Bought some great alignment sticks from Home Depot yesterday. I will work on that short slide and turn starting today without the club to get my hips at 45° left and my shoulders 90° left and pointing towards the ball. Thanx for the great tip.
This makes so much sense! I have been struggling to make contact at all with the ball but once I started putting these things into practice especially bringing the trail arm in I have improved considerably! Thanks so much!
I went to the range this morning after finding this video last night. The tip on the trailing elbow leading first, while connected to the body for power, brought back great ball compression, draw shot shaping, and downswing with fewer moving parts for it to go wrong. Also, the trailing elbow tip brought back a C shape curve in my back at impact, getting me a consistent inside-out travel path. I also found that maintaining the pressure between the base of my thumb of my top hand to the top of my bottom hand on the downswing helped to get into the slot. It feels like this prevents the wrist from unhinging during the downswing. And perhaps maintain a longer but consistent arc. Wonder if Chris Ryan can comment on this. (It reminds me of Ben Hogan's wrist hinging a smidge more at the start of the downswing. Also, this smidge wrist movement seems to coincide with a lateral body move as your first tip).
A simple concise explanation of only three moves to remember that can dramatically improve your game. Great job on the video - can not wait to try this.
This is one of 3 great videos that helped me with better contact with my irons. The key word you said "to me" is Pressure. Once I made sure I felt pressure in my lead leg and foot THEN I started my downswing. The next key you showed me is where my hips should be and how open they need to be at impact. Pure gold, Thank You
Chris what I noticed when watching this truly brilliant downswing video was the degree to which your initial downswing drill where you clamp the trail arm in the move back down into delivery involves a god deal of Shoulder Rotation to move the hands and arms back into P6 Delivery position. The slight confusion here for amateurs like myself is how much to unfold the 90 degree angle in your trail arm and when to do so. It looks like most of the unfolding happens from P6 Delivery into and through impact. I know several of your videos over the past 5 years have warned against the dangers of holding onto this angle (and the wrist cock angle also) for too long. I guess there is an element of trail and error. But certainly if you do as you do so here and start an early shoulder rotation this does a lot of the work of getting your hands back down in front of your body at delivery. Any comments? Perhaps a follow up video? Myles
Whaoo I been trying to change my swing for months now but it’s the first time I really understand the elbow technique Hope I can repeat this the way you do Thank you so much Keep going
Chris another great demo on this move...as an instructor your explanation is clear and concise so the average player can understand and be able to implement in their practice and on the golf course.
More or less simultaneous 3 in one ‘trail arm-lateral-rotation’ movement. Great tip! The problem is not ‘not knowing’, but always forgetting. Great drill. Thanks!
Excellent Video clip! Excuse me for chiming in, I would love your thoughts. Have you heard the talk about - Paneevelyn Swinging Clubsman (search on google)? It is an awesome one off product for revealing an effortless golf swing technique without the headache. Ive heard some incredible things about it and my mate got amazing success with it. #professional golf swing tips
Another great video. What I like most about the way that you teach is that there is no mystery in your descriptions. This previous holiday in the states, I was joined in my round in a new area by two folks that were friends and 25 years younger than me. I can honestly say the info on how to hit up on my driver had me out-hitting these two fellows by 25 to 40 yards the whole round. And, I was even par on the front.. and totaled 3 over for the round on a course I've never played or seen before. They told me that despite my age, my friends should never allow me to play from the "old man" tees. Because I killed them playing from 6700 yards!
Very fine video a lot of great information definitely to a mid-to-high handicap golfer. Helped me tremendously. Keep up the good work your video was a blessing.
Nice and fine drills as always. I believe, that it is important to swing the club at the driving range, not as hard as I try to do, but do it ”right” first, do the right movement. As I can see at the end of this video. And when I/we feel: now it’s right on the spot. And then after much, much, practise, then it’s time for a terminator swing.
Great video as usual... Took the game back up after a 20 year hiatus.. Was a 3-4 times a week player back then a low 80's avg score.. Now I'm a 5-6 time a month player.. Got alot of work ahead to get back to a decent player.. Alot of bad habits, good shots bad shots, still great distance as before just not as accurate nor as confident in my swing.. I no longer get mad at a bad shot as before just kinda shake my head and move on.. Your videos are a great tool to bring good technique back into my swing thoughts.. Would love to play a week of golf with you, you'd get me back on track! Take care and keep the vids coming.. Cheers from Wisconsin
Dear Teacher I am Brazilian, I live in Brazil and I have difficulty with the English language. Sorry for the text. Your videos are always use ful in my learning. Excelent presentation on Downswing, with good didactics, but simplicity. Thanks and congratulations. Please I ask permission to submit a question. It's a very simple doubt. Promising not to send another long message. Roberto B. Cavalcanti
Just wonderful, been searching for "the golf club putting tips" for a while now, and I think this has helped. You ever tried - Graysonyon Putter Prolific - (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now ) ? Ive heard some incredible things about it and my mate got excellent success with it.
