When one side dominates the other?

Hola, I'd like to know your opinion on how and when to use your left side and your right side during the swing, expecially on the downswing. Thanks.

Hmm a tricky one this Kenisu.

I don't really think of left and right side. As soon as I do, they become two separate entities and can behave eratically!

I think of myself as one whole rotating unit. The right and left sides have their place, but only as part of the whole rotation, not individually. That's how I feel it anyhoo.

Hi Toni,

How are you, I hope you are well?


I am a bit like Neil here, I like to focus on a pivot around my spine in the swing to reduce swaying, staying stacked is the current term I think.

Many promote the feeling of hitting against a firm left side and that is a good thought as long as the left knee remains flexed and does not rise up disturbing posture and balance.

Thank you Brian and Neil. I'm well and hope you are too, Brian. My question seems a bit superfluous but I think it is a subject all the amateur players and their coaches should check very well before trying to fix other things. Putting, chipping, full swing,... every hand (and side) has to exactly play its part, without overperforming or missperforming. I'd urge everybody to pull it into the X-rays room and try to see what happens when apply more force on one side (body, legs, arms, wrists, hands,..) at every moment of the swing in front of the other. Maybe you discover the real desease of your GOLF.

__________________
To feel fear is also beautiful. -Curro Romero- (bullfighter)

Yes, that is a very good point. I think balance is the foundation of a good golf swing and allowing one side to overpower will create instability thus disrupting a free flowing action. I know if I allow my right arm to overpower my left it will result in hooks or slices.

Just doing a bit of reading and came across this fella's.

Interesting thread Tony.

I can say that on the takeaway I am focused on the right arm and hand.

I wish I could say that I am focused on the left arm and hand on the downswing. I have tried but it is soooo hard.

With my casting problem - the culprit is the first movement of my downswing is my right hand. If I can focus on maintaining the angle in the left, I do not cast.

Take care.

Hi Nicole

A good way to prevent casting is to imagine a line that passes from the target through the ball and carrying on behind you. As you start the downswing trace the butt end of the grip back along that line as long as possible. Imagine a laser light shining out the end of the grip that stays on the line during the back and down swing. It will help you maintain the angle in your wrists.

Hope it helps?

Thanks Brian,

Have tried many things. My practice swing is perfect - great lag.

I have heard and tried what you have suggested. Unfortunately it hasn't worked.

When I think of maintaining the angle in the left wrist in the first movement in the downswing - great...

I think there is merit in thinking of right/left side of the body throughout the swing....

Take care

Thank you guys and girls. Let's go on investigating and let me know more things, PLEASE.

Tony,

Thinking of the left hand bringing the club down at the top of the back swing has definately helped, ie, better ball strike, trajectory and distance on the fly.

I still have to focus on this. I do so more for those shots to the green.

How is your theory/investigation coming along?

Nicole

Hello VP and happy new year.

Ever wondered why it is that your practice swing is good but your actual swing is less so?

Hi Nicole. I don't have any theory on this subject but just have a look at Ben Hogan's left hand and wrist at impact, seems leadering the action of controling the club face, doesn't it? Try chipping ( no power required ) by focusing only of your left hand and you may see, sooner or later, that you have more control and consistency. Sergio Garcia is lefty on holding everything but a golf club and I've seen Rafa Nadal ( lefty in tennis ) who plays golf right handed, making the ball fly over the 300 yards and what is more important: single figure in 3 years. (both cases a powerfull and controling left side) This is just a fact. Toni.

__________________
To feel fear is also beautiful. -Curro Romero- (bullfighter)

Neil,

I know it is just mental and a matter of trust.

Coach has taped both practice and actual swings. It's the lil white pills fault for getting in my way

Nicole

Hmmmm. Seems kinda vague to me. What's just mental? What's a matter of trust?

I have to go with what Sam Snead and many other greats have said...it is a pulling motion. You play golf with your left side (right handed golfer). This is a much more powerful action than pushing with your right side and creates the correct sensation on the downswing. People tend to use the right side, especially the upper body, to "hit" at the ball and this usually causes an over top slice swing. Hope this helps!