Knee dip on backswing!

[Surefire]

I decided to overhaul my swing, as although I have got my handicap to a good level for me, I think I need to be hitting it further to get lower.

I've been watching videos of my swing and the most noticeable thing is that my right knee flexes just as I start my takeaway. Obviously this has massive knock on effects with everything else. After watching it I was suprised I was able to hit the ball at all!

Has anyone else experienced this?
Do you have any drils I can work on to stop this?

Thanks in advance.

[Mr.Wedge]

Lot's easier to deal with than what most do, which is straighten the knee. Does it move away from the target as well? Would like to see...maybe you can post video?

[Surefire]

It doesn't slide, it rotates correctly, if that is what you are asking?
Also once its caused me to dip it stays constant for the whole swing. Which I guess is why I've been able to live with it all this time. The problem is, my posture is correct at set up, so with the dip everything gets too bunched up when I return to impact which I think is costing me power.

Its almost like a trigger to start my swing, in the same way some people move their left knee in.

The video was done by a friend, so I will see if I can get a copy off them to post. if not hopefully my explanation makes sense!

[jjb333]

What's your 9 iron yardage out of curiosity? Is it that you're hitting the ball too high possibly?

[Surefire]

My 9 iron distance is around 130 yards. I'd like to get this nearer to 150 yards. My ball flight is quite high.
Any ideas?

I was considering getting something like a shooting stick to practice with, that way I won't be able to dip as the stick will stop me. Any thoughts on whether this would be a good or bad thing to do?

[jjb333]

I'm having a tough time picturing this knee dip on the backswing. Whenever I have a kink or problem in my swing, I like to take very soft, full swings while making sure I don't do what it is that needs to be fixed.

As for hitting the ball high and not getting it as far as you want, I would suggest making sure you're really leading with your hands at impact if you're not already. 130 isn't a terrible yardage for a 9 iron though, if you're a high ball hitter. I have a friend who can hit a 9 iron 150 yards but doesn't lead with his hands real well so he loses about 15-20 yards.

[oreodawg1]

well if you learn the stack and tilt golf swing which is very easy to learn especially if you are already an 8 handicap your right knee will stay straight all the way through your backswing as far as i know, but you may not gain very much distance...if you just want more distance get you loft changed on all your clubs