The Spin Axis Podcast

What actually causes an overswing, and why do so many golfers struggle to control it? Erik, Jayson, and Tyson break down the most common contributors, including excessive trail elbow bend, over-rotating the pelvis, rolling the club inside, delaying wrist hinge, and swaying while tilting. They also discuss how factors like poor awareness, weak trail arm structure, or combinations of things can compound the issue. The conversation emphasizes that an overswing isn’t just “too long,” but often the result of sequencing and loading problems earlier in the motion. Understanding the root cause is key to shortening the swing without sacrificing speed or power. Original Twitter thread here. Cause #1: Trail Elbow Bend (Over-Bend!) Cause #2: Overturning the Pelvis Cause #3: Rolling the Club Inside and Lifting Late Cause #4: Wide Takeaway (Late Wrist Hinge) Cause #5: Sway and Tilt Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins

Improving at golf isn’t one process — it’s three. In this episode, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson break down the progression from building solid technique to developing skills to taking the techniques and skills to the course where score is the ultimate factor. They explain why technical work often feels uncomfortable and requires objective feedback, how skill development bridges the gap by applying mechanics to real (or extreme!) shot demands, and why scoring is a separate skill that introduces pressure, decision-making, and strategy. The conversation highlights the importance of not skipping steps, embracing the early struggles of change, and ultimately learning to perform when it counts. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: TRUE Linkswear (https://truelinkswear.com/)

While every golfer may be a “feel” player, instructors often debate whether they should prescribe feels or teach the technique of the golf swing. In this episode, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson dig into the age-old discussion. They explore the idea that mechanics define the movement, while feels are the player’s way of accessing and repeating it. They talk about how those feels can drift, change, and even mislead over time. The conversation also touches on internal vs. external cues and whether “no swing thoughts” is even realistic. The result is a nuanced look at how players can balance structure and sensation to improve without getting lost in either. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins

If you want more distance, you have to train for speed on purpose! In this discussion, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson break down practical ways golfers can safely and effectively build swing speed. The guys discuss the importance of intent, overspeed and underspeed training, and why speed work should be done when you’re fresh, not fatigued (duh). The crew also covers common mistakes like trying to add speed on top of “crap” mechanics, along with the roles of strength, mobility, grip strength, and equipment. The takeaway: with the right approach, golfers can train speed just like any other athletic quality and transfer those gains to the course. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins

This episode features Nick Arther of Callaway Golf, joining Erik and Jayson to discuss what really matters in a modern putter fitting. The conversation explores how head shape, alignment lines, weight distribution, and grip design can all influence aim, feel, and distance control on the greens. Nick talks about the differential between face and path and how “sticky” that often is for a given player, as well as the major knob(s) you look to dial in for any putter fitting. Nick also explains why golfers are often surprised by what a proper fitting reveals, and how fitting tools and processes help uncover tendencies players didn’t realize they had. Whether you’re buying off the rack or going through a full fitting, the group breaks down the key factors that can help golfers roll the ball more consistently. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol

In this episode, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson talk with Mike Carroll (aka Irish Mike of “Fit for Golf”) to challenge the oversimplified “random practice is better” narrative that surfaces frequently on social media. They discuss how many blocked vs. random studies are short-term, poorly structured, and rarely reflect how serious golfers actually practice. Mike explains why high-quality “blocked” practice can be incredibly intentional and reflective, why higher handicap golfers may struggle with overly randomized sessions, and how long-term improvement requires something beyond chasing short-term transfer gains. The conversation also dives into technique vs. skill work, internal vs. external focus, and why raising your ceiling over years demands both science and real-world coaching context. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins

This episode features Dr. Sasho MacKenzie, noted golf biomechanist, consultant to PING, and creator of The Stack System, joining Erik, Jayson, and Tyson for a deep dive into putting speed control. The conversation explores research showing which stroke variables matter less than golfers think, and why speed in particular drives putting success. Sasho explains how golfers develop better speed awareness, why heads-up putting can be an effective training tool (or method!), and what actually changes when players try it. Hey, maybe you’re in the 80% of golfers who saw over a quarter stroke gained per round putting heads up? Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins

Inspired by the Dave Matthews Band song “The Space Between,” this episode features performance psychologist Dr. Jason Novetsky, founder of Champion Mindset, whose work centers on helping athletes train their minds as deliberately as their bodies. Erik, Jayson, and Tyson explore what happens in the minutes between shots. How do golfers process mistakes, reset emotionally, and prepare for what’s next? They discuss efficient post-shot routines, the difference between recognizing and reacting, and why staying “locked in” for 18 holes is often a misunderstanding of focus. The conversation also covers pre-round expectations, staying on time and on task, and knowing when to stop overthinking the mental game and simply play. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins

