How your golf game can help you to better teach knife skills Golf and Knife Skills How your golf game can help you to better teach knife skills
John Draz CEC, CCE 15+ years teaching culinary arts Founding program chair The Culinary School of Kendall College Coauthor The Culinary Professional © 2010 Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Why stress knife skills? The most often used skill in the professional kitchen Safety Makes lab sessions more productive Makes students employable
Why teaching knife skills may be neglected Class size too large Class periods too short Safety concerns Instructors lack confidence in their own skills Inadequate lesson plan for lab session
Teaching Knife Skills Is Unique It is a motor skill Close guidance and supervision is needed Repetition and regular practice is necessary Equipment needs to be in top shape Sharp knives !!!!
The Stance Fundamentals start from the ground up Balance is essential for control
The Stance Fundamentals start from the ground up Balance is essential for control The proper stance reduces fatigue
The Address Proper position is key Distance to ball Posture Level teeing ground
The Address Proper position is key Stable work surface Secure cutting board Height of work surface
The Grip Key to stability Firm but relaxed Proper location on club
The Grip Key to stability Firm but relaxed Proper location on blade and handle
Teeing Up Practice swing Addressing the ball
Teeing Up The correct position of the guiding hand “Practice swing” “Addressing” the product
The Swing Smooth controlled movement “Almost effortless”
The Swing The chef knife stroke is a combination of a smooth forward and downward motion The knife is always in contact with the guiding hand Almost effortless
Hooks and Slices Flight of the ball is indicative of swing variance
Hooks and Slices A rectangular box is the first step in cutting dices Shape of box is indicative of variance in technique
“The Practice Range” Prioritize Uniformity Shape Dimension
Other Clubs in Your Bag Wedges Putter Chipper Paring knife Boning knife Slicer
Thank you ! Questions?