PODCAST

The Spin Axis Podcast

Erik J. Barzeski, Tyson Deskins, Jayson Nickol

sports golf

All Episodes

00:21:45

023: Behind the Scenes with a Top Club Fitter

The Spin Axis Podcast ·

2025/08/12

We’re joined by Nick, a long-time plus-handicap golfer, former instructor, and veteran fitter for one of the biggest names in golf, to pull back the curtain on the club fitting world. Nick shares his background, the types of golfers he sees most often, and the common flaws in both swings and equipment that show up during fittings. We discuss whether players should get fit while taking lessons or wait until their swing is “ready,” the most common equipment issues like lie angles and shaft weight, and

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00:19:55

022: Listener Mailbag #1 – Shallowing, Compression,...

The Spin Axis Podcast ·

2025/08/05

In this listener mailbag episode, we tackle five great questions from our audience. We dive into whether players should use their arms or body rotation to shallow the club, how to compress the ball with an in-to-out swing, and whether short game and putting should be recorded like full swings. We also share our favorite clubface control drills and break down the pros and cons of attending a three-day golf school. It’s a rapid-fire episode packed with insights, practice tips, and coaching

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00:20:28

021: Online Lessons vs. In-Person — Pros and Cons

The Spin Axis Podcast ·

2025/07/29

In this episode, we compare online and in-person golf lessons. Each format has unique advantages and challenges. Erik, Jayson, and Tyson discuss the value of hands-on instruction, real-time adjustments, and subtle feedback like facial reactions to good or bad shots. They also highlights how online lessons can be more affordable, accessible, and flexible, but also more dependent on great communication and student initiative. Whether you’re choosing between lesson formats or just curious about

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00:19:47

020: How to Be a Great Golf Student

The Spin Axis Podcast ·

2025/07/22

In this episode, we unpack what makes a great student in golf lessons. Erik leads a discussion based on his viral Twitter thread detailing 14 traits of successful students, from being open to change and having a growth mindset to showing up on time and asking thoughtful questions. Jayson and Tyson weigh in on each point, sharing their coaching experiences and emphasizing the importance of realistic expectations, exaggeration in practice, and embracing ups and downs. Whether you’re brand new to

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00:21:50

019: Grip Pressure – How Tightly Should You Hold the...

The Spin Axis Podcast ·

2025/07/15

In this episode, we dig into the nuances of grip pressure — how hard should you actually hold the club during a swing? We challenge the old “baby bird” analogy, explore how amateurs and professionals differ in both strength and pressure patterns, and debate when in the swing grip pressure matters most. With supporting insights from leading biomechanists Dr. Sasho MacKenzie and Dr. Tyler Standifird, we unpack whether grip pressure is a limiting factor in clubhead speed, how it affects

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00:34:04

018: Chasing Scratch with Mike Shade (Instruction,...

The Spin Axis Podcast ·

2025/07/08

In this episode, we’re joined by Mike Shade from the wildly popular podcast Chasing Scratch, where he and co-host Eli chronicle their journey to (some day) becoming scratch golfers. We talk to Mike about the emotional and practical challenges of long-term improvement, the biggest misconceptions he’s faced, and what he might do differently if he could start from scratch (pun intended). We also discuss the surprising complexity of golf, his favorite moments from eight seasons of podcasting, and

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00:18:37

017: Wrist Angles and Feedback with HackMotion

The Spin Axis Podcast ·

2025/07/01

In this episode, we dive into the HackMotion training aid — a device that provides real-time data on wrist mechanics in the golf swing. We discuss how we primarily use it to monitor flexion and extension, radial and ulnar movement, and the timing of both throughout the swing and putting stroke. HackMotion helps students understand and refine their wrist positions from setup to impact. We also explore how HackMotion’s audio and vibrational feedback makes it ideal for home practice and online lessons,

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00:19:04

016: Practicing to Improve Our Golf Swings

The Spin Axis Podcast ·

2025/06/24

In this episode, Tyson takes the lead and interviews Jayson and Erik about their own golf swings, how they practice, and how those personal efforts shape the way they coach others. We dive into our specific swing tendencies — like crossing the line, poor trail side loading, left wrist position, and rate of closure — and how we tackle them with limited time. The conversation covers everything from exaggerated practice feels to practical applications for our students who share the same

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00:18:48

015: In Season vs. Out of Season Changes

The Spin Axis Podcast ·

2025/06/17

In this episode, we break down how the approach to practice and swing changes shifts depending on the time of year. Should you chase big technical changes mid-season? Or save them for the off-season grind? We talk about when to focus on skill versus mechanics, how to layer in pressure and speed, and the importance of developing feels that last. We also discuss balancing “play mode” with “practice mode” and why your priorities as a golfer might look very different in January

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00:19:41

014: Motor Pattern Learning — Getting Comfortable...

