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Of bulls and brains.
Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 12:32 am
by dantana
I went out golfing the other day, and shot my usual mid-90's. Later, as I was thinking about what's wrong with my swing, I had a rather mildly curious revelation. Which led me to conclude I will probably never be a 70's shooter.
Rodeo; I grew up competing in Jr. rodeo and amateur rodeo into my mid 20's. there is a phenomena that happens sometimes, to some, know as 'blackout'. Many times the chute would open and the next thing I know is I'm in a pile on the ground. Only to later learn when I get back to the chutes that I just covered 'bad bull black' and won the event. Something I think about now is the guys that reported that they never 'blackout', were also the guys that were quick-witted. Always with a snappy comeback for any occasion.
Baseball; I read an article once about a well-known MLB. player who reported and later proved through test that he could tell you how many seams he hit when he made contact with the ball. One or two.
Golf; When you start your downswing, you have milliseconds to consciously actualize about a dozen things. Head down, arm straight, start your hips, etc.
So... I guess I'm guessing that, like some people have 'fast-twitch' muscles, some must have fast twitch brains.
About the only thing I can think of where this information might be useful; People who seek to be leaders, presidents, congress-critters, etc. They should first have to pass a test. Hit a 90 mph. fastball, shoot a round of golf in the 70's, or make it to the whistle on El Toro.
Re: Of bulls and brains.
Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 1:34 am
by MeDotOrg
An interesting idea, but I think of a lot of great baseball hitters: Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Henry Aaron...kind of laid back and laconic. I worked on a commercial with Maury Wills once (something called Pitch-Hit-Throw, the baseball equivalent of Punt-Pass-Kick). Now HE was a guy who felt like he had a fast-twitch brain, and we know he had fast-twitch muscles. Rickey Henderson seemed to be wired the same way.
Re: Of bulls and brains.
Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 1:57 am
by dantana
MeDotOrg wrote: ↑Sun May 23, 2021 1:34 am
An interesting idea, but I think of a lot of great baseball hitters: Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Henry Aaron...kind of laid back and laconic. I worked on a commercial with Maury Wills once (something called Pitch-Hit-Throw, the baseball equivalent of Punt-Pass-Kick). Now HE was a guy who felt like he had a fast-twitch brain, and we know he had fast-twitch muscles. Rickey Henderson seemed to be wired the same way.
Yeah, my story does have a few holes in it. I have an ex bro-in-law that won a PRCA title in the 90,s, is one of those quick witted types, but can't hit a golf ball to save his life.
Re: Of bulls and brains.
Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 2:34 am
by Doctor CamNC4Me
Very cool background story, dantana.
- Doc
Re: Of bulls and brains.
Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 3:47 pm
by ajax18
A good swing is about training and proper practice when you're young and developing muscle memory. Beyond that you can fall into the trap of paralysis of analysis. Brad Gilbert's advice during a rain delay to help Andre Agassi come from behind to win Roland Garros was "See ball, hit ball Andre, That's all I want you to think about."
Re: Of bulls and brains.
Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 7:19 pm
by huckelberry
dantana wrote: ↑Sun May 23, 2021 12:32 am
So... I guess I'm guessing that, like some people have 'fast-twitch' muscles, some must have fast twitch brains.
About the only thing I can think of where this information might be useful; People who seek to be leaders, presidents, congress-critters, etc. They should first have to pass a test. Hit a 90 mph. fastball, shoot a round of golf in the 70's, or make it to the whistle on El Toro.
dantana, sorry I just don't get it. Why would you want a leader with a fast twitch brain?
Re: Of bulls and brains.
Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 7:22 pm
by huckelberry
ajax18 wrote: ↑Sun May 23, 2021 3:47 pm
A good swing is about training and proper practice when you're young and developing muscle memory. Beyond that you can fall into the trap of paralysis of analysis. Brad Gilbert's advice during a rain delay to help Andre Agassi come from behind to win Roland Garros was "See ball, hit ball Andre, That's all I want you to think about."
Ajax, I think I will keep this in my memory as a reminder of good strategy.
Re: Of bulls and brains.
Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 10:50 pm
by ajax18
Ajax, I think I will keep this in my memory as a reminder of good strategy.
I can't gurantee it will eliminate unforced errors, but you'll play better than if you try to put five tips into practice as the ball is coming at you.
Re: Of bulls and brains.
Posted: Mon May 24, 2021 12:20 am
by dantana
ajax18 wrote: ↑Sun May 23, 2021 3:47 pm
A good swing is about training and proper practice when you're young and developing muscle memory. Beyond that you can fall into the trap of paralysis of analysis. Brad Gilbert's advice during a rain delay to help Andre Agassi come from behind to win Roland Garros was "See ball, hit ball Andre, That's all I want you to think about."
So, I've been avoiding the internet as I have the PGA tourny taped and am looking forward to a couple of coldies and a fun final round... without any spoilers.
I agree with you on muscle mem ajax. For those of us who didn't start at an early age, and don't have time to play say, once a week, in order to really develop the skills, it would be nice to have a little extra RAM.
Re: Of bulls and brains.
Posted: Mon May 24, 2021 12:46 am
by dantana
huckelberry wrote: ↑Sun May 23, 2021 7:19 pm
dantana wrote: ↑Sun May 23, 2021 12:32 am
So... I guess I'm guessing that, like some people have 'fast-twitch' muscles, some must have fast twitch brains.
About the only thing I can think of where this information might be useful; People who seek to be leaders, presidents, congress-critters, etc. They should first have to pass a test. Hit a 90 mph. fastball, shoot a round of golf in the 70's, or make it to the whistle on El Toro.
dantana, sorry I just don't get it. Why would you want a leader with a fast twitch brain?
Right. I was mostly just trying to find a wrap for the OP, and didn't put enough -any twitch- thought into it. Hoping no one would call me on it. My first instinct though, that which I posted was referring to the guys that didn't blackout tended to also be the clever ones. I think our leaders should be clever.