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Why Breaks Might Be the Secret to Better Practice

Recently, I had the chance to work with Erik Barzeski, a golf instructor who owns Golf Evolution in Erie, PA. If you are anywhere near him, you should go see him!

Erik uses GEARS—a 3D motion capture technology that provides incredibly detailed insights into your golf swing. It’s the kind of data that makes you say, “So that’s what I’m actually doing!”

Erik has shared the 3D data with my main swing instructor Mark Crossfield. It is a great baseline to see where I was. Mark and I will be able to look back on it to see how far I have come!

I’m currently tackling some huge swing changes. I’m talking about rewiring movement patterns I’ve ingrained for over 25 years. If you’ve ever tried to change something that you’ve done mostly the same way for that long, you know how hard it can be.

Erik pointed out something about HOW to practice that I think is really helpful. I knew about this concept as it related to sleeping (yes, sleeping!), but didn’t realize you could apply it in a different way.

After I saw Erik, I researched several studies on the topic to learn more, and it’s VERY interesting.

I think it will help you.

It Helps to Slow Down and Take Breaks

Erik’s advice? Slow down. Take breaks every 10-15 minutes. Not long, just 2-3 minutes to relax, reset, and even do a mindfulness or breathing exercise. He suggested closing my eyes and sitting quietly during those breaks.

At first, this may feel counterintuitive. Shouldn’t you keep grinding to groove the new pattern? But the truth is, science backs up the advice.

The Science of Why Breaks Work

When you’re learning something new—whether it’s a golf swing, a piano piece, or a new shot in tennis, your brain doesn’t just work during practice. It works during the breaks, too.

Here’s what happens, in simple terms:

• When you take a break, your brain replays what you just practiced. It’s like a mental highlight reel, consolidating the movements and embedding them in your memory.

• This process is similar to what happens when you sleep—your brain uses that downtime to process, store, and strengthen what you’ve learned.

Think of pauses during practice as mini-sleep sessions for your brain. They can be just as important as the practice itself, especially when you’re making big changes to your swing like I am.

How to Bake This Into Your Practice

If you’re working on a swing change, or trying to groove a new feel, here’s how to incorporate these principles into your routine:

1. Slow It Down: You’re not trying to hit perfect shots every time. Focus on making small, deliberate movements.

2. Take Breaks: Every 10-15 minutes, take 2-3 minutes to pause. Sit down, close your eyes, and relax. Try a simple breathing exercise. I use an app called Headspace to help with this.

3. Use Feedback Tools: Whether it’s a mirror, alignment rod, or launch monitor, use tools to give you immediate feedback on your progress.

4. Practice Before Bed: A short, focused session before bed can speed up the process (It can even be some slow-motion swings in the mirror). Your brain will consolidate those movements overnight, helping you wake up a little better than you were the day before.

The Big Picture

Making a swing change, or honing a new feel, isn’t about grinding until you’re exhausted or chasing a breakthrough every session. It’s about working on the same thing over time, with deliberate focus and a plan. Slow down, take breaks, and give your brain the chance to absorb what you’re learning.

The next time you’re practicing, try incorporating these ideas. You might be surprised at how much better your swing feels when you let your brain do some of the heavy lifting during those pauses.

Thanks again to Erik for having me out to his place and getting me on GEARS!

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