Image Retention Ability
by Dr. T. J. Tomasi, Keiser University College of Golf Senior Faculty and Director of Research
If you stare at an object for, say, 30 seconds and then look away to a new focus, you can still see its image lingering on your mental screen for a few seconds. According to research by Gustav Levine and Stanley Parkinson, this phenomenon called Image Retention Ability (IRA) occurs by “fixating steadily on a colored object for approximately 60 seconds and then averting the eyes to a gray or white background. With brief stimuli, the first after-image is usually positive (same colors as the visual stimulus), and when only a single stimulus is presented, the positive after-image is difficult to distinguish from the initial image or sensation” (reference: Experimental Methods in Psychology, 1994).
I have found that through special training, my players can hold the image of the target on screen for several seconds – long enough to make a golf swing. Experts are divided on the exact cause of this phenomenon, but many agree it has to do with the ‘seeing cells’ at the back of the eye located on the retina. Obviously, retaining the image of the target after you turn your head back to the ball is a handy skill because golf is the only sport where you don’t look at the target while you try to hit it. Many expert golfers, like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, have described how they use what has become known as the “third eye” to produce brain pictures that drive their swings – basically, you create the image of the target and the shot you want to hit – then hit into the picture you have created on your mental screen. An important part of this process is using your IRA – your Image Retention Ability.
Image Retention Ability, Your 3rd Eye
When you look back to the ball just before you start your swing, your visual lock on the target is broken. Your visual focus then moves to the ball, and the longer you stare at it, the dimmer your picture of the target becomes. When your visual fix on the target is broken, you switch to your sense of feel to guide the rest of your golf swing. This sudden switch from visual to kinesthetic can be troublesome, especially under pressure. Your Image Retention Ability is a skill that allows you to maintain your visual lock on the target even when you’re not looking directly at it, and it is a skill that you can improve through practice.
Image Retention Ability Practice
Since you already know how to get the ball to target (the swing), your focus on the target continues as you turn your eyes back to the ball. Your goal is to retain the image of the target on your mental screen even though you are no longer looking at the target. IRA is a handy skill in a sport where you don’t look at the target while you swing.
How to Develop Your Image Retention Ability
Focus and practice can increase your IRA. Focusing brings the object into a clear, detailed view on your mental screen – you want to see the flag, its color, the flagstick, where it is on the green, the green’s contour, and all other relevant elements of the target.
To develop focus, try to hold the shape of the green on your after-image screen; then hold the color and the shape, then progressively add particulars until your focus is complete and the target is perfectly captured as an after-image on your screen – the image is clear, distinct, and glitch-less. It may take you a week or two, or you may be able to do it after only a couple of tries, but once you can hold a focused, complete, after-image for several seconds, you’re ready to go outside and practice. The second way to increase your IRA is with outdoor practice. Use the technique for every swing on the range, on the golf course, and especially on the putting green. Soon you’ll be able to look at the target, then look back at the ball and make your swing with a clear after-image of the target as your swing guide.
Imbed the image of the target.
Retain the image on your mental screen as you swing.
If you’d like to study with Dr. Tomasi and other PGA Master Professionals, contact The College of Golf today.
