Ballard / Mediate

[Leftee]

I apologize in advance if this thread has been asked before but I am new and did a search and did not see. I have a bad back and even with a lot stretching and working out I still have issues. During the lesson series on The Golf Channel there was an episode with Rocco Mediate and his coach Jimmy Ballard. He spoke of how this action Ballard teaches had helped his carreer and helped his bad back. While it seemed a little different I have been trying it on the range when weather permits. I have been hitting my irons fairly well but struggling with the driver. Just curious what some of you think of the action Ballard teaches. I know my back definitely feels better afterwards. Thanks

[Unkynd]

I asked a similar question a few months ago and got the impression that most people on this forum think he's a joke.

[iacas]

Originally Posted by Unkynd

I asked a similar question a few months ago and got the impression that most people on this forum think he's a joke.

Jimmy Ballard popularized a method that involved a lot of swaying off the golf ball and swaying back through the golf ball. A lot of his stuff was stolen by David Leadbetter (version 1 - David's since revised his swing pattern several times).

It's not what I like, largely because I think the average golfers (and the best golfers, too) don't often sway as much as Ballard seems to prefer. I think it disrupts the geometry of the swing and makes it more difficult to hit the ball solidly, repeatedly.

But it worked for Curtis Strange too (before he lost it), so...?

[Harmonious]

Do a search on Google.  You'll find a few videos and such. Also, here is a link to a really good article on Ballard written by noted golf writer James Dodson: http://www.departures.com/articles/ballad-of-jimmy-ballard which includes some of his main teaching points.

He worked with far more than just Curtis Strange and Mediate.  People like Hal Sutton, Sandy Lyle and Jesper Parnevik.

I read Ballard's book many years ago, and his teachings back in the 1980's are similar to some of the top guys today (maybe they "borrowed" some of their ideas from him?).  Things like keeping your left arm connected to your body, maintaining the triangle between your shoulders and your arms, and firing off a braced right leg.

Check it out, see if what he talks about works for you.  That's the only way to know.

[Leftee]

Thanks for the input guys. I read the article you mention. I am going to go ahead and order Ballards old book and work on it some more this winter. I am hitting the irons well, just need to work on the driver with this swing. It may not be a classic swing, but if will not hurt my back and I can keep playing sounds good to me.

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by Leftee

Thanks for the input guys. I read the article you mention. I am going to go ahead and order Ballards old book and work on it some more this winter. I am hitting the irons well, just need to work on the driver with this swing. It may not be a classic swing, but if will not hurt my back and I can keep playing sounds good to me.

Is playing pain-free your main focus? There are lof ot pros that haven't struggled with back issues during their career, so saving your back doesn't mean you have to play poorly. Incorporate a fitness program into your training whether or not you stick with Ballard.

[Leftee]

SM, you are definitely correct. About 2 years ago I could not play at all. But, after loosing some weight, getting into stretching / pilates, light weights and walking ( used to run ) I have been able to start playing again. Hope fully trying this different swing action will help even more. Thanks