The Power of The Underdog ~ Why The Lakers Can't Be Written-Off in '06

They've got something to prove. They don't plan to surrender. They're determined, focused, ready and willing to make the most of their abilites and compete for what they deserve...victory.

The 2006 Lakers actually believe they can win. And not just win once or twice. They think they have the stuff to take their games to the conference championships.

Why? How is this possible? Didn't the Lakers go 3-8 last season? Furthermore, didn't they graduate 4 of their starting 6 players? The answer to both questions is "yes." And yet, these kids still boast knowing smiles of understanding - almost as though they realize they're pre-destined to turn heads as the Cinderella Boys of the upcoming MIAA Golf Season.

At first glance, the team certainly does not impress a great sense of fear in the hearts of their competitors. But a look under the hood reveals another side to this group of teammates - and tells a tale of hard work, diligence, focus and self belief.

The sports world loves a good underdog - a little guy to cheer for when the odds are stacked against him. The Lakers seem to realize this and understand the power of their position.

The team practices when their opposition does not. When snow blankets the ground and keeps the competition from making their way to the driving range, the Lakers can be found in an indoor hitting bay at their school taking part in comprehensive computer analysis of their golf swings. When their competition is only watching golf on television, the Lakers are examining the swing plane of tour players and comparing such information to their own motion. When the competition is away from the game, the Lakers are learning about swing dynamics, ball flight laws, pre-shot routine, and countless other pieces of data that their coaching staff is positioning them to digest. In short, the Laker golf team is absorbing information like a spongue; and understands clearly that in doing so, they are increasing their chances for victory in upcoming matches.

As well, the team dymanic is as strong as it's ever been. A surge in interest from freshmen and sophomores has boosted the long-term prospects of the Lakers' future. The youthful exhuberance and confidence associated with their placement on the team has proven to be addictive to the upperclassmen as well. Team Captain Stuart Naeny promises to be a strong leader for an already tightly-knit group of competitors.

"Nobody expects us to win," says Naeny with a grin, "Which is exactly why we are going to win." This creative mentality has been adopted by the team in '06 - and is reflected in the comfort of their image as an underdog. When nobody expects you to achieve, you have the ability to surprise when your ability yields accomplishment. Such surprise appears poised to serve as a secret weapon of sorts for the Lakers this season.

Will the 2006 Lakers take their seat alongside the 1969 Miracle Mets and the 1980 US Olympic Hockey Team? Only time will tell. In the meantime, they're going to be dogged in their conviction and rugged in their determination. They're going to grind away at victory and plough through whatever barriers seperate them from their goal. These boys are going to fight to win - and it's going to be fun to watch.

How To Hit A Slice On Purpose ~ Understanding The Laws Of Ball Flight By: Mason Champion, PGA, Head Golf Coach

There are only nine different patterns in which a golf ball can fly – no more, no less. To that end, there are only two factors that combine to form these nine patterns – called “ball flights” by professionals. Understanding the ball flights and their associated components of influence assists a golfer in two vital areas: 1) Analysis of miss-hit shots and 2) purposeful production of such shots when needed.

The first factor affecting the flight of the golf ball is the path of the swing itself. Relative to the intended target line, the path of the swing as it approaches the golf ball can be “Inside to Outside” (a path associated with the travel of the club from an area close to the body before impact to an area away from the body after impact), “Outside to Inside” (conversely, a path that finds the club moving from an area away from the body pre-impact to an area close to the body post-impact), or “Square to Square” (equal distance from the body throughout the motion, pre and post impact).

