[Yoda]

Many of the games greats have held the "one piece takeaway" in very high regard - Byron Nelson and Jack Nicklaus for example.

Okay, let's start with this:

Byron Nelson -- the original Mr. One Piece -- started his Stroke from the Swinger's Classic Adjusted Address Position. In other words, his Left Wrist was Bent and his Right Wrist was Flat. As he moved away from the Ball, both Wrists retained their respective alignments well into the Backstroke. That is the 'One Piece.' Add a little flexibility of 'lag and drag' and, on video, Byron Nelson clearly evidences the 'Lagging Clubhead Takeaway' of Homer Kelley's as yet unpublished seventh edition.

The One-Piece Takeaway of Jack Nicklaus is quite different. His 'static' Forward Press moves his Hands into their Impact Fix alignments -- Flat Left and Bent Right -- and his In Line Left Arm and Club appear frozen in stone as the Club moves away from the Ball. I have personally witnessed many times the underside of his Left Wrist firm, the Wrist harden and the blood vessels bulge just prior to Start Up.

And yet, in his tape Golf My Way, he describes his own Start Up sensations of "Soft Forearms" and the move as "with all your effort, just relax" and "sort of drag the club away from the ball." In other words, a totally different look -- but very 'One Piece' -- and yet still a "Lagging Clubhead Takeaway" Feel.

And what of the Hitter's Non-Lagging Clubhead Takeaway with its Carry Back look and Feel? Surely this is One Piece also.

Classic Address Position.

Impact Address Position.

Lagging Clubhead Takeaways (Swinging / Swing Back).

Non-Lagging Clubhead Takeaways (Hitting / Carry Back).

All One Piece Takeaways.

Is there any real substance to this warhorse of golf terms?

Or does it rank right up there with "strong left side" in its abiltiy to imply much and deliver little.

Comments...

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