Pro Tips

Get more power into your swing

Ever wonder how the pros seem to hit the ball a mile and make it look so easy? We take you step by step through the techniques you too can use to release this natural power.

Power is built up in the backswing and there are two key movements that occur. Correct transfer of weight – that is from left to right and back again. And wind (coil). These two movements need to be synchronized so here is how to “Move and wind”.

The body and arms work in unison here; you will see the hula hoop illustrating how to maintain a wide arc in the swing.(PIC 1) This position should remain constant. From address, the arms start the swing, the left shoulder moves to the right which triggers a slight hip movement. About half way back, as the shoulders continue to turn, the hips and knees respond to the movement of the shoulders. Flexible players don’t have to worry too much – it will happen naturally.

They can simply wind the shoulders and let the hips and knees be pulled along. For less flexible players, it is important to consciously wind the left hip and knee against a solid right thigh. When you shift your weight correctly onto the right side, the right ankle, knee and hip should form one vertical line as seen in the picture. Don’t make the mistake of resisting too much with the hips – it’s the right knee and thigh that provide resistance. You will know when you are moving correctly when you feel the left hip “winding up” against the resistance of the right thigh.

As the shoulders and hips turn, you should feel weight shifting into the right heel. This correct turn encourages a good swing plane assisting in loading your power ready for release, you are now WOUND UP at full coil. (Pic 2).

The head will have a slight movement laterally to the right in order to facilitate weight shift. The movement is no more than an inch or two. From this loaded or ‘COILED’ position, with the weight on the right side, you are ready to fire.

The downswing starts by rolling the ankles and shifting the knees which creates a shift of weight onto the left side. Importantly, the left shoulder, which has wound laterally in the backswing, can now pull away from the chin and create torque on the arm, catapulting the arms into action as the downswing begins.

A common fault is when a player does not follow this sequence and subsequently leaves the left shoulder behind. The weight then stays where it started, which creates a very flat swing with no power and only the arms are able to be active in the downswing.

A visible sign of not moving and winding is when the right leg is unable to maintain its flex and straightens. This instantly loses you power and connection. So get your left side behind the ball, move and wind and enjoy the POWER.

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