Lateral move->hip rotation->arms trailing in the sequential order, NOT simultaneous. By doing these 3 things sequentially creates a necessary lag in the swing. However, some coaches tell you NOT to move laterally, but to rotate the body/hips over the center of your stance. I'd say go with whichever suits you.
If you’re ever in the states I’d love to get a lesson! My pro that’s been working with me moved!! I’m down to a 7 HC. My driver holds me back.. fantastic material as always!
Thank You Chris. I found your hip & elbow tips to be very helpful. I like how easily your tips can translate to the every day golfer. BTW - Are you friends with Carly Booth? I have been following her for several years on Twitter. I thought I saw a post of hers with you in it the pic. 😁👍
Many thanks, I've been looking for "are arms passive in golf swing?" for a while now, and I think this has helped. You ever tried - Penamillorn Peerless Prevalence - (do a search on google ) ? It is a good one off guide for discovering how to learn an effective golf swing method minus the headache. Ive heard some super things about it and my brother in law got excellent results with it.
Very good lesson. A few additional insights to consider. What sets up the ideal path for the downswing is a backswing which keeps the club head outside the hands during the takeaway move. A good swing “key” is were the butt end of the club point during the first 45° of rotation of lead arm back from ball. Ideally butt should stay pointing at center of body. The reason for this is BALANCE and the fact the feet point towards the ball. I drill I do when I see a golfer pronating their lead hand (letting club force twist it palm down) and swinging the club too far inside and low is to have them stop at the point the shaft of the club is parallel with ground behind the hips and then simply pull on it. It always pulling them backwards off balance. Why? Their feet are pointing 90° from the force vector pulling the club (me simulating momentum) where they cannot provide support.. The thing that drives the swing and makes to club find the swing plane is the club head mass is it critical to understand where it should be at all points in the golf swing because when mass is swung to the ideal spot in 3D space relative to the feet supporting body mass the BODY + CLUB UNIT can more easily be KEPT IN PERFECT BALANCE NEARLY EFFORTLESSLY. I find this is a concept most never consider, that is that the #1 criteria for an ideal club path is one that keeps not just the club but the BODY + CLUB UNIT in balance. In the takeaway this is accomplished by swinging club head mass back as close to or even outside the target line (e.g. Jim Furyk) and at the same time “counter falling” with the upper body mass forward by legging hips sway backwards from / \ to | \ in effect making the back leg like a vertical hinge pin the hips will then rotated closed 45° around while keeping club head mass in front of the body. Modern swing theory which started with Nicklaus in his swing and “Golf My Way” book first read in the mid 1985 when starting in golf suggests the kinetic sequence of movement from the ball should be: hands > shoulders > hips which is the sequence seen in videos of Jack’s swing. By the late 1990s as seen in Tiger Woods swing when he started on the tour the conventional wisdom had evolved to the concept of turning the hips as little as possible and instead creating and X factor, i.e. maximum twisting of shoulders around the spine. This worked but wrecked the back. Having gone that route with my swing in the 1980s and 1990s I found it hard on the back and very difficult to coordinate swing-to-swing and club-to-club since each club balances differently. I found the answer to those problems in the mid - 2000s when I final got around to reading Hogan’s Five Lessons published in 1955 and many other books about Hogan and his swing style. For context it is important to know Hogan was in a crippling car-bus crash in 1948 in mid-career which left him barely able to walk afterwards and with limited mobility. He redesigned the golf swing around his disabilities an in the process gained several new insights into technique: 1) Let the club force do all the heavy lifting. A law of physics is there is a equal and opposite reaction to force. Hogan realized that swinging the club head forcefully low and outside until it pulled the lead arm as straight as it could would result in it flinging itself skywards when resistance stopped it. Hogan created the resistance by: 1) squaring back foot to target line; 2) literally locking hands in front of body by the way he gripped the club in the air and lowered it which twists the forearms together inwards; 3) taking the club away from ball by ROTATING HIPS, SHOULDERS AND HANDS in sync as a one-piece unit. That “one piece” takeaway move seen in the swings of 1950s golfers like Snead and Hogan brings the club head back to the ideal spot in 3D space by virtue of being stopped by resistance that squared back foot twisting the leg back leg. Combined with a slight tilt of upper body mass in the opposite direct from were the club force is pulling the golf stays in perfect DYNAMIC balance as the laws of physics cause the now abruptly stopped club head mass to change direct, hinging and the now weakest point of resistance, the wrist NOT THE ELBOW JOINT as seen the swing of beginners who swing the club back too far inside out (thinking that’s how a swing should work). The counter-intuitive thing that always blows the mind of the bigger is that YOU NEED TO HAVE THE CLUB TRY TO PULL YOU OFF BALANCE IN THE BACKSWING outside the hands but learn how to reflexively counter it by shifting the body mass in the opposite direction to counter it. - just like playing tug of war with a rope. To make a beginner CONSCIOUSLY aware of this cause and effect I move their club head to where it should be swung (back down the target line) showing them how to did it easily by turning hips, shoulders and hands to together with two drills: 1) Have them put butt of club in belly and extend arms with down shaft which forces hands to stay in front of body and butt point to it. I have them swing hips only 45° closed then 45° open the ideal range for the swing. When swung back 45° like that I pull their club out way from the body into their hands into a normal golf grip and the club head is ideally positioned! 