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Irons are used for medium to long-range shots, and the variety of their uses is why they compromise more than half the clubs in a usual set. Irons are used for shorter golf shots, ranging from 200 yards to less than 100 yards. Long irons such as 1-iron (also called driving iron) and 2-iron are not included in the standard set of irons because they are the most difficult irons to handle.

Iron

Novice and recreational golfers are advised to stay away from 1- and 2-iron. They should even consider replacing 3- and 4-iron with higher lofted fairway woods, 7-wood or 9-wood, because they are easier to hit and produce comparable distance. In general, irons are used for distance that is less than 200 yards from the green.

One of the secrets to successful iron play is knowing exactly how far you can hit with each club. Higher number irons are used as you are closer to the green. Even though, driver is used to off the tee, but irons are also used off the tee for Par-3 or narrow & short Par-4. this is why cast irons also known as 'perimeter weighted' irons. Therefore, cast irons bring significant performance improvement for average golfers who have the tendency to hit the ball off-center.

Forged irons - In contrast to cast irons, forged irons feature a full back on the rear of the club head. Hence, forged irons with smaller sweet spot are less forgiving. But forged irons offer more control and extra 'feel' than cast irons. Therefore, forged irons are recommended for low handicapper. Graphite shaft irons allows an average golfer to swing the club faster that could add extra distance. You are strongly recommended to use graphite shafts in your irons if your golf swing is slow.

shaft

The higher the iron clubs, the more loft and the shorter shaft length is. Graphite shafts are lighter than steel can reduce the overall golf club weight which is good news for all golfers, especially for weaker players such as senior and women. Graphite shaft irons allows an average golfer to swing the club faster that could add extra distance. There are different types of shafts used for irons, and the right choice allows you to make easier and better shots.

Steel shafts are affordable and durable, making it the preferred choice of many. Graphite shafts are for people who wish to add speed or distance to their shots by making their clubs lighter without sacrificing its strength. And lastly, there are shafts that are made from a combination of graphite and steel to give you the best of both worlds.

There are many things to consider when buying clubs, like identifying your needs which shaft flex it is best suited for your swing would a club fitting benefit you the value of used golf clubs. Most teaching professionals say that up to 75% of all golfers use shafts that are too stiff. If you're not sure which shaft flex or club head is right for your game then a custom club fitting may be right for you.

James Young Clark is a successful Webmaster and publisher of www.AGolfersParadise.com. He provides more information about golf and golf issues that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

posted by 45193  # 8:14 PM 0 comments

Reiki treatment is considered a type of complementary medicine. The national Center for Complementary and Alternative medicine (NCCAM) is currently sponsoring Reiki research in the areas of fibromyalgia, advanced aids, anxiety, prostate cancer and diabetes.

Conducting Reiki research can be difficult. Normally when scientists are conducting clinical research, they use two groups; one to receive active treatment and one to receive an inactive treatment or placebo. They use methods to insure that neither the patient nor the practitioner knows which group is receiving the active substance and which is receiving the placebo.

The reasoning behind this is simple. The power of suggestion is strong in people. about 35% of patients will respond to any form of treatment, whether active or inactive. This is known as the placebo effect.

In order to scientifically study Reiki treatment, all of the practitioners would need to believe that they were using Reiki. Some practitioners would somehow need to be taught to use Reiki incorrectly.

Some of us believe that simply teaching someone about the existence of Reiki, which is the universal life force or energy that lies within us all, allows them to use the energy positively in their own lives and the lives of others. In other words, no matter how the practitioners were taught to use Reiki, the treatment could still be effective. And also, a Reiki therapist can feel the flow of energy in their hands. Keeping practitioners blinded seems somewhat impossible to me.

But, despite the problems, NCCAM sponsored Reiki research is going forward. Researchers are investigating how Reiki treatment might work. This may be difficult, because it might require proving that the life force energy exists and our current technology does not allow us to see it or detect it in other ways.

Other Reiki research may be easier to conduct. Blood sugar levels, heart function and disease progression can be easily measured, so the research concerning diabetes and prostate cancer should be reasonably conclusive. But, there will still be the placebo effect to consider.

