Question:
Dammit Larry, If you are so sure you should attack your nutritional deficiencies this way, just start eating grits! Ad Hominieum infinitum! — bill-o Oops, I forgot, you can’t read this :-0
Response:
I only list those who violate this principle of debate: Description of Ad Hominem Translated from Latin to English, "Ad Hominem" means "against the man" or "against the person." <long description snipped
At the risk of prolonging this flame fest … and not that I agree with a lot of the personal attacks (from either side) … but I just have to point out Larry, that this sounds a lot like your attacks on David Laville (based on a single phone call to his course). It’d sure be nice if we could all turn this down a notch and just talk about golf. Rob
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This game is about hitting it toward the target as efficiently as possible, period. I would love to have a bet down Saturday morning against a guy trying to lead his swing with his hips!. Easy money. larry I’ve tried to get that bet. brad Larry plonks anyone who calls his bluff, or points out his inconsistencies. I guess that’s only fair – I’ve already taken him off of my Christmas card list. G I only list those who violate this principle of debate: Description of Ad Hominem Translated from Latin to English, "Ad Hominem" means "against the man" or "against the person."
Larry is a coward who hides behind his kill file to have an excuse to not answer embarrassing questions. If he really had courage of his convictions he would refrain from quoting people who he’s "killed". He’s made bold statements and issued challenges, and when people (Brad) try to take him up on it, he slinks away and hides.
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I need some good excercises to ingrain a proper release. Currently, when doing a 50% or less swing, I can get my hip turn done, and get a pretty good release. However, when doing a 100% swing (80% power or so) – my hip turn can be there, but my release turns into a release, flip, release type deal with my left wrist breaking some or a lot. I know what a proper release is supposed to be – but I need something that will subconciously ingrain the release movement so that I can concentrate on the hip turn. I am working with a Pro, but I want some more ideas on what I can do to really hammer this in. LR, A simple exercise is to address the ball using the basics: a good bend in the knees and waist, a relaxed grip and an erect, but not stiff back posture. The ball should sit forward in the stance ahead of the instep of the forward foot. The triangle formed by the arms and the shoulders should move as one piece, drawing the clubhead straight back behind the ball. After moving the clubhead back two or three feet, start it back toward the target with a hip motion. Be sure the shoulders are reaching (extending the upper arms outward from the spine). If your grip is relaxed, you should feel the clubface open on the way back from the ball and close as it moves back to the target. Be sure to keep the back of the hand and the wristbones flat during the backswing. Let the amplitude of the swing arc increase as the club is swung back and forth. You should only be using enough effort from the arm muscles to lift the club, and to extend the upper arms away from the spine. Feeling the club going forward and back in the swing, you will notice that the extreme, but effortless leverage that can be exerted on the club if the hips are turned toward the target just as the arms have lifted the club near the top of the backswing. In fact the effort of lifting and extending the arms muscles should totally cease at the point where the hips move the arms and club downward into their slot. The terrific outward force on the arms produced by the hip turn will keep them straight. With no more connection to the club that a light grip, the club will rip toward the ball and your wrists will turn over and release without thought or effort. Of course, you can start the club down with the arms and still feel the release if you wish. To enhance your hip movement, try to reproduce the movement of the right arm during the swing by throwing a few of your practice balls. It’s basically the same throwing movement as when you use the club. You will very quickly realize that your hardest, farthest throws will happen when you power your arm down using only the turn of your hips. Werx 4m E – Gray Hi Gray, I hate to keep beating this horse, but he ain’t dead. In that last paragraph you granted that we can also just swing the arms– and very likely the hips, knees, weight shift, and everything you discussed would "just happen."
Actually, in the 2nd to the last paragraph I said one could feel the release – meaning the rollover of the wrists – I said nothing of hips, knees, etc. The great golf instructors of the present and past teach that exact method. 100+ years of golfers have learned that students can very quickly learn to move their arms– and that many might NEVER get coordinated trying to move their hips first, etc.
Perhaps these students can’t get coordinated with their hips because they can’t *unlearn* the habit of starting down with the arms for years. It is the same goal, but IMMENSELY easier to get there by swinging the arms first and allowing everything else to just "react" like when we throw a rock.
