Here's a list of the top 5 things that contributed to this swing:
(1) Listening a whole lot over the last 10 years or so to Mike and Brian. In that regard, this web forum is a great place to learn about the swing, and even if you don't understand everything right off the bat, you'll eventually start putting the pieces together. I am always "incubating" about my own swing, trying new things, and largely built my swing by asking Mike and Brian questions and then running to the range to try something new out.
(2) Practice. Practice. Practice. Countless days and nights at the range when I was younger. Always looking to improve and get a little closer to that Mike Finney model swing.
(3) A single lesson with Ben Doyle. Though I only spent 30 minutes with him, I was instantly amazed and intrigued. I've watched the video of that lesson a bunch of times. Also, I've always attempted to pivot like him and I'm still striving to compress the ball like he does on those small pitch shots. I could watch him hit those shots all day. Hopefully, I'll go out there and visit him in Carmel soon. You should as well (or at the least get his video).
(4) Chip. Pitch. Punch. I first learned this drill when I was about 10 at the Manzella-Finney Junior Golf Academy. Later, I was reintroduced to it again during my lesson with Mr. Doyle. When things go bad the first thing I turn to is this drill. A lot of my pivot and lag were developed through this drill. It's obviously the best way to learn how to play--literally building a swing from the ground up.
(5) I would be lying if I said that I make this particular swing every time. My swing thoughts during this clip and during the 2 hours that Brian worked with me were to float the takeaway and then snap load during my transition. I have always had a small hitch at the top and have a tendency to lay the club off, and Brian discovered (through a few trials over 25 minutes) that my transition was more efficient when I tried to snap load. As far as the trigger delay and lag, I normally have a good amount but the work that I did with Brian certainly helped me get into this "Sergio-like" position. Hopefully, here in a few months I'll be able to call this particular pattern my own. We shall see. In this regard, it's certainly in you and your swing's best interest to come and work with Brian.
