Dr Golf's Swing Surgery

THE IN SWING PRINCIPLES

(1) Length of Arc
The length of arc described by the swing

This Principle influences the clubhead speed which the player develops and so has an affect on DISTANCE.

If DISTANCE is a problem, the first area to check is the swing length.

The backswing should progress as far as the horizontal position at the top (see left).
The throughswing should progress an equal distance.

If for some reason (poor flexibility?) your backswing is restricted then look at Preferences to find suggestions to deal with this problem. If on the other hand, the backswing is progressing too far (the player will get sight of the club through the left eye) then again the Preference section will offer help.

(2) Swing Centre
The point around which the swing is made

This principle influences the player's ability to gather the ball and so has influence over STRIKE. Whenever STRIKE is compromised both, DISTANCE and DIRECTION will be affected. 

The golf swing describes a circle. Every circle has a centre and the centre of the swing is close to the breast bone. Even though the player above appears to move his centre:-

(1) The core of the swing remains in the same place (the body is rotating around the swing centre).

(2) Any movement of the centre takes place after impact.

If contacting the ball is a problem to you then look at the Preference section to gain more information on this vital area of the swing.

 

 

(3) Width of Arc
The distance between the hands and the swing centre

This Principles affects the player's ability to achieve DISTANCE. If more DISTANCE is required check the width of arc.

If the left arm is not relatively straight for example, then width will have been compromised. More on this subject can be found in Preferences.

 

(4) Lever
This principle affects the player's ability to derive DISTANCE.

The successful golf swing uses a two lever system:-

 

a) The length of the shaft will act as a lever. Therefore, the longer shafted clubs will produce more distance than shorter ones. When a lower lofted clubhead is combined with the longer shaft, leverage and trajectory conspire to gain distance.

b) The second form of leverage is created when the player cocks the wrist during the backswing. When combined with "Release" this becomes an important source of distance. More on this subject can be found in Preferences.

(5) Clubface Position

The position of the club at impact and during the swing (the relationship of the back of the left arm and the left wrist with the face of the club and the plane of the swing) will determine side spin on the golf ball. Where side spin is created the ball will deviate through the air. Therefore, if hooks or slices are a problem to the player then this principle should be given more study. At impact the clubface needs to be in the square position, that is 90 degrees to the target line.

(6) Downswing Plane


The plane of the downswing measuring both angle of attack and direction.

This Principle has a far reaching effect on the ball influencing all three areas of DISTANCE, STRIKE and DIRECTION. For that reason this Principle must be carefully studied. Most of the suggestions given in this work impact on Downswing Plane and this is the most important area of the swing.

(7) Dynamic Balance


In addition to the length of club and the lever system, a third power source can be achieved by the shifting of body weight during the swing

Balance is essential if the swing is to remain in plane.

This Principle influences DISTANCE, STRIKE, and DIRECTION.

(8) ReleaseThe release of energy created by the lever.

This is an important source of DISTANCE and is closely connected to timing. In addition, the release position at impact will determine clubface position which in turn impacts on DIRECTION.

(9) Timing
The correct sequence of events operated at the appropriate speed is a definition of the all important Principle of Timing. If Timing is not evident then the player will suffer dramatic loss of DISTANCE and also is likely to suffer from a DIRECTION point of view.

The reader should now have a good understanding of the scientific forces at work during the golf swing. That is to say that the former definitions of both Ball Flight Laws and Pre Swing and In swing Principles should show the player both the salient areas of the golf swing and also act as a guide in carrying out meaningful self analysis.

It should now be possible to eliminate those areas of the swing that are working to a reasonable level and concentrate  on those parts where improvement can and must be made. Learning the right set of preferences for you the individual is the key to successful golf. Therefore, the time is now right to work through swing Preferences.

 

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