The Spin Axis Podcast

Three golf geeks discuss modern data-driven golf instruction and coaching.
Hosted by Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, and Tyson Deskins.

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Episodes

023: Behind the Scenes with a Top Club Fitter

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...

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

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....

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020: How to Be a Great Golf Student

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...

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019: Grip Pressure – How Tightly Should You Hold the Club?

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...

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017: Wrist Angles and Feedback with HackMotion

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...

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016: Practicing to Improve Our Golf Swings

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...

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015: In Season vs. Out of Season Changes

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...

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013: TSA Tier List — Training Aids

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,...

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

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...

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010: Commonly Misunderstood Concepts in Golf

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 correctly, can change the way you move and improve.

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009: The Most Common Golf Lessons We Give (Spin Axis Draft Style)

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 you’ve ever wondered what pros actually work on with everyday golfers, this episode gives you a front-row seat.

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

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 might matter just as much as what happens during it. If you’ve ever left a lesson wondering, “Did that actually help?”, this episode is for you.

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007: Social Media Instruction — Helpful Hack or Harmful Shortcut?

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 quality content from random noise. If you’ve ever gone down the swing-tip rabbit hole, this episode is for you.

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

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 a few takes on block vs. random practice, this episode is a must-listen for players and coaches alike.

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005: Low Spinners vs. Using the Bounce — What’s the Better Short Game Move?

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 just stop chunking chips, this episode blends technical insight with real-world coaching wisdom.

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004: Six Golf Drills We Hate

As a follow-up to Episode 3, we’re drafting again… but this time, it’s our six least favorite drills! 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 banter, and our six favorite golf drills!

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