Lead arm runoff

[Matt Bryda]

You know, I've been trying to separate the pelvic turn from the torso in the transition for the longest time by focusing on the pelvis and torso. Doing as you say in the backswing with the right arm seems to make it much easier to separate. I have always felt better with the swing feeling like a right arm throwing motion and this makes it even mo' better. Thanks Virt and thanks to OLIVER for starting the thread.

Does it allow you to sense your abs/belly area? This could also go a long way with
controlling the upper and the lower segments.

 

[Virtuoso]

Is this because of a proper weight shift or the hips moving laterally? Explain the unwind closer to the ball.

Jared, the hip movement and weight shift definitely is the cause for the correct sequence, but let me give you a more clear explanation--an explanation in geometry instead of motion.

On the downswing, the angle between the left arm and the shoulder line is more acute than in was on the backswing.

 

[Jared Willerson]

Thanks, virtuoso. Makes more sense.

 

[spktho]

Does it allow you to sense your abs/belly area? This could also go a long way with
controlling the upper and the lower segments.

I had been working the drill Michael Jacobs posted with the Kvest video taking a backswing holding the turn at the top then turning the pelvis back open while keeping the torso turned back. But this was not helping in a real swing too much.

When doing the Virtuoso described right arm backswing, just like throwing a ball, I get to the top and the pelvis just opens in preparation for the downswing. I still have to feel the pull back of the hands and the lay down the club at the transition to the downswing, but now the pelvis is just opening automatically. Then I have to really "pull the grip off" the club to get the club head around to the ball. It almost feels Furyk-like where the hips are way open and the hands are even with the rear hip at impact.

I guess the left arm generated backswing would activate the left Lats and Quadratus lumborum muscles by stretching them at the top, which would connect the pelvis and torso. Where now without that tight connection it allows the separation of the pelvis from the torso until its time for the torso to accelerate. That's the "slack" Brian and Kevin were talking about a while ago, but I never knew how to do it. As Virtuoso says, it has helped a lot with the downswing sequencing. I have only had a couple range sessions with it, but it will be staying in my swing.

 

[Matt Bryda]

Makes sense since many elite level golfers have a good amount of bend in the lead elbow
at the top of the back swing as Mike noted in his video.