Straightening the Right Leg, Turning the Hip

[AmenCorner]

I'll tell you one thing, there is no greater aspect that is more tied to successful contact than hip turn. When I don't do it, results vary widely, when I do turn them, solid contact is almost guaranteed. I'm embarressed to say I will go multiple rounds of golf (usually trying to locate other factors to blame for my bad shots) before I return back to hip turn.

For me, starting the swing with a turn of the hips, even if only 10 degrees, makes all the difference in the world.

The interconnectedness of the golf swing is truly amazing.

[SpringBokVol]

That is really interesting instruction. I have always been told to keep my right knee flexed and to turn around it, which creates coil.

That is my key swing thought with me and when I execute properly I hit it very well.

I used to lock my right leg - BIG NO, NO! That is obviously not what you are talking about.

I took a video of my swing last night because I was curious and it looks like I have about a 30* hip turn, 90* shoulder turn and that my right leg does straighten a bit which raises my hips and allows for the spacing you are talking about on the downswing. Very interesting. I never thought of it like that.

[iacas]

I used to lock my right leg - BIG NO, NO! That is obviously not what you are talking about.

No, it's not what we're talking about.

[Golfing]

Yes, the backswing. Watch the Hogan video. Or look at the picture of him at the top of his swing.

I think that is right. The right leg has to straitin on the back swing to get you into your left side early to start the down swing with the lateral motion of the hips, if your trying to swing like Hogan. I was doing the samething as you but did it to soon as a reverse pivot or did it correct and did not make a lateral move. I was reading this book I just bought and my eyes went

I went to the range the next day and it was like I had fond the missing link, I have not missed a ball left since. Stack and tilt is very simular but they focus on hitting a draw as Plummer says it more strait but yes it is a draw, but our guys can work it both was if needed. I would think they hit a draw from not rotating the club open going back and the swing is not as rounded. Still a good swing though, but if you are trying to stay Hoganess I would focus on lateral hips to start the swing, and opening the club up on the back swing.

[RC]

This has been a great discussion in my opinion. Learning stuff is motivating. But rereading something I said popped out at me. I do want my left shoulder to turn just slightly past the ball and what I said might have sounded like that would always cross the line (the club at the top.) That is not what I meant at all. A big shoulder turn and getting behind the ball is generally a good thing and does not result in crossing the line if you keep good extention and the club more in front of the chest... which is also all good stuff.

The problem I was refering to is when the hips give way, the club gets trapped behind you and you cross the line due to loose arms and hands -- something I have had issues with from time to time. Overswinging can cause that. Going for those extra yards with a driver should be more about generating speed on the downswing, not cranking back further on the backswing. Pretty sure we all agree on that.

[madcityscott]

I had a lesson earlier this year where the instructor said I was doing the exact same thing (almost no hip turn). I've been working on so many other parts of my swing that I forgot about it. I just swung a couple of times in the backyard and it feels so much more powerful to turn to 30 degrees or more. I can't wait to give it a shot on the course tomorrow. Thanks for the reminder!

[AmenCorner]

Erik-

I have a question. One problem I'm having I think is lifting my left heel off the ground during the backswing. I know Nicklaus did it, but doesn't seem too common on tour. I think this hurts me in a number of ways, but it really is brought on more frequently when I try to focus on hip turn. Ever have this problem?

[Zeph]

Good post Erik. I'm working on a Ben Hogan swing myself, currently working on keeping my torso behind and firing through with the hips.

I haven't recorded my swing in some time, but recordings from eariler this year show that I've got a decent hip turn. Got lots of other problems though.

[iacas]

I have a question. One problem I'm having I think is lifting my left heel off the ground during the backswing. I know Nicklaus did it, but doesn't seem too common on tour. I think this hurts me in a number of ways, but it really is brought on more frequently when I try to focus on hip turn. Ever have this problem?

No, never had that problem. My left heel doesn't come off the ground.

[$2 Nassau]

Interesting stuff. But I must say I'm confused. I was always under the impression that you should not straighten the back leg and you should maintain your knee flex. Also, I thought the goal was to restrict hip turn which helps to build up the coil.

[DavidFehertysBike]

Interesting stuff. But I must say I'm confused. I was always under the impression that you should not straighten the back leg and you should maintain your knee flex. Also, I thought the goal was to restrict hip turn which helps to build up the coil.

Its not always the case. Restricting hip turn is more of a mordern idea. You can still develop good power with a free turn of the hips. Vijay Singh doenst try to restrict his hips on the backswing at all.

You shouldnt lift and change levels in the backswing, but i think the back leg can straiten a little. I think ive heard of it referred to as "posting"

[iacas]

Interesting stuff. But I must say I'm confused. I was always under the impression that you should not straighten the back leg and you should maintain your knee flex. Also, I thought the goal was to restrict hip turn which helps to build up the coil.

Assignment: go back and read more than the title of the thread.

Specifically, the early paragraphs of this post .

[$2 Nassau]

Assignment: go back and read more than the title of the thread.

That's a tall order, but I'll do it!

EDIT: okay I did my homework, makes sense now! Thanks.