Why Your Training is Holding You Back: The Power of Differential Learning in Golf
Ditch your repetitive practice, engage your brain for better performance
Key Takeaways
Differential Learning (DL) can improve overall performance for golfers of all skill levels, both low and high handicap
DL training leads to an increase in theta and alpha brain wave activity, indicating improved processing and consolidation of learned skills
DL training involves practicing different variations of a skill, making the skill more stable against interruptions and distractions, especially under pressure.
A good practice session leaves a lasting impression on the brain.
Differential Learning (DL) is a training method in which variations of a skill or task are practiced to improve overall performance. In contrast, repetitive training is focused on mastering a specific version of a skill.
The experiment, titled Differential Training Facilitates Early Consolidation in Motor Learning, aimed to compare the effects of differential and repetitive training on motor learning and brain wave activity using a badminton serve task.
Researchers found that when people learn new motor skills, their brains work differently depending on the learning/training method. When badminton players use DL, their brainwaves change in a way that suggests the new skill is being "solidified" or made permanent more quickly.
Results indicate different underlying neuronal processes in DL and repetitive training with a higher involvement of parieto-occipital areas in DL. We argue that DL facilitates early consolidation in motor learning indicated by post-training increases in theta and alpha activity.
Post-Training Brain Activity
The following diagram shows post-training brain activity
Understanding The Diagram
DL training leads to an increase in theta wave activity on the left side of the brain, which is associated with improved processing and consolidation of learned skills.
Additionally, DL training results in an increase in alpha wave activity in the posterior regions of the brain, which is associated with improved attentional processes for motor learning and performance.
These changes in brain activity suggest that the brain is actively working to process and consolidate the various variations of the skill learned during DL, leading to improved overall performance.
the obtained increase in frontal theta activity possibly reflects a brain state that is related to an attentional mode beneficial for motor learning and performance.
Key Findings
The researchers argue that when there is an increase in the alpha brain wave, it is a sign that the brain is working to solidify a new motor skill memory. This process is called "long-term potentiation" which is the strengthening of the memory for better retention in the future.
Under the assumption that motor learning leaves a specific local trace in the resting state EEG, we postulate that alpha increases might represent a first step towards long-term potentiation processes to consolidate memory.
When people practice different variations of a skill, it makes them better able to handle interruptions or distractions, especially under pressure. This is because DL makes the skill more stable against interruptions and distractions.
We argue that DL makes stable against disturbances stemming from internal or external sources. In a behavioral study, it was shown that the DL schedule prevents from choking under pressure as demonstrated in basketball free-throw.
The authors suggest that differential learning is both beneficial for learning and performing a skill.
We conclude that DL enhances attentional processes towards an optimum state of mind for motor learning and motor performance.
Applicable for Golf?
While badminton and golf may appear vastly different, there is still reason to believe that the application of differential learning (DL) could be beneficial for golfers' performance.
A recent study published in 2022, titled Investigating the Effects of Differential Learning on Golfers’ Pitching Performance as a Function of Handicap aimed to provide insight into this topic.
The study divided golfers into two groups: a repetitive task group and a DL group.
One group practiced pitch shots the same way over and over with feedback from a coach, while the other group practiced using different techniques, equipment, and positions with the same number of repetitions.
The repetitive task group practiced the same technique and distance for 9 shots with coach feedback while the DL group practiced for 9 shots while manipulating a variety of variables (eg. technique, ball position, ball lie).
Examples of variables for the DL group's shots are shown below:
Advantages of Differential Learning for Golf
The authors conclude that practicing different, non-typical golf shots helps in the learning process.
Additional support is provided for the advantageous effect of including movements into the learning process that are classically considered to be erroneous or not representative.
It may seem unusual to practice hitting golf balls with closed eyes, using different-sized balls, and from unusual ball positions, but there are neurological benefits to it.
More repetitive approaches are primarily based on information about the negativity of movement errors compared to the desired target. This prevents the golfer from exploring the edges of the neural solution space by making non-representative movements, thus using the interpolation ability of neural networks, in the long run, to react robustly against future internal and external perturbations.
The repetitive approach focuses on correcting mistakes rather than trying new things. This limits the golfer's ability to explore different ways of hitting shots and adapt to new challenges.
"Interpolation ability of neural networks" refers to the brain's ability to learn from new experiences and adapt to new situations. By only practicing the “correct way” to hit the ball repetitively, golfers are unable to use this ability to react robustly to new challenges.
Importantly, the benefits of DL are applicable to both low and high-handicap golfers.
Overall, the findings from this study suggested that the intervention grounded in real self-organized variability, where no explicit information about the solution is provided, was effective in improving golfers’ performance, for low and high-handicap golfers.
Practical Application
Try experimenting with this differential learning-inspired pitching challenge:
Conclusion
Adopting a DL approach to golf training has been shown to be beneficial for golfers of all skill levels. By practicing different variations of a skill, the brain is able to process and consolidate the various variations, leading to improved overall performance.
This is evidenced by an increase in theta and alpha brain wave activity, which are associated with improved processing and attentional processes for motor learning and performance. Additionally, DL training makes the skill more stable against interruptions and distractions, especially under pressure.
Overall, DL is a valuable training method for golfers looking to improve their performance on the course.
I like this approach of being more mentally flexible .