Here’s how to practice and recognize the three paths:Lay a club on the ground and position it in a manner such that it lies on your target line. In such a position it is acceptable to say that the club on the ground therefore represents said target line. Hold your 5 iron in your hands and hover it above the center of this target line. Swing the club to the top of your backswing and begin your downswing in slow motion. As the club travels into the would-be impact area, purposefully maintain its position directly on the target line. Recognize this as a “Square to Square Path.” Now, take the same backswing and begin the downswing cognizant of redirecting the club from the outside of the target line (the side of the line opposite your feet) to the inside of the target line (the side on which your feet are positioned.) Recognize this as an “Outside to Inside Path.” Finally, take your backswing for a third time and once again begin the downswing in slow motion. On this occasion, redirect the club as it approaches the impact area from the inside of the target line (the side where your feet are positioned) to the outside of the target line (the side opposite). Process this as an “Inside to Outside Path.” Continue reviewing each path with ongoing practice swings. Progress from executing these practice swings in slow motion to doing so with normal pace. Take pause during each swing to absorb the understanding inherent to each path’s unique sensation. Indeed, you will recognize that each path feels different. As well, you will find that your finished position will change with the path that you are executing. You might notice that an Outside to Inside Path produces a finished position that finds your hands below your shoulders and a feeling that you are moving much more rotationally across the ball that what is normally associated with your swing. Conversely, an Inside to Outside Path might yield the sensation that your hands are much higher above your shoulders in your finish position and the shaft of the club intersects the shoulder line. This path may make you feel as though you are finishing much “taller” than you normally would. Square to square might feel the most natural, and the closest to your average motion. Regardless, it’s important to practice each path and to recognize the sensation differences that they produce.

Why is the path of the swing important? Because it affects the first component of ball flight – The Initial Direction Of The Ball. Relative to the intended target line, a ball can only travel initially in one of three directions – right of the target line, left of the target line, or on the target line. The initial direction of the ball is directly correlated with the path of the swing. It is the swing path that dictates where the ball will begin its flight relative to the target line. For a right handed golfer, an Inside to Outside Path will produce a ball that begins its flight to the right of the target line. Conversely, an Outside to Inside Path will yield a shot that begins its flight to the left of the target line. A Square to Square Path will produce a shot that begins its flight directly on the target line.Practice hitting shots with each of the three swing paths. Notice how the initial direction of the ball is impacted with each path. Pay attention to only the initial direction of the ball and nothing else when analyzing path.

The second factor affecting ball flight is the position of the clubface at impact. The clubface can be positioned in one of three fashions relative to the target line: Closed (the face points to the golfer’s side of the target line), Open (the face points to the opposite side of the target line as the golfer) and Square (the face points directly down the target line). The position of the clubface at impact affects the sidespin that is imparted upon the golf ball. An Open Face will produce (for a right handed golfer), left to right sidespin; a Closed Face will yield right to left sidespin; and a Square Face will produce no sidespin. Sidespin causes the ball to veer away from its initial path – moving either to the right (open face) to the left (closed face) or remaining straight on the path it is traveling (square face). Sidespin is a secondary force and it not inherent to the ball flight until gravity has reduced the affect of the path’s initial dominant force. Typically, sidespin will transition into the dominant force role somewhere around two thirds of the golf shot’s total distance. It typically takes that long until the force of the path has been reduced enough by gravity to permit the sidespin to take over.

Practice hitting shots with a square face, an open face, and a closed face. Notice how the shots shape differently – and further note how deep into the total distance of the shot it is until the ball begins to curve. When practicing, be sure to position the clubface into its desired position at address, rather than working extra hard in order to manipulate it during your swing. To that end, only grip the club once the desired clubface position has been established – rather than gripping the club and then opening or closing the face.

When the three paths of the swing (Inside to Outside, Outside to Inside, Square to Square) combine with the three clubface positions at impact (Open, Closed, Square), nine different ball flights are possible. Listed below are the nine ball flights, their corresponding slang golf terms and their identifiable flight patterns (for right handed golfers).

