Short-Game Research & Methodology

 Full swings function as ballistic motor programs, governed primarily by the basal ganglia, the brain’s system for initiating and executing fast, pre-planned actions. These movements are released as a single automatic sequence—powerful, high-velocity, and not adjustable once initiated. This is why full-swing mechanics remain stable under pressure and why the motion cannot be corrected mid-flight.

By contrast, wedge play, chipping, and putting rely on fine motor control, driven by the motor cortex and continuously refined by the cerebellum. These regions regulate force production, backswing length, tempo, face rotation, and real-time error correction. Because these motions are slower and require precise distance and directional control, the brain operates in a closed-loop mode, allowing ongoing adjustments throughout the movement. As a result, short-game and putting actions are more sensitive to small disruptions—but also improve more rapidly with feedback and repetition.