Dan’s Coaching Approach

Simpler is Better

“The sole purpose of a golf swing is to produce solid contact and a shot shape/ball flight you can count on. The method employed is not significant, as long as it is repetitive.” John Jacobs

You don’t have to totally change your swing to play better. A lot of golfers want to (or are told to) change their swings because there are certain shots or clubs they struggle with. When they try to change, they often get worse, because they try to learn a swing that doesn’t fit their style, athletic ability, or learning process. Instead of trying to master the swing they have, their obsession with adopting another swing leads to frustration and failure. I say, why change?

Instruction should be tailored to an individual’s needs rather than to try to force a golfer to learn a rigid swing theory. A good teacher possesses the ability to fix whatever swing – pretty or ugly, text book or unusual – a golfer has developed and make it work. They will work to fix or refine – not rebuild – the player’s swing based on their own style of play.

Technically speaking, forget the “pretty looking swing” notion and let’s work with your swing’s own DNA. No two people are going to swing the club exactly alike. Each of us has our own physical limitations, strength, and flexibility. We have our own tempos, rhythms, and balance. We don’t stand or aim the same, or have identical swing planes and paths.

There is a balance for, a plus or minus to, any swing fault.Your ball flight and impact condition (what the ground looks like where your ball used to be resting) tell the story of what to do to help you achieve your goals. Look at what the ball is doing… and then ask why. For more training tips on various topics, visit my ongoing website.

The Steps

A good teacher possesses strong relationship-building skills, and will provide their students a fun & energetic learning experience.

It starts with a thorough ASSESSMENT of the student’s experience, current playing skills level, and goals. Evaluation of ball flight tendencies and related swing errors will be evaluated with the help of video swing analysis.

The TEACHING begins after strengths and weaknesses are then determined, and a proper game plan for success is in place. It is done in simple terms, thoroughly covering the concepts of correction verbally, visually and by utilizing training aids for feel.

Dan takes a unique COACHING approach with his students. His program includes between-lessons Supervised Practice Sessions, critical for the required feedback for success. Proper practice habits and repetitions must be adhered to and monitored. He also stresses on-course instruction and mental training as important steps in player development.

The Anatomy of a Dan Hansen Golf Lesson

Exceptional Teacher Traits