MYTHCONCEPTION
The bigger my shoulder turn the further I will hit it.
BUSTED
The golf swing is a funny thing. As it seems to be constantly disagreeing with what would seem logical. Commentators during a PGA Tour telecast often make note of the incredible range of motion that PGA Tour pro’s have during their swings and from this we derive – more turn and longer backswing = more yards.
This type of conventional wisdom has a tipping point as huge shoulder turns for many golfers makes them lose their connection with the ground. When the brain senses the connection is gone or dynamic balance has been lost it slows the swing down automatically in an effort to keep you on your feet and prevent injury.
So let’s refine the sole purpose of the backswing – to use the ground to create dynamic balance and joint stability. I would encourage you to look at the upswing movement in your golf swing as an opportunity to tap into the greatest resource for speed and power – the ground.
Loading the ground or pushing down through your feet as you swing up will help you establish a suitable length backswing base for whatever your current mobility and range of motion will allow. Understanding the role the ground plays will go a long way towards your movement becoming efficient, powerful and hopefully pain free.
TRY THIS
We’re taught at a young age to lift with our legs to prevent injury. Certainly a golf club traveling from 0 to 90 MPH in a matter of seconds creates a huge amount of force which needs to be properly managed.
Try making some swings as shown to better understand the role your legs play in the golf swing.
Conor O’Shea
Core Golf Instructor
Piper’s Heath Golf Club, Milton Ontario
