Copyright, Wright Balance® 2025

Note: This eBook is a summary of Lesson 5.0. It is meant to be a reference for Wright Balance®
as a SUMMARY of Lesson 5.0 Part 1.If you have not read Lesson 5.0 Part 1, please click on the following link and read the original eBook.

https://instructions.wrightbalance.com/wright-balance-lesson-february-2025/

NOTE:When you pass the Quiz in the eBook linked above with at least 90 percent correct, you are ready to proceed to this review.

"Mobility serves as the precursor to all performance. You need to be able to create good joint alignment (kinetic chain) to have stability around that joint. Motor control refers to one’s ability to control their mobility and stability (sequence of motion)... Strength requires this joint alignment (kinetic chain) and control to be absolute... if you have all your strength on the table, you will be able to access your power." Ash Williams

This manual provides a summary of Lesson 1, a structured approach for golf professionals to begin teaching the matching Wright Balance® setup & motion sequences for each Core Zone. The content and pace of each lesson should be tailored to the individual student's skill level, but the order of the learning sequence remains constant.

Learning Fundamentals

  • Chaining in Learning

• Learning occurs in a series of connected steps, or "links" in a chain

• Complex movements, like the golf swing, are learned through successive approximations, starting with the simplest components

• Effective instruction breaks down the swing into smaller, manageable steps, reinforcing each step before moving on

Primacy, Recency, and Summarization

• Students tend to remember information presented at the beginning (primacy) and end (recency) of a lesson

• To maximize retention, summarize key points in the middle and at the end of each lesson

• Present information in a logical, sequential chain, mirroring the order in which it will be practiced

• Review concepts by revisiting them in the order of the learning process ("backwards chaining")

• Each link in the chain represents a discrete behavior

The Wright Balance® Downswing Club Path Test (DPT)

The Wright Balance® Downswing Club Path Test (DPT) is a fundamental tool for teaching every link in the learning chain. The DPT provides immediate feedback on club path at impact, across all phases of the swing (Power Spots, Posture, Sequence of Motion, etc.).

Instructor Proficiency

It is crucial that the instructor is proficient in performing and interpreting the DPT

Consistent Use

  • Incorporate the DPT into every stage of instruction, starting with item 3 in the learning chain

Review

  • Use the DPT to reinforce previously learned links in the chain

Student Feedback

  • The DPT provides students with direct feedback, indicating whether a specific link needs further practice

Practice

  • The more the student practices the DPT, the more proficient they will become in identifying weak links in their setup and swing
    Links in the Chain of Learning

Sequence of links in the First Wright Balance® Lesson

  1. Ball Striking
  • Assess initial shot quality (Rate 1 to 10)
  1. Power Spots & Dominant Core Zone
  • Identify the student's Power Spots and Dominant Core Zone
  1. Downswing Path Test (DPT) with Power Spots
  • Introduce and practice the DPT, specifically in conjunction with the student's Power Spots
  1. Sequence of Motion
  • Teach and assess proper sequence of motion, with a focus on lead knee observation
  1. Posture and Balance
  • Instruct on correct posture and balance, using an alignment stick for reference
  1. Grip Style Test
  • Determine the most suitable grip style for the student and validate with DPT
  • Butterfly
  • Complementary
  • 10 finger

The learning chain continues with:

  • Grip sizing
  • Ball striking assessment
  • Practice diary introduction
  • Further refinements to technique including secondary tilt, clubface aim, developing a routine, and home practice recommendations.

Ball Striking Assessment

Initial Observation (No Teaching)

• Have the student warm up, hitting several balls

• Record short videos of the student's swing (down-the-line and face-on views)

• Observe wear patterns on irons, swing sequence, shaft lean, grip, trail hip position, and lead wrist position

Student Performance Baseline

• Have the student hit 5-6 shots with the same mid-iron

• Instruct the student to rate each shot on a scale of 1 to 10

• Record each shot rating

• Apply face tape to the mid-iron and change after every 2-3 shots

• Retain the used face tape and record its corresponding shot rating

Important Considerations

• No Instruction During Observation: Refrain from providing swing advice at this stage

• Value Student Feedback: Emphasize that the student's perception of their good and bad shots is crucial (Student's will be concerned about your perception of their ball striking. Advise them that their ratings are how you and they will judge their changes in future assessments. You are trying to determine how they rate their best and worst shots, not judge their performance.

