Some players start the down-swing by having their weight forwards on the quadriceps of the leading leg and having to use flex and leg extension to pull their lower body back and around to offset the force and let them clear. Others work farther back on their heels so that it does not require as much force to rotate through the shot because they are already back far enough to offset a significant amount of the force.
Golf Instruction DVD
"How It Works & How To Learn It"
"How It Works & How To Learn It"
Gravity Golf Book
"The Evolution & Revolution on Golf Instruction"
Gravity Golf Putter
"The Arc Master"
Great lesson Danny. I think this is one of the most challenging thing for most amateur golfers to overcome. So many have learned to strike at the ball for years from a stable base and having to force some kind of counter-fall through the legs instead of learning to stand upright and ride the rotational edge along the back side of the heels and hamstrings and allowing the force of gravity to help power the swing which requires much less effort and produces greater power and consistency. The drills are really the only way for most people to "get the feel" while eliminating inefficient moves - (I say most because some top level golfers like Freddie learned the Gravity swing another way). I know your dad said at one point while he was watching a lot of new young tour players and collegiate players on the range that he was amazed at how many were hitting at the ball by flexing from the top of the downswing and sending a lot of un-necessary force back into their bodies. . . instead of learning to release all of that tension and allowing the arms to be slung with the counter-fall and core rotation around the back edge. I have to admit that after playing competitively for a few years and playing as an amateur for the last 25 years the wrong way, this is one of the most challenging changes to make. But when I do get in that groove, there is nothing like the feeling of freedom through the entire swing.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of best video's I have seen to demonstrate what we are looking to achieve in the weight shift. The skill set of maintaining balance on one leg slowly progresses into being able to keep your balance on one leg while rotating on the heel. This requires more skill as it leverages the weight of the club coming down. Well worth learning!
ReplyDeleteEssentially, a ground up swing is produced from the first (1st) rotation and counter around the right hip, which provides the rotation and gravity to the second (2nd) rotation onto the front (left) leg counter and rotation. This motion delivers the power and rotation in the golf swing. The faster this mechanism works the faster the feet work and more body mass is applied against the ball! Nicklaus always refers to this as "being lively on your feet".
ReplyDeleteDanny, this series is just AmaZin! Without your energy and effort in teaching these key principles, I'd still be looking for a black cat in a dark closest that doesn't exist. Keep those cards and letter coming.
I'd like to add, that what feels like "lively feet" is actually the rotation over the hamstring, gluts, and heals. David has always cautioned his students about not using the arches or muscles in the feet
ReplyDeleteYou guys are the best! A special thanks to Danny, who took the time to "talk me off the ledge" after I had received some well-intentioned but bad advice from a club professional in my area. Danny explains the process very well, and I continue to see positive results. I was hesitant to work with the heel-to-heel drill at first, but am seeing more benefits from it the more I work with it.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great blog videos and entries.
Danny,
DeleteA great video for a struggling guy like me. My weight has to be shifting across my feet, but I just don't feel it yet. It all seems to happen too quickly. Thanks again, this video is so much help!!!
Yes- I have also been working on the heel to heel and after watching Cabrera - I had to revisit this video because Gravity Golf footwork is much more efficient - Cabrera shifts and loads up on the right side and drives laterally a bit with his legs as do many professionals, but a select few get their weight back to the left heel before the counterfall and hip rotation. . . very few. . . the heel to heel drill is hard for people like me, but I am starting to also feel when it all comes together and mass is release around my front post and it is a huge difference. . . this heel to heel drill is the best for working away from the lateral movement into a more purely rotation and counterfall produced by gravity and proper sequence and timing as opposed to driving the legs and manufacturing a counter-fall. Much work to do yet! Aaron
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ReplyDeleteHi Aaron, the heel to heel works as a balancing exercise as well as timing that will strengthen your stability through your legs and lower back. You have to take it at your own pace depending on your level of physical fitness. Try going through the stretching routine that Darcy and myself put together to help loosen you up if you have gone through a long day of practice. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZQCPKmdYhM
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