Erik, Jayson, and Tyson explore the different types of golfers they see in lessons. These are not “good” or “bad” students, but players with different levels of play and practice, or players with different approaches to or ideas about improvement. From the golfer who arrives convinced they know the fix, to the player looking for a quick tune-up before a big trip, to the well-meaning but time-limited golfer (the most common!), each type brings unique strengths and blind spots to the improvement process. The conversation centers on how practice habits, expectations, and mindset shape progress far more than talent alone. Whether you see yourself as the prepared planner, the recreational lesson-taker, or somewhere in between, this episode helps you understand how to get more out of your time and effort. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins

How much can you really trust what you see on a swing video? In this episode, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson break down the biggest limitations of 2D video and why it often misleads golfers and instructors alike. They explain how fixed cameras can distort key elements like trail elbow bend, knee flex, pelvis rotation, and the difference between shoulder turn and chest rotation. The crew discusses why camera angle and height matter so much, how poor visuals create faulty concepts, and why 3D systems offer clarity by measuring what the eye can’t see. The takeaway: 2D video can be useful, but only when you understand its blind spots and how to translate what you see into real 3D movement. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins

With winter golf trips on the calendar for many northern players, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson tackle how to approach these getaways without letting expectations ruin the experience. They discuss why most golfers aren’t “peaking” during winter trips, how to prepare your body, swing, and mindset ahead of time, and why simplifying to one swing thought can go a long way. The crew also explores how these trips can be used as a testing ground for winter work, what to prioritize when practice time is limited, and why short game and walking fitness often get overlooked. Most importantly, they remind listeners how to enjoy golf again: playing for the experience, not just the score. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins

This episode features John Graham, a PGA Tour and LPGA Tour putting instructor known for his practical, results-driven approach to putting performance. John joins Erik and Tyson to break down what effective putting training should actually look like and discusses why golfers often make putting far more complicated than it needs to be. They chat about how Tour players practice speed, line, and green reading differently than amateurs, how those habits have evolved over time, and which skills move the needle most for everyday golfers. John also shares simple, game-based drills—like ladder-style challenges that players can immediately take to the practice green to improve aim, speed control, and confidence. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Tyson Deskins

In this wide-ranging conversation, Erik and Tyson are joined by Monte Scheinblum, longtime golf instructor, long-drive world champion, and one of the most outspoken voices in modern instruction. Monte shares his unfiltered thoughts on the state of golf instruction on social media, why popularity often outpaces real teaching experience, and how conflicting messages have confused golfers for decades. The discussion centers on the growing importance of objective data, which parameters actually matter when helping players improve, and why feel-based teaching still needs a reality check. The episode wraps with a look at Monte’s well-known 30 Days to 300 speed program and how average golfers can pursue distance gains without wrecking their swings. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins

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

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

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

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!

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!

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!

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!

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%!

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!

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%!

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%!

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%!

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%!

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!

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.

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!

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%!

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!

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! Use the coupon code “SPINAXIS” to save 15%!

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! Use the coupon code “SPINAXIS” to save 15%!

We break down what truly changes (and what doesn’t) when you switch from irons to the driver or vice versa. We agree that the differences are smaller than most think: setup leads the way (including a bit more axis tilt, often under six degrees, with the driver), while contact goals shift (no ground contact needed on a tee ball). We explore how gear effect influences misses with the larger head, why tighter spin loft matters, and how lower spin can send shots farther offline. You’ll also hear how minor adjustments to sway and path help keep your favorite feels intact across both clubs. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: Smart2Move (https://smart2move.com) – The world leader in portable 3D force plates!

We’re joined by Nick, a long-time plus-handicap golfer, former instructor, and veteran fitter for one of the biggest names in golf, to pull back the curtain on the club fitting world. Nick shares his background, the types of golfers he sees most often, and the common flaws in both swings and equipment that show up during fittings. We discuss whether players should get fit while taking lessons or wait until their swing is “ready,” the most common equipment issues like lie angles and shaft weight, and the biggest misconceptions players bring into the fitting bay. Along the way, Nick gives his candid thoughts on how fittings often morph into mini lessons, tells stories from the fitting floor, and offers practical advice for golfers looking to get the most out of the process. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: Shot Pattern (https://shotpattern.app/spinaxis) – Use the code “SPINAXIS” to save 20%!

