John Lucas
Use the force
Published on Wed, Jul 14, 2010 by John LucasRead More Lucas
Previously I have talked about the force of gravity in the swing. Now I would like to talk about the direction of that force, and that is all about the plane of the swing. That plane is set up when one addresses the ball, by the angle of the club to the ground.
It has been my experience that when players visualize the whole shaft staying on plane and not just the club head, progress is not far behind. Knowing where your hands are and what they are doing is more useful than any thoughts about the club head. The hands are moving much slower than the club head and are easier to monitor when the swing is in motion.
I would like to point out that the plane does not stop at impact. Sound swings keep the club on plane and in front of the body through impact and beyond. After the ball leaves the club face, the club moves in and up on plane simultaneously. Many golfers try to make their arms and club go out to the target. This, in my view, is not a useful concept.
When the shoulders stay on plane during the downswing, the right shoulder is moving under the player's spine and passing through the same space the left shoulder passed through during the backswing. If the bottom of the spine does not react to the change of direction and move forward a few inches, the right shoulder cannot return to impact on plane.
When the feet stay flat on the ground during the change of direction, and the legs react, a player will improve his ability to return the swing on plane. Overactive legs can cause a loss of balance, power and direction.
Rules teaser:
A player on the putting green holes a putt using one hand and flagstick in the other. Ruling?
Answer to last column's teaser:
A player removed a loose impediment in a water hazard. He then decided to take relief under the rules. Ruling? Penalty, three strokes.
John Lucas is the golf professional at Sky Ridge Golf Course and can be reached at john98382@olypen.com.
It has been my experience that when players visualize the whole shaft staying on plane and not just the club head, progress is not far behind. Knowing where your hands are and what they are doing is more useful than any thoughts about the club head. The hands are moving much slower than the club head and are easier to monitor when the swing is in motion.
I would like to point out that the plane does not stop at impact. Sound swings keep the club on plane and in front of the body through impact and beyond. After the ball leaves the club face, the club moves in and up on plane simultaneously. Many golfers try to make their arms and club go out to the target. This, in my view, is not a useful concept.
When the shoulders stay on plane during the downswing, the right shoulder is moving under the player's spine and passing through the same space the left shoulder passed through during the backswing. If the bottom of the spine does not react to the change of direction and move forward a few inches, the right shoulder cannot return to impact on plane.
When the feet stay flat on the ground during the change of direction, and the legs react, a player will improve his ability to return the swing on plane. Overactive legs can cause a loss of balance, power and direction.
Rules teaser:
A player on the putting green holes a putt using one hand and flagstick in the other. Ruling?
Answer to last column's teaser:
A player removed a loose impediment in a water hazard. He then decided to take relief under the rules. Ruling? Penalty, three strokes.
John Lucas is the golf professional at Sky Ridge Golf Course and can be reached at john98382@olypen.com.
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