Clay, I should watch your instruction videos on a weekly basis. I learn something new every time I watch one of the videos. Kudos to you for being so clear with your instructions. Now, it is up to me to do a better job of registering the tips. Thank you again!
Another great video. Just got into golf this year (50 rounds played) and these videos are a huge help, I first watched this in April. With so much digital time these days, I've been overwhelmed with golf instruction. I'm glad I came back to this. The lift motion is what I was looking for today. I find my swing just keeps going back flat and arcs all the way around and across the line well passed parallel at the "top". It'll take work get my tempo with a shorter swing but the right leg action in this video is the true secret to power!
Clay you are the only instructor that I study that makes sense to me. You’re great and after a little digging I realized you are only 1 hour and half from me! How much do you charge for private lessons? Tell me how I can get more info. Thanks Reko!
Hi Reko, thank you for your interest but Clay isn't doing any private lessons at this time. Robin, our Director of Instruction, does all our private lessons right now. Here is the link for more information: topspeedgolf.com/in-person-lessons-with-robin-rosado/. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Step 2, getting the hips rotating. As a kid, I was taught to restrict my hip rotation to increase the X factor. Your tip to get your hips rotating makes a big difference now that I'm older. Great tip.
Great detail on the trail foot pushing out to power the hip rotation. Never been conscious of this and have never heard this describe this way before. Thanks!
Terrific instruction as always, Clay. My top-of-backswing position has never been complete with a correct, powerfully-positioned coil. I assumed it was lack of flexibility and strength. It seems I wasn’t turning PROPERLY, early enough! I am doing the reps and working to ingrain these concepts! 👍🏼
A golf club is a really well balanced tool. I use Ben Hogan's waggle to set up the backswing. The arc, rotation, club position all come into effect. Jason Dufner uses this method to put a check point on his positions. It is misunderstood because golfers who copy this method seem to set the wrists too early. This will also help in releasing the club at the correct time.
I realize this was about the back swing but that "push the foot forward against the ground" is even more effective as the first move of the downswing - though with the left foot of course. It is incredible how it immediately rotates the left hip, moves the left knee out and even cause a bit of a sit for greater power. The arms are then just along for the ride. I don't remember where I heard of it but it cured my early extension immediately. But you have to only to do with with the left foot on the downswing. If you simultaneously push your right foot back, it cause TOO much of a hip turn, shifts your right knee in and you get stuck, which causes pushes. I could never feel what the pros meant when they said they swing with their feet against the ground until I did that.
I have literally been out to the course to practice this. As a 21 handicap driving is my biggest let down. Not anymore getting the implementing these instruction i hit literally all my drives straight or slight draw and gained about 40 yds. Absolutely amazing. Thanks so much
Hey Clay thanks for all your help thru out the years iam a member for couple year now,,, this video is great iam doing everything I can to follow what your saying Northstar said iam still a little steep i can't seem to get shallow i thinking now mybupper body i moving way to earlly if this makes sense give me a thumbs up please!!! Ty again
It's hard to say without seeing your swing but I would really focus on shallowing that club in transition if your'e coming down steep. Work through The Move course on the site. The Tennis Racket drill in particular would be good. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
CLAY.. that was a great video..alot of great detail..I found the club butt end to follow the shoulder turn really helps alot..hands to the sky is a great tip..thanks
Excellent Video! Forgive me for the intrusion, I would love your initial thoughts. Have you tried - Paneevelyn Swinging Clubsman (do a google search)? It is a good one off guide for revealing an effortless golf swing technique without the headache. Ive heard some pretty good things about it and my good mate called Gray at last got great success with it.
Good stuff. Just wanted to add a few suggestions and tweaks especially in relation to senior golfers rather than young men like yourself. Aside from well known adjustments and tweaks to set up and turn for instance (back foot in and flared, slight sway watching the ball with forward eye rather than back or both etc) there is also two points of set up and swing that senior golfers (69/70/80s) need to try - a slight dance around the body, starting your arms and et up at the impact point hovering the club slightly and using more arms adding some width to them. Furthermore thinking about some feels really helps especially as it partially helps you overcome some mental resistance due to physical limitations (see top ten feels in alysgolfstudio for instance). Also I have found both from my own experience and benefit but also speaking with and advising other senior golfers that four things are equally if not in some cases more critical to build some regularity around - 1. Warm up stretches; 2. Simple fitness and cardio exercises (including around back, core, shoulders, glutes); 3. Appropriate balanced nutrition especially to ensure proper hydration but also limit fatigue; and 4. Some resistance and strength training. Add to that some tips and drills including some of your excellent ones and senior golfers can then achieve more, enjoy more, reduce risk of injury and extend their golf life. My site will cover these and more including some helpful gadgets and apps to help golfers be focused on specific dimensions or indicators that would help them achieve what you rightly point out needs to be done.
