Tip From the Archives

The Original X Factor

Problem

You need to hit further or just want to lean how the pros accomplish the X-factor. Overturning your hips causes a reverse pivot at the top of your swing, therefore placing too much weight onto your forward foot at the wrong point in your swing, leading to consistency problems.

Cure

You need to learn how to control the way your body moves back and forth as you swing in order to utilize a proper weight shift and body pivot for more power. One key difference between amateurs and professional golfers is that amateurs lift their hips dramatically higher than professionals and allow their hips to lead into and power the backswing; whereas professionals utilize the use of their shoulders to pull their hips into motion as they enter the backswing. The most important step to gaining distance is to learn how to control your hips at the top of your swing and build pressure on your forward foot at the transition.

Therapy

Your hip turn needs to be slow and gradual for an even motion as you reach the top and end of your swing. This will help control your back knee, preventing it from locking up; which is a common cause of swaying. Focus on keeping the center of your weight along your belt buckle area. Keep in mind that the tension and torque necessary for proper X-factor power is from your lower body remaining stable for a tight and controlled hip motion while your upper body turns. Once torque is built up, move your hips laterally only slightly as you start your downswing to allow a heavy weight shift onto your forward foot, transfer energy to your shoulders, and allow your body to pivot due to pressure for a delayed hit with the shaft leaning forwards. Remember, the more weight and pressure shifted onto your forward foot by the time you start and proceed through your downswing, the further you will hit the ball. The whip-like effect created by the delay will also de-loft the clubhead at impact for more distance because the back shoulder is rotating through the shot.

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