper chest and pelvis rotation differ from simple shoulder turn, and how the arms move up and down to create speed and shaft lean. They tie it all together with a discussion on sequencing: how energy is gathered, redirected, and delivered, and expand on why most swing problems trace back to getting these fundamentals out of order. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins ---- If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis or Twitter/X @thespinaxis. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/.

This episode features Shaun Webb, co-founder of Athletic Motion Golf (AMG), known for their data-driven instruction and extensive 3D research on how the best golfers move. Shaun joins Erik, Jayson, and Tyson to discuss the Swing Coach App, a training tool built from AMG’s motion-capture database that gives golfers real-time, objective feedback on key swing positions. They cover how the app works, what golfers should focus on when practicing with it, and why narrowing your attention to one or two priorities leads to faster improvement. Shaun also shares insights on the upcoming face-on release, how the app helps players understand components like hand depth and shallowing, and how close golfers should try to get to the “ideal” numbers. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: Swing Coach App (https://inf.getswingcoach.com/AMG300) – Click this link to get two weeks FREE! --- If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis or Twitter/X @thespinaxis. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/.

In this episode, Jayson leads a discussion on why the short game and long game often demand opposite movement patterns and why trying to use one swing for both can hold golfers back. The crew breaks down how power swings benefit from shallower, speed-producing patterns, while finesse shots thrive on steeper angles, slower ball speeds, and more precise control. They explore how setup adjustments change from long clubs to wedges, why grip variations can help around the green, and how to identify whether your motion needs more “shallow” or “steep” built in. The conversation highlights the essential skill of shifting between kinematic power and finesse, and why mastering both is key to becoming a complete player. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: Swing Coach App (https://inf.getswingcoach.com/AMG300) – Click this link to get two weeks FREE! ---- If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis or Twitter/X @thespinaxis. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/.

How important is aim in putting… really? In this episode, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson dig into the myths and realities of putter alignment, starting with a surprising truth: great putters like Tiger Woods and Loren Roberts don’t always aim perfectly straight (and they don’t need to). The crew explains why many golfers unknowingly build compensations into their strokes to correct poor aim, how grip and eye dominance influence perception, and why learning to see straight is often harder than learning to putt straight. They discuss calibration tools like chalk lines and strings, the debate between learning to aim versus fitting to aim, and why “fixing aim” doesn’t automatically mean more made putts. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: Swing Coach App (https://inf.getswingcoach.com/AMG300) – Click this link to get two weeks FREE! ---- If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis or Twitter/X @thespinaxis. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/.

In this episode, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson sit down with Dr. Raymond Prior, a highly respected performance psychologist and author whose work helps elite athletes (and weekend golfers) understand their mental game. Dr. Prior runs BTS Mindset and works with top-tier performers across sports and the arts. He’s also the author of Golf Beneath the Surface, a book that debunks common pop-psychology myths in golf and offers neuroscience-based frameworks for self-awareness, emotional regulation, and true, stable confidence. Throughout the conversation, they explore how golfers often get practice wrong: relying too much on mechanical repetition, mismanaging self-talk, and missing the deeper mindset work that supports meaningful change. They also discuss how amateurs can navigate mental pitfalls, how to practice deliberately during the off-season, and the mindset mistakes that junior golfers and their parents tend to make. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: Golf Beneath the Surface (https://www.btsmindset.com) – Order Dr. Prior’s book here! ---- If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis or Twitter/X @thespinaxis. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/.

This week, the crew welcomes world-renowned putting coach David Orr, founder of Flatstick Academy and putting instructor at Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club in Pinehurst, NC. With decades of experience coaching Tour players and everyday golfers alike, David joins Erik, Jayson, and Tyson to unpack the biggest misconceptions amateurs have about putting. We talk about everything from distance control to stroke mechanics to poor practice habits. They dive into the difference between putting indoors and building mechanics versus putting outdoors to build skill. They talk about mallets versus blades (briefly!), and why what you see Tour players doing on the practice green isn’t always a great representation of what you should be doing. David also shares his insights on productive winter practice routines and offers perspective on why short putts make even skilled players sweat. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: Fit for Golf (https://fitforgolf.app/) – Use the code “SPINAXIS” to save 20%! ---- If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis or Twitter/X @thespinaxis. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/.