Clay great video I have struggled with understanding the takeaway .This is a great explanation. One question I see that the butt end of the club extends beyond the right thigh, is this something to think about and should it happen on all clubs in the bag..I did some reps while the video was playing and it actually felt like a good swing feel to ensure my weight has indeed shifted and allows plenty of space to get back to the inside on the forward swing .
the weight moves onto the right foot as the club moves away from the target in the first part of the backswing, and then moves back onto the instep of the right foot as the club moves towards the target in the second half of the backswing
Clay, while I have 90 degrees of shoulder turn, my right arm (your left) collapses before I can bring my driver to parallel? If I keep the are relatively straight, I manage a 3/4 backswing. Yes, Phil and I hit from the same side.
Hi Lawrence, it's okay to let that lead arm break down a little bit. Looks at Brooks Koepka, Jordan Spieth, Angel Cabrera, Lee Westwood. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Do you teach anyone that has a fused hip? I struggle with the rotation of the hips due to having my hips fused together. They dont work independently for the weight shift and rotation. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Great video!
Hi Emmett, I would recommend turning the trail foot out at address and allowing the lead heel to come off the ground. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Hi Thomas, it's hard to say because I'm not quite sure where the "left ankle line" would be that you're referencing. The weight shift is created by pushing off from your trail leg. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
i know im asking the wrong place but does any of you know of a trick to get back into an Instagram account?? I stupidly lost my account password. I would appreciate any assistance you can give me!
For players with reduced flexibility- would the 90* shoulder turn be the key? My arms can’t stretch much past horizontal without bending the left elbow
Hi, there are modifications you can make. Usually, if you can't get to 90 then its from not rotating the hips enough. Turn the trail foot out a little bit and let the lead heel come off the ground in the backswing to free up the hips. Also, it's okay to let the lead arm bend some. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Hey Paul, I haven't tried that one but I imagine it would make you bring the club to the inside very quickly which could be problematic. If you think about bringing the club back wide as far away from your body as you can then that will help you to get those shoulders to rotate. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Clay, how tall are you? I am 6'3" and really appreciate your instruction and try to pattern my swing after taller golfer's like Faldo and Els, even though fundamentals are fundamentals. I also like the trigger to start the swing.
The driver has ruined my game lately. Irons, wedges, short game, all of those feel solid. I used to have a high draw (270-280 yards) and feel like my driver has became weaker. I tend to have a 5iron in and my buddies are hittng a 7. The other half of the time its perfection on the range and then its the low snap doghook o the left. I am just about all out of resources and hope this can be my saving grace to get back to a single digit.
Hi, I would recommend working through our 20 Minute Distance Fix course. See what our members are saying about it: topspeedgolf.com/20-minute-distance-fix-success-stories/. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
So, last season I worked really hard, got from mid 80 to a few weeks in the low 70s. But my best round, I was 2 over, and I missed one putt from 2 feet, and one hole I somehow wrote bogey when I really got par. Then after that, I went back to mid 80s for the rest of the year. I think it's metal game, self sabotage.
Obviously, I've never seen him drive in person, but he uses those swing analyzers and he's regularly at 290+. Those are generally pretty accurate in my experience.
Hi Mike, usually you can get about 2.7 yards for every mph of club head speed. Clay's swing speed is around 118 usually which would be well over 300 yards. The FlightScope tracks the ball so if the ground is hard or there is a nice tail wind, you can get it out there pretty good. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
I disagree! Weight on balls of feet is wrong. It should be equally distributed between heel and toe or slightly more towards heels at address. Towards end of backswing about 80% of your weight should be towards the heel of right foot or back foot. This gives you the feeling of making a good turn.
Been enjoying your videos but seeing to time after time hit 300+ yards with your driver doesn’t help me. So I decided to unsubscribe from your channel. All the best and Merry Christmas to all viewers.
Thanks Bart! The same things that help someone go from hitting it 270-300 are going to help someone go from 200-230. Play well! Quenitn | TSG Instructor
What an odd reaction, Bart. Would you rather learn from someone who cannot drive the ball? Clay obviously knows his stuff and presents it very well, but there are lots of lesser teachers on youtube, enjoy.
