After my session in the swamp last month with Yoda, I have been trying to get used to the concept of the arms working independently from the lower body.
Traditionally, my golf swing has been all about turning everything I've got as far behind the ball as possible and then throwing it all back at the ball.
What I am finding on the range is it is very hard to trust that I don't need to throw my lower body at the ball to generate power. It is the strangest feeling in the world to keep it quiet and focus solely on the right forearm (to be specific).
I apply the same technique. My traditional swing used to be John Daly like swing, powered by hips and lower body. Results were shanks and lower back pain.
With a quiet lower body and just focusing on the right forearm, things start to get better. No more shanks and body aches.
At address, my machine is already at impact position. My right foot is already locked and my weight is slightly going towards the left side.
I have had the TGM book for several weeks and read hundreds of posts for the past 2 months, so I don't qualify as more than a novice. I also met most of my formal golf instruction during the '70s, when flying legs were all of the rage. It was very difficult for me to tame them down. Maybe I can help with some general thoughts.
There are only two things we can do with our muscles, put them into motion or use them to "brace". Some very powerful moves in athletics are a result of forward motion against a brace. A quarterback has to step forward to throw the ball. That leg then braces and does not continue forward. His upper body and arm then power forward against the leg to maximize force of the pass. A soccer player plants his foot as he approaches the ball, braces and then brings his leg forward. Without a solid plant, the striking action leaks power.
For me, the lower body is not so much a brace, as a foundation. My right side thrust generates energy. If there were no brace, physics demands that I topple over in the line of the force. If I partially compromise the foundation, then I partially compromise the force applied above it (the thrust).
Build your swing on the solid rock. Focus on your upper body components and know that the lower body will do the subtle things necessary.
Believe that the physics/energy are maximized this way.
Build your swing on the solid rock. Focus on your upper body components and know that the lower body will do the subtle things necessary.
Believe that the physics/energy are maximized this way.
I hope I have given you some reason to do that.
As Yoda told me, "...you are trying to hit a golf ball on ice skates!".
Why am I not suprised that's even a better image. It has a palpable connotation of stance balance. Also, I couldn't do, "Don't slide your legs". I could do "Keep your lower body quiet.". For learning motor skills, I fair much better with a "Do!" and not a "Don't!".
Good luck to us all with lower bodies that want to make noise.
Build your swing on the solid rock. Focus on your upper body components and know that the lower body will do the subtle things necessary.
Believe that the physics/energy are maximized this way.
I hope I have given you some reason to do that.
As Yoda told me, "...you are trying to hit a golf ball on ice skates!".
Why am I not suprised that's even a better image. It has a palpable connotation of stance balance. Also, I couldn't do, "Don't slide your legs". I could do "Keep your lower body quiet.". For learning motor skills, I fair much better with a "Do!" and not a "Don't!".
Good luck to us all with lower bodies that want to make noise.
charlie
Hi Charlie. Welcome aboard!
We've got a video clip we're working to put up called Quiet Knees and Quiet Feet -- apologies to Carlos Antonio Jobim! -- with Yoda as the lead singer (as well as Driver demonstrator). It's purely homespun stuff -- but fun! -- from a student video made on a cold and gray winter's day last December. Stay tuned!
P.S. How's it coming, Bagger and Trigolt? Are we there yet?!
We've got a video clip we're working to put up called Quiet Knees and Quiet Feet -- apologies to Carlos Antonio Jobim! -- with Yoda as the lead singer (as well as Driver demonstrator). It's purely homespun stuff -- but fun! -- from a student video made on a cold and gray winter's day last December. Stay tuned!
P.S. How's it coming, Bagger and Trigolt? Are we there yet?!
Now the cold winter's days are coming - any news of this long forgotten video?? I am currently doing a search on "balance" ...my forgotten Essential...and found this old thread... any of it survive the cutting room floor??
It has a palpable connotation of stance balance. Also, I couldn't do, "Don't slide your legs". I could do "Keep your lower body quiet.". For learning motor skills, I fair much better with a "Do!" and not a "Don't!".
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