In this lively mailbag episode, the crew tackles eight listener questions covering everything from the “P System” to why some golfers might hit draws on the launch monitor but fades on the course. Erik, Jayson, and Tyson break down counterintuitive swing concepts, discuss how alignment and perception change ball flight, and share strategies for playing better on unfamiliar courses. They offer practical advice for short-game practice without a green, explain why many instructors promote a draw, and dive into when, if ever, you should stop making swing changes. The episode wraps with a clear explanation of what it really means to square the clubface without “flipping,” and why YouTube often oversimplifies the issue. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: Swing Coach App (https://inf.getswingcoach.com/AMG300) – Click this link to get two weeks FREE! ---- If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis or Twitter/X @thespinaxis. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/.

What should you really be doing in the off-season to get better? In this episode, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson lay out a blueprint for building an effective off-season plan: one that’s structured, measurable, and sustainable. They discuss how to evaluate your game honestly, focus on weaknesses without neglecting strengths, and build a roadmap that doesn’t fall apart when one step goes wrong. From finding a coach who fits your needs to incorporating rest, fitness, and feedback loops, this episode shows how disciplined planning now sets up success when the season starts again. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: ShotPattern (https://shotpattern.app/spinaxis/) – Use the code “SPINAXIS” to save 20%! ---- If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis or Twitter/X @thespinaxis. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/.

How much do you really know about the forces under your feet during the golf swing? In this episode, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson explore how force plates reveal what golfers can’t see: the timing, direction, and magnitude of ground reaction forces that drive efficient movement. They discuss how using live feedback helps players feel and rehearse proper pressure shifts, why static weight and dynamic force aren’t the same, and how changing a player’s forces can reshape their entire swing. Whether you’re an instructor or an avid golfer, this conversation uncovers how understanding the invisible side of your motion can unlock better speed, balance, and consistency. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: Smart2Move (https://smart2move.com) – Use the code “SPINAXIS” to save 20%! ---- If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis or Twitter/X @thespinaxis. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/.

Should you really be trying to swing like Rory McIlroy or Dustin Johnson? In this episode, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson dig into the pros and cons of comparing your golf swing to those of PGA (and LPGA) Tour players. They share how instructors can use elite players’ moves (like Rory’s rotation or DJ’s trail hip action) as teaching tools without asking students to copy them outright. The hosts also discuss why 2D video can be misleading, how body type and mobility matter, and why even Tour pros often have simpler, more efficient motions than most amateurs imagine. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: Smart2Move (https://smart2move.com) – Use the code “SPINAXIS” to save 20%! ---- If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis or Twitter/X @thespinaxis. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/.

What really rotates in a great golf swing, and how much should it? In this episode, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson break down the way four key things rotate that every golfer should understand: the pelvis, chest, forearms, and the shaft itself. From how the pelvis often feels more linear than rotational, to the chest’s spiral-like motion, to how forearm rotation influences shaft lean and clubface control, the crew dives into the mechanics and feel behind rotational movement. They also tackle common misconceptions like over-rotating the hips or neglecting the chest, and explore how a golfer’s awareness of each component can make or break consistent ball striking. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: ShotPattern (https://shotpattern.app/spinaxis/) – Use the code “SPINAXIS” to save 20%! ---- If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis or Twitter/X @thespinaxis. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/.

In golf, it’s not enough to just practice: you have to practice with the right kind of feedback. In this episode, we dive into why feedback is essential for improvement, how it can sometimes mislead you, and what it means to “complete the feedback loop” in your training. We explore how drills, technology, and even a coach’s silence can shape learning, and why finding the simplest, most effective source of feedback is often the key to lasting progress. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: Smart2Move (https://smart2move.com/) – The world leader in portable 3D force plates! ---- If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis or Twitter/X @thespinaxis. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/.

In this episode, we dig into three of the most challenging (yet critical) aspects of the golf swing. First, we explore the timing of the shifts: when to move pressure and mass back, and how to begin shifting forward even before the backswing is fully complete. Next, we tackle the start of the swing, including how the wrists, arms, and body coordinate to get the motion underway. Finally, we dive into the transition, that razor-thin moment when the club changes direction, momentum must be managed, and forces need to be applied in the right places… all in the blink of an eye. These three pieces represent some of the hardest moves for golfers to master, and we share our thoughts on why, and how players can start to get them right. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: A Listener who wished to remain anonymous, who asks that you share your favorite episode with your friends. ---- If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis or Twitter/X @thespinaxis. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/.