You lost me with the rotation part when you said push your right leg forward (or feel like). How can you do that with the hip rotating backward or around? Please clarify. When things go astray I will always come back to this video. Thanks for the excellent video and instruction Clay.
Best teacher on UA-cam!
Thanks so much, I really appreciate it! 😀
This has helped me a great deal. My hip turn was never complete. Better than the last $500 set of lessons I bought
Glad it helped so much. Play well!
Congrats on the Ping deal Clay! You more than deserve it!!!
Thanks!
Clay,
I should watch your instruction videos on a weekly basis. I learn something new every time I watch one of the videos. Kudos to you for being so clear with your instructions. Now, it is up to me to do a better job of registering the tips. Thank you again!
Glad you like them! Thanks!
very helpful. Hands were getting disconnected almost within the first few inches of the takeaway, now I am acutely aware when I am doing it.
Another great video. Just got into golf this year (50 rounds played) and these videos are a huge help, I first watched this in April. With so much digital time these days, I've been overwhelmed with golf instruction. I'm glad I came back to this. The lift motion is what I was looking for today. I find my swing just keeps going back flat and arcs all the way around and across the line well passed parallel at the "top". It'll take work get my tempo with a shorter swing but the right leg action in this video is the true secret to power!
Thanks! Keep up the hard work!
Clay you are the only instructor that I study that makes sense to me. You’re great and after a little digging I realized you are only 1 hour and half from me! How much do you charge for private lessons? Tell me how I can get more info. Thanks Reko!
Hi Reko, thank you for your interest but Clay isn't doing any private lessons at this time. Robin, our Director of Instruction, does all our private lessons right now. Here is the link for more information: topspeedgolf.com/in-person-lessons-with-robin-rosado/. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Step 2, getting the hips rotating. As a kid, I was taught to restrict my hip rotation to increase the X factor. Your tip to get your hips rotating makes a big difference now that I'm older. Great tip.
Great detail on the trail foot pushing out to power the hip rotation. Never been conscious of this and have never heard this describe this way before. Thanks!
Thanks Larry! My pleasure
Excellent instruction
Glad it was helpful!
Terrific instruction as always, Clay. My top-of-backswing position has never been complete with a correct, powerfully-positioned coil. I assumed it was lack of flexibility and strength. It seems I wasn’t turning PROPERLY, early enough! I am doing the reps and working to ingrain these concepts! 👍🏼
Great! Keep up the good work.
A golf club is a really well balanced tool. I use Ben Hogan's waggle to set up the backswing. The arc, rotation, club position all come into effect. Jason Dufner uses this method to put a check point on his positions. It is misunderstood because golfers who copy this method seem to set the wrists too early. This will also help in releasing the club at the correct time.
Hi Thomas, thanks for sharing. Hope you're playing great! Quentin | TSG Instructor
All your videos are great, this one is too.
Thanks!
You are a very good coach in tennis and golf, I love you videos very much.
Thanks!
You are the best I watch over and over again try to remember everything you say thank u 🙏🏾
Thanks Roy!
Your lessons are awesome.I have two of your ideas to try out when I can get on the range later in week.Many thanks👌
Thanks!
I realize this was about the back swing but that "push the foot forward against the ground" is even more effective as the first move of the downswing - though with the left foot of course. It is incredible how it immediately rotates the left hip, moves the left knee out and even cause a bit of a sit for greater power. The arms are then just along for the ride.
I don't remember where I heard of it but it cured my early extension immediately. But you have to only to do with with the left foot on the downswing. If you simultaneously push your right foot back, it cause TOO much of a hip turn, shifts your right knee in and you get stuck, which causes pushes.
I could never feel what the pros meant when they said they swing with their feet against the ground until I did that.
Hi Alex, thanks for sharing. Hope you're playing great! Quentin | TSG Instructor
love all the videos on this channel...
Thanks!
