Now we're on the right track. To manage your weight properly, the majority of your body mass must shift to your back foot during the backswing. It's imperative to remember that "shift" and "slide" don't mean the same thing. A proper weight shift is due to a proper weight turn, or "coil." As the body turns away, the weight should naturally shift to the back (my right) foot. Any contrived weight shift is probably a weight slide, which inhibits the body from turning properly. Turning is key for power! Here, you can see I've loaded up my back leg with torque and that my trousers are tightened. All that's left for me is to continue turning my upper body until my club is parallel and then unwind in unison on the downswing. Due to centripetal force, the upper body will unwind faster than the lower, even though both are initiated at the same time.
THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD BALANCE
The most important ingredient in a sound golf swing is good balance. There are many movements going on during the swinging of a golf club. Hence, there are many opportunities for you to lose your balance. Your weight goes back and forth laterally while your body, arms, and club move rotationally. The timing of the sequence of actions that your body performs is of paramount importance to a well-balanced swing.
Improper shifting of your weight will upset your balance. Your center of gravity is located near the end of your backbone when you are assuming the proper set-up position. Any lateral action that is initiated above this point will cause a loss of balance.
So you don't want to shift your weight during your backswing by leaning away from the target. Never let your shoulders drift outside of your feet. Rather, shift your weight back by using your legs and hips. Your left leg and hip move away from the target, while your right leg acts as a brace and an anchor. Your weight should stay on the inside of your back leg and foot. Do not allow your weight to rock over to the outside of your foot during the backswing.
Start your forward swing by getting your weight moving towards the target. The proper motion again is initiated with your legs. Plant you left heel, then turn your right knee towards the target. This will start a chain reaction. Your right hip will begin turning towards the target, then your torso, and finally your shoulders. Your upper body does not catch up with your lower body until after you have hit the ball and are well into your follow-through.
When executed properly, the momentum from the swing will allow you to end up in a well-balanced finish position. About 95 percent of your weight is centered over your left foot. You should easily be able to pick up your right foot and step towards your target.
As published on:
http://www.bbrd.org/golfcourse/lessonarchives.html
Labels: Posture