Inside to Outside / Square Face ~ AKA "The Push" Ball begins to the right of the target and does not curve
Inside to Outside / Open Face ~ AKA "Push Slice" Ball begins to the right of the target and curves right
Inside to Outside / Closed Face ~ AKA "The Push Hook" Ball begins to the right of the target and curves left
Outside to Inside / Square Face ~ AKA "The Pull" Ball begins to the left of the target and does not curve
Outside to Inside / Open Face ~ AKA "The Pull Fade"Ball begins to the left of the target and curves right
Outside to Inside / Closed Face ~ "The Pull Hook"Ball begins to the left of the target and curves left
Square to Square / Square Face ~ AKA "The Straight Shot"Ball begins at the target and does not curve
Square to Square / Open Face ~ AKA "The Slice"Ball begins at the target and curves right
Square to Square / Closed Face ~ AKA "The Hook"Ball begins at the target and curves left

It is important that all of these ball flights be practiced and learned. Doing so, will permit the golfer to call on the shots when needed and analyze a miss-hit shot when necessary. Previously, if you were to inadvertently hit one of the shots described above, you might not understand precisely what it was that produced such a shot pattern. Therefore, you might not understand what is required in order to correct the flight for the next shot. Furthermore, by understanding the Ball Flight Laws, you become able to call on the shots when necessary. Special situations arise on the golf course that may deem it appropriate to manufacture a non-traditional ball flight. Hitting around an obstacle, playing away from a hazard, approaching a tightly guarded flagstick – these are but a few of the situations that might call for a specialty ball flight.

Previous to understanding the ball flights, a golfer has only a limited number of shots that he can summon. Consider the following: Thirteen clubs are in a golfer’s bag that are not used on the putting green. This means that if a golfer uses only a full swing, he has only thirteen shots to summon from his arsenal. Now, if that same golfer has nine ball flights to call on when necessary – he has increased his pool of potential shots to one hundred seventeen possible options. What’s more, if the golfer then practices the ball flights with three additional swing lengths – quarter swing, half swing, and three quarter swing– he has boosted his number of shot possibilities to four hundred sixty eight! Now that’s an arsenal of shots!

As you practice the nine ball flights, there will be one shot in particular that seems to come very naturally to you. Conversely, you will also note that one shot is extremely challenging for you to produce. These shots will tend to be exact opposites of one another – and it is very common for a golfer to make these recognitions. Understand this – it’s ok that some shots are harder than others. In realizing this, you can then process the likelihood of the shot’s success when you are considering using it on the golf course. For example, you might note in your practice session that you are successful hitting one ball flight eight out of ten times – and successful with another shot only four out of ten times. Recognize the former shot as a “go-to” shot in times of pressure. Use it whenever you can. Understand further that the latter shot is a bit more high risk for you and has a lower likelihood of success. Processing this information will become part of your pre-shot routine in time and will play into your mental preparation as you prepare to hit a shot.

Something else to consider - not all of these shots will feel good, or look good for that matter. In fact, some of them will be downright ugly and feel quite terrible (a pull hook is particularly hideous). That’s ok. Those are the shots that are typically not the ones you will be calling on with regularity; but might be the ones that you can dissect should you ever hit them accidentally.

In understanding the Ball Flight Laws, you become able to teach and coach yourself in the time ahead. It’s important that a golfer understand the “whys” and the “hows” in addition to the “whats” associated with their game development strategies. It is through this that they can then reach a greater level of potential.

When you practice, split your bucket of practice balls in half. Dedicate the first half of the practice balls to intentionally hitting the nine ball flights. Dedicate the second half of the practice balls to taking normal swings and analyzing the flight. When doing so, pay attention to two things: where the ball began its flight relative to the target line (path) and if / how it curved (clubface position at impact). Always examine these two components of each shot.

You might say to yourself “Heck, this stuff is only for scratch golfers and professionals.” Wrong! I've taught the Ball Flight Laws to children and to the elderly – from scratch handicaps to rank beginners. It’s the first lesson I teach every student, and it's one of the most important things to understand about your golf game. It is arguably the most significant key to improvement that can be taught to a golfer - and I know it’s going to help you. Now get practicing!

-Coach Champion

Team Member Focus ~ Stuart Mitchell

Stuart Mitchell, a Senior at BL, returns for his second and final season with the Laker Golf Team. Stuart competed in a number of matches in 2005 - quickly forming a reputation as an imposing player capable of producing booming drives Multiple times in competition, Stuart's drives came to rest more than three-hundred yards from the tee-box. It became apparent early that in order to challenge him, an opponent had to get used to hitting first from the fairway.