2) I pull on the club, always pulling them off their feet the first time. I explain it is like tug of war and I will pull again. The second time their subconscious brains automatically figure out how to brace against the pull. 3) I then have them do the same thing with 1/4, then 1/2, then full swing golf shots. The difference in their swings is dramatic because that backswing sequence puts the club in the correct swing plane going up to the top automatically with the force acting to assist the shoulders in turning 45° past the hips. The kinetic sequence in that Hogan inspired swing is: 1) hips moving shoulders, hands and club 45° closed, club head momentum pulls shoulders 45° past hips to 90° to target line setting up the ideal club position for the downswing move as illustrated here. Regarding Hogan advocating not separating arm from body in backswing? That is because he couldn’t due to his injuries, not because that was ideal in the golf swing. He simply could not raise his arm normally and his distinctive cupping of the lead wrist at the top was actually a compensation he had to do to keep the club shaft and mass from being “laid off” at the top of the backswing. The cupping wrist action brings the shaft back to parallel with the target line to set up the ideal downswing plane. The swing of Sam Snead is a better example of the ideal range of motion with a “one piece” takeaway. There are valid reasons for a pro level golfer to use the hands > shoulders > hip resistance swing style but foolhardy for someone not as equally gifted athletically to try to swing like that. It is not a swing style that can be maintained over a lifetime or even a pro career, evidenced by how many pros wash out due to back problems. I was in my mid-50s when I changed from the Nicklaus “X” factor swing to ‘one piece’ like Snead and at age 69 still use it with much better results.
I think I got it because I can tell when I don't keep the elbow in closer the ball don't have go actually where I want great tip thanks going to work on that more
Without a strong grip, the right elbow move, if done correctly, will produce a push to the right. The right elbow delivery position is produced by an external rotation of the right shoulder combined with right side bend as the shift and rotation of the lower body take place. Takes a long time to get all these components right.
Focusing on trail elbow as the start to my downswing is the key that turned my slice into a natural draw. I actually had to change my grip because I no longer need to compensate with an extremely strong grip. Tuck that elbow and let them rip!
Good stuff as usual Chris but have you also issued a “how to make the perfect backswing “ video lesson- be good to understand where the right hand elbow should be and the left hand wrist etc - and does everyone have the twist of the wrist to get the club face position right or is that a fix if you don’t get it right I.e would you train someone to do that from scratch or to fix the problem.?
The weight or pressure shift to the left side is an issue for me. Should it be the left hip/left side starting it or a push inwards from the right foot?
This is glorious, I have been researching "how do you start the golf downswing exercise" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Ever heard of - Penamillorn Peerless Prevalence - (should be on google have a look ) ? It is an awesome one of a kind guide for discovering how to learn an effective golf swing method minus the normal expense. Ive heard some unbelievable things about it and my cousin got amazing results with it.
Just wonderful, I been tryin to find out about "right knee moving towards ball downswing" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Ever heard of - Penamillorn Peerless Prevalence - (do a search on google ) ? It is an awesome exclusive guide for discovering how to learn an effective golf swing method without the normal expense. Ive heard some awesome things about it and my mate got great success with it.
on the downswing, do you use the ball of right foot to push laterally??? and when you push laterally, do you feel the pressure on the side of left foot OR more specifically on back edge of side of left foot? thx.
1:40 What's the difference between this lateral shift and a sway? I do a lateral shift but every so often at the range someone will tell me that I tend to sway to the left on the downswing. Although I feel that it gives me a great feeling of pressure into the lead side.
If you have too much lateral movement focus on sticking your butt out on the downswing and rotating through the ball with your pelvis. This will allow you to make a more rotational move instead of sliding.
I’d be fairly confident that I know why this movement happens, interested to know from your point of view which measurements these are? And how you would measure them as a average golfer on a range? 👍
Normal regular anthropometric measurements, use a measuring tape. For example the size of shoulder muscles. Once one knows the structural and musculature difference, one can go right ahead and compensate for those differences.
My leg length is lesser than my sitting height, this lateral shift destabilises the CG of my swing. I would like to have a feel of pushing my right shoulder into my right foot. I'm sure there are others too with less than perfect structure .