This week we dive into three fundamentals every golfer should revisit regularly: Grip, Alignment, and Posture/Setup (GAPs). Even small mistakes in these basics can cascade into bigger swing issues. We share how the grip should sit more across the fingers than up the palm, why many golfers have a “fake strong” grip with poor thumb or heel pad placement, and how to connect the hands without leaving gaps. On alignment, we debate whether it really matters, why so many right-handed players tend to aim right, and how inconsistent setups between feet, hips, chest, and shoulders create trouble. Finally, we break down posture — hips over ankles, weight balanced in the front half of the feet, and avoiding the all-too-common squatty knee bend. Mastering GAPs may not be flashy, but it’s one of the quickest ways to improve consistency and ball-striking. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: Smart2Move (https://smart2move.com/) – The world leader in portable 3D force plates! ---- If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis or Twitter/X @thespinaxis. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/.

Continuing our interview with Brian Manzella, we continue to talk about the past and future of golf instruction. We question whether PGA Tour players will simply (and quickly) adjust and regain lost yardage after ball rollback. We discuss the growing availability of practical instruction data and how AI may soon enable golfers to get great swing information from a box. Brian observes how younger instructors bypass tradition in favor of outcomes and talks about individual preferences versus method-based teaching. And yes, we spend some time talking about what we call the "extreme right-side bend swings" that are somewhat popular among the game's younger players (spoiler: we’re not big fans). Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol Sponsor: ShotPattern (https://shotpattern.app/spinaxis/) - Use the code "SPINAXIS" to save 20%! ---- If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis or Twitter/X @thespinaxis. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/.

We’re joined by Brian Manzella, a perennial Golf Digest Top 50 and Golf Magazine Top 100 instructor, with over 40 years of teaching experience and a reputation for blending science with swing artistry. In part one of our two-part conversation, we take a look back at how golf instruction has evolved. We discuss how swings shrank in the early 2000s before stretching out again when distance became a more obvious advantage, the shifting strength of grips, the Johnny Miller reverse-C finish, and the ramifications of the ball rollback. We explore why today’s players need to become world class at more than just one of golf’s skills to succeed in the modern game. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol Sponsor: Smart2Move (https://smart2move.com/) – The world leader in portable 3D force plates! ---- If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis or Twitter/X @thespinaxis. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/.

This week we were joined by Lou Stagner, the golf data evangelist and Data Insights Lead for Arccos Golf and one of the game’s best-known voices on golf analytics. Lou has built a huge following for his ability to make data both accessible and practical for everyday golfers (even though many STILL won’t believe the stats), both through his Twitter/X account or his weekly newsletter. We dug into two of his most popular topics from the newsletter. First, from Issue 109, Lou walked us through the massive impact of being short-sided versus long-sided around the green, showing how shot outcomes and scoring change dramatically depending on where you miss. Then, from Issue 21, we examined the myth that more distance makes golfers less accurate. Lou shared the numbers on penalty shot percentage, fairways hit, recovery rates, and offline dispersion—and why strokes gained almost always improves for players who add distance. Whether you’re an analytics junkie or just want to shoot lower scores, Lou’s insights are a must-hear. Find Lou’s Newsletter here: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol Sponsor: Strike Wedge (https://strikewedge.com) – A multi-use training tool for crisp contact! ---- If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis or Twitter/X @thespinaxis. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/.

We dive into why distance control is the single most important skill in putting, why so many golfers struggle with it, and how to do it. All too often we see golfers take the putter back too slowly, run out of time, and then “hit” at the ball to make up for it, wrecking both speed and face control. We discuss why the old advice to “accelerate through the ball” can do more harm than good, how tempo tools like a simple metronome reveal the truth about stroke rhythm, and practical drills for training consistent speed and stroke length. For more background, see the long-running discussion on The Sand Trap. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: Strike Wedge (https://strikewedge.com) – A multi-use training tool for crisp contact! ---- If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis or Twitter/X @thespinaxis. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/.