Defining the “No Brainer” Short Game System

By Coach Josh Apple

No matter the sport, athletes have an innate, or natural, ability to do the functions required of that particular sport. Football players naturally know how to throw and catch a ball, basketball players natural know how to dribble, and golfers naturally are capable of swinging the club. For golf, just like any sport, the technique can be improved through coaching, but over-coaching can be detrimental. An effective instructor takes what a player does naturally and makes it better, rather than tearing apart the innate to construct a new swing.

These innate swings not only make every golfer unique, but can actually be used as a tool to test and measure shots in the short game. You may have heard of the famous clock system that requires players to think mechanically about a certain length of backswing. This type of practice can be effective, but isn’t natural. Rather, why not make natural swings and then measure how far they go? That sounds like a more reliable and repeatable concept, especially on the course under pressure.

Here are the basic short game techniques:

Chipping: Shots with a carry of about 10 yards or less and a high % of roll, the club head does not get on plane (above the hands)
Pitching: Shots from about 10 to 50-60 yards with a carry to roll ratio of 60-90%, the club head does get on plane
Flopping: Shots from about 1 to 30 yards with a carry to roll ratio of at least 90%, the club head does get on plane

The “No Brainer” system is a way of tracking how far your natural chipping, pitching and flopping motions go in the air without a target and without thought. This can be completed in any open area, whether a short game facility, empty driving range, or even your backyard. All testing should be done from a neutral setup position.

The best way to begin tracking is with the chipping technique and your most lofted club, which is likely a lob or sand wedge. If you are by yourself, place a grid of tees in small increments so that you can clearly identify where the ball lands. If you are fortunate enough to have someone with you, have him or her marking where each ball lands. Either way, you will hit 5-10 shots and then take the average landing spot. This distance will be your “No Brainer” for your chipping technique. Keeping the same club in your hands and sticking with the same technique, you will next track your “No Brainer Minus” and “No Brainer Plus” swings. Again, you should not be thinking about technical positions. Rather, you are using your own natural swing, whatever length that may be, and making slight adjustments.

This process is continued with each club that you use for the chipping technique. Therefore, you will have three different distances with each club for chipping.  Once you have completed the chipping technique, you may begin tracking the pitching technique and even the flopping technique.

Here is an example of a “No Brainer” chart for the chipping technique:

Club	No Brainer –	No Brainer	No Brainer +
Lob Wedge	4	6	8
Sand Wedge	5	7	9
Gap Wedge	6	8	10
Pitching Wedge	7	9	11
9 Iron	8	10	12

After completing the tracking, you will have consistent and reliable distances that you can hit short game shots without technical thought. You can write these numbers down and keep them in your golf bag, or memorize your favorite ones. They don’t require any extra practice because they are innate motions. It is a good idea, however, to re-measure each year, or maybe every few years as the numbers may change slightly over time.

For more information about "No Brainer" group classes or private sessions, contact Coach Josh Apple at japple@raspberrygolfacademy.com or look under "Group Programs" on our website.

RGA Celebrates 10 Years of Growing the Game!

By Coach Josh Apple

The Raspberry Golf Academy is proud to present its 10-year anniversary!

RGA was founded in 2008 at Raspberry Falls Golf and Hunt Club, and is comprised of a team of experts under his leadership. RGM built the academy with two hitting bays with all of the latest technology the golf industry has to offer. Since it was founded, the academy has become the premier place for all things golf improvement in Northern Virginia. Now with five locations, the program is booming and students of all abilities continue to improve on a daily basis.

Locations:
- Raspberry Falls Golf and Hunt Club- Leesburg, Va.
- Augustine Golf Club- Stafford, Va.
- Bull Run Golf Club- Haymarket, Va.
- Old Hickory Golf Club- Woodbridge, Va.
- Virginia Golf Center- Clifton, Va.

The number one focus and mission statement for the Raspberry Golf Academy is to make the students better and to lower the national handicap. This is just not something they say, but is what they live by as a staff. RGA believes they have “cracked the code” on how to make this dream a reality.

The RGA instructors value technology and know how to use it to their advantage. Armed with FlightScope launch monitors, KVEST 3D technology, BodiTrak pressure mats, SAM PuttLab machines, traditional cameras and large flat screen televisions, there is no mystery that can’t be solved.

In addition to an emphasis on technology, our team of experts have developed unique programs only offered at RGA facilities by certified performance coaches. These programs provide a rare opportunity for any golfer of any level.

Programs:
- Find Your Number: A program that evaluates and tracks ability by scoring skill level
- No Brainer: A short game system that provides structure to the player’s natural swings
- Project 130: A wedging system from 130 yards and in that provides structure to the player’s natural swings
- Path to the Tour: Taking a group of professional golfers and putting them through all of the above programs to prep for Q-School

In addition to having knowledgeable coaches, RGA has also partnered with the best and brightest beyond working on the mechanics of the golf swing, including club fitters, strength coaches, and mental coaches.

Be on the look out for regular posts on RGA coaches and programs as we celebrate 10 years!