This
lesson will describe the basic thoughts on the first part of the
swing. Use these checkpoints to minimize deviation. Stop at each
checkpoint and look at where the club is. Verify that it is in exactly
the right spot. Feel it. Repeat it. Go slowly and you will see how
it all fits together.
The
"Turn" is a simple small hip turn. Take your stance and
prepare to swing. Once your grip is set and your mind is made up
to start the swing, begin by making a small turn with the hips until
the club head is even with the toe of your right foot. Stop there.
That is it. Do it again. The club head will only move about a foot
and it is done. You will think I am crazy but that is a very important
move in the swing. That little move does so much you will be amazed.
The first thing it does is establishes your balance. Poor balance
is the hardest thing to fix in a golf swing. The second thing it
does is keeps the wrists passive. Active wrists early in the swing
make Sergio look like a genius but it will not keep money in your
wallet. The third thing is that it helps you focus on tempo. We
all swing so quickly that the whole thing is over in a second. Try
to make it last a second and a half and the results will be amazing.
Practice this little move until you are sick of it.
The
next checkpoint is the "Point". From the first movement,
the "Turn", lift your swinging arms another few inches
while continuing to rotate your hips so that the club shaft is pointing
straight back away from your target and parallel to the ground.
The club should be just off your right hip but essentially in front
of you. Your elbows are still attached to your side. It is important
that the club head be pointing straight up. Recap; straight back
on target line, shaft parallel to the ground, club head pointing
straight up. Repeat this many times from the end of the "Turn".
Then, blend the "Turn" and the "Point" together
until you understand the concept and feel that it happens as one
move. Stop and check each position and then continue to blend them
together.
The
"Lift" section is the hardest part. While you are still
in the "Point" position, lift the club head towards your
head by pushing the grip end away from you with the heel of your
left hand. Imagine your are trying to point your thumb straight
up. At the same time, lift your arms until the left one is parallel
to the ground. Stop when the club is pointing straight up. At this
point, your club should be 90 degrees to your arm and the ground.
You should feel comfortable and under no strain. This is a fully
cocked position ready to strike balls. Recap; push left heel away,
lift club to have shaft point straight up, straight left arm parallel
to the ground.
Here
is another way to duplicate this position. Stand at address, comfortable
and ready to swing. Without moving your wrists or changing your
grip in any way, simply lift your arms until they are pointing straight
away from you and the club shaft is pointing straight up. Now, turn
to the "Lift" position. From the lift position, you can
also turn back to the front.
Practice
each position until you are positive they are right. The lesson
is to blend all three positions into a smooth take away. Once you
have mastered this, you will eliminate many problems in the swing.
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