The Olympics are one of my favorite things to watch on TV. As I
was watching swimming the other night, NBC provided an underwater
angle of Michael Phelps. The commentator was showing how every part
of his body, from his toes to his fingertips, provided power
through technique that helps propel his body along the water.
The golf swing is very similar.
The Olympics are one of my favorite things to watch on TV. As I was watching swimming the other night, NBC provided an underwater angle of Michael Phelps. The commentator was showing how every part of his body, from his toes to his fingertips, provided power through technique that helps propel his body along the water.
The golf swing is very similar.
The back and hips torque and gather power on the back swing. Then the legs push off the instep of the foot and slide laterally as the shoulders and arms deliver the club to the hitting area. The hips then rotate through as the arms extend at impact.
Your wrists and forearms roll to deliver a powerful blow to the ball and you finish balanced over your front foot. Too often, I see a poor golfer swing “all arms” as his torso and legs are locked in a stationary position. Or there are those people who swing with arms collapsed, thus they don’t use the torque of the back muscles to help generate clubhead speed.
If you want to get the most out of your swing, use your entire body. That means everything from your feet to your hands. Everything plays a role in delivering the clubhead to the back of the ball with power and consistency. Don’t leave out any muscles, they’re all there to help you.
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Don DeLorenzo is a PGA-certified instructor at Gilroy Golf Course. To schedule a lesson with Don, call Gilroy GC at (408) 848-0490.
