NHA2 questions

[18in2hours]

Just watched NHA2 for the first time last night and I'm looking for some clarifications.

Quick background-mid thirties in pretty good shape who has carried a 2 handicap for the last couple years. I've gotten it down under 1 and have been above 5 on occassion, but between 2 and 3 is my normal range when not attempting my latest swing overhaul.

My main limitation has been lack of distance, due to flipping. I'd be lucky to carry a 7 iron 145 yards. However, after determining that I was a flipper and using COFF (and other sources) to help fix it, I am now carrying just about every club in my bag at least 15 yards farther. Problem is that with clubs longer than a 5 iron, a hook, or pull hook is my miss, which led to my purchase of NHA2 the other day.

First question- I know I tend to get strong with my bottom (right) hand on the club, I'm pretty sure this leads to a closed face at impact. Is this the primary thing I need to concentrate on to get rid of the pull part of my pull hooks?

2nd-At the start of the backswing, during the "sway" back with the hips, should the weight stay to the inside of the rear foot? I'm assuming yes.

3rd-At the start of the downswing when making the lateral move toward the target, is the goal to get the lower body moving "forward" more than the upper? I would assume so to create the proper axis tilt of the spine.

4th-Brian mentions dropping the club and "shaking the sugar" as the moves to make after the slide towards the target at the start of the downswing. Are these terms interchangeable or are they actually different moves based on when the arms start dropping in relation to the slide toward the target?

There might be more, but this is already too long. Thanks for any input.

 

[Brian Manzella]

Answers...

...after determining that I was a flipper and using COFF (and other sources) to help fix it, I am now carrying just about every club in my bag at least 15 yards farther. Problem is that with clubs longer than a 5 iron, a hook, or pull hook is my miss

Sounds like you are doing some of the "mashing" with the upper body.

I know I tend to get strong with my bottom (right) hand on the club, I'm pretty sure this leads to a closed face at impact. Is this the primary thing I need to concentrate on to get rid of the pull part of my pull hooks?

I want you to try to keep your upper body slightly open, and tilted back first.

At the start of the backswing, during the "sway" back with the hips, should the weight stay to the inside of the rear foot? I'm assuming yes.

I never teach the "inside" of the rear foot.

On the right foot (not over) works better.

At the start of the downswing when making the lateral move toward the target, is the goal to get the lower body moving "forward" more than the upper? I would assume so to create the proper axis tilt of the spine.

Sounds like a good idea to me.

Don't forget the CARRY!

(You) mention dropping the club and "shaking the sugar" as the moves to make after the slide towards the target at the start of the downswing. Are these terms interchangeable or are they actually different moves based on when the arms start dropping in relation to the slide toward the target?

You drop in that pattern—if you can.

If you "can't," you shake.

You do either, but you do them "on the ball."

There might be more, but this is already too long. Thanks for any input.

No problem.

I like this kind of work.

 

[18in2hours]

Brain, thanks for the responses. Can you elaborate exactly what you mean by the term "mashing" concerning the upper body?

 

[Brian Manzella]

"Mashing" with the upper body.

"Mashing" - Really banging down on the ball.

"Mashing with the upper body" - Using the upper body, at least somewhat diving into the ball, to assist with the mash, instead of using proper tilts, rotation, hand & club paths, and hip travel.

 

[2mongoose]

The two things that really clicked for me in NHA2 were:

1) Fixing the backswing - It sounds so trivial and elementary but make sure your right arm is above your left. Call it the "Fred Couples" takeaway, whatever you want. If you do this right it's pretty hard to suck it back inside.

2) Yellow brick road - Have you ever laid a shaft, dowel, etc. down on the ground as your target line and continuously "pointed" the clubhead at that line post impact? You'll be SHOCKED how far left you have to swing to keep it on plane. Just let yourself hit the biggest, wipe slice ever!

 

[pieman]

prob. a stupid question, but......i realize the arms are to go down the yellow brick road and swing left. but what does the clubhead and face do? do they follow down the intended target(plane)line? i just got nha2 and so far has helped, but i'm just not clear on this. thanks

EDIT: just found my answer. just seems visually that i will pull the ball left.

 

[curtisj76]

"Mashing" - Really banging down on the ball.

"Mashing with the upper body" - Using the upper body, at least somewhat diving into the ball, to assist with the mash, instead of using proper tilts, rotation, hand & club paths, and hip travel.

Brian or others, what problems arise from "mashing with the upper body"? Thanks