 Many golfers don't even realize that they are swaying during their golf
swing. What is a sway and how can it affect your golf swing?
A sway is the sideways movement of your hips during the golf swing or
the lateral movement of center of your balance. In other words, your
center of gravity shifts outside your right foot. Or it can be a
combination where your right hip moves laterally outside you right foot
and your upper body leans back towards the target.
Most golfers, who sway, also lock their back knee during the back swing.
The locked knee forces the body to lean back towards the target,
producing a reverse pivot.
In addition, the sway also puts the back hip in a position that does not
allow a full body turn during the back swing, which forces a golfer to
swing the club using his/her arms and will in most cases result in a
over the top golf swing that is not powerful and is hard to time.
The golf swing is a chain reaction and demands balance, coordination and
timing. How you start the swing will determine the end result. In order
to achieve smooth, powerful and repeatable swing, your first move away
from the ball - or to put it simply, the first link in the chain is
absolutely critical.How to Pivot Correctly with PivotPro
Setup
First, standup straight and spread your feet shoulder-width apart, start
to bend from the waist, and at the same time feel that you stick your
backside. Sense that you are getting ready to catch a ball or you are
easing yourself to sit down on a high chair.
Simply Relax
Easier said than done. However, here is a trick I learned from a
pro. Try relaxing your neck muscles by relaxing your lower jaw and
slightly sticking your tongue out - try it - feel the tension going away
in your arms. Keep the same relaxed feeling throughout your swing.
Another good way to relax is to start from your finger and hands up.
Imagine you are holding a child's hand. This will result in relaxed
shoulders, chest and back muscles.
Keep Your Head Up
Keep your head up away from your chest, this can be accomplished by
seeing the ball down your nose. If you suffer from reverse pivot, make
sure you keep your chin up; this will give you more room to turn your
left shoulder behind the ball facing the target.
Pretty Picture
I suggest that you rehearse your next moves in front of the mirror
so that you can compare how you feel when you are getting in a correct
position or pivoting correctly.
Takeaway
Start with your arms, sweep the club head away from the ball 'wide
and slow' feel that your left shoulder is pulling away from your chin,
and your left hip and left knee is slightly moving inwards towards the
ball - this leads to the next very important turning move. Practice this
move until you are used to correct feeling and proper positions - this
is what is referred to as a one-piece takeaway.
Try to keep everything together, avoid independent hand, hip or body
motion. When practiced properly this will give you added width in your
golf swing.
Tip: Keep the club head moving straight back for the first 18 inches or
so - this will ensure that your club gets on a correct path.
If done correctly you will notice that your left forearm will rotate
naturally (Provided your grip is correct).
Make sure that you are completely relaxed at this point, continue to
swing, let your wrist hinge naturally until your left arm is horizontal
to the ground and your club is at a 90 degree pointing skywards. At this
point your wrist is fully hinged and your left arm is fully extended.
(Practice this move in front of the mirror, until you feel comfortable).
Getting in the Slot
At this stage one thing to look for and practice repeatedly is to
make sure that the butt-end of the club shaft is pointing towards the
ground approximately mid-way between your feet and the ball – this is
absolutely critical in order to get your club going on a correct plane.
Pivot for Power
At this stage of the swing, make sure that you are turning against
your right leg (just a reminder keep your right knee flexed). The
feeling you want to have is that your upper torso and majority of your
body weight is flowing towards the right side without swaying your hips.
Imagine if you were wearing a necktie - at the top of your swing the tie
will hang over or slightly inside your left foot. Now, you are properly
and fully loaded. As you practice this move, you should feel the tension
inside your right leg. Make sure that you retain the flex in your right
knee - if your leg straighten, your back swing will lose all the control
and power.
All the Way to the Top
Now, all you have to do is crank your shoulders until your back is
facing the target, this will put the club the perfect position at the
top, with the shaft parallel to the target line.
Remember, keep the right knee flexed, this stops the right side from
swaying or spinning out of control. This move when performed correctly,
will result in maximum resistance, which translates into more power.
Practice this move in your home, office with PivotPro, with the rod
inserted into the device. Rehearse the last two stages of the swing as
often as possible. Get yourself into the half-way back position, with
your wrist hinged and club facing skywards at a 90 degrees angle, and
simply completing your backswing by turning your shoulders to the
finished backswing.
Frequently Asked Questions?
What all shoe sizes does PivotPro accommodates?
PivotPro's versatile design is fully adjustable and can accommodate shoe
sizes 7 through 14.
Do you offer PivotPro for Left Handed players?
Unfortunately, PivotPro is not available for left hand golfers at this
time. However, we are actively working on bringing PivotPro for left
handed golfers in a near future.
Can I hit full shots with PivotPro?
Absolutely YES, PivotPro unique and versatile design allows you to
practice full shots. PivotPro's unique design allows you to practice
virtually anywhere you like. Practice in your backyard, office, home or
at the driving range. (Please read instruction sheet provided with your
PivotPro for safe
practice).
How can PivotPro help me with my chipping?
PivotPro forces you to put majority of your weight (approx. 70 - 30)
onto the left foot. A major factor in hitting consistent chip shots is
for the hands to lead the clubface through impact. Place the ball
towards the back of the stance and your hands ahead of the ball this
will force you to keep the hands ahead of the ball and not allow your
wrist to dominate the shot. It will also help you stay centered and hit
chip shots with the correct downward strike.
Can I practice with PivotPro in my office or home?
Yes, however please use PivotPro in a room wide enough to swing the golf
club. Only use PivotPro on a carpeted surface, which is either glued, or
one that is installed from wall-to-wall and is secured with tension
strips.
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