[NeedSpace]

I am a new pilot with about 90 hours of flight time (the last 5 hours being over the last 10 years). I am returning to it and bring my proficiency back up to speed. My original instructor was great but fairly young. My new instructor is a grumpy older instructor. While his affect is rather blunt and unfriendly, I am learning a lot; both things I have forgotten and things I hadn't learned yet. He is very old school.

I thought I had fairly good control of the rudder; still knowing I needed to learn more finesse. Now however, I am starting to understand what I was missing. For the first time I am becoming aware of what an uncoordinated flight "feels" like in the seat of my pants rather than simply relying on the ball (turn coordinator).

That said, I am curious if some pilots could weigh in regarding mastering the rudder. What was the experience like for you? Did it come naturally immediately? Was there an "ah-ha" moment? What did you (or your instructor) do to help you understand the proper use of a rudder? Are there and tricks or techniques you would recommend to help further this along? Now with all your experience, do you ever look at the ball or do you just feel it?