RELEASE THE POWER
Dave Hillman,
Store Manager
GolfTEC Pasadena, CA
REASON SECRET IS REVEALED:
Most golfers will release their power before the ball, instead of at or just through the ball. Since the release of power is directed before contact with the ball, golfers will typically have a right arm that is prematurely extended. This casting of the club during the downswing results in the maximum speed of the club head occurring prior to contacting the golf ball. When the release of the power happens at the right time, not only will players increase their distance but they will also hit it with much less slice.
CHANGE RECOMMENDED:
Begin practicing by actually taking baseball swings — yes, baseball swings! Many people have been told that baseball swings only HURT your golf swing, but that is not completely true. There are certain aspects of a baseball swing that can hurt, but many that can help. Developing the proper timing of the release is very much the same in baseball as it is in golf. While you are striking the golf ball (and baseball) the unhinging of your wrists and extension of your arms happens while you are striking the ball. Practice baseball swings to help feel the speed and power the proper release generates.
OTHER FACTORS
To improve your ball striking, all fundamentals in the swing need to be sharp. One factor to monitor is a proper address position. Your spine should lean away from the target. As you look down at the ball, your head will be behind the ball, while your hands are ahead of the ball. Setting up your body properly will make the release even more powerful.
RESULTS TO ANTICIPATE
Your timing will change as you work on this new release point. Depending on how often you practice, you will usually see results quite quickly. Don’t forget you are making radical changes to the timing of the clubface at impact. Only a couple degrees difference can radically change the direction the ball goes. Be patient as this can take some time!
COMMON FALSE STARTS
Common false starts would be to practice this while hitting golf balls. You’ll have more success sooner by practicing slower, half-swings into an impact bag. Also, video feedback would be ideal.
