Tip From the Archives
Matching Weight Shift
Problem
You are not getting as much power as you usually do.
Cure
Do not force your forward heel up during the backswing. If this motion is forced, it will cause you to lose power by causing this leg to straighten and the club path will likely move outside of your swing plane.
Therapy
Flex your knees at address and make sure you have an even amount of weight on both of your heels. Remember the importance of maintaining your knee flex throughout the entire swing. Try to match the shifting of your bodyweight onto your trailing leg with the motion of taking the club back. The more you take the club back, the more weight you should have placed onto your trailing heel. The majority of your body weight should be placed on your trailing heel at the top of your swing. Now shift your weight forward just as quickly as you move the club on an inside out path to help provide a powerful swing.
Keeping pressure balance with hands is also an important part for me. When I try to swing too hard, to my right (back) side takes over and I inevitably come over the top. So, I try to focus on a light grip with both hands (especially my back hand) and let the club head swing more freely.
I liken the proper weight transfer concept to that off a pitcher throwing a baseball (exaggeration, of course). In the wind up, he loads up weight on his back foot. Then, his first move toward the target is his forward foot leading the transfer of weight to the other side of his body and completed by placing it on the ground. If he is able to maintain his balance during this move, he can then rotate his shoulders to release his arms that will deliver the ball with speed and accuracy.
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