In this listener mailbag episode, we tackle five great questions from our audience. We dive into whether players should use their arms or body rotation to shallow the club, how to compress the ball with an in-to-out swing, and whether short game and putting should be recorded like full swings. We also share our favorite clubface control drills and break down the pros and cons of attending a three-day golf school. It’s a rapid-fire episode packed with insights, practice tips, and coaching perspective. 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.

In this episode, we compare online and in-person golf lessons. Each format has unique advantages and challenges. Erik, Jayson, and Tyson discuss the value of hands-on instruction, real-time adjustments, and subtle feedback like facial reactions to good or bad shots. They also highlights how online lessons can be more affordable, accessible, and flexible, but also more dependent on great communication and student initiative. Whether you’re choosing between lesson formats or just curious about how each works, this episode will help you understand which might fit your game best. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: Shot Pattern (https://shotpattern.app/spinaxis) – Use the code “SPINAXIS” to save 20%!

In this episode, we unpack what makes a great student in golf lessons. Erik leads a discussion based on his viral Twitter thread detailing 14 traits of successful students, from being open to change and having a growth mindset to showing up on time and asking thoughtful questions. Jayson and Tyson weigh in on each point, sharing their coaching experiences and emphasizing the importance of realistic expectations, exaggeration in practice, and embracing ups and downs. Whether you’re brand new to lessons or a seasoned student, this episode will help you get the most out of your coaching experience… and maybe even make your coach love you a little more. 1. Be Open to Change. 2. Be Willing to Work. 3. Ask Good and Relevant Questions. 4. Be on Time and Take Care of Payment. 5. Be clear about your expectations and ability to practice. 6. Don’t say you want to be more consistent. 7. Slow down. 8. Be patient. 9. Be yourself. 10. Have a growth mindset. 11. Work on one thing at a time. 12. Accept that you may hit it a little worse for awhile. 13. Stay in touch with your coach, because they care. 14. Be willing to exaggerate. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: Fit for Golf (https://fitforgolf.app/) – Use the code “SPINAXIS” to save 20%!

In this episode, we dig into the nuances of grip pressure — how hard should you actually hold the club during a swing? We challenge the old “baby bird” analogy, explore how amateurs and professionals differ in both strength and pressure patterns, and debate when in the swing grip pressure matters most. With supporting insights from leading biomechanists Dr. Sasho MacKenzie and Dr. Tyler Standifird, we unpack whether grip pressure is a limiting factor in clubhead speed, how it affects consistency, and how to train it effectively (as well as whether you should even bother). From transitions to tempo, and training tools to tension leaks, this episode covers why how you hold the club might matter more than you think. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: Hack Motion (https://hackmotion.com/) – Use the code “SPINAXIS” to save! ====== Full quotes from Doctors Standifird and MacKenzie: Dr. Tyler Standifird: 1. It needs to be trained specifically. I know there are groups who say it is trained just if we do heavy weight training, and that is kind of true, but the specificity of grip strength training is so easy and effective that we all should be doing it. I compare it to like how a bent over row in the gym strengthens your bicep, but that if you really want to get your bicep bigger you do curls. 2. Speed training is not enough, again at least in my experience I don’t think speed training on it’s own strengthens grip, helps you learn I think how to maybe utilize what you have in grip strength a bit better/more efficiently, but again refer back to number 1. 3. I agree with what you say about training it to avoid that slipping feeling. Just met with a player who is doing GRF assessments looking for more speed. He is up to maybe a 124/125 club speed, but is saying he feels the club slip just a bit. His grip strength is around 41 kg in the lead side, starting to be a limiting factor for him, can’t hold onto the club. I’d say pros maybe apply more force in the swing if that makes sense. So if they are stronger their 8/10 might be 44 kg, vs a 45 year old amateur at 8/10 might be 31 kg. Also even the higher level players I have had on the sensor edge device are not 3/10. Not even close. Lowest I have seen with all my players, pro, amateurs and in between was about a 5.6/10. And that guy had a grip strength of 65 kg, so huge strength. Most people end up in the 7-9 range, regardless of skill level, its more of that patterns that change as players get better. Using something like the SuperSpeed squeeze can be an effective way to “trick” a golfer into training grip strength when they think they are practicing golf. The fat grip is shown to enhance muscular activation in grip/forearm. So they will get that benefit when they take swings and additionally it will force them to grip down tighter because it feels that the club is going to move out of their hands. This helps them train the feels of developing more force when needed in the swing. Also static grip strength training, gripping something, squeezing something is very effective, no matter that apparatus used. The squeeze training includes these as well. ====== Dr. Sasho MacKenzie: I don’t think grip strength, as measured by squeezing something, is important in golf. I have a lot of thoughts on this. I see people get a lot faster without any change in grip strength. Alos, I can’t think of a single time where a club flew out of someone’s hands because they swung too fast for their level of grip strength. Any low to moderate correlation between grip squeeze strength and clubhead speed is not causal. I’ve measured juniors with 120 mph clubhead speed that couldn’t squeeze the juice out of a lemon. Vijay only had one han

