The Smallest, Most Important Move in Golf
The Smallest, Most Important Move in Golf
by Dr. T. J. Tomasi
Keiser University College of Golf Senior Faculty and Director of Research
There are two types of motion that are combined during the downswing, and the timing of the transition from one type of motion (lateral) to the other type (rotational) is the key to solid ball striking. The downswing’s lateral motion begins at the top of the backswing when you transfer pressure from your rear hip joint to your forward hip joint – meanwhile, your hips drop and slide gently towards the target. As soon as the pressure is deposited on your lead side (left side for right-handed players), the rotational motion of your hips can begin. This “sit-down” move assures that the club has time to slot properly, while at the same time, it ratchets up the coil to max.
You’ll often hear the advice to start your downswing with the rotation of your hips – that is incorrect, and it causes a power leak that will force you to cut across the ball. If you make the opposite mistake and are late rotating your hips, as I said above, you push the ball to the right, usually with a cut. To avoid both these golf mistakes swing to the top and pause, then make a conscious effort to sit as you shuttle your hips toward the target – as soon as you feel the pressure hit your front leg and complete the swing.
You have to look closely to see the lateral sit-down, which is why I call it the “smallest, most important move in golf.” Fundamentally, the inside (hips) move the outside (the clubhead), so even though this transition from lateral to rotational is remote from impact, it is none-the-less the cause of impact. During the change in pressure distribution, you must be very quiet. During the pressure transfer (the sit down), your shaft should drop toward the ground. If you fail to sit, the shaft will start back to the ball. To review this, ask your pro to stop the tape to see if the clubshaft is “standing up.” During the change in pressure distribution, you must be very quiet.
I’ve measured the pressure distributions of many expert players, and at this point, they all are in their forward hip joint, the footprint that announces the presence of “the smallest, most important move in golf.” From this position, you now have the luxury that every good player has – the luxury of doing nothing.
If you’d like to study with Dr. Tomasi and other PGA Master Professionals, contact The College of Golf today.
My haphazard swing was missing this all important move.My swing was too fast and when I would try and slow it down to hit the ball squarely,all I was accomplishing was a slower,inept swing.The smallest,most important move in golf has added time,timing,and power.It was the missing link.Now I have something to look forward to.
Yes the squat move is very important and have been very successful with it through the years even at 74 years young shot 73 with it
Do you still believe the sit down and shift shouldn’t occur until the hands reach the top. A lot of studies (many 3d pelvic trackers and feet pressure sensors) suggest that the sit and shift should occur earlier. Anywhere from hands in front of right thigh on the backswing (Mcilroy’s swing being one) to left arm parallel to the ground in the backswing. Few people that look at that data still advocate shifting as late as the top of the swing.
is this how to shallow the club, ive seen all sorts of coaches clay ballard etc etc trying to teach the shallowing to swing from the inside and get lag (the slot) with complex suggested movements which for an amateaur at full speed is very very hard to achieve, i cant get it with any of these pro coaches all impossible at such high speed for a high handicap amateaur like me (22), i was watching tiger and his son there on tv and i saw both of them squatting at the start of the downswing, this could actually be a solution, ill try it again it will need alot of practice but it seems to be an easier swing thought to drop the club down at least and try and get some shallowing on the way down.
thanks
I tried the sit-down (squat) move and became successful on very few out of several attempts. Coiling to the right side with the maximum possible shoulder turn without swaying to the right seems to help the squat move. I may have to do a lot of practice, but I believe the smallest and most important lateral squat move is essential for playing good golf. There seem to be no shortcuts.
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Karya Bintang Abadi