Hi Chris. When I try to initiate the downswing by moving my lead knee towards the target, this often results in my hips spinning out and a resultant slice or pulled shot. Can you make a video, or do you have any advice, on how to overcome the spinning out of the hips when initiating the downswing by moving my lead knee towards the target?
Quick question, on my downswing, my left shoulder stays stuck to my chin as I’m swing through, is there something I’m not releasing? This is my issue, please help! Lol
I think the problem is to many theories, however the trail arm is close to the point getting that leading down and out will create momentum that will allow your right side to follow rather than your left side slide and rotation pulling the club thru. Too many theories and cart before the horse in most cases, what is driving the club is it your body hands or legs I think it’s the down and out of the trail arm leads and creates the momentum that allows your body to follow bill
Tremendous videos a lot of good information. This information helped me tremendously. This information is good to mid-to-high handicap golfers. The video is such a blessing. A message to you and to all the viewers remember Jesus loves you very much. Have a blessed day
What should I do with my lead foot. I try to move towards the target as you suggest and sometimes make a good strike but my lead foot often rolls onto its side resulting in a sore bone on the side of my foot. I have tried pushing down to avoid rolling my foot but the strike is never as good.
Hey Roger, the lead foot rolling happens in many good swings, so don’t believe that to be a fault, you could try flaring the foot a little more out, or there could be some underlying injury or physical limitations 👍
Imo the golf swing is over analyzed. The best lesson I every had (in 15 yrs) was a video analysis of MY SWING. Not anyone else but MY SWING. Is like trying to teaching a soprano to sing baritone. It turn out for MY SWING the less lower body/hip turn or shift with a narrow upright stance works best for MY SWING. My swing improved tremendously.
I agree with everything else, but for me, the whole ‘bumping the hip’ got me changing the spine angle, resulting in inconsistency. I actually improved my swing significantly by reviewing ‘Top Speed Golf’ channel, which teaches slightly different lower body movement.
I don’t think it’s a lateral move, as the left leg straightens, the hips turn thru and the weight shifts, it looks like a lateral move but it’s really hip rotation.
i love your output and others on youtube , but its exact opposite of what Russel Heritage just put out , so hard to know whats right in this game , can you have a chat and sort it out between you , lol
Haha, it’s tough Paulo, I do feel for the viewers sometimes as there can often be conflicting info out there... the trouble is, neither is wrong, just a different way to get to the same goal. The best idea is to use a very limited number of sources for you info 👍👍
You, Mike Malaska and Alex Eliot have changed my game and saved me a fortune in lost golf balls. Keep it up brother!
10,000 videos later ... FINALLY !!!! OMG THANK YOU !!!!
Bought some great alignment sticks from Home Depot yesterday. I will work on that short slide and turn starting today without the club to get my hips at 45° left and my shoulders 90° left and pointing towards the ball.
Thanx for the great tip.
This makes so much sense! I have been struggling to make contact at all with the ball but once I started putting these things into practice especially bringing the trail arm in I have improved considerably! Thanks so much!
I went to the range this morning after finding this video last night. The tip on the trailing elbow leading first, while connected to the body for power, brought back great ball compression, draw shot shaping, and downswing with fewer moving parts for it to go wrong.
Also, the trailing elbow tip brought back a C shape curve in my back at impact, getting me a consistent inside-out travel path.
I also found that maintaining the pressure between the base of my thumb of my top hand to the top of my bottom hand on the downswing helped to get into the slot. It feels like this prevents the wrist from unhinging during the downswing. And perhaps maintain a longer but consistent arc. Wonder if Chris Ryan can comment on this. (It reminds me of Ben Hogan's wrist hinging a smidge more at the start of the downswing. Also, this smidge wrist movement seems to coincide with a lateral body move as your first tip).
Thank you Chris. This video as well as the one showing me how to use the trail arm were the keys to changing my golf. I owe you a lesson fee brother
A simple concise explanation of only three moves to remember that can dramatically improve your game. Great job on the video - can not wait to try this.
Thank you Chris clarity personified. Great video and so clear. Now the practise is purposeful.
Summer in the UK, the best day of the year
Summer? Where's the 🌞
Great explanations as ever.
Particularly like the point about trying to get the trail elbow ahead of the hands.
This is one of 3 great videos that helped me with better contact with my irons. The key word you said "to me" is Pressure. Once I made sure I felt pressure in my lead leg and foot THEN I started my downswing. The next key you showed me is where my hips should be and how open they need to be at impact. Pure gold, Thank You
Chris what I noticed when watching this truly brilliant downswing video was the degree to which your initial downswing drill where you clamp the trail arm in the move back down into delivery involves a god deal of Shoulder Rotation to move the hands and arms back into P6 Delivery position. The slight confusion here for amateurs like myself is how much to unfold the 90 degree angle in your trail arm and when to do so. It looks like most of the unfolding happens from P6 Delivery into and through impact. I know several of your videos over the past 5 years have warned against the dangers of holding onto this angle (and the wrist cock angle also) for too long. I guess there is an element of trail and error. But certainly if you do as you do so here and start an early shoulder rotation this does a lot of the work of getting your hands back down in front of your body at delivery. Any comments? Perhaps a follow up video? Myles
Just started golf 7 weeks ago at the age of 57, you explain it all so clearly. Haven't ventured onto a course yet though. Still on the driving range.
