The Power Crouch
The Power Crouch
by Dr. T. J. Tomasi
Keiser University College of Golf Senior Faculty and Director of Research
To get the most benefit out of this article takes a bit of leg work – both figuratively and literally – as demonstrated by our model who is one of the most remarkable golfers on the planet.
His name is Manuel De Los Santos, a three handicap who regularly drives the ball 300+ yards.
I believe that by studying his swing you will understand how power is produced.
The secret is coiling the upper body then setting up a wall and driving across it at high speeds.
Here is a demonstration of this principle.
His swing may be long but he doesn’t control it with his arms and shoulders – they work beautifully but the trigger for the release of the club is the snap of the lower body.
When you look at the video, note how he flexes his leg to start the downswing.
This “power crouch” is the same technique Tiger uses to generate much of his power.
Most amateurs do exactly the opposite; i.e., they start back to the ball by straightening both legs, a stand-up routine that makes the power crouch impossible.
Santos comes out of his crouch with a power-packed straightening of his leg that fires his club at the ball.
You know he’s swinging in an arc around his body, because to keep from falling down he hops in the direction the force is taking him — around behind him.
A Power Image
The release of the club-head to the ball is not a “make,” but a “let.”
By this I mean that while it would seem that the 90 degree angle formed by your front arm and the club shaft must be forcibly straightened by conscious effort, this is not case.
In fact if you try to make this angle go straight, it will ruin your swing. As Santos shows us, you must rely on physics, namely the conservation of momentum, to get the job done.
Here is the image: A horse and rider approach a six foot jump at full gallop, and suddenly the horse stops dead – the rider picks up the momentum of the stopped horse and is “released” over the wall at high speed.
The club-head is the rider and the upper body plays the part of the horse, while the wall is the front leg and hip.
Your goal is to use your legs correctly so a collision occurs as you run the right side of your body over the resting left side. The result of this collision is a “Santos release” – full, complete and with no fear.
Drill:
Take your normal address posture with a teed up seven iron.
Then pull your back leg about 12 inches behind you and balance on the toe with your heel in the air and all your weight on your forward leg.
The idea is to make you a one legged golfer for a few swings, so you can feel the power of establishing a wall to hit against.
From the top of your swing make sure the first move down is a flexing of the front knee – then at impact allow the leg to straighten as you release the club over the leg – and, of course, as with all your full swings, keep rotating.
You’ll probably never hit it as far as Santos, but by swinging one-legged, you’ll understand how power is generated.
And remember, that power comes from technique, so swing under control – and be sure to ask your doctor if it’s ok to do this drill before you attempt it.
If you enjoyed this golf tip, and want more information on a golf school in Florida, contact Keiser University College of Golf.