This is opinion. It is also an unfair comparison. Swinging with the arms prevents the use of the big muscles. You have been throwing rocks for so long you use the hips naturally (like you could in a golf swing if you started golfing the first day that you threw a rock). I watch the guys on the public driving range now and then– some apparently have read that crap and now are trying to teach themselves that move for some reason. Pathetic to see them get their hips and weight so far ahead of their arms that they helplessly block it completely and hit even a wedge hard right– OB.
Again opinion mixed with disdain for the hip technique, based on golfers who have not yet perfected it. The hipswing may be difficult to learn, but I think the results would convince you it’s worth it. This game is about hitting it toward the target as efficiently as possible, period. I would love to have a bet down Saturday morning against a guy trying to lead his swing with his hips!. Easy money. larry
I used the armswing for 20 years. I finally got motivated to find something better. I have no doubt that the hipswing is the correct technique. I hope you find something better in your next 20 years. If you find it, I will try it. Gray
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This game is about hitting it toward the target as efficiently as possible, period. I would love to have a bet down Saturday morning against a guy trying to lead his swing with his hips!. Easy money. larry I’ve tried to get that bet. brad Larry plonks anyone who calls his bluff, or points out his inconsistencies. I guess that’s only fair – I’ve already taken him off of my Christmas card list. G
I only list those who violate this principle of debate: Description of Ad Hominem Translated from Latin to English, "Ad Hominem" means "against the man" or "against the person." An Ad Hominem is a general category of fallacies in which a claim or argument is rejected on the basis of some irrelevant fact about the author of or the person presenting the claim or argument. Typically, this fallacy involves two steps. First, an attack against the character of person making the claim, her circumstances, or her actions is made (or the character, circumstances, or actions of the person reporting the claim). Second, this attack is taken to be evidence against the claim or argument the person in question is making (or presenting). This type of "argument" has the following form: Person A makes claim X. Person B makes an attack on person A. Therefore A’s claim is false. The reason why an Ad Hominem (of any kind) is a fallacy is that the character, circumstances, or actions of a person do not (in most cases) have a bearing on the truth or falsity of the claim being made (or the quality of the argument being made). Example of Ad Hominem Bill: "I believe that abortion is morally wrong." Dave: "Of course you would say that, you’re a priest." Bill: "What about the arguments I gave to support my position?" Dave: "Those don’t count. Like I said, you’re a priest, so you have to say that abortion is wrong. Further, you are just a lackey to the Pope, so I can’t believe what you say." If I see you do that here, you make my kill list. Duhhh Larry
Response:
This game is about hitting it toward the target as efficiently as possible, period. I would love to have a bet down Saturday morning against a guy trying to lead his swing with his hips!. Easy money. larry I’ve tried to get that bet. brad Larry plonks anyone who calls his bluff, or points out his inconsistencies.
I guess that’s only fair – I’ve already taken him off of my Christmas card list. G
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This game is about hitting it toward the target as efficiently as possible, period. I would love to have a bet down Saturday morning against a guy trying to lead his swing with his hips!. Easy money. larry I’ve tried to get that bet. brad Larry plonks anyone who calls his bluff, or points out his inconsistencies. I guess that’s only fair – I’ve already taken him off of my Christmas card list. G
If you don’t agree with him, he’ ll also send you threatening private e-mails. Or call your golf course and check up on you. Brad
Response:
This game is about hitting it toward the target as efficiently as possible, period. I would love to have a bet down Saturday morning against a guy trying to lead his swing with his hips!. Easy money. larry I’ve tried to get that bet. brad
Larry plonks anyone who calls his bluff, or points out his inconsistencies.
Response:
I remember my first lesson with Gary Sowinski. I had been reading Ben Hogan and other books that gave detailed diagrams and instructions about firing the hips, pulling that elbow in, starting the downswing with heel plant, or knee firing across, etc. etc. I was warming up, hitting a few before he arrived at our lesson tee area. He watched for a while then asked: "What are you trying to do?" I told him all that stuff and he asked: "why?" Then I launched into an explanation–telling him I supposed that stuff would allow me to hit it farther and straighter, etc. He laughed and said: "I don’t try to do that–nor do any of the touring pros I teach!"