I have literally been out to the course to practice this. As a 21 handicap driving is my biggest let down. Not anymore getting the implementing these instruction i hit literally all my drives straight or slight draw and gained about 40 yds. Absolutely amazing. Thanks so much
Hi Andy, thanks for sharing. That's awesome! Keep up the hard work! Quentin | TSG Instructor
@@TopSpeedGolf will do man! Merry Xmas
Hey Clay thanks for all your help thru out the years iam a member for couple year now,,, this video is great iam doing everything I can to follow what your saying Northstar said iam still a little steep i can't seem to get shallow i thinking now mybupper body i moving way to earlly if this makes sense give me a thumbs up please!!! Ty again
It's hard to say without seeing your swing but I would really focus on shallowing that club in transition if your'e coming down steep. Work through The Move course on the site. The Tennis Racket drill in particular would be good. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
CLAY.. that was a great video..alot of great detail..I found the club butt end to follow the shoulder turn really helps alot..hands to the sky is a great tip..thanks
Thanks Edward!
Great lesson Clay!
Clay, could you do a video of pre round stretches? It would be an awesome Christmas gift for us. Thanks for all you do!
Hi Paul, we don't have a video on that but this one might be helpful: ua-cam.com/video/tWBMwHDyuR4/v-deo.html. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Excellent Video! Forgive me for the intrusion, I would love your initial thoughts. Have you tried - Paneevelyn Swinging Clubsman (do a google search)? It is a good one off guide for revealing an effortless golf swing technique without the headache. Ive heard some pretty good things about it and my good mate called Gray at last got great success with it.
Good stuff. Just wanted to add a few suggestions and tweaks especially in relation to senior golfers rather than young men like yourself. Aside from well known adjustments and tweaks to set up and turn for instance (back foot in and flared, slight sway watching the ball with forward eye rather than back or both etc) there is also two points of set up and swing that senior golfers (69/70/80s) need to try - a slight dance around the body, starting your arms and et up at the impact point hovering the club slightly and using more arms adding some width to them. Furthermore thinking about some feels really helps especially as it partially helps you overcome some mental resistance due to physical limitations (see top ten feels in alysgolfstudio for instance). Also I have found both from my own experience and benefit but also speaking with and advising other senior golfers that four things are equally if not in some cases more critical to build some regularity around - 1. Warm up stretches; 2. Simple fitness and cardio exercises (including around back, core, shoulders, glutes); 3. Appropriate balanced nutrition especially to ensure proper hydration but also limit fatigue; and 4. Some resistance and strength training. Add to that some tips and drills including some of your excellent ones and senior golfers can then achieve more, enjoy more, reduce risk of injury and extend their golf life. My site will cover these and more including some helpful gadgets and apps to help golfers be focused on specific dimensions or indicators that would help them achieve what you rightly point out needs to be done.
Hi, thanks for sharing. Hope you're playing great! Quentin | TSG Instructor
very good coach!
Thanks!
Clay great video I have struggled with understanding the takeaway .This is a great explanation. One question I see that the butt end of the club extends beyond the right thigh, is this something to think about and should it happen on all clubs in the bag..I did some reps while the video was playing and it actually felt like a good swing feel to ensure my weight has indeed shifted and allows plenty of space to get back to the inside on the forward swing .
You can think about it if it helps you to initially do it and yes, this is the same for all full swings/shots. Play well! Nate | TSG Instructor
Would this be the same for irons ???
the weight moves onto the right foot as the club moves away from the target in the first part of the backswing, and then moves back onto the instep of the right foot as the club moves towards the target in the second half of the backswing
Hi, thanks for sharing. Hope you're playing great! Quentin | TSG Instructor
@@TopSpeedGolf i would be if i could get my weight moving to and fro in the backswing
Clay, while I have 90 degrees of shoulder turn, my right arm (your left) collapses before I can bring my driver to parallel? If I keep the are relatively straight, I manage a 3/4 backswing. Yes, Phil and I hit from the same side.
Hi Lawrence, it's okay to let that lead arm break down a little bit. Looks at Brooks Koepka, Jordan Spieth, Angel Cabrera, Lee Westwood. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Do you teach anyone that has a fused hip? I struggle with the rotation of the hips due to having my hips fused together. They dont work independently for the weight shift and rotation. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Great video!
Hi Emmett, I would recommend turning the trail foot out at address and allowing the lead heel to come off the ground. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
@@TopSpeedGolf thank you so much! I will try that the next time I practice/play.
Looks like your left hip is going behind your left ankle line to create the weight shift....would that be an appropriate swing thought? Thx. Tom
Hi Thomas, it's hard to say because I'm not quite sure where the "left ankle line" would be that you're referencing. The weight shift is created by pushing off from your trail leg. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Thanks Clay. Would you say that this instruction drills applies without exception to long/mid irons?
Hi Ryan, yes, this applies to all clubs. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
i know im asking the wrong place but does any of you know of a trick to get back into an Instagram account??
