Article #10
Featured Teacher: Mr. Vaughn
To meet this week's teacher go to www.oneputtpress.com/teachers_vaughn.cfm
If your swing ain't already smooth like Ernie Els or Mr. Freddie Couples then we got somethin' to talk about.
A Proper Rhythm
A good, smooth rhythm can make up for bad technique, but the best technique in the world is never enough to make up for a bad rhythm. Read that again. And, then again, because just agreein' with me ain't gonna get you nowhere. You gotta know it's true!
The Root of the Problem
Bad rhythm most often starts when the golfer begins the downswing by pulling the club violently with the shoulders. That's right. Before the club even gets to the top of the backswing, the shoulders are already firin' down, bringing that club flyin' back at the ball. FASTER, QUICKER, SOONER, JERKIER; that's how our physical mind attempts to create power. But, it's also how we lose rhythm.
The Trick
Telling yourself to swing at a reasonable tempo is not the answer; your physical mind has no idea what a "reasonable tempo" is. Rather, your body responds best when tricked, that is to say, given a different task that will, in the end, accomplish the original goal.
I'll say it again, the problem is that your shoulders aren't patient. That being the case, let's take some extra practice swings (away from the ball) simply waiting until after the club has swished the ground to start your fast rotation. Said another way, during your practice swings, I want you to wait until your club is through the hitting area to really turn on the gas. Total gingerly relaxation until after the club has passed through the impact area. Once the club is on its way up, you can give it hell with your shoulders, your hips, or whatever else you want to all the way to the finish.
Do this five or six times, and then hit a golf ball. You won't believe what just five or six practice swings like this will do for your patience, tempo and timing.
Of course, if you're like most folks, you'll do it once and say, "Wow, you're right!" and then never do it again. But, don't do that. Instead, commit to doing it for an entire bucket of balls. If, after a bucket of balls, you're not a better, more rhythmic ball striker, then simply unsubscribe to the weekly tip and I'll see to it that we never bother you again.
But, I don't think I'll have to…
Peace,
Mr. Vaughn