Most golfers would like to hit the golf ball further, it’s much easier hitting greens in regulation if a five iron can be used rather than a fairway wood, but invariably golfers try for more power from an unstable base and simply lose control. Learn to stand to the golf ball correctly to create smooth acceleration through the ball for longer straighter golf shots.
Backswing Plane Mechanics for Club Head Speed at Impact
The key for building a more accurate and powerful golf swing lies in achieving better technique - a bad swing loses power and a good swing creates speed. The most efficient technique, and consequently the easiest swing to repeat, is one where the club travels up and down on the same line or plane. If the backswing is on the wrong line power will inevitably be lost, so to create more club head speed at impact a golfer needs a good backswing.
The Best Stance for Backswing Plane Technique
If the legs and feet are set correctly at address, so they resist the turning of the body, half way back centrifugal force will allow the wrists to hinge automatically so the club naturally swings onto the perfect backswing plane. Without a stable base centrifugal force will not kick in and the golfer has to consciously hinge the wrists which will invariably create a swing plane that is either too upright or flat.
Leg and Hip Action on Downswing for Club Head Speed
From the correct position at the top of the backswing, if the legs and hips work correctly the downswing is almost automatic. With a good leg set at address tension will have been created on the backswing, and like a coiled spring, the legs simply unwind on the downswing. However, many golfers believe the hips and legs should be moving fast on the downswing and work them too hard. If allowed to work correctly the main job of the hips and legs is to anchor the swing to give the golfer something to hit against.
- Halfway down the legs must be in a position to brace themselves so centrifugal force kicks in.
- Good leg and hip action allows a golfer to hit against a firm left side which creates a natural powerful release into the back of the ball.
- Without a good leg set the golfer has to hit at the ball with conscious hand action which guides and steers the club at the ball resulting in weak inaccurate shots...
- Good leg action during the swing is created by setting the feet and legs correctly in the golf stance.
How to Set the Legs and Hips Correctly
In the stance the right foot should be set at right angles to the target – this sets up the necessary resistance to contain the turn of the upper body during the backswing.
The left foot should be turned slightly towards the target to allow a full turn to the finish, but importantly the weight should be on the inside of the foot. Only with the weight on the inside of the foot will the left leg brace on the downswing and allow the golfer to hit against a firm left side.
See Also: Keep Left Arm Connected for Perfect Swing Mechanics or if you struggle with leg action try the article Train the Hands to Release the Golf Club
John Hoskison - John is a class 'A' member of the British PGA and author of the acclaimed book 'Inside - One Man's Experience of Prison'.
