Golf Tips and Instruction-June 21, 2006
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How To Break 80 Newsletter
June 21, 2006
“The Web’s Most Popular Golf Improvement Newsletter”
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In this issue we’ll discuss…
1) Developing the Proper Release
2) How to Hit a Chop Shot
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1) Developing the Proper ReleaseÂ
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Jack Nicklaus is arguably the game’s greatest player. During his career he won more major tournaments than any other player in history. He also won a lot of money along the way. But as good as Jack was, there’s one thing about his swing we wouldn’t want you to copy—his release.
If you look at a photo of Jack’s release, you’ll see him in the traditional reverse-C position. It dictates that the player’s head stay well behind the ball at impact, while the hips slide laterally. This release places significant stress on the body. Maybe that’s why Jack has an artificial hip.
The modern release, on the other hand, places little stress on the body, since there’s no backward bend of the spine, as there is with the reverse-C release. Instead, the modern release requires the golfer to finish in a relaxed upright position. Because the release is the result of a strong pivot motion in which the body—not the hands and arms—power the club through impact, it features a natural and full extension of the arms.
In addition, the right side of the body is stacked over the lower body, while the right shoulder is closer to the target than the left, which is made possible by rotating the hips in a counterclockwise motion. The head, which lagged the ball in the old release, moves slightly in the modern swing. Compare photos of modern players with those of senior players and you’ll see the difference.
To develop a modern release, take two irons and grip them together. Assume your address position and place the irons behind your back foot. Using the pivot of your hips and the core of your body, drag the clubs along the ground as you would a broom. When you approach the impact zone, use your core to heave your arms and clubs though impact and into the release. Remember to keep turning your body in a counterclockwise direction all the way through.
The modern release, unlike the reverse-C, places little stress on the golfer’s hips and back. It requires practice to master, however, like everything else in golf. Next time you’re on the range, try the release drill. It may dramatically change you game.
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2) How to Hit a Chop Shot
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Note I said “chopâ€, not “chip.†Nothing’s worse than hitting into long, wet grass. If you try pitching onto the fairway using standard techniques, you’ll probably end up hitting from a lie only a few feet away or from the exact same spot, with no better hope of improvement. Worse yet, you may find yourself digging into your pocket for another ball.
The best way out of this dilemma is the chop shot. Here are 5 keys to hitting this shot:
• Choose the right club
• Center the ball in your stance
• Choke down on the club
• Shift your weight forward
• Take a steep, chopping swing
Taking a normal swing is obviously out of the question. The problem is the grass, which will twist the clubhead in your hands before impact. To play this shot, choose your most lofted club and center the ball in your stance. Choke down on the club a bit and shift your weight forward.
Now, take a steep, chopping swing. Think in terms of swinging the club as if it were an axe and you were chopping wood. Make the backswing and the downswing as steep as possible. Don’t worry about your follow-through. Swing to make impact only. The lack of follow-through augments the swing arc, causing the loft of the club to pitch the ball high in the air and land softly on the fairway.
It’s no fun landing in long, wet grass. But when you do, your best bet is the chop shot. Executed properly, it will pitch you onto the fairway.
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If you want to truly discover the secrets of shooting like the Pros
and creating a more reliable and consistent swing, check out: http://www.HowToBreak80.com
Also, for past issues of this newsletter and some of my most
recent articles, visit our blog at www.HowToBreak80.com/blog
Here are some of my recent articles:
Fix Your Finish to Improve Your Golf Handicap
Debunking Popular Golf Myths
Until next time, Go Low!
Jack
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P.S. Feel free to share this newsletter with family and friends. If you would like to subscribe to this newsletter, send a blank email
to break80ezine@aweber.com
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About the Author
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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 handicaps quickly. His free weekly newsletter goes out to thousands of golfers worldwide and provides the latest golf tips, strategies, techniques and instruction on how to improve your golf game.
