Explanation?

[bcoak]

SO I have been trying a new drill to help my balance. I set up normal and then look straight ahead, not at the ball. You then hit the ball. The strange thing is I can hit it as far, more solid, and straighter (with a draw vs. normal cut) not looking at the ball. In fact, after hitting the ball a few times w/out looking and then going to normal, I hit the ball awful. I have hit all my clubs like this and it is the same from wedge to driver.

I can definitely feel a difference. When I am not looking at the ball my forward swing is much more like a swing with no hit at the ball. My finish is different and more in balance. Any time I try and impact the swing I hit it awful. I also can feel the swing starting from the ground up vs. hitting from the top at the ball.
What can I learn from this?

 

[GPM1985]

Where exactly are you looking when you address the ball? What degree would you say your eyeline is relative to the ground (let's say looking straight down is 90*)?

 

[fronesis]

SO I have been trying a new drill to help my balance. I set up normal and then look straight ahead, not at the ball. You then hit the ball. The strange thing is I can hit it as far, more solid, and straighter (with a draw vs. normal cut) not looking at the ball. In fact, after hitting the ball a few times w/out looking and then going to normal, I hit the ball awful. I have hit all my clubs like this and it is the same from wedge to driver.

I can definitely feel a difference. When I am not looking at the ball my forward swing is much more like a swing with no hit at the ball. My finish is different and more in balance. Any time I try and impact the swing I hit it awful. I also can feel the swing starting from the ground up vs. hitting from the top at the ball.
What can I learn from this?

This is a total guess, so take it for what it's worth...

But I wonder if, in your regular setup, you don't have your chest forward enough (i.e. turned toward the ground). Thus, when you turn your head to look at the ball, you are out of balance - and you swing poorly because during the swing your body wants to get back IN balance. On the other hand, when you leave your head looking up - which is where your chest is already pointing - you are in a more balanced position.

Again, it's a guess, but I'd try setting up so that you think about moving your chest forward so that it points much more at the ground. This should let you look directly at the ball without being in an awkward, unbalanced position.

A simpler way of putting this: bend over until looking "straight ahead" IS looking at the ball.

 

[bcoak]

Where exactly are you looking when you address the ball? What degree would you say your eyeline is relative to the ground (let's say looking straight down is 90*)?

Straight ahead. Head up like I am walking forward

 

[cmartingolf]

No steering or "trying" to square the face...

Annika became a pretty good stick after Henri Reiss got her "lifting her head."

While you are doing perpendicular opposites, I'd bet the club is seeking the delivery line without you messing it up

 

[Richie3Jack]

The big thing is to 'feel your way around' as to what feels differently between the 'no look swing' vs. your normal swing besides the head and eyes being off the ball. What feels differently? Close your eyes if you have to. Ask yourself 'is there anything different in my forearm or my feet or my tempo, etc?'


3JACK

 

[bcoak]

cmartingolf,
I agree with your comment about getting out of my own way and letting the club find the best path. Golf is funny like that, give up control to gain it.

Richie,
A lot feels diffirent. The biggest being balance and flow of the swing. Also I can feel the forward swing start from the ground up.

Brian,
Any thoughts?

 

[bcoak]

Hit balls again yesterday and same thing- better results not looking at the ball. Really would love some thoughts from Brian or another academy meember

 

[TeddyIrons]

Like many of us, our practice swings are better than when there's a ball in front of us, because the presence of the ball changes our focus. A similar drill is to hit the ball with your eyes closed. Probably, in your normal swing, the presence of the ball is deflecting your focus on what really matters.