How to Find Your Perfect Knee Flex
By Dr. T. J. Tomasi, Keiser University College of Golf Senior Faculty and Director of Research
Notice the word “your” in the title above; it’s there for a reason. The amount of knee flex you have at the address is determined in large part by your physique and your balance system, not by some arbitrary, one-size-fits-all standard. It’s obvious that golfers can play well at both ends of the “knee bend” continuum. Rather than copy an arbitrary standard or a particular tour player, my suggestion is that you personalize your knee flex. To find your natural balance point for knee flex, take your normal stride, allowing the right heel to rise off the ground as you plant your left foot flat on the ground. Stop at this point and check the amount of bend in your left knee. This is your optimum balance position, the one you automatically go to with each step you take. Now bring your back leg parallel to your front leg and match the amount of flex in your front knee. All you have left to do is stick your fanny out, and you should be in your perfect knee flex position. Be careful because there are extremes that you want to avoid. You don’t want to sit to the ball by over-bending your knees, because this forces you to straighten up during your downswing to avoid hitting the ball fat. Likewise, you don’t want to stand stiff-legged at address because this freezes your body out of the swing, forcing you to make a weak, handsy swing. Can you name one sport that is played stiff-legged?
Legend Ernie Els looks very comfortable with a lot of knee bend, while still maintaining a springy, athletic form.
This professional has minimal knee flex, but not zero knee flex — there is a big difference between the two.
If you’d like to study with Dr. Tomasi and other PGA Master Professionals, contact The College of Golf today.
