Maximizing energy in your drives begins with correct weight shift.
Getty Photographs
Golf instruction is ever-evolving, however the most effective recommendation stands the take a look at of time. In GOLF.com’s new collection, Timeless Suggestions, we’re highlighting a few of the biggest recommendation lecturers and gamers have allotted within the pages of GOLF Journal. Right this moment we glance again at our July 1988 challenge the place Peter Jacobsen shared an amazing drill for correctly shifting your weight on tee photographs. For limitless entry to the total GOLF Journal digital archive, be part of InsideGOLF in the present day; you’ll get pleasure from $140 of worth for less than $39.99/12 months.
Getting essentially the most out of your drives requires that you simply use your physique effectively. A part of that equation comes within the type of weight shift.
In the event you watch the professionals hit their tee balls, you’ll discover they all the time end on their lead facet. If you wish to hit the ball like them, you’d be smart to repeat this transfer — and all of it begins with a correct weight shift.
Again in 1988, GOLF Journal highlighted this transfer as Peter Jacobsen confirmed us a drill for correct weight shift. Over 30 years later and the drill can nonetheless do wonders to your recreation. Test it out beneath.
Peter Jacobsen’s weight-shift drill
If you’re hitting weak “popcorn” drives, the issue may very well be your weight. I’m not suggesting that you simply go on a eating regimen however that you simply aren’t making the correct shift to maneuver the total weight of your physique — and, due to this fact, your energy — into the shot.
To understand the significance and the position my of the load shift, take into consideration the way you throw a ball. You progress your weight in the identical route as your arm — to the again foot as you swing your arm again, to the entrance foot as you swing the arm ahead and launch the ball, pushing off the again foot for energy. The identical weight shift ought to occur in golf.
Gamers who don’t use their weight correctly make considered one of two errors. One, they make a reverse shift, transferring the load to the entrance foot (the left foot for right-handers) as they swing the membership again, then to the again foot in the course of the downswing. Or two, they shift the load correctly on the backswing however by no means shift it ahead coming down. In both case, by the point they attain the follow-through, they’re falling backward, away from the goal. And that’s the route their energy is transferring — away from the goal — leading to a weak, arms-only swing.
If these are your signs, there may be assist. Tee up a ball on the follow vary and swing at it along with your driver. As you progress into the follow-through, step ahead with the suitable foot, bringing it over the left as in case you have been beginning to stroll down the golf green. Working this step into your swing will make you shift your weight correctly, and has been steered by such educated individuals as Gary Participant and educating skilled Peter Beames.
Taking an enormous step
At tackle, distribute your weight evenly between your toes and the balls and heels of your toes. Unfold them about shoulder-width and flex your knees barely till you’re feeling balanced.
On the backswing, your weight ought to circulation to the suitable facet in order that on the prime about 90 p.c of it’s resting on the within of the suitable foot. If it doesn’t, and you’re feeling your self falling ahead on the backswing, redistribute your weight extra to the suitable facet at tackle, and ensure your knees are flexed.
GOLF Journal
Swing down from the highest with out desirous about a weight shift, then step ahead with the suitable foot within the follow-through. The step really has little to do with the shot; the ball is gone by the point you are taking it. However desirous about the step to come back will encourage the right weight shift: You gained’t be capable of transfer the suitable leg with out transferring your weight to the left facet on the downswing.
Preserve making follow swings with the suitable foot stepping over the left till you grow to be accustomed to the sensation. Then attempt a swing with out taking the step. The shift should be there, perhaps not. If not, there’s nothing unsuitable with incorporating the step into your common swing.
