Tip From the Archives
Sliding Hips
Problem
The ball seems to roll much faster than you it should based on your stroke length and power but you cannot pinpoint the reason why.
Cure
Check to make sure you are keeping your body still throughout the stroke. All too often, players do not notice that they are moving their body as they putt and this creates additional, unintentional power.
Therapy
Stand next to your golf bag or another object that is at least hip or thigh high. Press the leading side of your lower body against the bag. For a right handed person, this means you will want to press the outer part of your left thigh or hip against the bag. Practice your stroke without pulling away from or knocking over the bag. You might be surprised to see that you are moving away from the golf bag during your back stroke and sliding your lower body into the bag during your forward stroke. Focus on keeping your body weight centered throughout the entire stroke to help prevent any weight shift or sliding as you putt.
Sliding Hips
Problem
Your hips keep moving sideways during full swings.
Cure
Work on improving your flexibility and body strength so that you will not need to slide your hips to compensate for a poor turn.
Therapy
One drill to help keep your hips from sliding is to set up with your trailing foot placed on the toes about 18 inches behind your body. Readjust your foot if necessary to make sure your knees are close to being in line with each other. Hit balls in this position so you can see how it feels to swing more with your arms. This setup will help you keep your lower body quiet and allow you to feel a better turn in the shoulders.
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