2 to 1 is the Key to Power Coil
by Dr. T. J. Tomasi, Keiser University College of Golf Senior Faculty and Director of Research
Our title sounds like a baseball score, but it’s the critical ratio that produces coil. Here’s how it works. Your muscles are like lazy house guests; they won’t do anything unless you make them. So, skipping the shoulder turn and lifting the club to the top of the backswing with your arms is easier. But while the arm lift is more manageable, it’s also the wrong way to generate power.
The proper twisting or “coil” has two main components. First, the trail hip rotates over the trail heel. This helps ensure that there has been a correct weight shift and that you have turned behind the ball with the pressure “heavy” on the heel.
The second component of a good coil is turning the shoulders ~ twice as much as the hips. Of course, each student’s maximum turn is dependent on their flexibility. So, if you are flexible, shoot for a 90-degree shoulder turn with a 45-degree hip turn. If your flexibility is low, use 80/40.
Justin Leonard’s shoulders turn twice as much as his hips.
This player’s goal is the 2:1 ratio needed to max out body coil, but given his age and flexibility, there is no way he can generate 90 degrees of shoulder turn with 45 degrees of hip turn, so he should shoot for 80/40.
Tip: He needs more hip rotation to attain his ratio, a relationship that will give him his maximum distance ratio. If he was my student, I’d encourage him to let that front heel come off the ground to promote more hip rotation.
If you’d like to study with Dr. Tomasi and other PGA Master Professionals, contact The College of Golf today.
