Today was one of those days where I seemed exceptionally timing challenged.  You know the deal.  Hit every red light.  Finally make it to the appointment.  I was on time no less, only so that I could sit and wait for a half hour before seeing the individual who was running behind.  In surrendering to the wait, I opened the Golf Digest, June 09 issue. There was an interesting lesson from Tiger Woods, who has also experienced some timing challenges as of late.  There was a photo sequence demonstrating his new left knee adjustments.  

http://www.golfdigest.com/instruction/video/2009/06/09tipsplustigerwoods

As I read the tips and observed the pictures I looked more at the alignment of his head and neck than the knee. As an Alexander Technique Teacher we tend to look at the coordination of the whole in relationship to those amazing neck muscles and the delicate balance of the head on top of the spine.  If the neck muscles tighten they tend to interrupt a smooth sequence of form, function and flow.  Being on stage after being off stage is a challenge for anyone and Tiger is no less human than the rest of us.  Stage fright initiates the fight or flight mechanism that usually involves the neck muscles tightening and the head going back and down. Tiger demonstrates this as we all do during various periods of stress.

Many golf experts are now saying that Tiger’s elbow is worn out too.  If Tiger can learn to free his neck muscles it is likely that his elbow will move with more ease and he will gain coordination of the whole including the ever so famous new knee.   

Alexander Technique Lessons would offer more fluid, consistent patterning for Tiger. I look forward to seeing more freedom in Tiger’s Form, Function and Flow…

Blog by: Christie Johnson www.FormFunctionFlow.com