Bio; Ben Hogan = Considered one of the greatest ball strikers to ever play on tour and author of one of golfs top selling instructional books. Gary Sowhatski = Needs spammers to spam for him in usenet. Tournament record; Ben Hogan = 63 wins including all 4 majors. Gary Sowhatski= 0 So Larry, maybe you might want to suggest to Gary to try doing it like Hogan did. David Laville, G.S.E.M. The Golfing Machine Authorized Instructor Contributor Of Consistent & Spam Free Golf Advice
Response:
This game is about hitting it toward the target as efficiently as possible, period. I would love to have a bet down Saturday morning against a guy trying to lead his swing with his hips!. Easy money. larry
I’ve tried to get that bet. brad
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I need some good excercises to ingrain a proper release. Currently, when doing a 50% or less swing, I can get my hip turn done, and get a pretty good release. However, when doing a 100% swing (80% power or so) – my hip turn can be there, but my release turns into a release, flip, release type deal with my left wrist breaking some or a lot. I know what a proper release is supposed to be – but I need something that will subconciously ingrain the release movement so that I can concentrate on the hip turn. I am working with a Pro, but I want some more ideas on what I can do to really hammer this in. LR, A simple exercise is to address the ball using the basics: a good bend in the knees and waist, a relaxed grip and an erect, but not stiff back posture. The ball should sit forward in the stance ahead of the instep of the forward foot. The triangle formed by the arms and the shoulders should move as one piece, drawing the clubhead straight back behind the ball. After moving the clubhead back two or three feet, start it back toward the target with a hip motion. Be sure the shoulders are reaching (extending the upper arms outward from the spine). If your grip is relaxed, you should feel the clubface open on the way back from the ball and close as it moves back to the target. Be sure to keep the back of the hand and the wristbones flat during the backswing. Let the amplitude of the swing arc increase as the club is swung back and forth. You should only be using enough effort from the arm muscles to lift the club, and to extend the upper arms away from the spine. Feeling the club going forward and back in the swing, you will notice that the extreme, but effortless leverage that can be exerted on the club if the hips are turned toward the target just as the arms have lifted the club near the top of the backswing. In fact the effort of lifting and extending the arms muscles should totally cease at the point where the hips move the arms and club downward into their slot. The terrific outward force on the arms produced by the hip turn will keep them straight. With no more connection to the club that a light grip, the club will rip toward the ball and your wrists will turn over and release without thought or effort. Of course, you can start the club down with the arms and still feel the release if you wish. To enhance your hip movement, try to reproduce the movement of the right arm during the swing by throwing a few of your practice balls. It’s basically the same throwing movement as when you use the club. You will very quickly realize that your hardest, farthest throws will happen when you power your arm down using only the turn of your hips. Werx 4m E – Gray Hi Gray, I hate to keep beating this horse, but he ain’t dead. In that last paragraph you granted that we can also just swing the arms– and very likely the hips, knees, weight shift, and everything you discussed would "just happen." Actually, in the 2nd to the last paragraph I said one could feel the release – meaning the rollover of the wrists – I said nothing of hips, knees, etc. The great golf instructors of the present and past teach that exact method. 100+ years of golfers have learned that students can very quickly learn to move their arms– and that many might NEVER get coordinated trying to move their hips first, etc. Perhaps these students can’t get coordinated with their hips because they can’t *unlearn* the habit of starting down with the arms for years. It is the same goal, but IMMENSELY easier to get there by swinging the arms first and allowing everything else to just "react" like when we throw a rock. This is opinion. It is also an unfair comparison. Swinging with the arms prevents the use of the big muscles. You have been throwing rocks for so long you use the hips naturally (like you could in a golf swing if you started golfing the first day that you threw a rock). I watch the guys on the public driving range now and then– some apparently have read that crap and now are trying to teach themselves that move for some reason. Pathetic to see them get their hips and weight so far ahead of their arms that they helplessly block it completely and hit even a wedge hard right– OB. Again opinion mixed with disdain for the hip technique, based on golfers who have not yet perfected it. The hipswing may be difficult to learn, but I think the results would convince you it’s worth it. This game is about hitting it toward the target as efficiently as possible, period. I would love to have a bet down Saturday morning against a guy trying to lead his swing with his hips!. Easy money. larry I used the armswing for 20 years. I finally got motivated to find something better. I have no doubt that the hipswing is the correct technique. I hope you find something better in your next 20 years. If you find it, I will try it. Gray