Reiki research regarding aids, fibromyalgia and anxiety will require more patient input and the results may not be considered scientifically conclusive. Reiki treatment should be very effective for anxiety, because one of the most commonly reported effects is a sense of relaxation. In addition, if patients with anxiety and those who are dealing with advanced aids are taught the Reiki way, they should experience a greater sense of well-being, a deep feeling of comfort and relaxation.

In fact, anyone can benefit from Reiki treatment or learning the Reiki way.

To learn more about bringing the power of Reiki into your own life please visit http://understanding-reiki.com.

Patsy Hamilton was a health care professional for over twenty years before becoming a health writer. Currently she is writing a series of articles about Reiki. Read more at http://understanding-reiki.com

posted by 45193  # 5:01 PM 0 comments

If you want to practice golf then you should do so correctly. Only go to the range if you have a specific purpose in mind.

I see far too many people at driving ranges with a bucket of 100 balls which they whip through in half an hour - or worse 15 minutes. If you play a round of golf and are a really good golfer (scratch) you will play 72 shots in about 4 hours and 15 minutes. So why do people whack 100 balls in 15 minutes and call that practise?

Firstly I think a hundred balls is far too much for the average golfer (remember the average golfer's handicap is over 18) per practice session. Let me explain.

When practising you should have something specific in mind. Whether that is to learn to draw the ball with a driver, practice chips, hit long or medium irons working the ball or whatever it is you should be there with a specific goal in mind.

Before you even start practising wear the right gear. By that I mean wear the same clothes you would if you were actually playing golf. Put on a golf shirt, golf trousers and golf shoes. Use a glove if you play with one. Do not get to the range from the office and hit balls in your work lounge shirt and work shoes.

To start off your practice session do some stretching. Ninety nine percent of people don't bother with this at all. They are on their way home from the office and expect their muscles to perform after sitting behind a desk all day. These same people probably warm up their motor vehicle before leaving for the office but don't give their muscles the same courtesy. How can we expect good results? In fact I've seen people injure themselves because of this bad practice.

OK so now you're correctly attired, you have stretched and resisted the temptation to buy 100 balls, having settled for 50. You have also allowed yourself enough time to do things properly and slowly. With 50 balls I would suggest between 45 minutes to an hour.

Before you hit the first ball go over in your mind what you plan to do and then let your muscles know. The way to do this is to pretend that you have selected a ball, selected a club and are ready to go. Follow the normal pre-shot routine you would if you were at the golf course. With club in hand approach the "ball" from behind, select your target line and step up to the imaginary ball. Go through the motion of a full swing, without a ball. Practising exactly what you have come to work on. Get feedback from the feeling in your hands, legs, club, takeaway, follow through and body. Repeat the exercise one more time without a ball.

If all feels right go ahead this time with a golf ball. Analyze the feedback and determine if the ball did what you intended. Make a mental or physical adjustment if required for the next shot.

Now look over at the cubicle next to you and you will see another player on his 7th ball. He is simply lashing away and getting rid of his bucket as if each ball has the plague!

Repeat the process for each of the 50 balls in your bucket. After about the 10th or 12th ball the neighbor in the next cubicle will have been replaced with a new machine gunner. Do not let this worry you.

With each ball in your bucket go through the routine you would on a golf course and have at least 2 practice swings for each ball that you hit.

By doing this you will have had 150 practice swings, each with a particular purpose in mind. It should take you about an hour and you should have had at least 3 different neighbors during this time - if not you may have gone too fast.

You will probably also find that you will be a bit more exhausted than you normally would be after lashing 100 balls in double quick time.

Slow down, practice with a purpose and enjoy the experience. You will find that practice sessions become beneficial.

You are welcome to reproduce this article provided you do not change anything including my bio box.

As a qualified EGTF golf professional teacher I get great pleasure in helping people improve their game. Why not head over to Better Golfing and take up my challenge to reduce your golf handicap by 25% within 6 weeks?

posted by 45193  # 1:12 AM 0 comments