Get prepared for heartbreak, frustration and great fun.
Whaoo I been trying to change my swing for months now but it’s the first time I really understand the elbow technique
Hope I can repeat this the way you do
Thank you so much
Keep going
Chris another great demo on this move...as an instructor your explanation is clear and concise so the average player can understand and be able to implement in their practice and on the golf course.
More or less simultaneous 3 in one ‘trail arm-lateral-rotation’ movement. Great tip! The problem is not ‘not knowing’, but always forgetting. Great drill. Thanks!
Excellent Video clip! Excuse me for chiming in, I would love your thoughts. Have you heard the talk about - Paneevelyn Swinging Clubsman (search on google)? It is an awesome one off product for revealing an effortless golf swing technique without the headache. Ive heard some incredible things about it and my mate got amazing success with it.
#professional golf swing tips
As usual, an excellent, detailed instructional video, two thumbs up
Another great video. What I like most about the way that you teach is that there is no mystery in your descriptions. This previous holiday in the states, I was joined in my round in a new area by two folks that were friends and 25 years younger than me. I can honestly say the info on how to hit up on my driver had me out-hitting these two fellows by 25 to 40 yards the whole round. And, I was even par on the front.. and totaled 3 over for the round on a course I've never played or seen before. They told me that despite my age, my friends should never allow me to play from the "old man" tees. Because I killed them playing from 6700 yards!
Awesome Jim that’s great to hear and good to see the videos helping 👍
Excellent video, thank you. So simple yet so precise.
Very fine video a lot of great information definitely to a mid-to-high handicap golfer. Helped me tremendously. Keep up the good work your video was a blessing.
Great video the right elbow is explanation was a major help
Thanks Chris, brilliant this is exactly where I was struggling....until I watched your video
That trail arm is a big one for me, putting a glove under my armpit has helped me with this. Great video Chris 👍🏼
Nice and fine drills as always. I believe, that it is important to swing the club at the driving range, not as hard as I try to do, but do it ”right” first, do the right movement. As I can see at the end of this video. And when I/we feel: now it’s right on the spot. And then after much, much, practise, then it’s time for a terminator swing.
Great video as usual... Took the game back up after a 20 year hiatus.. Was a 3-4 times a week player back then a low 80's avg score.. Now I'm a 5-6 time a month player.. Got alot of work ahead to get back to a decent player.. Alot of bad habits, good shots bad shots, still great distance as before just not as accurate nor as confident in my swing.. I no longer get mad at a bad shot as before just kinda shake my head and move on.. Your videos are a great tool to bring good technique back into my swing thoughts.. Would love to play a week of golf with you, you'd get me back on track! Take care and keep the vids coming.. Cheers from Wisconsin
What superb explanation of the downswing.. great video !!
Thanks Rick
Great explanation of the golf swing. Cheers 👍
Dear Teacher I am Brazilian, I live in Brazil and I have difficulty with the English language. Sorry for the text. Your videos are always use ful in my learning. Excelent presentation on Downswing, with good didactics, but simplicity. Thanks and congratulations. Please I ask permission to submit a question. It's a very simple doubt. Promising not to send another long message. Roberto B. Cavalcanti
Thanks, good video. Nice simple structure in your swing.
Thanks mate. Have taken a couple of your lessons to the range and am absolutely lacing my irons. Great stuff mate keep it up 👍
A great lesson. First time I’ve heard reference being made to the elbow position on the down swing!
Briliant insight my swing has improved so much since watching your videos. I can see what you say so easily. Very well spoken.
Just wonderful, been searching for "the golf club putting tips" for a while now, and I think this has helped. You ever tried - Graysonyon Putter Prolific - (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now ) ? Ive heard some incredible things about it and my mate got excellent success with it.
Lateral move->hip rotation->arms trailing in the sequential order, NOT simultaneous. By doing these 3 things sequentially creates a necessary lag in the swing. However, some coaches tell you NOT to move laterally, but to rotate the body/hips over the center of your stance. I'd say go with whichever suits you.
If you’re ever in the states I’d love to get a lesson! My pro that’s been working with me moved!! I’m down to a 7 HC. My driver holds me back.. fantastic material as always!
Thanks Jeremy, no plans to be there at the moment, but love the states so definitely plan to get out there in the future 👍
I love the orange whip it helps with all this
had to revisit this lesson after a horrendous round yesterday.......
