The legs in the swing...

elmossman

I have always been a "hot and cold" kind of golfer..... today was a perfect example. I had 5 points through six (1 bogie, 1 par). 7 is index 1, I got another 2 points on it and bogied 8 and a point on 9 for a front of ten points.

I scratched 10, then went on a good run and scored 21 on the back 9, (3 pars, 3 bogies, 1 birdie, 1 double bogie). The thing I think that turned my round around was two things, I played the ball a little further back in my stance and secondly I really planted my legs.

I have always had a stbale base in my legs, but I mean I really planted them from the 7th onwards. I "felt" as though I was tensing my thighs/quads/calfs, although my knees were not locked. I could not believe how solid I was striking the ball. I have scored much better, but from that 7th hole on I have never hit so many solid shots of all kinds, Driver/woods/irons in a row.

I have been looking up what other players and golf pros preech about this planting of the legs, although most people only speak of "a solid left side". Should I only be planting and tensing my left side? I am wrong completley?

Also, could this planting of the legs been the reason for my improved striking, or was it mostly due to moving the ball back in my stance a little?

What is your "feel" in your legs?

Keano

Well Rory bulked up so much on top to keep his lower body more stable...if he believes it helps then I'm sure it has its merits.

elmossman

Good point, I was just wondering what this "solid left side meant" that I have been reading about. I guess I will just try the same again the next round and see if I can continue hitting it as solid.

Keano

Check this video out http://youtu.be/wgXYkIVFUkM

ShivasIrons

elmossman wrote: »

Good point, I was just wondering what this "solid left side meant" that I have been reading about. I guess I will just try the same again the next round and see if I can continue hitting it as solid.

If you want to feel what a solid left side feels like, stand on your left foot only with your right toe just touching the ground, stance not too wide and take a small backswing but full follow through, this will give the feeling of the solid left side.

Legs in golf swing are also one of the main power sources and are there to give a solid base. Consider if you're in a bar and some throws a punch at you, if there stance is narrow you wouldn't be expecting a powerful punch but if they stand back creating a wider stance before drawing the punch, most people would be looking to duck. Just something to consider when thinking about stance width, narrow for more finesse, wider for more power.

elmossman

Cheers thanks for the help!

TRS30

As other have said the core, chest to knees, is very important in the golf swing. A strong core and glutes will enable you to swing faster while retaining good swing mechanics.

saintastic

If you are swaying in your golf swing, keeping your lower half steady will improve your ball striking.

I'm no pro nor do I have any experience in providing instruction but swaying seems to be a common problem amongst amateurs.

whizbang

This is one of my favourite: (clement) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2FnfZlRwak

But the best thought i ever had was: 'standing on a piece of ice in the middle of a minefield'. - Keep your thoughts on your feet, the legs will tend to firm up as well.

Apologies for pasting this direct from above, but its pretty comprehensive..

The very best drill to feel this is in the "feet together drill shawn clement" video; then see "feet together and one leg update shawn..." then bridge this gap with "sequence power drills shawn clement" and use the one that starts feet together. Then finish with "downswing weight shift shawn..." and "2008 gold swing review part 2"

John Divney

I have problems with early extension, and I always have to visualise my legs stuck to the ground like suction cups, and my arse sticking out like a good thing until after released. ( I (try) and play a one plane swing and stay connected and bent over with straight back)

I've watched a lot of those shawn clement Videos, and they are great for 'feeling's and visualization, and the natural weight transfer without thinking too much about it, but have problems with a lot of the positional stuff, I couldn't play the way he does and think his natural ability makes it all look a bit easier than it is.