In this episode, we’re joined by Mike Shade from the wildly popular podcast Chasing Scratch, where he and co-host Eli chronicle their journey to (some day) becoming scratch golfers. We talk to Mike about the emotional and practical challenges of long-term improvement, the biggest misconceptions he’s faced, and what he might do differently if he could start from scratch (pun intended). We also discuss the surprising complexity of golf, his favorite moments from eight seasons of podcasting, and how he structures his practice now. Erik and Jayson are on the mics — and as Mike’s coach, Jayson is particularly interested in some of the answers! — as we dig into the reality of chasing big goals in golf, and why the journey matters just as much as the outcome. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol Sponsor: The Stack System (https://thestacksystem.com/) – Use the code “SPINAXIS” to save 10%!

In this episode, we dive into the HackMotion training aid — a device that provides real-time data on wrist mechanics in the golf swing. We discuss how we primarily use it to monitor flexion and extension, radial and ulnar movement, and the timing of both throughout the swing and putting stroke. HackMotion helps students understand and refine their wrist positions from setup to impact. We also explore how HackMotion’s audio and vibrational feedback makes it ideal for home practice and online lessons, and how effective it can be used to take your lesson home and continue to work away from the instructor. Along the way, we share lessons from our students that highlight the practical value of accurate wrist data in both full swings and short game work. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: HackMotion (https://hackmotion.com/) – Use the code “SPINAXIS” to save 5%!

In this episode, Tyson takes the lead and interviews Jayson and Erik about their own golf swings, how they practice, and how those personal efforts shape the way they coach others. We dive into our specific swing tendencies — like crossing the line, poor trail side loading, left wrist position, and rate of closure — and how we tackle them with limited time. The conversation covers everything from exaggerated practice feels to practical applications for our students who share the same challenges. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: The Stack System (https://thestacksystem.com/) – Use the code “SPINAXIS” to save 10%!

In this episode, we break down how the approach to practice and swing changes shifts depending on the time of year. Should you chase big technical changes mid-season? Or save them for the off-season grind? We talk about when to focus on skill versus mechanics, how to layer in pressure and speed, and the importance of developing feels that last. We also discuss balancing “play mode” with “practice mode” and why your priorities as a golfer might look very different in January compared to July. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: HackMotion (https://hackmotion.com/) – Use the code “SPINAXIS” to save 5%!

Changing a golf swing isn’t just about knowing what to do — it’s about how you go about learning it. In this episode, we talk motor pattern learning: how golfers internalize new movements and build lasting change. We cover common pitfalls like rushing drills, under-using feedback, and expecting it to feel “normal” too soon. Erik shares his five S’s of effective practice, Tyson talks about the value of exaggeration, and Jayson reminds us that a student’s goals and work ethic shape everything. If you’ve ever struggled to make a change stick, this one’s for you. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: Fit for Golf (https://fitforgolf.app/) – Use the code “SPINAXIS” to save 20%!

In this episode, Erik surprises Jayson and Tyson with a list of ten golf training aids — from the classics to the quirky — and they rank each one live, tier list–style. With no prep and no hints, their honest, unfiltered reactions lead to some debate, a few laughs, and plenty of practical insights into what actually works, what’s overhyped, and what might just belong in the trash. If you’ve ever wondered whether that gadget you saw on Instagram is worth your time (or money), this one’s for you. The training aids are: 8-10′ Putting Mat Heavy Flexible Club Ball Between Your Arms Wobble Boards Putting Mirrors Foam Golf Balls Swingyde Alignment Stick Divot Board $300 Launch Monitors Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: The Stack System (https://thestacksystem.com/) – Use the code “SPINAXIS” to save 10%!