I stupidly lost my account password. I would appreciate any assistance you can give me!
@Braydon Samson instablaster =)
For players with reduced flexibility- would the 90* shoulder turn be the key? My arms can’t stretch much past horizontal without bending the left elbow
Hi, there are modifications you can make. Usually, if you can't get to 90 then its from not rotating the hips enough. Turn the trail foot out a little bit and let the lead heel come off the ground in the backswing to free up the hips. Also, it's okay to let the lead arm bend some. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Is a good swing thought in takeaway keeping lead arm pin to chest to get the shoulders to rotate ? I want to turn my chest late . 🤔
Hey Paul, I haven't tried that one but I imagine it would make you bring the club to the inside very quickly which could be problematic. If you think about bringing the club back wide as far away from your body as you can then that will help you to get those shoulders to rotate. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Clay, how tall are you? I am 6'3" and really appreciate your instruction and try to pattern my swing after taller golfer's like Faldo and Els, even though fundamentals are fundamentals. I also like the trigger to start the swing.
Hi Tony, Clay is about 6 feet tall. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
How much of this leg and foot action is used for irons
Hi Mike, it will be about the same but maybe slightly less if you have a more toned down swing for irons. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
This is one of the best iv watched thanks 🇦🇺 hope you do the other clubs ⛳️
Thanks so much for watching!
The driver has ruined my game lately. Irons, wedges, short game, all of those feel solid. I used to have a high draw (270-280 yards) and feel like my driver has became weaker. I tend to have a 5iron in and my buddies are hittng a 7. The other half of the time its perfection on the range and then its the low snap doghook o the left. I am just about all out of resources and hope this can be my saving grace to get back to a single digit.
Hi, I would recommend working through our 20 Minute Distance Fix course. See what our members are saying about it: topspeedgolf.com/20-minute-distance-fix-success-stories/. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
So, last season I worked really hard, got from mid 80 to a few weeks in the low 70s. But my best round, I was 2 over, and I missed one putt from 2 feet, and one hole I somehow wrote bogey when I really got par. Then after that, I went back to mid 80s for the rest of the year. I think it's metal game, self sabotage.
Hi, that actually sounds pretty normal. We all go through ups and downs. Some of it is mental for sure. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
A great man once said “it’s all in the hips, it’s all in the hips” … unfortunately, he lost a hand to an alligator
Those drives really dont look like they went 300, I want to see your swing in person
Obviously, I've never seen him drive in person, but he uses those swing analyzers and he's regularly at 290+. Those are generally pretty accurate in my experience.
Hi Mike, usually you can get about 2.7 yards for every mph of club head speed. Clay's swing speed is around 118 usually which would be well over 300 yards. The FlightScope tracks the ball so if the ground is hard or there is a nice tail wind, you can get it out there pretty good. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
I disagree! Weight on balls of feet is wrong. It should be equally distributed between heel and toe or slightly more towards heels at address. Towards end of backswing about 80% of your weight should be towards the heel of right foot or back foot. This gives you the feeling of making a good turn.
Hi, thanks for sharing. Hope you're playing great! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Fool proof? Challenge accepted
Best of luck!
Been enjoying your videos but seeing to time after time hit 300+ yards with your driver doesn’t help me. So I decided to unsubscribe from your channel. All the best and Merry Christmas to all viewers.
Thanks Bart! The same things that help someone go from hitting it 270-300 are going to help someone go from 200-230. Play well! Quenitn | TSG Instructor
What an odd reaction, Bart. Would you rather learn from someone who cannot drive the ball? Clay obviously knows his stuff and presents it very well, but there are lots of lesser teachers on youtube, enjoy.
Get bent Bart, what is the point of this comment? You've unsubscribed to a channel that you enjoy?
Ryan I would love to see Clay teach a guy that hits its 245 to go beyond 270.
You lost me with the rotation part when you said push your right leg forward (or feel like). How can you do that with the hip rotating backward or around? Please clarify. When things go astray I will always come back to this video. Thanks for the excellent video and instruction Clay.
You push into the ground out away from you toward 1:30 (12 oclock is straight ahead)
@@TopSpeedGolf Thank Clay. I got it now. It also makes sense when you mentioned in another video about lower your body during the back swing.
This is a great visual , worked an absolute treat for me thanks very much 👍
Thanks!
Thank you for your excellent advice. Today it all clicked, along with lots of ab strengthening, and I broke 300 yards at the driving range!
Nice!
well done