Hi again, Funny that yesterday after I shut this thing down after writing the post above, I went in and turned on "The Golf Channel." There was Jim Flick and that big instructor from his academy giving a lesson–on iron accuracy. That guy and Jim were laughing that he might still be on tour if he had given up "firing his hips" earlier and just kept it simple with arms. He and Jim both strongly advocated exactly what I said– that the arms lead everything– if you want accuracy. Maybe others here saw that session. It was on at 4PM here, 7PM Eastern time. I remember my first lesson with Gary Sowinski. I had been reading Ben Hogan and other books that gave detailed diagrams and instructions about firing the hips, pulling that elbow in, starting the downswing with heel plant, or knee firing across, etc. etc. I was warming up, hitting a few before he arrived at our lesson tee area. He watched for a while then asked: "What are you trying to do?" I told him all that stuff and he asked: "why?" Then I launched into an explanation–telling him I supposed that stuff would allow me to hit it farther and straighter, etc. He laughed and said: "I don’t try to do that–nor do any of the touring pros I teach!" I was totally deflated. Then he explained that there is a huge industry that NEEDS to make the golf swing complex–almost impossible to learn, in order to keep selling lessons and equipment. He said that 90% of the stuff in the modern books and on The Golf Channel is just BS, does not apply to handicap golfers and probably not to touring pros either. Then he proceeded to teach me the simple Ernest Jones method– starting by showing me that I and anyone, even a total beginner, can hit it better with my eyes shut, etc. etc. I only wish I had not strayed from his teaching and lost a year or more out doing SLAP, video lessons, and other stuff before I came back. Now I am competing in club tournaments and rapidly improving. Tip of the day (borrowed from The Golf Channel web site): "Distance control equals lower scores. Driver distance is not nearly as important to your score as is short iron distance control. Practice hitting short iron shots to different target distances. Learning how far shots carry with your scoring clubs will help you shoot lower scores." Larry
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I need some good excercises to ingrain a proper release. Currently, when doing a 50% or less swing, I can get my hip turn done, and get a pretty good release. However, when doing a 100% swing (80% power or so) – my hip turn can be there, but my release turns into a release, flip, release type deal with my left wrist breaking some or a lot. I know what a proper release is supposed to be – but I need something that will subconciously ingrain the release movement so that I can concentrate on the hip turn. I am working with a Pro, but I want some more ideas on what I can do to really hammer this in.
Have you tried Hogan’s drill on pages 81,2,3? It will help you while doing it to hold your left hand in a very tight clench grip so as to prevent an untoward collapse of the left wrist. Also, realize that the motion of the club before you will be the opposite of a scoop – to visualize it correctly, picture the right hand crossing – rolling over the left thumb – as you see in the final picture of Hogan on the right side of page 83. The third picture on page 82 shows the right hand facing out toward the viewer and it is to the left of his left hand from your vantage point. In the last pic on page 83, the right hand is now facing directly away from you the viewer, and it is to the right of his left hand. This is the action you need to reproduce. Good luck. George Hibbard www.perfectimpact.com
Response:
Robert, As opposed to breaking the left wrist at impact, you are more "rolling" the right hand over the left hand. The broken left wrist adds loft to the club, and loses impact speed. The best way I have seen it described is thusly: left hand in a "fonzie" thumbs up. Rotate it back in your backswing and point the thumb straight up. Then swing through – as you do – rotate so that the thumb points to 12 o’clock at the point of impact. Then continue on to the follow through, rotating so that the thumb points up again. What I find that I do is rotate, then break the left wrist to a lessor or greater degree, and then snap back to a proper rotation/release. So my release has a "hitch" in it – and I need to break this bad habit. That’s why I am looking for a drill to ingrain this into my muscle memory- over what I currently have in muscle memory. Kevin
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can you explain what a "proper release" is? I’ve heard this term before but have never quite understood exactly what people mean. I’ve mostly heard that you want "dead hands", and that any active manipulation with the arms/wrist/hands is a bad idea … and this "release" seems to run counter to that idea. Thanks. Rob I need some good excercises to ingrain a proper release. Currently, when doing a 50% or less swing, I can get my hip turn done, and get a pretty good release. However, when doing a 100% swing (80% power or so) – my hip turn can be there, but my release turns into a release, flip, release type deal with my left wrist breaking some or a lot. I know what a proper release is supposed to be – but I need something that will subconciously ingrain the release movement so that I can concentrate on the hip turn. I am working with a Pro, but I want some more ideas on what I can do to really hammer this in.
