Parameter-based teaching using launch monitor data. Know when to use it — and when not to.📄 ICC Athletic Development Plan (PDF)
Ball Speed
Energy transfer from club to ball
Club Head Speed
Raw speed
Smash Factor
Ball Speed / Club Head Speed (efficiency)
Launch Angle
Angle ball leaves clubface
Spin Rate
Backspin on ball
Carry Distance
Club Path
In-to-out is positive, out-to-in is negative
Face Angle
Open is positive, closed is negative
Face-to-Path
Relationship between face and path (determines curve)
Data creates anxiety and over-focus on numbers rather than feeling. Exception: measuring and celebrating distance milestones in a fun context only.
Focus only on: Ball Speed and Carry Distance. Celebrate progress. Avoid path/face data at this age — creates over-analysis.
All parameters. Pair data with video.
See the FORGE module for complete protocol.
90–100 mph (age 12)
100–115 mph (age 14)
Ground force work, pivot efficiency
Hit 5 balls trying to increase smash factor above 1.40
1.40+ = good contact
1.45+ = excellent
Contact calibration needed before speed training
Impact tape or powder on face to show contact point
Tour wedge: 8,000–12,000 rpm from 100 yards
High school 13+: Target 6,000–9,000 rpm from 100 yards
Open face, steep attack — shaft lean needed
"Feel like you're squeezing a towel through the ball"
Optimal launch for distance: 12–15° with 2,500–2,800 rpm
Descending angle of attack on driver
Tee higher, move ball forward, feel the hit going up
Rule of thumb: Ball starts where the face points, curves away from path.
Zero face-to-path
Straight ball
Positive (path right of face)
Draw
Negative (face right of path)
Fade / Slice
FORGE INTEGRATION
The launch monitor is the foundation of the Carry Index drill (FORGE Drill 5). See the FORGE module for full protocol.