• Open Hip Line Note: If the student's hips are open at address, take a picture from behind

• Video and Still Images: Save the recorded videos and images to the student's file

Next Steps

  • Proceed to determine the student's Dominant Core Zone, test their Power Spots, and assess their power

  • Testing Power Spots to Determine the Dominant Core Zone

Initial Swing and Observation

Power Spot Testing

Have the student swing to the top of their backswing and stop. Instruct them to hold that position while you demonstrate how you will step under the downswing path, place your hand on the butt of the club, and apply resistance.

Have the student swing to the top again and stop completely. Step under the downswing path, place your palm on the butt of the club, and instruct them to start their downswing only after you are in position. Apply maximum resistance on the downswing path to check their power.

Identifying Power Spot Placement

While holding the club shaft, have the student slowly open their lead hand, then their trail hand. Observe where the middle fingers cross the underside of the grip and show them the correct Power Spot placement for both hands.

Guiding the Student

Carefully review the correct placement of the grip on the student's Dominant Core Zone Power Spots. Offer to mark the Power Spot on their glove (lead hand) and hand (trail hand). Retest their power after adjustments.

The "Aha" moment occurs when students feel the significant difference in power with correct grip / Power Spot placement. This exercise helps build their confidence in the Wright Balance science based teaching.

Note: You will continue to retest their power in every subsequent lesson and reinforce the importance of proper Power Spot positioning.

The Downswing Club Path Test (DPT) in Practice

Hip Squaring

The hips must be square at address for this test. Demonstrate how to square the hips using a subtle rocking motion as necessary. This creates the foundation for proper club path.

Lead Hand Grip Test

Have the player set up with a bar on their hips and grip an iron in their lead hand. Have them square their hips, stand tall, look straight ahead, add knee flex, and relax their arm and hand with the club. Observe their hip line to determine if the lead hand grip is correct.

Hip Line Interpretation Using The Wright Balance DPT

• Square hip line: Straight shot (with variations from clubface)

• Open hip line (always accompanied by raised trail hip): Steep, heavy shot; pull, slice, or block

• Closed hip line: Shallow shot, thin contact, "handsy" feel; push or hook

Squaring the Hips for Testing

  • Rock back and forth until hips are square

Set Power Spots

  • Apply proper grip with correct Power Spots

Check Posture

  • Stand tall, set posture and observe hip line

Test Downswing Club Path (DPT)

  • A square hip line in the DPT indicates a downswing club path square to the target line

  • The Downswing Club Path Test (DPT) is used to check each link in the setup chain

  • Gripping the club before setting the stance prior to performing the Wright Balance® Express can lead to an open or closed hip line

  • Grip strength / weakness must match the Carrying Angle to maintain a square hip line when observed using the DPT

  • The player should grip the club ONLY after setting their stance

Are you ready to apply what you learned?

Here is a quiz to test your knowledge base. This is a test based upon the honor system. You are the only one aware of correct or incorrect answers. Don't scroll down to check your answer until you have decided on your answer.

Question 1

What does “chaining in learning” refer to in instruction?

A. Learning skills in isolation
B. Learning through random practice
C. Learning as a series of connected, discrete steps (links)
D. Learning solely by watching professionals

Answer

C

Question 2

How are complex movements like the golf swing acquired according to the chaining principle?

A. By imitating a full swing from the start
B. Through successive approximations starting with the fundamentals of golf
C. By practicing only after mastering balance
D. Through spontaneous experimentation

Answer

B

Question 3

Which principle explains that students tend to remember information from the beginning and end of a lesson?

A. Spacing effect
B. Primacy and recency
C. Interference theory
D. Chunking principle

Answer

B

Question 4

To maximize retention during a lesson, instructors should:

A. Provide a summary only at the beginning
B. Summarize key points in the middle and end as well as use a logical, sequential order
C. Avoid summarizing to prevent overloading the student
D. Summarize only what the student already knows

Answer

B

Question 5

What does the Wright Balance® Downswing Club Path Test (DPT) primarily offer?

