trunk and shoulder flexibility

[pxc]

I'm reading Hogan's 5 Lessons, and at the apex of the backswing the position of the illustrated golfer's shoulders is difficult (if not impossible) for me to get into. His left shoulder is directly below his chin, I just can't do that. I guess I lack the flexibility right now. What exercises can I do to increase my flexibility so I can rotate my shoulders and hips the way Hogan describes?

[bunkerputt]

I'm reading Hogan's 5 Lessons, and at the apex of the backswing the position of the illustrated golfer's shoulders is difficult (if not impossible) for me to get into. His left shoulder is directly below his chin, I just can't do that. I guess I lack the flexibility right now. What exercises can I do to increase my flexibility so I can rotate my shoulders and hips the way Hogan describes?

Do you have enough hip-turn? I tried for about two years to get my shoulders at 90* and my hips square. That is zero hip-turn. I got it to about 70*, but ended up with a left-shoulder injury because I tried to make up the difference with a longer arm swing. When I suddenly started turning my hips, I looked like a contortionist freak on camera. I didn't really have the flexibility problem I thought I did, I just wasn't turning correctly. Put it this way, I'm pretty sure some of the younger guys on tour could make a huge shoulder turn with absolutely zero hip turn. But they don't. Why? Because a hip-turn is good for your golf swing. Otherwise they wouldn't be doing it. When you're looking at Hogan's pictures, don't forget to take note of how big his hip turn is. He was definitely pretty flexible, but only his wrists were at a level of flexibility that most people can't attain.

To answer your question, though. All golfers need to work on the following areas: 1. Upper back/shoulder/neck flexibility 2. Middle back flexibility 3. Internal hip rotation 4. Gluteals and hip flexors 5. Core stability When you stretch your back, make sure your spine is aligned correctly. Otherwise you can jack yourself up. A good way to get started is to get with a pro or a good golfer and have him put you in the proper positions. If you've never been there, it will be tight. Remember those muscles that were tight so that you can find out ways to stretch them out some. To get started, try doing the following two exercises: 1. Get a closet dowel or bo staff about as long as you are tall, maybe a little more. Place the end of it on the ground about a foot in front of your feet in the center of your stance. Grab the top of it and bend forward. Try moving it left and right to stretch both sides of your back. Kind of like this guy is doing: http://www.golfstretchingpole.com/standardmen.html But don't waste your money. Just go to home depot and cut down a closet dowel. You can wrap medical tape on one end for a grip if you want to. 2. Lay on your side with your lower leg straight. Bend your upper leg and alternate touching your knee in front of you and your foot behind you without moving your hips to do it. Sort of like these girls are doing: Or this guy: Those two will get you started. I'd also join up at http://www.titleistperformanceinstitute.com . They've got a lot of really great videos there with some info about physical reasons for swing flaws.

[DavidFehertysBike]

If you cant get back there, then dont even try. That would be my advice A proper 3 quarter swing with solid ball contract is better than a big swing where youre all out of wack trying to force yourself into positions you cant get into.