The power source

Every sport that involves the creation of power to move an object (e.g., hitting or throwing a ball) needs a power source. If we study the simple act of throwing a ball, we can see that the body has two motions: a backswing motion, where the object moves away from the target, and a forward motion, where the object moves towards the target. The length and speed of these two motions determines the distance the ball travels.

The power source in the golf swing is the rotation of the body. This rotation is created by the trunk or torso, which rotates on top of the legs, providing balance. The backswing rotation is over the pivot of the back leg. (The right leg for a right-hander, the left leg for a left-hander.) Turning your torso on top of this pivot stores up energy for the forward motion.

The forward rotation pivots on the front leg. The balance provided by this axis is vital for the arms and the hands to extend fully and contact the ball solidly, controlling its trajectory and direction.

Your success is based upon your ability to control these motions and control the distance the ball is travelling to the target.

So let's break down the motions of the golf swing to identify the power source:

Backswing

The purpose of the backswing is to get depth in the rotation of the body and extension with the arms. This depth in the rotation allows the body to make a more efficient transition of motion from backswing into forward swing. As the upper torso completes the backswing motion, the lower body is setting up for the forward swing. (When you throw a ball, you step forward, setting up the axis of the forward rotation.) The slower and shorter the rotation, the less distance the ball travels.

Transition of motion

The most difficult motion in sports is the conversion of a backswing motion into a forward-swing motion. Many of us struggle in this area because we were taught that they are two separate movements. (How many of you have had a golf instructor tell you to go to the top of your backswing, stop, and then restart the motion of the forward swing? That's like telling Roger Clemens to stop his windup in mid-motion. It doesn't work.) The tour player's body is actually in constant motion. As the upper torso completes the backswing motion, the lower body begins the forward-swing motion, establishing a new axis to rotate upon -- the forward leg. Once the axis is established over the front leg, your weight settles into that leg and the body rotates into a forward swing.

Forward swing

The axis (balance) is now in the forward leg and the body has settled into that axis. Now is the time to unwind into the forward-swing rotation. Again, the power source is the rotation of the body on top of an axis. You control the distance the ball will carry by controlling the speed of your body rotation. (You don't always want to be rotating at 100 percent power.) Many golfers have a difficult time controlling their power because they don't shift their weight until they are swinging forward. This creates inconsistency. You want to establish your forward leg as a pivot and then begin your rotation on top of that pivot.

The formula for creating the distance we want the ball to travel is: length of swing + speed of swing + loft of clubface = distance traveled.

Establishing body rotation as your power source will help you gain more consistency and control in your game.

© 2002 Rob Stanger

Rob Stanger is teaching professional at the Mission Hills Country Club Golf Learning Center in Rancho Mirage, Calif. Contact him at robstanger.com.

 

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