GOLFMEDIC

Tip From the Archives

The New X Factor

Problem

You want to gain a powerful swing by learning the New X-factor technique, but are confused about the conflicting styles.

Cure

The original X-factor has a limited hip turn with the power based on your shoulder turn. The new X-factor builds up power in both your hips and shoulders much more quickly. The new X-factor style will also help prevent slicing or pop-flies.

Therapy

From the top of your swing, your hips should rotate towards the target while your shoulders are still finishing the backswing turn. This allows your hips to lead, causing a whipping motion with your arms as they attempt to catch up. Keep your belt buckle ahead of your shoulders during the forward swing. One of the biggest problems people have when attempting this swing is maintaining their balance. They are used to lifting their heel up on their back foot, but this would only cause you to swing your hips towards the ball and you will lose your balance and power. With the new X-factor, you need to lean your back knee towards your forward knee while your back foot rolls up onto its arch as your hips rotate ahead. A great way to stretch and imprint the correct feeling for this swing at home or on the course is to grab an open doorway wall or the side rail of a cart with your forward hand and practice swinging with your back hand. Just as you are about to complete your backswing, you should quickly rotate your hips towards your imaginary target. Once your hips are rotated, you should feel a pull on your shoulders to make a downward swing with your back arm and then allow it to swing under your forward arm. Remember, as you do this that you need to tilt your back knee towards your forward leg so you roll your back foot up onto its inset.

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