Advances in science and technology are transforming the golf swing. Where once golfers depended on leg drive and upper body hangback to drive the ball, they're now using a stacked position and rotational movement to power it. The result: an efficient, athletic swing that causes fewer injuries and cuts golf handicaps.
Video cameras and biometrics are the primary drivers of the new swing. Previously, video cameras weren't used as extensively as they are now; so video swing analysis was absent. In addition, golf teachers weren't schooled in biomechanics, so they didn't incorporate the science's principles in their golf lessons. In short, they didn't know how the human body was supposed to work. But all that's changed. Both are major influences on today's golf swing.
Stay On Your Toes
Among the changes in the new swing is weight distribution at address. With the old swing you placed your weight more on your heels to immobilize certain body parts. With the new swing you lean you weight more on your toes, so you can lift your back heel—a must for an athletic swing. Eventually, your weight moves back on your heels at the top of your swing.
Leaning forward does two things: It lets you pivot aggressively on the backswing and the forwardswing, and it forces you to shift your weight onto your back heel. This stops you from moving toward the ball in the backswing—a common mistake that prevents extension and zaps power.
Ready To Go
Another significant change is in the front knee. With the swing previously taught in golf instruction sessions, you lock your right knee at the swing's top while taking the club well past parallel. Weekend golfers often take this move too far, allowing their back hip to slide laterally during the backswing and locking the front knee. The results: a nasty reverse pivot.
In the new swing you're ready to go. You flex the front knee and rotate your front hip and shoulder away from the ball. There's no lateral movement. This maintains the space between your knees and creates a compact, dynamic position at the top. To feel the sensation, flex your knees and place the palms of your hands on each knee. Now rotate your hip pocket in a clockwise direction, maintaining your hand-knee connection. Turn. Don't sway.
Stand And Deliver
Delivering the club to the ball is also different. The old swing features a sliding of the knees and hips laterally, while keeping the upper body and head behind the ball. This results in shots that hang in the air. It also puts considerable pressure on one's hip and back.
In the new swing, your weight is on your front leg, your upper body is directly over your legs, and your head slides with your body. This provides the leverage needed to rotate into the ball. To feel this move, place your bag behind you but not touching your body. Take your address position and swing. At the top, you'll make contact with the bag. Retain contact through impact. This maintains extension.
The Most Important Moment
Impact is critical in the golf swing. With the old swing, the knees and hips are beyond the ball at impact, with your head stuck behind it. If you drew a line from your front shoulder down to the ground, it would pass well inside your left leg (for right-handers).
With the new swing your upper body and legs are in line. There's almost no lateral sliding. In stead, your front hip rotates. This lets you release the arms and club and allows the backside to turn into the ball.
To ingrain this feeling, assume a normal address position. Move the ball slightly forward, plus a little closer to your body. Once done, focus on striking the ball with your body and head leading the club into the shot. The forward ball position forces you to move your body forward in a counter clockwise direction and makes hanging back impossible.
Golfers shouldn't change their swings without a good reason. But if you're not playing well and you're thinking about making a change, try the new swing. Also, take a few golf lessons from a pro. The new swing may just improve both your ballstriking and your golf handicap.
Jack Moorehouse is the author of the best-selling book "How To Break 80 And Shoot Like The Pros." He is NOT a golf pro, rather a working man that has helped thousands of golfers from all seven continents lower their handicap immediately. He has a free weekly newsletter with the latest golf tips, golf lessons and golf instruction.