In 2006, the Laker golf team expects big things from Stuart. He brings a strong sense of leadership with him, and oftentimes lifts the team's spirit with a unique sense of humor and an over-all welcoming nature.

Stuart has been accepted at Vanderbilt University and will be attending school there following his graduationg from Boys' Latin. No doubt the university should take note to lengthen the tee boxes of its home golf course before his arrival.

Stuart Naeny To Captain 2006 Laker Linksters

BL Senior, Stuart Naeny has been selected by the coaching staff to serve as Captain for the 2006 Laker Golf Team. Stuart assumes his post following stellar 2005 and 2004 seasons that continually found him in positions of leadership. With an ever-interesting combination of awe-shucks persona and dogged competitiveness, Stuart stands poised to guide the Lakers to what will no doubt be a season to remember. Stuart's on-course ferocity helped earn him the nickname "The Bulldog" during the 2004 season - a title that has stuck with him ever since.

Stuart was chosen to lead the 2006 Laker Golf Team because of his conviction, determination, giving spirit, persistence and focus. He is a gentleman on and off the golf course. His example is inspiring and his actions reflect the discipline that he has become known to represent.

The Lakers are in good hands with Stuart Naeny as their Captain in 2006. Expect big things from "The Bulldog."

Hitting Bay Provides Indoor Development for Laker Golfers

The Indoor Hitting Bay will once again be the site of pre-season training and swing conditioning for the Laker Golf Team in 2006. Last season, the team found itself benefiting from the ability to practice indoors during the cold winter months; and this season team-members will continue to improve their games during a time when nature's elements might hinder the game development of their competitors.

The Indoor Hitting Bay will be assembled and in-place by Wednesday, February 22nd. The structure for indoor practice will be a team meeting and group presentation followed by computer swing analysis at the hitting bay.

Swing Analysis System Targets Laker Linkster Development

The 2006 golf season promises to be one to remember for the Lakers. A number of significant developments have been made that offer team members significant benefit. The most noteworthy of these advancements might be the addition of a swing analysis system for the team. Through the generous support of an anonomous parent, $1500 was secured which was used to purchase V-1 swing analysis software, laptop computers, digital camera equipment and associated accessories. The system functions as a compliment to the already-existing Indoor Hitting Bay at the Gelstan Athletic Center - and provides an unparallaled learning experience for team-members.

Each team-member is now able to view his golf swing on video, quantifiably measuring and analyzing such facets of motion as: club face positions, shaft angles, posture variances, swing paths, etc. Furthermore, an archive of PGA Tour player swings is housed in the software and available for purposes of comparison. Therefore, each team-member has the opportunity not only to learn from his own motion, but also to learn from overlapping his golf swing with that of a tour player. As the Lakers have already found out, a lot can be learned when one compares his golf swing to that of Tiger Woods.

As well, copies of recorded swings will be burned to tape/dvd for team-members. It is the coaches' vision that each player be able to create an archive of his golf swing's development. For Seniors, this means that at season's end, they will be able to walk away with visual footage of their own golf swing's progression over the course of the season. For Freshmen through Juniors, it means that they will be able to track and analyze their swing over a much longer period of time. By the time a (current) freshman graduates, he should have a swing archive spanning four years. This is invaluable information in the development of a golfer; and Boys' Latin is poised to provide it effectively and efficiently for its Lakers in the time ahead.

The additional of the swing analysis equipment and software is a significant development for the Lakers in 2006; and promises to aid in the development of its team-members for years to come.