The Spin Axis Podcast ·

2025/06/10

Changing a golf swing isn’t just about knowing what to do — it’s about how you go about learning it. In this episode, we talk motor pattern learning: how golfers internalize new movements and build lasting change. We cover common pitfalls like rushing drills, under-using feedback, and expecting it to feel “normal” too soon. Erik shares his five S’s of effective practice, Tyson talks about the value of exaggeration, and Jayson reminds us that a student’s goals and

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00:19:52

013: TSA Tier List — Training Aids

The Spin Axis Podcast ·

2025/06/03

In this episode, Erik surprises Jayson and Tyson with a list of ten golf training aids — from the classics to the quirky — and they rank each one live, tier list–style. With no prep and no hints, their honest, unfiltered reactions lead to some debate, a few laughs, and plenty of practical insights into what actually works, what’s overhyped, and what might just belong in the trash.If you’ve ever wondered whether that gadget you saw on Instagram is worth your time (or money), this one’s

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00:19:16

012: Pro Tips from Lowest Score Wins, with Mike Granato

The Spin Axis Podcast ·

2025/05/27

Mike Granato of Athletic Motion Golf returns to join us for a discussion centered around Erik’s book, Lowest Score Wins. We take a closer look at the “Pro Tips” chapter — practical advice for golfers who want to lower scores without overhauling their swings. From managing wind like a pro (hint: it’s not just “one more club” across the board) to the truth about par threes and tournament play, this episode dives into the strategic side of scoring better. We also

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00:21:12

011: Prioritizing Swing Changes with GEARS and Mike...

The Spin Axis Podcast ·

2025/05/20

This episode features a conversation with Mike Granato of Athletic Motion Golf, where we dive deep into how GEARS 3D motion capture helps instructors and players better understand — and improve — the golf swing. We talk about how to prioritize data when you’re measuring dozens of swing variables, and how to bridge the gap between elite-level movement patterns and the needs of everyday golfers.Mike also helps tackle a common objection: “A Tour player’s swing isn’t realistic

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00:19:12

010: Commonly Misunderstood Concepts in Golf

The Spin Axis Podcast ·

2025/05/13

In this episode, we dive into some of the most misunderstood ideas that golfers — of all levels — tend to get backward. We break down why your arms shouldn’t do much in the backswing but are crucial in the downswing, why the hands and club don’t just move straight toward the ball from the top, and how “lateral force” is not the same as swaying (and might actually help prevent it). These aren’t just swing tips — they’re deeper concepts that, when understood

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00:19:33

009: The Most Common Golf Lessons We Give (Spin Axis...

The Spin Axis Podcast ·

2025/05/06

In Episode 9 of The Spin Axis, the crew goes draft-style again — this time picking the most common swing issues they see in lessons (excluding grip and setup). From over-the-top swings and open clubfaces to tension-filled postures and chicken-winged finishes, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson break down the problems they coach most often—and how they fix them. You’ll hear practical insights on backswing rotation, arm structure, and why what feels right is often what’s holding you back. If

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00:18:46

008: Should You Get Better or Worse in a Lesson?

The Spin Axis Podcast ·

2025/04/29

We dive into a common (and oft-debated) part of the lesson experience — what should progress actually look like during a session? Should players expect immediate improvement, or is a temporary step back part of the process? We explore how ball flight, quality of motion, and player feel can all tell different stories — and why it’s crucial to define what “better” really means. We also touch on the importance of video feedback, trust-building, and why ongoing support after the lesson

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00:17:56

007: Social Media Instruction — Helpful Hack or...

The Spin Axis Podcast ·

2025/04/22

In Episode 7, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson take a hard look at the rise of social media golf instruction. From Instagram reels to YouTube tips, golfers are flooded with quick fixes and flashy drills. But are they actually helping? The guys break down the pros and cons, from the accessibility and exposure to different teaching styles to the dangers of chasing every new “tip of the week” without context or consistency. They also explore why feel-based advice can backfire, and how to spot

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00:19:56

006: Skill vs. Technique — What’s the Difference and...

The Spin Axis Podcast ·

2025/04/15

Erik, Jayson, and Tyson dive into one of the most debated (and rightly so!) concepts in golf development: the difference between skill and technique. What separates the ability to execute under pressure from just having good mechanics? Can skill be coached, or is it something players must build on their own? The crew explores how technique influences skill, the role of genetics, and how to strike the right balance during both practice and competition. With real-world examples, coaching insights, and

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00:19:06

005: Low Spinners vs. Using the Bounce — What’s the...

The Spin Axis Podcast ·

2025/04/08

In this episode, the guys break down one of the most mesmerizing shots in golf — the low spinner — and contrast it with the more forgiving, bounce-friendly approach to chipping and pitching. Is that sexy one-hop-and-stop shot worth chasing, or should you lean into bounce for better consistency and margin for error? The guys dig into the role of friction, strike location, and swing plane, and discuss why understanding your options is key. Whether you’re trying to master every short game shot or

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00:20:00

004: Six Golf Drills We Hate

The Spin Axis Podcast ·

2025/04/01

As a follow-up to Episode 3, we’re drafting again… but this time, it’s six golf drills we hate! Believe it or not, there are drills out there that are recommended to golfers that we think are counter-productive or even mildly harmful to the swing golfers are trying to build. Erik, Jayson, and Tyson choose the golf drills they use the least in this snake draft. Does a drill you do fall onto this list? Do you have a bone to pick with us? Tune in again for expert insights, a little friendly

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