Response:
I know what a proper release is supposed to be – but I need something that will subconciously ingrain the release movement so that I can concentrate on the hip turn.
A really heavy exercise club, like the Heavy Hitter.
Response:
I need some good excercises to ingrain a proper release. I know what a proper release is supposed to be – but I need something that will subconciously ingrain the release movement so that I can concentrate on the hip turn. I am working with a Pro, but I want some more ideas on what I can do to really hammer this in.
The release is the ultimate product of an efficient swing. An efficient swing is based on a proper swing plane, IMHO. My advice to you would be to video your swing and work with your teaching pro to improve your swing plane. You can’t force the release or consciously exert your muscles at impact to create it. The release is the pay-off from a good set up, grip, and swing plane. It creates the combination of power and accuracy (aka "ball striking") that you see in the game of a good player. The beautiful thing about an on plane swing is that it has characteristics that can improve your short game ballstriking as well. My emphasis lately to change my swing plane (which is very upright) has been to work on my wrist and hinge and cock positions during the backswing. This puts on a much flatter plane and winds up my hands so they have no choice but to release powerfully at the moment of impact to square the clubface on a shallow angle of attack. Good luck and keep working with your pro. — Washington State University "That shot is impossible!…Jack Nicholson himself couldn’t make it!"– Homer Simpson
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I need some good excercises to ingrain a proper release. Currently, when doing a 50% or less swing, I can get my hip turn done, and get a pretty good release. However, when doing a 100% swing (80% power or so) – my hip turn can be there, but my release turns into a release, flip, release type deal with my left wrist breaking some or a lot. I know what a proper release is supposed to be – but I need something that will subconciously ingrain the release movement so that I can concentrate on the hip turn. I am working with a Pro, but I want some more ideas on what I can do to really hammer this in.
LR, A simple exercise is to address the ball using the basics: a good bend in the knees and waist, a relaxed grip and an erect, but not stiff back posture. The ball should sit forward in the stance ahead of the instep of the forward foot. The triangle formed by the arms and the shoulders should move as one piece, drawing the clubhead straight back behind the ball. After moving the clubhead back two or three feet, start it back toward the target with a hip motion. Be sure the shoulders are reaching (extending the upper arms outward from the spine). If your grip is relaxed, you should feel the clubface open on the way back from the ball and close as it moves back to the target. Be sure to keep the back of the hand and the wristbones flat during the backswing. Let the amplitude of the swing arc increase as the club is swung back and forth. You should only be using enough effort from the arm muscles to lift the club, and to extend the upper arms away from the spine. Feeling the club going forward and back in the swing, you will notice that the extreme, but effortless leverage that can be exerted on the club if the hips are turned toward the target just as the arms have lifted the club near the top of the backswing. In fact the effort of lifting and extending the arms muscles should totally cease at the point where the hips move the arms and club downward into their slot. The terrific outward force on the arms produced by the hip turn will keep them straight. With no more connection to the club that a light grip, the club will rip toward the ball and your wrists will turn over and release without thought or effort. Of course, you can start the club down with the arms and still feel the release if you wish. To enhance your hip movement, try to reproduce the movement of the right arm during the swing by throwing a few of your practice balls. It’s basically the same throwing movement as when you use the club. You will very quickly realize that your hardest, farthest throws will happen when you power your arm down using only the turn of your hips. Werx 4m E – Gray
