Need Help with downswing pivot

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GMazz800

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Hey Guys,

I am new to this forum. I have purchased the shorts 1-4 (which were excellent by the way) and the confessions segment. My real problem has always existed in the turning of my hips on the downswing. Just never happens natrually for me at all. From the rear view of my swing - at impact you can not see two cheeks at all - maybe 1 1/4 cheeks. LOL!!! I am very new to TGM and trying to learn as fast as possible. I guess my question is - from the top if I just focused on sliding my rear foward (left) would that be okay? Once I start thinking about turning my hips at the top all sorts of stuff happens including really fat shots.

Can you "slide" to much in this swing and if so what are the results in terms of ball flight and contact?

Another thought is maybe I am not fully getting to my right side on the backswing which could possibly be a reason why Im not transfering to the left on the downswing. Can I make my backswing by starting with a HIP turn or will that drag the club too inside?

I dont mean to sound to technical but at this point (I've been playing for 10+ years and Im 28yrs old) through all the video lessons Ive been through and the practice I need to get this hip thing right.

Thanks in advance to all!!!!
 
Erik_K

Erik_K

New
Yes you can slide too much.

Too big of a lateral move forward is equivalent to teeing the ball way back in your stance. No wonder you see 1.25 cheecks at impact. You have to release early and likely come in very steep to hit the ball.

IMO, you want to keep the weight on the insteps of your feet.

Before you start down you want the weight to collect over the left foot. Once it's there, no further sliding is needed. It's mostly rotation at that point.

This is somewhat of a downswing sequencing question. You obviously don't want to unwind the hips prematurely. If you do, the right hip gets in the way forcing you to come in very steep. Granted the swing is a combination of shifting (or sliding) and turning at the same time. Don't be so rigid as to restrict hip turn at one point and allow hip rotation at another.

In the book there's the concept of a Downstroke Waggle. I think Homer likened that to an underhand pitch or toss of a ball. Compda (over at Lynn's site) had a post about this.

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Per 2-N-0, "There must be an Underhand Pitch motion and Feel...during the Startdown."

1) Stretch your left hand out level with the left shoulder in front of you.
2) Take your baseball and pitch it underhand whilst keeping the left hand stationary there.

Notice how the pivot responds to the demands of the hand. This is in essence a 'Hand Controlled Pivot'.


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B

Biffer

New
There should never be a purposeful slide in any direction. The hips will be perceived to slide, but this is simply a result of the rotational torque.

For a smooth swing, the downswing should commence with a rotation of the hips, which drags the shoulders and arms around, eventually culminating in an automatic release (unhinging of the wrists). The head should remain fairly stationary until the ball is struck. If your grip is correct the clubface will meet the ball at the correct angle.

Of course, this is not the only way to swing a golf club, but it is simple and effective.

If you activate your downswing by any other means, hands, right shoulder, right hip, right foot, right knee, left knee, slide, etc. you will need to understand exactly what all of the other parts of your body should be doing...their sequence of motion/exertion and task.;)
 
J

Jim Kobylinski

Super Moderator
If you have no slide on the downswing (2-4") you will not make an effective swing. Period. End of discussion.

OR

You might find a way to have an effective swing but you will really hit the ball LOW. Someone want to tell me why? ;)
 
J

Jim Kobylinski

Super Moderator
winner!

Assuming a flat left wrist that is....you could have the face open and still hit it high. But again, not very effective.
 
G

GMazz800

New
Thanks guys for the response. What would be the downside if any of just focusing on swinging back and through with my hips in order to ingrain that feel of pivoting. Understand that again my hips have generally been very inactive for the most part. All my life every instructor I've had taught me to turn over steady hips to build up torque. What happened was over the years I began not moving the hips at all and really not transfering any weight back at all. If no weight goes back than how can I effectively get to my left to initiate the downswing. Right?

There is a link on here (http://www.grumpygolf.com/Links.htm) that I viewed several times and I dont know if it is Brian or not but anyway when watching this swing it seems that he has such a free flowing motion back and through with his hips. The lag at the top is clearly a result of the hips sliding and turning to the left. I try to mimic this swing everyday!!!

What I see hear in this swing and what I try to focus on is the following: Please tell me if Im off track with these points

1. pull the handle away first not the club head
2. turn back with my hips
3. allow the tailbone shift to the left to add lag to the club
4. Keep head still till after ball is struck

Also, for some reason my left leg never straightens at the finish. It remains slightly bent. Should I intentionally straighten that leg and if so when?
 
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