The Spin Axis - Golf Podcast

Should golfers focus on their bodies, the club, the ball, or the target when they’re trying to change or improve a movement? The conventional wisdom strongly favors external focus, and there is substantial research supporting that position. However, newer analysis has raised important questions about publication bias, differences between studies, and whether the effect is as universal as it’s often made out to be. The guys discuss how internal and external cues actually work in golf instruction, why an internal focus may be useful when building a new movement pattern, and why a golfer may ultimately perform better with an external cue or feel. The bigger takeaway is that there probably isn’t one attentional strategy that works for every golfer, every skill, or every stage of learning; good coaching means figuring out what helps this golfer make the desired movement and perform the shot. Links to the studies referenced: Reanalyzing the Evidence for External Focus Superiority – A robust Bayesian meta-analysis and reanalysis of previous external-focus research found that, after accounting for publication bias, the advantages of external focus were negligible and the evidence often favored the null hypothesis. External vs. Internal Focus in Golf Learning – A review of research on attentional focus in golf found that external-focus strategies generally outperformed internal-focus strategies, although much of the research involved novice golfers and relatively simple putting tasks. External Focus and Learning a Golf Pitch Shot – An experimental golf motor-learning study found that golfers using an external focus showed better delayed retention and transfer, along with greater self-efficacy and more positive affect, than those using an internal focus. Attentional Focus and Motor Learning Review – A broad review of motor-learning research concluded that an external focus generally promotes more effective and automatic movement than an internal focus, including evidence from novice golfers. External Focus and Motor Learning Overview – This review synthesizing roughly 15 years of attentional-focus research concluded that external focus generally improves performance and learning across a wide range of tasks, skill levels, and populations, while discussing possible explanations for the effect. Meta-Analysis of External vs. Internal Focus – A meta-analysis combining 73 studies on performance and 40 on learning found advantages for external focus in immediate performance, retention, and transfer, with the effects generally becoming larger for measures of learning. Foundational Review of Attentional Focus – This foundational review of motor-learning research proposed that directing attention internally toward body movements can interfere with automatic control, whereas focusing externally on the movement’s effect can promote more efficient automatic processes. 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/ .

How useful are Tour-player ranges and “windows” when teaching amateur golfers? Why do outliers create so much confusion? Erik, Jayson, and Tyson revisit the idea that elite players can look dramatically different while still operating within effective ranges for dozens of important movements and impact conditions. They discuss how just a handful of variables (wrist hinge, trail elbow bend, arm lift, and lead-arm adduction) can combine to produce an enormous variety of swing appearances, especially when timing is added to the equation. The key distinction is that great players may occasionally have an outlying movement paired with an effective compensation, while struggling golfers often have multiple variables outside useful ranges at the same time. Rather than trying to copy a single Tour-player outlier, the discussion focuses on using real data and broad windows to help golfers build simpler, more repeatable swings. 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/ .

Why do so many golfers feel fine for the first 12 holes and then suddenly start struggling? The guys discuss the difference between being genuinely fatigued and simply losing focus, along with the importance of building up your ability to walk and play 18 holes rather than expecting your body to be ready without preparation. Sleep, hydration, nutrition, footwear, walking fitness, and even playing longer practice rounds all get attention, as does recognizing how your swing and decision-making change when you’re tired. Recent research supports the idea that walking substantially increases the physical and physiological demands of a round, while proper fueling and hydration can help limit fatigue and maintain performance. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: Carl's Place ( https://carlofet.com ) - Listen to the Episode for a coupon code! — 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/ .

Cooper Dossey joins the Spin Axis for a wide-ranging conversation about his path from junior and college golf to professional golf and the Korn Ferry Tour. A Baylor standout and two-time All-American, Dossey won the 2019 North & South Amateur at Pinehurst No. 2 and turned professional in 2021; he has since competed on PGA TOUR Canada and the Korn Ferry Tour. He talks about his instructional journey, what he learned along the way, how practice changes as you progress through the professional ranks, and what it takes to make the jump from simply being a very good player to believing you can compete at the highest level. With Dossey sitting 12th on the 2026 Korn Ferry Tour points list at the time of the episode, there’s also plenty of discussion about the realities of trying to earn a PGA TOUR card. Cooper’s bio on the PGA Tour site is here . 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 .

What does the kinematic sequence really tell us about how golfers create speed? Dr. Sasho MacKenzie returns to discuss the relationship between pelvis, chest, arms, and clubhead velocity, as well as why the classic “pelvis, torso, arms, club” sequence may not describe every elite golfer, with Erik and Tyson seeing a substantial number of players whose arms peak before the chest. The conversation also digs into “braking” forces and why slowing one segment down is often less about actively applying the brakes and more about the next segment accelerating. Sasho also explains how kinematic sequencing can be used as a teaching tool, how the Stack can be used to train sequencing, and what golfers can do when their lead-arm velocity is lower than they’d like. Topics: The Kinematic Sequence Lead Arm Velocity and Transition Kinematics as a Teaching Aid Pelvis Sequencing “You Can Never Release Too Early” Using the Stack to Train Sequencing Working on Casting 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/ .