That last tip will be used tonight at the range for sure! Thanks!
Love this video. I always struggle with right arm. This video truly helps. Thanks.
Great video, understanding of the right elbow technique is now clearer to me.
This is brilliant stuff!
Thank You Chris. I found your hip & elbow tips to be very helpful. I like how easily your tips can translate to the every day golfer.
BTW - Are you friends with Carly Booth? I have been following her for several years on Twitter. I thought I saw a post of hers with you in it the pic. 😁👍
You explain the best, sir. Tqvm
Great video Chris. This is something I struggle with especially with my irons so I’ll definitely be taking this drill to the range to try out 👍🏻
Many thanks, I've been looking for "are arms passive in golf swing?" for a while now, and I think this has helped. You ever tried - Penamillorn Peerless Prevalence - (do a search on google ) ? It is a good one off guide for discovering how to learn an effective golf swing method minus the headache. Ive heard some super things about it and my brother in law got excellent results with it.
Very good lesson. A few additional insights to consider.
What sets up the ideal path for the downswing is a backswing which keeps the club head outside the hands during the takeaway move. A good swing “key” is were the butt end of the club point during the first 45° of rotation of lead arm back from ball. Ideally butt should stay pointing at center of body. The reason for this is BALANCE and the fact the feet point towards the ball.
I drill I do when I see a golfer pronating their lead hand (letting club force twist it palm down) and swinging the club too far inside and low is to have them stop at the point the shaft of the club is parallel with ground behind the hips and then simply pull on it. It always pulling them backwards off balance. Why? Their feet are pointing 90° from the force vector pulling the club (me simulating momentum) where they cannot provide support..
The thing that drives the swing and makes to club find the swing plane is the club head mass is it critical to understand where it should be at all points in the golf swing because when mass is swung to the ideal spot in 3D space relative to the feet supporting body mass the BODY + CLUB UNIT can more easily be KEPT IN PERFECT BALANCE NEARLY EFFORTLESSLY.
I find this is a concept most never consider, that is that the #1 criteria for an ideal club path is one that keeps not just the club but the BODY + CLUB UNIT in balance. In the takeaway this is accomplished by swinging club head mass back as close to or even outside the target line (e.g. Jim Furyk) and at the same time “counter falling” with the upper body mass forward by legging hips sway backwards from / \ to | \ in effect making the back leg like a vertical hinge pin the hips will then rotated closed 45° around while keeping club head mass in front of the body.
Modern swing theory which started with Nicklaus in his swing and “Golf My Way” book first read in the mid 1985 when starting in golf suggests the kinetic sequence of movement from the ball should be: hands > shoulders > hips which is the sequence seen in videos of Jack’s swing. By the late 1990s as seen in Tiger Woods swing when he started on the tour the conventional wisdom had evolved to the concept of turning the hips as little as possible and instead creating and X factor, i.e. maximum twisting of shoulders around the spine. This worked but wrecked the back. Having gone that route with my swing in the 1980s and 1990s I found it hard on the back and very difficult to coordinate swing-to-swing and club-to-club since each club balances differently.
I found the answer to those problems in the mid - 2000s when I final got around to reading Hogan’s Five Lessons published in 1955 and many other books about Hogan and his swing style. For context it is important to know Hogan was in a crippling car-bus crash in 1948 in mid-career which left him barely able to walk afterwards and with limited mobility. He redesigned the golf swing around his disabilities an in the process gained several new insights into technique:
1) Let the club force do all the heavy lifting. A law of physics is there is a equal and opposite reaction to force. Hogan realized that swinging the club head forcefully low and outside until it pulled the lead arm as straight as it could would result in it flinging itself skywards when resistance stopped it. Hogan created the resistance by: 1) squaring back foot to target line; 2) literally locking hands in front of body by the way he gripped the club in the air and lowered it which twists the forearms together inwards; 3) taking the club away from ball by ROTATING HIPS, SHOULDERS AND HANDS in sync as a one-piece unit.
That “one piece” takeaway move seen in the swings of 1950s golfers like Snead and Hogan brings the club head back to the ideal spot in 3D space by virtue of being stopped by resistance that squared back foot twisting the leg back leg. Combined with a slight tilt of upper body mass in the opposite direct from were the club force is pulling the golf stays in perfect DYNAMIC balance as the laws of physics cause the now abruptly stopped club head mass to change direct, hinging and the now weakest point of resistance, the wrist NOT THE ELBOW JOINT as seen the swing of beginners who swing the club back too far inside out (thinking that’s how a swing should work).
The counter-intuitive thing that always blows the mind of the bigger is that YOU NEED TO HAVE THE CLUB TRY TO PULL YOU OFF BALANCE IN THE BACKSWING outside the hands but learn how to reflexively counter it by shifting the body mass in the opposite direction to counter it. - just like playing tug of war with a rope.