A. A measure of the student’s endurance on the course
B. Immediate feedback on club path at impact
C. A diagnostic tool for fitness levels
D. An evaluation of the student’s equipment setup

Answer

B

Question 6

**Why is instructor proficiency crucial when using the DPT? **

A. To ensure equipment safety
B. To perform and interpret the DPT correctly
C. To maintain a strict lesson schedule
D. To demonstrate advanced swing techniques

Answer

B

Question 7

**When should the DPT be incorporated into the instruction process? **

A. Only after a lesson is completed
B. Only during the final review
C. In every stage of instruction
D. Exclusively during ball striking assessment

Answer

C

Question 8

What type of feedback does the DPT provide to students?

A. Delayed feedback after several steps in a lesson
B. Immediate and direct feedback on each discrete link of the learning chain
C. Feedback based solely on video review
D. Feedback only regarding grip or posture

Answer

B

Question 9

How does repetitive practice with the DPT benefit a student?

A. It helps them identify and address weak links in their swing
B. It improves their physical strength
C. It reduces the need for instructor intervention
D. It primarily increases efficient sequencing of motion

Answer

A

Question 10

What is the first observation in the sequence of the Wright Balance® Lesson?

A. Power Spots identification
B. Ball striking
C. Grip style testing
D. Downswing path testing

Answer

B

Question 11

During the ball striking assessment’s initial observation, the student is expected to:

A. Receive immediate teaching tips
B. Warm up and hit several balls while being recorded for analysis
C. Take a break to prepare mentally
D. Begin with the DPT

Answer

B

Question 12

In the Student Performance Baseline segment, how are shots evaluated?

A. With a digital sensor only
B. Subjectively by the instructor without student input
C. On a scale from 1 to 10 based on the student’s self-rating
D. Solely by reviewing video feedback later

Answer

C

Question 13

What is the purpose of applying face tape on your student's mid-iron during ball striking assessment?

A. To prevent wear on the clubface
B. To correlate shot ratings with impact patterns on the clubface
C. To improve the aesthetics of the club
D. To adjust the loft of the club

Answer

B

Question 14

During Power Spot Testing, what is the key instruction when the student reaches the top of their backswing?

A. Immediately launch into the downswing
B. Stop and hold the position so the coach can demonstrate resistance application
C. Change their grip and repeat the swing
D. Switch to a different club

Answer

B

Question 15

In identifying Power Spot Placement, what specific observation is made?

A. The speed of the backswing
B. The location on the middle fingers where they cross the underside of the grip
C. The angle of the clubface at impact
D. The alignment of the feet with the target

Answer

B

Question 16

What does the “Ah Ha” moment during grip / Power Spot adjustments indicate?

A. The student has learned an entirely new swing B. The student observes a significant improvement in power with correct Power Spot placement of the middle finger of both hands
C. The instructor is ready to move on to the next test
D. The session is being recorded

Answer

B

Question 17

What is the critical requirement regarding the hips for the Downswing Club Path Test?

A. The hips must be open at address
B. The hips are irrelevant during the test
C. The hips must be square at address
D. The hips should be closed at address

Answer

C

Question 18

In the Lead Hand Grip Test, which observation is most important?

A. Observing the student’s balance at the top of the swing
B. While at address, checking that the hip line is square when doing the DPT
C. Being certain the grip strength is equal to the Carrying Angle
D. B & C
E. None of the above

Answer

B & C

Question 19

How is an open hip line interpreted based on the Wright Balance DPT?

A. It signifies a perfectly square club path
B. It indicates a steep, heavy shot resulting in a pull, slice, or blocked shot
C. The club path will be inside - out
D. It is a desired position from which to hit a cut

Answer

B

(If you answered "D", that is correct but unrelated to the Downswing Club Path Test -DPT- part of this question)

Question 20

According to the guidelines, when should the player grip the club during the setup? (Answer this question with consideration of this being the first lesson without the Wright Balance® Express or tape on the fingers.)

A. Before setting their stance
B. Simultaneously as they set their stance
C. Only after setting their stance
D. Immediately after the warm-up

Answer

C