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I need some good excercises to ingrain a proper release. Currently, when doing a 50% or less swing, I can get my hip turn done, and get a pretty good release. However, when doing a 100% swing (80% power or so) – my hip turn can be there, but my release turns into a release, flip, release type deal with my left wrist breaking some or a lot. I know what a proper release is supposed to be – but I need something that will subconciously ingrain the release movement so that I can concentrate on the hip turn. I am working with a Pro, but I want some more ideas on what I can do to really hammer this in. LR, A simple exercise is to address the ball using the basics: a good bend in the knees and waist, a relaxed grip and an erect, but not stiff back posture. The ball should sit forward in the stance ahead of the instep of the forward foot. The triangle formed by the arms and the shoulders should move as one piece, drawing the clubhead straight back behind the ball. After moving the clubhead back two or three feet, start it back toward the target with a hip motion. Be sure the shoulders are reaching (extending the upper arms outward from the spine). If your grip is relaxed, you should feel the clubface open on the way back from the ball and close as it moves back to the target. Be sure to keep the back of the hand and the wristbones flat during the backswing. Let the amplitude of the swing arc increase as the club is swung back and forth. You should only be using enough effort from the arm muscles to lift the club, and to extend the upper arms away from the spine. Feeling the club going forward and back in the swing, you will notice that the extreme, but effortless leverage that can be exerted on the club if the hips are turned toward the target just as the arms have lifted the club near the top of the backswing. In fact the effort of lifting and extending the arms muscles should totally cease at the point where the hips move the arms and club downward into their slot. The terrific outward force on the arms produced by the hip turn will keep them straight. With no more connection to the club that a light grip, the club will rip toward the ball and your wrists will turn over and release without thought or effort. Of course, you can start the club down with the arms and still feel the release if you wish. To enhance your hip movement, try to reproduce the movement of the right arm during the swing by throwing a few of your practice balls. It’s basically the same throwing movement as when you use the club. You will very quickly realize that your hardest, farthest throws will happen when you power your arm down using only the turn of your hips. Werx 4m E – Gray
Hi Gray, I hate to keep beating this horse, but he ain’t dead. In that last paragraph you granted that we can also just swing the arms– and very likely the hips, knees, weight shift, and everything you discussed would "just happen." The great golf instructors of the present and past teach that exact method. 100+ years of golfers have learned that students can very quickly learn to move their arms– and that many might NEVER get coordinated trying to move their hips first, etc. It is the same goal, but IMMENSELY easier to get there by swinging the arms first and allowing everything else to just "react" like when we throw a rock. I watch the guys on the public driving range now and then– some apparently have read that crap and now are trying to teach themselves that move for some reason. Pathetic to see them get their hips and weight so far ahead of their arms that they helplessly block it completely and hit even a wedge hard right– OB. This game is about hitting it toward the target as efficiently as possible, period. I would love to have a bet down Saturday morning against a guy trying to lead his swing with his hips!. Easy money. larry
Response:
I need some good excercises to ingrain a proper release. Currently, when doing a 50% or less swing, I can get my hip turn done, and get a pretty good release. However, when doing a 100% swing (80% power or so) – my hip turn can be there, but my release turns into a release, flip, release type deal with my left wrist breaking some or a lot. I know what a proper release is supposed to be – but I need something that will subconciously ingrain the release movement so that I can concentrate on the hip turn. I am working with a Pro, but I want some more ideas on what I can do to really hammer this in.
Response:
Can you explain what a "proper release" is? I’ve heard this term before but have never quite understood exactly what people mean. I’ve mostly heard that you want "dead hands", and that any active manipulation with the arms/wrist/hands is a bad idea … and this "release" seems to run counter to that idea. Thanks. Rob – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I need some good excercises to ingrain a proper release. Currently, when doing a 50% or less swing, I can get my hip turn done, and get a pretty good release. However, when doing a 100% swing (80% power or so) – my hip turn can be there, but my release turns into a release, flip, release type deal with my left wrist breaking some or a lot. I know what a proper release is supposed to be – but I need something that will subconciously ingrain the release movement so that I can concentrate on the hip turn. I am working with a Pro, but I want some more ideas on what I can do to really hammer this in.
