Is your lower body stable? Can you coil properly?
As a PGA Teaching Professional and taking time to understand the mechanics of a golf swing, I’ve started paying more attention to the lower body and its tendencies. Many instructors become over infatuated with what the hands, arms and club are doing, but forget to look at the mechanics of the lower body. To me, the lower body is the hips, legs, knees and feet. I also have learned that how the lower body operates can certainly influence the technique and movements of the upper body and how the club swings back to impact.
If, for example, the lower body sways to either side as the arms and hands swing the club to the top, it may appear to be out of position or off balance. When the lower body is not centered and moves out of balance, the arms and hands will compensate while returning the club back to impact.
Also, if the body rises up or dips down as the club is being swung to the top, at some point compensations will be made as the club swings back to impact with the ball. If you swing the club up and the body dips down, you might find that you stand up before getting the club to impact. If you swing the club up and the body lifts upward, you may find that you have to reach for the ball or dip back down while swinging the arms and hands back to impact. Either way, keep in mind that some sort of compensation will need to be made, making your timing at impact more difficult.
I have also found with many of my students that working on the main body parts first will center the mechanics of the swing. In other words, turning out of your set-up posture can certainly be a primary cause of inconsistent and sporadic ball flight tendencies. Most golfers have heard the term coil affect. Coiling is how well you can turn in the posture you create in your set-up while addressing the ball. Keep in mind that even though I’m discussing the importance of turning or coiling, you must have good posture at address to do so.
To see how your body parts are working in a golf swing, it might be good to see it on video. I’m always using my video cameras when I teach, because I’ve realized the importance of confirming what I’d like for my students to concentrate on while they practice. It’s also important for me to share the videos with them, so they can watch the swings from home and capture a visual image of what their swing looks like. This way the student can imagine a perfect looking swing of themselves.
Please consult your local PGA Teaching Professional for more information on how your lower body is working in the swing. Don’t be afraid to ask them if the lower body can be the cause of other swing flaws. If you are ever in the Raleigh / Durham area and interested in a golf lesson, please contact me through my website at: www.grexagolf.com
All the best in golf,
Greg Greksa
PGA Professional
Grexa Golf Instruction
CGHS Head Golf Coach
Co-Founder, Golfshadow.com
Director of Instruction
Cleveland / Srixon Advisory Staff
greg@grexagolf.com
www.grexagolf.com