Set Up, Tempo, Timing

In Technical , posted by Virginia on

Ball position has enormous influence on how our body reacts in an attempt to find the ball with the club head. If positioned correctly you can swing with more freedom, but if it is in the wrong position you will have to make a compensation to guarantee a suitable ball flight.

Spine tilt at address is also a key aspect in your set up.  Tilting your spine to the right will make the aspects of your downswing easier to accomplish.  The shifting and turning of your hips towards the target will be made more easily is you start with some spine tilt at address and maintain it throughout the backswing.

A balanced set up will help produce better body motion in both directions.  You should also place your weight just slightly toward the balls of your feet.

In your backswing the idea really is to keep your arm movement to a minimum.  Swinging the club head not the grip will ensure power is created and maintained throughout the backswing. The arms are moved by the turning of the body.  Your right leg will act as an axis, rotating your hips, torso, and shoulders away from the ball.  Throughout your backswing your club face should remain slightly closed in relation to the target line.

The transition is a series of events that occur as the backswing evolves into the downswing.  This is your source of power.  It gives the sensation of rhythm, coordination and flow.  The change of direction from the backswing to the downswing is an aspect of the swing that will determine distance, accuracy and consistency.

As the downswing begins an amazing sequence of events takes place.  The energy accumulated in your torso muscles gradually release, your upper body follow the lead established by your lower body unwinding as your weight continues to shift from your right side to your left.

Impact must be allowed to happen in a free, flowing movement.  Letting it happen without interruption or compensations.  Rotating forward allowing your body and arms to swing through to the finish will deliver the club face square to the path without manipulation.  As you follow through getting the rights side of the body out of the way your weight should be now more in your front foot with great balance.

With the mechanics comes tempo and timing.  These two aspects introduce coordination, flow and consistency into every swing.  Good timing refers to the order in which the mechanics occur and tempo is the speed at which the swing occurs.  Building the proper sequence throughout the swing allows the entire movement to flow together.  Controlling the tempo allows time to prepare for impact, deliver the club, and then disperse the energy of the swing during the follow-through.