2006 Practice Schedule

Monday, February 20th ~ No Practice (Presidents' Day)
Wednesday, February 22nd ~3:30-5:00 PM @ GAC
Friday, February 24th ~ 3:30-5:00 PM @ GAC

Monday, February 27th ~ 3:30-5:00 PM @ GAC
Wednesday, March 1st ~ 3:30-5:00 PM @ Pine Ridge
Friday, March 3rd ~ 1:30-3:00 PM @ Pine Ridge

Monday, March 6th ~ 3:30-5:00 PM @ GAC ~ Guest Speaker: Dave Zastudil of The Baltimore Ravens
Tuesday, March 7th ~ 3:30-5:00 PM @ Suburban
Wednesday, March 8th ~ 3:30-6:30 PM @ Suburban
Thursday, March 9th ~ 3:30-6:300 PM @ Suburban
Friday, March 10th ~ No Formal Practice
March 13th-17th ~ Spring Break ~ No Formal Practice (Individual Lessons Available Upon Request)

Tuesday, March 21st ~ 3:30-6:30 PM @ Suburban
Wednesday, March 22nd ~ 3:30-6:30 PM @ Suburban
Thursday, March 23rd ~ 3:30-6:30 PM @ Suburban
Friday, March 24th ~ 3:30-6:30 PM @ Suburban

Monday, March 27th ~ Match vs St. Mary's (Home)
Tuesday, March 28th ~ 3:30-6:30 @ Suburban
Wednesday, March 29th ~ 3:30-6:30 @ Suburban
Thursday, March 30th ~ 3:30-6:30 @ Suburban
Friday, March 31st ~ Match vs Sts. Peter & Paul (Away)

Monday, April 3rd ~ Match vs Archbishop Curley (Away)
Tuesday, April 4th ~ Match vs St. Paul's (Away)
Wednesday, April 5th ~ 3:30~6:30 @ Suburban
Thursday, April 6th ~ 3:30-6:30 @ Suburban
Friday, April 7th ~ 3:30-5:00 @ GAC ~ Guest Speaker Adalius Thomas of The Baltimore Ravens

Monday, April 10th ~ 3:30-6:30 @ Suburban
Tuesday, April 11th ~ Match vs Loyola (Away)
Wednesday, April 12th ~ 3:30-6:30 @ Suburban
Thursday, April 13th ~ Match vs Mt. St. Joe's (Home)
Friday, April 14th ~ No Practice (Good Friday)

Monday, April 17th ~ No Practice (Easter Holiday)
Tuesday, April 18th ~ Match vs McDonough (Home)
Wednesday, April 19th ~ 3:30-6:30 @ Suburban
Thursday, April 20th ~ Match vs Archbishop Spalding (Home)
Friday, April 21st ~ 3:30-5:00 @ GAC (Video Analysis)

Monday, April 24th ~ Match vs Calvert Hall (Home)
Tuesday, April 25th ~3:30-6:30 @ Suburban
Wednesday, April 26th ~ 3:30-6:30 @ Suburban
Thursday, April 27th ~ Match vs John Carroll (Away)
Friday, April 28th ~ Regular Season Completion Team Meeting


In the event of inclement weather, practice will be held indoors at the GAC
More Practice Schedule Details to Follow

2006 Regular Season Schedule

• March 27th / vs St. Mary's / Home
• March 30th / vs Sts. Peter & Paul / Away (Hunters Oak GC)
• April 3rd / vs Archbishop Curley / Away (Crofton CC)
• April 4th / vs St. Paul's / Away (Baltimore C.C.)
• April 6th / vs Gilman / Home
• April 11th / vs Loyola / Away (Hunt Valley CC)
• April 13th / vs Mt. St. Mary's / Home
• April 18th / vs McDonough / Home
• April 20th / vs Archbishop Spalding / Home
• April 24th / vs Calvert Hall / Home
• April 27th / vs John Carroll / Away (Maryland G&CC)
• May 1st / MIAA Individual Tournament Round 1 @ TBA
• May 3rd / MIAA Individual Tournament Round 2 @ TBA
• May 8th / MIAA Individual Stroke Play Finals @ Elkridge
• May 11th / MIAA Team Playoffs 8 @ 1, 7 @ 2, 6 @ 3, 5 @ 4
• May 17th / MIAA Semifinals / @ Higher Seed
• May 20th / MIAA A Conference Finals @ Caves Valley
• May 22nd / Baltimore Washington Senior All Star Match @ Rolling Road GC