What actually creates club speed, and does the answer change when you’re hitting an iron versus a driver? Monte Scheinblum, former U.S. and World Long Drive Champion and former Nike Tour player, returns to break down the mechanics of creating speed, starting with irons and then moving into the driver. The discussion challenges simplistic advice about “hitting down” or “hitting up” and gets into how delivery, strike, launch, spin, and the golfer’s intent interact to produce distance. With Monte’s background in both elite competitive golf and long-drive competition, this is a practical look at how golfers can create more speed without simply swinging harder and hoping for the best. 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/ .

Every golfer has physical limitations, but too many try to force their bodies into positions they simply can’t reach. In this episode, the guys discuss how mobility, strength, and anatomy influence the golf swing, and why the best swing for you may not look like the best swing for someone else. They cover ways to work around physical restrictions, when it’s worth improving your body’s capabilities through fitness or physical therapy, and how screenings can help identify what’s limiting your motion. Whether your goal is to gain mobility or simply play your best with the body you have today, this episode focuses on building a swing that fits you. 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/ .

Mike Granato returns to join the guys for a candid discussion about some of their biggest pet peeves in golf instruction. They tackle common myths and bad ideas, including the idea of the “effortless” golf swing, instructors relying on their own feels instead of measurable reality, demonstrations that don’t actually help students, and the growing or ongoing misuse of ground reaction forces and 2D video analysis. Along the way, they explain why good coaching should be grounded in objective data, clear communication, and an understanding of how golfers truly move, NOT just how someone thinks they move. If you’ve ever wondered why so much conflicting advice exists online, this episode offers an inside look at what experienced instructors wish would disappear from the game. 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/ .

Mike Granato from Athletic Motion Golf (AMG) joins the podcast to examine something that’s a hot topic amongst a certain small group of instructors on social media: Stack & Tilt and its claims about what the best players actually do in their golf swings. Using 3D motion capture data from GEARS and force plate data, the discussion looks at where some commonly cited S&T measurements fail to match the actual movement patterns of elite golfers. The group breaks down four major areas: 1) lateral pelvis movement, 2) trail elbow bend, hand path, and abduction/adduction, 3) lead shoulder motion, and 4) and trail knee behavior. The guys compare the “ideal” positions often taught with the ranges and windows seen in the world’s best players. Rather than just criticizing an outdated model of the golf swing, this episode explores why understanding real data and player variability matters when building better instruction. 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 rapid-fire equipment episode, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson each bring a different gear topic to the table and dive into the details behind what’s on their minds these days. They discuss the rise of mini drivers and why some players may not need a traditional 3-wood anymore, and how equipment choices should reflect modern strategy and player ability. The conversation also covers wedge fitting, including lie angle and bounce considerations, before wrapping up with the ongoing debate around putters, from zero-torque designs to finding the right length, weight, and style for your stroke. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: Carl’s Place ( https://carlofet.com ) – Listen to the Episode for a coupon code! — 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/ .

Why do so many golfers plateau despite taking lessons and practicing regularly? In this fun, snake-draft-style episode, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson each select what they believe are the biggest reasons players fail to improve. The picks include a lack of commitment, focusing on outcomes instead of the process, making changes that are too small to create real movement, practicing without objective feedback, chasing symptoms instead of root causes, and trying to fix too many things at once. Along the way, the discussion highlights practical ways golfers can practice with more purpose and finally break through to the next level. 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/ .

Is copying your favorite Tour player the fastest path to better golf or a recipe for frustration? In this episode, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson discuss why elite players developed their swings over decades, often beginning in childhood, and why trying to duplicate the finished product rarely works. They explain how mobility, athleticism, and individual tendencies shape every great swing, making direct comparisons misleading even among players with similar body types. Instead, they suggest borrowing pieces that fit your game, like setup, practice habits, or a specific movement, while building a swing that works for you, not someone else. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: Cobalt Golf ( https://cobalt-golf.com/ ) – Save 10% with the code “SPINAXIS”! — 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/ .

Thinking about building a home golf simulator but not sure where to start? In this episode, Mike from Carl’s Place joins the show to break down realistic simulator setups at four popular budget levels: roughly $2,000, $5,000, $12,500, and $25,000. The conversation covers where serious golfers should spend money first, when upgrades begin to provide meaningful value, and how launch monitors, projectors, computers, mats, and enclosures fit into the equation. We cater this discussion toward the more serious golfer, and will recommend better launch monitors over the simulator experience at several points. This episode offers practical guidance on getting the most performance for your budget while avoiding common mistakes. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: Carl’s Place ( https://carlofet.com ) – Listen to a Previously Sponsored episode for a coupon code! — 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/ .

