wrist rolling

I have been playing golf for 17 years. Keep in mind that was once or twice a year until the last 2. During this time - I was reinforcing so many bad habits and didn't care enough to learn correctly.

That all changed very recently - I got some incredible lessons.

I now shoulder turn pretty darn well - My grip is finally correct - I have a good swing plane (according to my pro) - I have a slight draw instead of a drastic slice. I am very happy about these advances ... they seemingly happened in moments.

There is 3 things that still need work ... two of which you fellas out there can help me with.

#1 - My distance has been CRIPPLED!!! I have no idea how long I hit anything anymore. This will get longer and more measurable with practice. I don't think you guys can help me with that (but I'd love any words you want to spin around this - I am an advice sponge)

THIS IS WHERE I NEED THE HELP

#2 - My mis-hits are do to wrist rolling. I believe that this may rectify in time because of my new (correct) grip will take a bit of getting used to. But I was curious if anybody out there had any drills or advice to stop rolling.

#3 - My through swing was 2nd nature with my incorrect swing ... I didn't think about it much. Now that my mechanics have been greatly corrected - my follow seems awfully unnatural and forced. I was wondering if anybody had any pointers that can assist in promoting agood follow and finish.


Thanks to all in advance - this site is fantastic!!! I have already gleaned so much.

gain

1 - sounds like your technique is good, so now work on your flexability and some strength training. Check out a Yoga or Pilates for golf - sounds kinda silly, but they both produce results.

2 - try GregJWillis's impact position drill - http://members.cox.net/gregjwillis/LESSON3.htm

3 - while on the range, start from the top of the followthrough position and work back to the top of the backswing. Also, do work with a full length mirror. It may feel funny, but look great. You may also be able to pull a flaw out from something you see to make it a bit more natural.

__________________
Gord

Quote of the month:
"It's easy to see golf not as a game at all but as some whey-faced, nineteenth-century Presbyterian minister's fever dream of exorcism achieved through ritual and self-mortification." ~Bruce McCall

Gord,

Thanks a bunch. Your advice on 2 & 3 are great ... I am actually trying #2 in my office right now.

With #1 ... flex and strength are far from my problem. I am 30 and I am a gym and self defense rat. I think that I simply need to steer focus away from the bad habits and solidify the new corrections. I had sooooo much motion/strength/flex in my old swing. My pro had to lock so many things down and make things much more compact for the sake of correct technique and control. I need to get comfortable with these adjustments I assume before I knock the snot out of it again.

My pro also has my ball position VERY far away from me. I am a taller player (6'4") but this distance seems crazy by comparision to everything I've ever heard/watched/read. Don't get me wrong ... I think the man is brilliant ... but ... Is this a subjective thing ... or is there any guide to distance from the ball at address? When I watch the pros, their hands are closer to their bodies/crotches than my pro has me set. I assume this is why my slice went bye bye?

As I said previously ... I can bend well at the hips and I am not uncomfortable. But I am wondering if this may be why I am occasionally rolling and/or having slight trouble with follow/finish.

As for ball position at address, your arms should hang naturally from your shoulder. Do not reach! To test, let go with your right hand and let hang naturally. Then, move your arm parallel to the target line - your hand should return to the grip. If you are reaching, your right hand will end up hitting your left arm.

The first lesson I had from a pro he had me standing a lot further away from the ball than I was previously. He had my hands hanging doing naturally but I was leaning much further over the ball. He wanted the top of the grip and my crotch to be much further away than previously (stretch out your thumb and little finger as far apart as possible and that's what he wanted).

The reason for this is that he wanted to eliminate the excessive wrist action I had in my swing and promote a more in-out-in swing path. It felt very uncomfortable at first but really worked. I've toned it down to something a little less extreme (a first and a thumb apart) but it's made a big difference to the consistency of my ball striking.

Initially it did cut some distance too as I wasn't whipping my wrists through as much as before. As I got used to it though my swing speed picked up and my acceleration through the ball was more controlled. I'm now hitting the ball further than before.

Hi Evan,

We all have lessons, some more than others but one thing everyone seems to notice that whatever the change you feel like you are doing something different.

Like Gord says using a mirror is great because during the golf swing you haven't got a clue how far you go back or if your feet are lined up correctly etc etc......

If some one is too close to the ball then moves a few inches further away it feels like miles, I think you maybe your a little frustrated that having changed a few things nothing feels right at the moment, it's like riding a bike it will come all at once just stick with the changes and keep working.

One point about your self defence macho "Knocking the snot out of the ball" approach.
Remember golf is a game where strength mean nothing as in self defence (karate etc) it's all about timing, maximum speed at a given point by using relaxation.


Hope this helps and good luck with the changes.


Ian.