GOLF
INSTRUCTION
Keeping your head down
doesn't mean golfers should
not 'load their back leg'
By Patrick Walsh,
PGA Professional
|
(Jan. 10, 2006) -- One of the most common faults students display is not loading their weight over their back leg when taking the club back. Perhaps because they have been told for years to "keep their head down," most golfers don't make a good enough move off the ball to get in a power position.
Try throwing a ball with your back against a wall. Then throw a ball standing away from the wall. Note that there is no comparison, when your back is against the wall you have no leverage and can only throw the ball a short distance, no matter how strong or flexible you are. Yet standing away from the wall you can load up on your back leg by leaning away from the target and then generate a greater amount of force once you step into the throw.
Swinging
a golf club is no different. In order to maximize your power you must
load up your back leg by turning and moving off the ball during your
back swing. If done correctly, your upper spine will be tilted away
from the target and you'll create additional energy by letting the momentum
build. After all, this is what centrifugal force is based upon. We build
up the energy then gradually release it starting at the core and increasing
the speed outwards as it nears the target.
So the next time you want to hit it big think of a throwing motion. Load up your back leg to create some leverage then plant your forward foot creating a brace with your forward leg that you can swing against. Once the brace is established drive the lower body into the shot as the arms swing the shaft through impact.
Remember, an outfielder can't throw a runner out if he doesn't first load up his back leg. Just as true, a golfer can't hit a long shot without creating the same sort of leverage during the swing motion.
Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.