Whether it’s a member-member, member-guest, club championship, or another big event on your calendar, preparation can make the difference between feeling ready and feeling overwhelmed. In this episode, the guys discuss how to structure your practice leading into a tournament, why over-training in the final days often backfires, and the importance of arriving with a clear strategy rather than searching for your swing. They cover sharpening your short game, managing your energy and recovery, and developing tee-shot plans before the first round begins. The conversation also touches on a reality of many member events: they’re often won by players who make smart decisions, avoid big mistakes, and stay fresh mentally and physically over multiple days—not necessarily those who hit the most spectacular shots. They’re also often won by the handicap managers out there, so maybe don’t stress too hard over it, eh? Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: Carl’s Place ( https://carlofet.com ) – Listen to the Episode for a coupon code! — 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/ .member guest, member member, club tournament, tournament preparation, golf strategy, tournament golf, short game practice, golf planning, tee shot strategy, golf recovery, pre-tournament practice, golf competition, club championship, golf mindset, tournament performance

Just because you’re away from the course doesn’t mean your golf improvement has to stop. In this episode, our coaches discuss practical ways to work on your game while traveling, even if you don’t have access to a range, a golf course, or even a club! From grip rehearsals and mirror work to balance drills, mobility training, and course-management or statistical studies, they share simple ways to stay connected to your goals without turning your vacation into a training camp. The crew also explains why slow-motion practice can be surprisingly effective and how a single club (or even just a dowel rod) can provide plenty of productive work. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: Carl’s Place ( https://carlofet.com ) – Listen to the Episode for a coupon code! — 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/ .

Few shots in golf are as feared as the shank, but the causes are often more predictable than golfers realize. In this episode, we seek to demystify the shank by talking about the most common reasons players hit the hosel. Is it pelvis thrust, extreme club paths, poor sequencing, an open clubfaces, or setup issues? Which is your primary cause? Erik, Jayson, and Tyson explain how different swing flaws can all lead to the same ugly result, why many golfers diagnose the problem incorrectly, and how attempted fixes can sometimes make things worse. Whether your shanks appear suddenly or have become a recurring issue, this episode focuses on identifying the root cause rather than treating the symptom. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: Carl’s Place ( https://carlofet.com ) – Listen to the Episode for a coupon code! — 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, Nick Arther returns to discuss MORAD, the influential but often misunderstood instructional system created by Mac O’Grady. Erik, Jayson, Tyson, and Nick explore MORAD’s origins, the philosophy behind its highly structured “machine-like” view of the golf swing, and why it captivated so many instructors from the 1980s through the early 2000s. The conversation also examines where some of those ideas still hold value, where modern technology has challenged or disproven certain concepts, and why highly model-based instruction can break down when applied too rigidly to individual golfers. Along the way, Nick shares stories from his own deep dive into MORAD, including years spent studying tapes, theories, and movements that shaped a generation of golf instruction. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: Carl’s Place ( https://carlofet.com ) – Listen to the Episode for a coupon code! — 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/ .

063: Low Point or Face Control — Which Matters More? What’s more important in golf: controlling the clubface or controlling low point? In this episode, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson debate one of the game’s most important ball-striking questions, after Jayson’s “discussion” on Instagram. They discuss why elite golfers can sometimes survive imperfect low point with enough speed and face control, how launch monitor numbers can mislead golfers about contact quality, and why “no divot” doesn’t necessarily mean a player isn’t hitting down. The conversation also explores strike depth, face stability, and how different players prioritize these elements depending on their skill level and tendencies. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: Carl’s Place ( https://carlofet.com ) – Listen to the Episode for a coupon code! — 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 Michael Neff, founder of GEARS Golf, to explain the “GEARS (né Nipper) Curve” and how dynamic lie angle changes as a result of droop, and how that affects ball flight. The discussion centers on why traditional lie angles may not work for your game, and shares with listeners a simple test to explain how you can find your optimal lie angle — for ALL of your irons — in a few minutes. If you pull your wedges and push your longer irons, this episode is for you. Michael shares insights into why more fitters haven’t fully adopted these concepts and real-world, Tour-tested feedback. The result is a deeper understanding of how club delivery and equipment interact to influence direction and consistency. 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 mailbag episode, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson tackle a wide range of listener questions, starting with how AI tools are beginning to influence golf instruction and where they help or fall short. They discuss how instructors decide how much information to give students to provide clarity without overload. The crew also shares thoughts on the growing interest in zero-torque putters and breaks down the eye-catching lead foot action seen in some elite players, explaining whether it’s a cause of speed or simply a byproduct. The episode wraps with an honest discussion about the landscape of golf instruction today and how players can find coaching that actually helps them improve. Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins Sponsor: Carl’s Place ( https://www.carlofet.com ) – Listen to the Episode for a coupon code to save 5%! — 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/ .