Golf Digest - April 2009 - Breaking 80 Drill

[Shindig]

Can anyone explain this drill to me? I put a tee in the ground outside my left heel... and nudge the tee forward on the downswing? By leaning forward, by kicking my foot, what?

I'm not trying to be sarcastic, but the Breaking 100-90-80 really looks good this month, but I can't understand this drill. And it looks like something I might want to try.

Also, has anyone had success with this or a similar drill?

[TMO]

Can you link to the drill. I think I know what you are talking about it and it's an alright drill. I am curious about the context though for why they say breaking 80 and which golfers they are saying it would be for - what problem. Presumably, it would help you create more power by making you post up on your left leg during your down swing but your description makes it sound a little bit more like it's a swing thought than an actual drill. Let me know when you link to it.

[Shindig]

Can you link to the drill. I think I know what you are talking about it and it's an alright drill. I am curious about the context though for why they say breaking 80 and which golfers they are saying it would be for - what problem. Presumably, it would help you create more power by making you post up on your left leg during your down swing but your description makes it sound a little bit more like it's a swing thought than an actual drill. Let me know when you link to it.

The section isn't on GolfDigest.com as of right now. It says that sloppy footwork is a common good-player's mistake. They suggest this:

Set up with the driver and stick a tee in the ground just outside your left heel. When you start your downswing, nudge the tee forward with your heel - re-centering your weight - before you rotate to the finish. With better footwork, you'll hit the ball more squarely because of improved sequencing.

It is labeled "drill" and has a picture of her (Debbie Doniger, who wrote the breaking 100-90-80 section this month) set up with a driver, with an arrow at a tee outside her left heel.

[Eeryck]

I belive the intent of this goal is to get your weight moving to the left properly and to get your ankle to roll through impact before your weight gets into your left side completely.

In your backswing your weight moves to your right side and unless you are very flexible your left heal will come up slightly. Perhaps as little as an 1/8 or 1/4 inch but it still comes up. More if you swing with a less "modern" swing.

When you start your downswing by getting things moving back to the left and replant the left heal the very slight left motion of your heal is going to get your ankles moving in the right direction to allow for the weight shift and get the weight positioned properly on your left foot to stop your left heal from "spinning out"

Once you get through impact your left foot toes may turn slightly towards the target (most pros do including Tiger) as your weight moves from the inside to the outside of the left foot after impact.

Fortunately my footwork is pretty good, having just looked at it with the pro I am working. I suspect that the drill is two fold. To help you get moving that way if you aren't already. Or to limit your movement if you tend to spin out.

Taking video down the line you should be able to see what your feet are doing as well.

Regards,
-E