The ‘Chase’ to the Pre-Finish – Power Without Effort
By Dr. T. J. Tomasi, Keiser University College of Golf Senior Faculty and Director of Research
The pre-finish position indicates the quality of what went before about your trail side – right for right-handers; left for left-handers. The guiding theme during your swing is to allow your trail shoulder and arm to chase your lead side. Thus your arms reverse their bend during the swing so that, at the top of your swing, your lead arm is straight with the trailing arm folded, while at the pre-finish, the lead is folded, and the trailing arm is straight. And here is the key to judging your swing action’s quality: If you screw up the Chase, it’s reflected in your pre-finish. Here’s how it works.
The Chase
Your trail arm is only so long, and it effectively shortens for the worse when your back shoulder loses pace during the race to impact. Held back by the restricted shoulder, your rear arm will reach its full extension too early, transferring so much force to the lead elbow that it must collapse, resulting in a ‘broken’ right arm at the pre-finish. In the good swing, the trail shoulder keeps moving, allowing your arm to “stay long” because there is no pressure on it to collapse.
This pro is in a perfect position at the top to perform ‘the chase’ where her right side tries to catch her left. Note the distinction between stiff and straight – her lead arm is ‘straight’ but not stiff.
Things to watch for in your mirror pose (picture below): The head swivels and arranges itself in the middle of the shoulders. The trail shoulder is in advance of the lead shoulder and slightly higher. The spine is a side C, tilted slightly towards the target line. The core is pointed at the target, with the left wrist beginning its cup.
The right arm is straight with the left arm bent – just the opposite of the previous photo.
Balance During the Chase
One of the greatest golfers in history, Annika Sorenstam, keeps her head in the middle of her shoulders during The Chase. Thus, all she has to do is to keep on rotating, and with perfect balance established, the clubhead releases itself. The most beautiful thing about her swing is the absence of hit with over-manipulation of any body part.
The more you keep your head centered, the better your balance is through impact. Remember, the head weighs about 10 pounds, and with the body producing four horsepower of force, balance is a prized commodity during the Chase.
A few years ago, Annika and I did an outing together, and we hit balls side by side to warm up. What stuck in my mind was the sound of the shots coming off her clubface – especially the driver. They sounded like rifle shots. And when I stopped to watch this icon of the sport hit balls, the overall look was one of calmness – her swing had no hurry in it at all – it was all Power without Effort.
Learn more!
Want more tips? If you want to take your game to the next level, contact our team at Keiser University’s College of Golf & Sport Management today. With our dedication and experience, together, we can elevate your game to new heights. Give us a call today at 888-355-4465.
