Article #36
Dear Jitterbug:
Can you explain the weight shift on the downswing? Does it happen all at once?
Pup Brownstowne
Jitterbug Gang Fan
Jitterbug:
This whole business of the weight shift seems to confuse most folks. Let me explain it this way:
At first, there is just a little "bump" of a weight shift. This happens at the completion of your backswing, while your back is still to the target. But, like I said, it's just a bump; maybe 60 percent your weight goes to your forward leg. From there, it is just a matter of continuing to rotate counter-clockwise, starting with your knees, hips, shoulders, and finally the arms and club.
Mr. Vaughn:
You're probably lookin' for a little more information than that, Pup, so I'll take it from here.
There really are two parts to the weight shift: First, like Jitterbug said, there's the bump. Your spine, from top to bottom, should actually move to the left a couple of inches.
The rest of the weight shift happens because you rotate. So, after the bump, the right hip comes rotating around, bringing with it a little more weight with every inch it rotates. By the time your club hits the ball, because of your right hip having rotated, you might have as much as 80 percent of your weight on your left foot. After impact, provided you continue rotating, your right shoulder should rotate past your left shoulder, at which point you'll be something like 95 percent loaded on your left leg. And, when you've finished turning, maybe 99 percent. So, it ain't nothin' more than a small lateral shift, followed by a more complete shift by way your right side rotating around your left.
Lord Berry:
For short shots (anything less than a full swing), most would benefit by eliminating the bump. Instead, you should "pre-bump," that is, address the ball with 60 percent of your weight already on your left foot. Most will find short shots much easier after adopting this one simple setup adjustment.