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can you explain what a "proper release" is? I’ve heard this term before but have never quite understood exactly what people mean. I’ve mostly heard that you want "dead hands", and that any active manipulation with the arms/wrist/hands is a bad idea … and this "release" seems to run counter to that idea. Thanks. Rob I need some good excercises to ingrain a proper release. Currently, when doing a 50% or less swing, I can get my hip turn done, and get a pretty good release. However, when doing a 100% swing (80% power or so) – my hip turn can be there, but my release turns into a release, flip, release type deal with my left wrist breaking some or a lot. I know what a proper release is supposed to be – but I need something that will subconciously ingrain the release movement so that I can concentrate on the hip turn. I am working with a Pro, but I want some more ideas on what I can do to really hammer this in.
A release is a result. It cannot happen unless conditions existed, and force applied, BEFORE the event is to occur. The prior condition necessary for it to happen, ideally, is a clubshaft being held perpendicular to the left arm. When the arm describes an arc around the left shoulder where it connects to your body, it pulls the club lengthwise. The fact that the arm describes an arc, as opposed to moving in a straight line, produces a tendency for the clubshaft and clubhead to "fly forward" – the same as when you cast a lure from the end of a fishing pole: the end of the pole pulls the string and throws the lure. The hand pulls the string (the shaft), and its arc "throws" the head of the club. If there is insufficient LONGITUDINAL motion at the butt end – i.e., pulling the butt along the arc of motion, there will not be much energy to throw the clubhead. If there is no "L" relationship at the wrist between the shaft and the left elbow, the motion of the hand will not be effective in moving the butt of the club. So any "throw out" will be impaired by how much the clubshaft is "off plane" or not directly behind the hand. (If a water skier is behind the boat, he goes straight. If he isn’t, he gets skewed….) So you need to have your clubhead on the plane of rotation of your left arm, with the fingers holding the club so that the butt end is moving forward and around the arc – and then even a small force in your motion will cause the throwout. If you do not squeeze the grip so tight that the club cannot "release" - it WILL do so, and then to facilitate it, you need to let or cause your left forearm to rotate counterclockwise to keep from jamming your left wrist as the clubhead flies forward. Other than show pictures or videos, I don’t know how to make it clearer than this. I hope this gives some clarity on the issue, which IS the core issue of golfswing. George Hibbard www.perfectimpact.com
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Can you explain what a "proper release" is? I’ve heard this term before but have never quite understood exactly what people mean. I’ve mostly heard that you want "dead hands", and that any active manipulation with the arms/wrist/hands is a bad idea … and this "release" seems to run counter to that idea. Thanks. Rob I need some good excercises to ingrain a proper release. Currently, when doing a 50% or less swing, I can get my hip turn done, and get a pretty good release. However, when doing a 100% swing (80% power or so) – my hip turn can be there, but my release turns into a release, flip, release type deal with my left wrist breaking some or a lot. I know what a proper release is supposed to be – but I need something that will subconciously ingrain the release movement so that I can concentrate on the hip turn. I am working with a Pro, but I want some more ideas on what I can do to really hammer this in.
Hi Robert, There is no conscious "release" in a good golf swing. It just happens if you swing your arms correctly. Do the Harvey Penick drills: pick up a bucket of water with a hand on each side. Swing it back and forth without spilling the water– even throw the water down the target line. That is the release if you need one, ha. Another way to get the proper swing feeling is to throw a medicine ball sidearm–with a hand on each side like the bucket. Another way to feel a good golf swing is to swing a heavy implement like an old-fashioned weed-cutter. Harvey Penick said that movement is so analogous to the golf swing that it could replace the need for golf instructors. In all these drills, there is no conscious release, there is only the feeling of the two hands together at address, going back together to "shake hands" with someone behind you when the club is parallel during the backswing, and then going forward together after impact to shake hands with someone in front— the hands are always palm-to-palm, and with a good golf grip, the clubhead toe is always aligned correctly. Fundamentals are vitally important– the swing is easy if we just do it like the book. larry