[Yoda]

I have a friend that starts the downswing with a big
knee swing/drive and as a result falls back to the right
side, hitting shots thin. For years he has done this and
had played in low 70s. Now 55 years old, he cannot do
it any more. No way the guy can get on the left side.

His head seems to be set correctly at address. I have
tried to focus on a stationary head to correct the head
from falling back in the downswing, but as Skywalker mentions
"Actually, the primary function of Knee Action - as with
Waist Bend - is to maintain a motionless head during the
stroke".

I have also tried downswing waggles, Correst axis tilt, Right shoulder on plane, hitting with right forearm takeaway, slow start in downswing, the Hogan Move of Trolio, single and double anchors, magic of the right forearm , but the guy just can't stop swing his knees.

Homer mentioned, "Besides, habits can be harder to to break than
to resuffle a little." Can anything be done to help my friend?

Homer Kelley was right: Old dog or new, bad habits are hard to break. And your friend's problems, the Four Snares -- Steering, Quitting, Bobbing and Swaying (3-F-7-A/B/C/D) -- are the hardest of all.

What would I recommend? For starters, I would have him hit a few thousand shots standing only on his left leg (using his right foot as a brace).



To get in position, have him start with his heels almost touching (and the ball opposite his left toes). Then, have him drop his right foot well behind the heels line and use his right instep to aid his left leg balance. His right leg is now out of commission, and if he buckles his left knee forward or moves his head backward, he will fall down. Sensing this, he has little choice but to remain Centered. It will help if he focuses on 'Hands leading Clubhead' and a Forward-Leaning Clubshaft through Impact.

He should do this drill every time he goes to the practice tee -- starting with very short swings and working up to full drivers -- until he can maintain his balance thoughout the stroke. When he can produce solid golf shots (close to his normal distance) and hold his Finish, he will be sensing the correct action through the ball and be well on his way to his best golf.