To make a beginner CONSCIOUSLY aware of this cause and effect I move their club head to where it should be swung (back down the target line) showing them how to did it easily by turning hips, shoulders and hands to together with two drills:
1) Have them put butt of club in belly and extend arms with down shaft which forces hands to stay in front of body and butt point to it. I have them swing hips only 45° closed then 45° open the ideal range for the swing. When swung back 45° like that I pull their club out way from the body into their hands into a normal golf grip and the club head is ideally positioned!
2) I pull on the club, always pulling them off their feet the first time. I explain it is like tug of war and I will pull again. The second time their subconscious brains automatically figure out how to brace against the pull.
3) I then have them do the same thing with 1/4, then 1/2, then full swing golf shots. The difference in their swings is dramatic because that backswing sequence puts the club in the correct swing plane going up to the top automatically with the force acting to assist the shoulders in turning 45° past the hips. The kinetic sequence in that Hogan inspired swing is: 1) hips moving shoulders, hands and club 45° closed, club head momentum pulls shoulders 45° past hips to 90° to target line setting up the ideal club position for the downswing move as illustrated here.
Regarding Hogan advocating not separating arm from body in backswing? That is because he couldn’t due to his injuries, not because that was ideal in the golf swing. He simply could not raise his arm normally and his distinctive cupping of the lead wrist at the top was actually a compensation he had to do to keep the club shaft and mass from being “laid off” at the top of the backswing. The cupping wrist action brings the shaft back to parallel with the target line to set up the ideal downswing plane. The swing of Sam Snead is a better example of the ideal range of motion with a “one piece” takeaway.
There are valid reasons for a pro level golfer to use the hands > shoulders > hip resistance swing style but foolhardy for someone not as equally gifted athletically to try to swing like that. It is not a swing style that can be maintained over a lifetime or even a pro career, evidenced by how many pros wash out due to back problems. I was in my mid-50s when I changed from the Nicklaus “X” factor swing to ‘one piece’ like Snead and at age 69 still use it with much better results.
I think I got it because I can tell when I don't keep the elbow in closer the ball don't have go actually where I want great tip thanks going to work on that more
I enjoy watching his video and I follow his teaching. I have improved. Thanks Sir 😘🙏
Without a strong grip, the right elbow move, if done correctly, will produce a push to the right. The right elbow delivery position is produced by an external rotation of the right shoulder combined with right side bend as the shift and rotation of the lower body take place. Takes a long time to get all these components right.
Excellent instruction! Well presented! Thank you 😊
I personally need to work on my pressure shift. Thank you Chris for these great videos ⛳️
Davewarren53@live.co.uk
Great videos. Very helpful and well explained
Focusing on trail elbow as the start to my downswing is the key that turned my slice into a natural draw. I actually had to change my grip because I no longer need to compensate with an extremely strong grip. Tuck that elbow and let them rip!
Reminds me of Shawn Clement style (see his hammer throw video) thanks for the great advice
Good stuff as usual Chris but have you also issued a “how to make the perfect backswing “ video lesson- be good to understand where the right hand elbow should be and the left hand wrist etc - and does everyone have the twist of the wrist to get the club face position right or is that a fix if you don’t get it right I.e would you train someone to do that from scratch or to fix the problem.?
That is a very good lesson, can we do the same movements on the driver please. Oznur Cakman
Absolutely yes, same things will apply 👍
Chris. I’m working on this drill. Should I be taking divots with all irons short and long? Thanks for the great lesson content.
Will work on this tomorrow
So do you focus on your head staying behind the ball as your body rotates beyond?
Great tip Chris! Been using your tips and have definitely improved my ball striking.
The weight or pressure shift to the left side is an issue for me. Should it be the left hip/left side starting it or a push inwards from the right foot?
Excellent instruction. Thank you, Chris
This is glorious, I have been researching "how do you start the golf downswing exercise" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Ever heard of - Penamillorn Peerless Prevalence - (should be on google have a look ) ? It is an awesome one of a kind guide for discovering how to learn an effective golf swing method minus the normal expense. Ive heard some unbelievable things about it and my cousin got amazing results with it.
Just wonderful, I been tryin to find out about "right knee moving towards ball downswing" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Ever heard of - Penamillorn Peerless Prevalence - (do a search on google ) ? It is an awesome exclusive guide for discovering how to learn an effective golf swing method without the normal expense. Ive heard some awesome things about it and my mate got great success with it.
Thanks Chris great tips to improve one swing.
Thanks Graham 👍
Perfect video for what I’m struggling with at the minute. Thanks Chris 👍🏻
on the downswing, do you use the ball of right foot to push laterally??? and when you push laterally, do you feel the pressure on the side of left foot OR more specifically on back edge of side of left foot? thx.
