Extensor action vs tension

[rbaumgolf]

Where does extensor action end and forearm tension begin. Whenver I try to apply extensor action I feel like my right arm tightens. Where is the balance or how do you know you are applying the extensor action properly.

 

[Brian Manzella]

Here is a "Manzella Special" that will show you HOW MUCH extensoraction to apply:

With your left hand on the club (or an air club), and a watch on your left wrist,

push outward on the watch band with your right thumb--with your hand in a palms-facing attitude.

Make a golf stroke motion, applying the SAME outward/pushing tension with the right thumb.

Oh...yeah...HOW MUCH TENSION??

Enough to stretch the band slightly...not enough to perhaps break the band or cause pain to yourself.

Steady outward slight pressure----not steady outward super-pressure!

 

[JPs]

If one is using Right Forearm Takeaway/Pickup to move the inert left arm during Start Up, is that enough tension applied to the left arm to qualify as extensor action? Or does one need to add more pulling than is provided by using RFT?

 

[6bee1dee]

quote:Originally posted by JPs

If one is using Right Forearm Takeaway/Pickup to move the inert left arm during Start Up, is that enough tension applied to the left arm to qualify as extensor action? Or does one need to add more pulling than is provided by using RFT?

The Right Forearm take-away is not extensor action by itself. It will feel that it is applied, rightful so, with the first move up and away from the ball but after the right arm folds it still needs to apply a straight line stretching of the left arm. I like to feel pp1 being pushed after the elbow folds- this avoids any slack from seeping into the left arm. The right arm never stops this push or pulled stretching of the left arm. The left arm just runs out.

On the downswing the inline straightening stays with the left arm but never drives it to the ball. Not its job.

I like to think of the pushing or pulling action of extensor action to be like a weight on a pendulum. It is the rhythm of the left arm.

 

[Mathew]

You guys have no idea how strong I apply extensor action nowadays! I can tell you the results have been nothing short of impressive. It really shouldn't be a light push.

I just want to add that remember ball speed is dependant on before impact and after impact clubhead speed per 1-L-13. The more solid the power package structure as the lever assembly is driven into impact the less slowdown will be during the impact interval for any given amount of clubhead speed.

As long as it doesn't move the left arm - you stretch it out to max... as hard as your right tricep can push..

 

[vjcapron]

quote:Originally posted by Mathew
You guys have no idea how strong I apply extensor action nowadays! I can tell you the results have been nothing short of impressive. It really shouldn't be a light push.

After 8 months or so of using a hitting procedure with great results using "super pressure" on PP #1, I developed an excruciating pain in at the base of my left thumb (pp #1). It took about a year to fully recover from that injury.

In my opinion, a light push should be sufficient.

 

[6bee1dee]

I like to feel the left arm as a hanging bungee cord that needs to be stretched to be activated It does not need to be overly stressed- just a slight but constant pull or push to keep it activated and in line. Don't over do it.

 

[Brian Manzella]

Mathew....

I very strongly disagree with your idea for 99.99% of of the golfers I have ever taught.

Of course, I always knew you were in the 0.01 percentile !

 

[hue]

quote:Originally posted by Mathew

You guys have no idea how strong I apply extensor action nowadays! I can tell you the results have been nothing short of impressive. It really shouldn't be a light push.

I just want to add that remember ball speed is dependant on before impact and after impact clubhead speed per 1-L-13. The more solid the power package structure as the lever assembly is driven into impact the less slowdown will be during the impact interval for any given amount of clubhead speed.

As long as it doesn't move the left arm - you stretch it out to max... as hard as your right tricep can push..

Mathew: This is my take on extensor action. You need enough extensor action on the backstroke to give the power package structure so that there is no slack at downswing initiation but you should not overload the structure by having too much. Brian said something about the amount needed being like the feel of stretching out the right arm when pulling on a sweater.

 

[drewitgolf]

Extension without Tension.

Here is a drill: Put on a jacket, but don't put your left arm in the sleeve. Let your left arm hug your chest inside the jacket. The left arm jacket sleeve should just be dangling there. Grab the left cuff with your right hand, stretch it out just enough to keep it extended. Keep it extended until follow through (both arms straight). Now, do it with a club in your right hand, in front of a mirror. That fictious left arm looks and acts like a real left arm.

 

[Burner]

quote:Originally posted by drewitgolf

Extension without Tension.

Here is a drill: Put on a jacket, but don't put your left arm in the sleeve. Let your left arm hug your chest inside the jacket. The left arm jacket sleeve should just be dangling there. Grab the left cuff with your right hand, stretch it out just enough to keep it extended. Keep it extended until follow through (both arms straight). Now, do it with a club in your right hand, in front of a mirror. That fictious left arm looks and acts like a real left arm.

Similarly, one end of a towel trapped under your left armpit with the other end held secure as you grip the golf club also works just fine.

 

[rundmc]

quote:Originally posted by Mathew

You guys have no idea how strong I apply extensor action nowadays! I can tell you the results have been nothing short of impressive. It really shouldn't be a light push.

I just want to add that remember ball speed is dependant on before impact and after impact clubhead speed per 1-L-13. The more solid the power package structure as the lever assembly is driven into impact the less slowdown will be during the impact interval for any given amount of clubhead speed.

As long as it doesn't move the left arm - you stretch it out to max... as hard as your right tricep can push..

Mathew,

Are you applying via PP3 or PP1? Also, what would you say the difference would be between a shot with "extensor action lite" vs. "extensor action full-bodied dark pick the barley out of your teeth style"?

Thanks man!

R