The BirdieBall spins exactly like a golf ball. That is why it flies exactly like a golf ball,
but for a shorter distance. The reverse spin around the BirdieBall’s center of gravity
created with the loft of the club (the larger the loft the higher the spin rate) is similar
to a golf ball.
When a golf ball “fades” (goes slightly right during its flight) or “slices” (goes far right
during its flight) its axis is tilted for a right-handed golfer, from left to right. When
it “draws” (goes slightly left during its flight) or “hooks” (goes far left during its
flight), its axis is tilted for a right-handed golfer, from right to left.
The non-dimpled surface as well as the straight sides resists flight. The radius on the
leading edge and the aerodynamic hole through the center encourages flight and lift. The
oscillation between the two as it rotates from air brake to airfoil makes the turbine sound.
The lifting aspects help it hang in the air; the braking aspects reduce the distance it
travels. The combination of the two makes it a short flight, long hang-time device.
Distance
The BirdieBall has a remarkably satisfying ball flight. It flies just far enough to show
ball flight but short enough that you can hit them and retrieve then with minimal effort.
Further, because the BirdieBall has golf ball like reverse spin and two flat sides they do
not have forward roll when the land, in fact they back up on most surfaces. BirdieBalls
fly about 40 yards on average.
Benefits:
Experiencing the “true feel” and seeing the “true flight” of this amazing practice ball
will improve your ability to control a real golf ball.
The BirdieBall is safer than practicing with a real ball.
BirdieBalls can be used in small outdoor areas and can even be chipped indoors.
The StrikePad™
The StrikePad is very simple. It is a cambered, flexible polymer spring. The ball is
placed forward on the pad (in the area where there is a gap between the pad and the ground).
Upon swinging down and through, the pad deflects downward - - it simulates taking a divot.
When hitting with an iron, the downward motion at impact is one of the most important
aspects of the golf swing. When hitting with a fairway wood or a driver put the ball on
the elevated flat portion at the front of the StrikePad and use a more sweeping motion,
avoiding taking a divot. The flex in the StrikePad allows for deflection and rebound at
impact. It happens in the blink of an eye.
Benefits:
Saves lawns and parks from damage.
Protects your clubs from damage caused by rough hitting mats or the ground.
Reduces “jarring” of arms and shoulders at impact.
Practice anywhere, even on concrete, asphalt and dirt.
StrikePad will not slide and will stay in place.
Beginning golfers can square the club easier and can’t hit the ball fat.
The Swing Template
Beginners will see how the golf club should move through the hitting zone; all while looking
down at the ball.
More advanced players can use the swing path as a reinforcement of proper technique.
Advanced players can use the pad for practice as well as instruction to beginners.
The Practice Advantage
For the beginning golfer
Beginners, young and old are often overwhelmed by the complexity of the game of golf - -
the golf swing and the ability to make solid contact with the golf ball. The BirdieBall
and StrikePad combination help beginners get started by giving instant and accurate
feedback. The BirdieBall is designed with a center of gravity that is slightly higher than
a golf ball, making it easier to get up in the air than a conventional golf ball. The
StrikePad has a low friction, hard sliding surface that deflects or moves downward as the
golf club makes contact.
For beginning golfers, one of the most difficult aspects of the golf swing to master is the
angle of the back, or spine, during the downswing. Oftentimes the golfer hits far behind
or on top of the golf ball. Beginners will overcompensate one way or the other. Allowing
the beginner to naturally overcompensate toward the hitting behind the ball tendency,
allows the beginner to simplify the task. In this situation (hitting behind the ball or
hitting the ball “fat”) the StrikePad will keep the club on track to hit the ball. The
beginner can then work on the open or closed aspects of the club-head at impact, which of
course, in turn makes the ball go right or left. By singling out the left or right element
of the golf swing the corrections can be understood and applied by the novice. Once the
novice understands the position of the club-head and hands at impact, it is now less
difficult to get the right spine angle on the downswing. Further, the beginning golfer,
through instruction and repetition, learns to hit down and through the ball (with irons).
Soon the beginner develops a repeatable swing motion. Swinging a club indoors with just
the StrikePad and without actually hitting BirdieBalls is excellent practice for basic
swing mechanics introduced by a qualified instructor.
For the intermediate golfer
As golfers advance in skill, continuing to develop a functional and repeatable golf swing
is the most important aspect of improvement. Muscle Memory is key when trying to repeat an
effective swing. Seeing the flight of the ball and feeling the ball on the club head is
instant feedback. The attributes of the golf swing that make BirdieBalls go left, right,
straight, long, short, draw, fade, go high or low are the same requisite attributes with a
golf ball. Feeling the compression of the BirdieBall in your hands helps intermediate
golfers learn “feel”. This feel is important in shot making. Try hitting the BirdieBall
back and forth with a friend. By hitting with a target in mind, shot making becomes much
more natural.
For the expert golfer
Expert golfers need only perfect what they have already learned to do well. “Work” the
ball by shaping the shots left, right and working on the ever-important eye-hand
coordination. When hitting back and forth with a friend put an object between you, like a
tree, and see if you can draw and fade the ball around the object. Chip the ball, working
on spin. Practice with wedges indoors. Pick the ball off of your good carpet and spin it
into the back of your favorite antique high back chair. Do this when home alone or if you
are really confident in your relationship with your loved ones. (Just kidding about this
last part, we wanted to see if you were really reading this). Yes, BirdieBalls can still
break stuff. When practicing chipping indoors, put the expensive collectibles away.
(This is the official disclaimer).
For the instructor
BirdieBall is a product that allows all levels of students to practice at home between
lessons. Use BirdieBall as the first step to instill confidence in beginners. Use it as a
supplement for intermediate students to learn “feel”, and use it with experts to hone their
already excellent game.
BirdieBall Overview
BirdieBalls
Benefits:
Benefits:
Reduces “jarring” of arms and shoulders at impact.