1:40 What's the difference between this lateral shift and a sway? I do a lateral shift but every so often at the range someone will tell me that I tend to sway to the left on the downswing. Although I feel that it gives me a great feeling of pressure into the lead side.
I slide too much with my knees (forward and towards the target). Would focusing on shifting my lead hip be a better thought ?
If you have too much lateral movement focus on sticking your butt out on the downswing and rotating through the ball with your pelvis. This will allow you to make a more rotational move instead of sliding.
Chris the lateral shift towards the target is a function of certain measurements. Please think about anthropometry!
I’d be fairly confident that I know why this movement happens, interested to know from your point of view which measurements these are? And how you would measure them as a average golfer on a range? 👍
Normal regular anthropometric measurements, use a measuring tape. For example the size of shoulder muscles. Once one knows the structural and musculature difference, one can go right ahead and compensate for those differences.
My leg length is lesser than my sitting height, this lateral shift destabilises the CG of my swing. I would like to have a feel of pushing my right shoulder into my right foot. I'm sure there are others too with less than perfect structure .
Great drill!! Keep them coming :-)
This video literally saved my game.... I almost quit then I saw this and brought me back to good fundamentals
Great video!
Applies for driver too?
Hi Chris. When I try to initiate the downswing by moving my lead knee towards the target, this often results in my hips spinning out and a resultant slice or pulled shot.
Can you make a video, or do you have any advice, on how to overcome the spinning out of the hips when initiating the downswing by moving my lead knee towards the target?
Sure ! Just keep your head BEHIND the ball until after impact.
Quick question, on my downswing, my left shoulder stays stuck to my chin as I’m swing through, is there something I’m not releasing? This is my issue, please help! Lol
So easy to understand Goddamn that trial elbow Chris Going to add that to my back to basic drills .
I learnt valuable lesson from you , thank you Sir👍🏼💕
The conundrum for myself is which feeling is correct, the body swing or the arms swing ? And does it matter ?
So different for each golfer, they both have to move so the feeling of both may work 👍
Great video. Thank you so much!
Same on driver as well?
Perfect!! I have been having a problem with my downswing and this exactly what I needed!!
Thanks Nathan, hope it helps 👍
I think the problem is to many theories, however the trail arm is close to the point getting that leading down and out will create momentum that will allow your right side to follow rather than your left side slide and rotation pulling the club thru.
Too many theories and cart before the horse in most cases, what is driving the club is it your body hands or legs
I think it’s the down and out of the trail arm leads and creates the momentum that allows your body to follow bill
Great tip chris
Thanks Terry 👍
Nice explanation thank you
Good stuff will work on this stuff
Tremendous videos a lot of good information. This information helped me tremendously. This information is good to mid-to-high handicap golfers. The video is such a blessing. A message to you and to all the viewers remember Jesus loves you very much. Have a blessed day
What should I do with my lead foot. I try to move towards the target as you suggest and sometimes make a good strike but my lead foot often rolls onto its side resulting in a sore bone on the side of my foot. I have tried pushing down to avoid rolling my foot but the strike is never as good.
Hey Roger, the lead foot rolling happens in many good swings, so don’t believe that to be a fault, you could try flaring the foot a little more out, or there could be some underlying injury or physical limitations 👍
Excellent
very good
Thanks coach
Great drill to feel what u need to do 👍
Imo the golf swing is over analyzed. The best lesson I every had (in 15 yrs) was a video analysis of MY SWING. Not anyone else but MY SWING. Is like trying to teaching a soprano to sing baritone. It turn out for MY SWING the less lower body/hip turn or shift with a narrow upright stance works best for MY SWING. My swing improved tremendously.
Golden!
Its a good lesson how to put pressure in the down swing, thank you Christ
I agree with everything else, but for me, the whole ‘bumping the hip’ got me changing the spine angle, resulting in inconsistency. I actually improved my swing significantly by reviewing ‘Top Speed Golf’ channel, which teaches slightly different lower body movement.
When i make lateral move, my head moves too and then I top the ball.
Yeah this can happen, as the lower body shifts the head should stay fairly central to help with strike 👍
make sure youre not releasing early
I don’t think it’s a lateral move, as the left leg straightens, the hips turn thru and the weight shifts, it looks like a lateral move but it’s really hip rotation.
Hey, this is definitely a lateral move, and often way before the lead leg begins to straighten 👍👍
Number one way to stop over the top.
keep your back to the target
Tiger and jack both said they wanted hands to out race the buttons on their shirt.
Fyi
i love your output and others on youtube , but its exact opposite of what Russel Heritage just put out , so hard to know whats right in this game , can you have a chat and sort it out between you , lol
Haha, it’s tough Paulo, I do feel for the viewers sometimes as there can often be conflicting info out there... the trouble is, neither is wrong, just a different way to get to the same goal. The best idea is to use a very limited number of sources for you info 👍👍
Rất hay
Gooooooooooood. . .