Golf Tips and Instructions 09/30/2009
In this issue we’ll discuss…
- Setting Your Body Square
- Slamming The Brakes On Approach Shots
- Question of the Week – Keeping Your Left Arm Straight
- Article – Golf Tips From A Swing Machine
- Article – Using A Green-Reading Routine Improves Putting
If you watch a lot of golf on TV, you might have noticed that no two setups are alike. Some players flare both feet. Some are square with the right and open with the left. Others are square with both feet. These stances all have one thing in common: balance. Pro golfers adjust their stance to accommodate their core rotation. The result: better lower body balance.
Here is a five-step test to determine your core rotation:
- Stand 3 feet from the corner of a room
- Set your feet parallel and face the corner
- Close your eyes and relax your body
- Open your eyes after a second or two
- Determine if your body has moved.
Some players achieve perfect balance with a square stance. Usually, these players have a strong core-conditioning program. But most of us have some degree of core rotation requiring a change in stance to achieve balance. The test above helps determine your core rotation.
After taking the test, widen your stance by two feet and repeat the test. You’ll probably see a change in your core rotation. Now, flare your left or right foot until your torso points directly at the corner after you open your eyes. Start from the beginning every time you change your stance. Do that until you’re square. Keep in mind your stance changes with even the slightest alteration of stance width.
Balance affects your golf swing. Without it, your chances of executing a fluid yet powerful swing diminish. You achieve balance when your body core is centered. But tension, strength of abdominal muscles, and other changes cause you to rotate subtly left or right. Use the test above to determine your core rotation, and then square up your stance to achieve balance.
Slamming The Brakes On Approach Shots
Tour pros have a wide variety of approach shots to go to when they’re within 100 yards. Among their favorites is a low wedge shot that lands on the green and stops dead after a couple of hops. This lets golfers get close without having to hit a more lofted club, like a lob wedge. These clubs are harder to hit, presenting a higher risk of mis-hitting the shot. This low wedge shot reduces that risk and saves you a stroke or two in the process. This shot is also useful when it’s windy, since it keeps the wind from influencing the ball’s flight.
Here are five keys to the low wedge shot:
- Use a 9-iron or pitching Web
- Set weight on the front foot
- Make a short swing
- Lean forward during shot
- Steepen the angle of attack
Ideally, you want to use a 9-iron or pitching wedge for the shot. Set up so your body weight favors your front foot. Then shorten your swing. Make sure you finish before your hands pass shoulder level. This keeps the shot low. Leaning forward steepens your angel of attack into the ball and imparts more spin to stop the ball.
If you have a bad lie—the ball is in a hole or divot—you must steepen your angle of attack even more, if you want to slam on the brakes when the ball hits the green. In addition to placing your weight on your front foot, de-loft the club slightly by leaning the shaft forward. As your body turns through, steepen your downswing, hitting the ball first.
Mastering this low wedge shot takes practice. But it’s worth the time and effort. Used correctly, it can save strokes when you’re within 100 yards.
Question of the Week – Keeping Your Left Arm Straight
Q. Hi Jack, How do you keep your left arm straight when using your driver? I hit my driver okay by reducing my back swing but have the tendency now and then to take too much causing my arm to bend.
Regards
James R.
A. Thanks for the question, James. Your left arm (for a right hander) must be straight at impact to make solid contact. But a straight left arm during the backswing is another matter. If you can keep it straight through the backswing, you’ll produce more distance because your swing radius is wider. But some people—either because of age, a lack of flexibility, or injury—must bend the left arm a little during the backswing. That’s okay, as long as the rest of the swing is sound.
But to maximize distance, you’ll need to re-establish the correct width of your backswing arc as you transition to the downswing. To do this, your right elbow must form a right angle as it folds back at the top of the swing, forming an “L” shape. In this position your left arm, is comfortably straight (not tense) and your club is parallel to the ground, assuming you hinge your wrists correctly. From there it is simply a matter of bringing the club down straight through impact
One way to maintain a straight left arm during your backswing is to imagine some people standing behind you when you swing. As you take the club think of trying to touch them with the club. That will keep your left arm extended and maximize swing radius.
If you’ve got a golf question you’d like answered, send an email to us at questions@howtobreak80.com and we’ll review it. I can’t guarantee that we’ll use it but if we do, we’ll make sure to include your name and where you’re from.
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:
Article – Golf Tips From A Swing Machine
Article – Using A Green-Reading Routine Improves Putting
Until next time,
Go Low!
Jack
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About the Author
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.
