SnT: The Left Knee?

[kfowler]

When using the Stack and Tilt pattern, what should be the movement of the left knee during the take away? My left knee tends to move back towards the ball on my takeaway. So it moves to the right. Some of the videos I've seen, it looks the left knee doesn't move right at all. To me it looks almost like your left knee is moving out toward your left toes.

[kfowler]

Here's a pic for reference.

[finitesoup]

Having just had my first evolvr lesson, I can say that for me the key thing that I have to work on is not having the left knee move back in the backswing. In addition both knees move forward with the forward hip slide in the downswing, so they end up outside (to the left of) the left ankle.

Makes an unbelievable difference in my ballstriking when I get it...just need to groove it at the driving range.

[kfowler]

Here's the same swing at close to impact as I can get. The HD does that funny bow thing in the shaft. I've been able to get my left knee outside my left foot at impact.

[jamo]

Just find a video of Bennet or Plummer hitting driver on YouTube.

[Nick Clearwater]

Hey Kevin,
This should help answer your questions...

[The Hacker]

Looks to me like your left knee is being pulled right (whether that's good or bad) by a HECK of a hip and shoulder turn. Your left shoulder is actually right of the line between your eye and the ball, and your hips are turned further than the other guy in the comparison picture.

[kfowler]

Nick,

Thanks, that's very helpful. The head creeping forward has been a constant issue for a while now. Dave W. and I have discussed it before. It starts creeping forward at arms 90* during backswing and continues until arms are 90* in the downswing. At that point it stays still through impact and finish. It's something I've really struggled to correct. I've tried practicing with my head against an object, like a door frame, but I really need something to practice with while hitting a full swing. Funny thing is I feel like my head is still. Of course what you feel and what you're actually doing are two different things. Any suggestions?

Thanks again!!!!

[Zeph]

I've got the same problem. Or, my head has a tendency to move back on the backswing and forward on the downswing. If you don't have someone wanting to hold a shaft next to your head on the range, imagine there is an invisible object on the left side of your head, preventing it from moving forward at all. Like a door frame, only imaginary. Swing, still making the good hip push forward, but keeping the head still, which will give you a more backward tilt through the downswing. Hips forward, head still.

Using a physical object is preferable, since it give instant feedback on any movement. If you have door frames or similar construction which you can put your head up against on the range, try making some swings (without club if there is no room) with it, then go to your ball and hit a shot, trying to mimick the swing.

[Nick Clearwater]

Nick,

I'd get the camera out & hit a few shots feeling like your head moves a foot to the right on your backswing. Your spine is changing flex TOO much. I'd rather not complicate it with a description, but would prefer you change your feel with a simple exaggeration. Practice this for about 2 minutes & I think you'll be centered. Not your typical S&T; lesson I know...

Film yourself HITTING BALLS with these thoughts...Head moves right 1 foot, and the hips move right 6 inches in the backswing. Adjust the measurements from there. AND....Always listen to Dave Wedzik!

[kfowler]

Zeph - My problem is though I have a poor imagination. :D

[Stretch]

I'm no paragon for sure, but have been working on the same thing myself. Position #2 is definitely better for hitting!

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For me, it helps to think about the left knee starting to flex toward the left toe right at the start of the backswing.

[kfowler]

For me, it helps to think about the left knee starting to flex toward the left toe right at the start of the backswing.

Wow, that looks like a much better position. That's the same thought I'm trying.