Need advice on how to most effectively use the Swing Jacket in practice.

[B of H]

I'm attempting to re-learn to swing with my body rather than my arms mostly due to the stress my current swing puts on my left lattisimus dorsi and thorasic spine.  I'm a former scratch to 4 handicap and competitive amateur from 12 to 22 years old and I'm taking lessons weekly now to try to start playing again (starting having upper back/ lat inlflammation issues at 17 and quit playing due to the pain/inflamation..yes i've been to numerous doctors and physical therapists etc...)  I tend to get the club inside and across the line at the top then re-route it initially on the downswing causing me to get upright (spine angle wise) and use my hands to square the clubface.  This is more of a problem with the longer clubs rather than shorter ones.

I don't have the DVD's that came with the jacket, I'm not sure what I did with them but I got the swing jacket as a gift years ago.

My instructor agreed that the swing jacket is a great device to help me learn to swing in a way that puts less stress on this part of my body but so far i've really struggled to figure out the best/fastest way to help groove a new swing with it.  I've also started using a towel under both armpits hitting 3/4 wedge shots as well fwiw.

1) should I do entire range sessions with it on or should I mix it up? So far i've been doing about 30 balls with it on and 40 to 60 with it off.  It feels extremely awkward to swing with it on and I hit a lot of thin and heel shots, my lower body seems to want to move towards the target and the ball if that tells you anything.  I was thinking that maybe I should just hit balls for the next week with it on (only)...any thoughts?

2) Should I attempt to hit longer clubs or just wedges/short-irons?

3) any drills or ideas on how to best use this device?

Thanks

[Puttsalott]

I've not used one of these but know someone who does use it and claims to have gone from a 16 hncp to a 6.  From what I've read about these, use it with every club.  It seems to be about tempo and swing plane.  I'm interested in finding out how much it helps you.

[SwingJacketq]

Hi B of H.  This is Bill Walsh, President of Swing Jacket.  I just discovered your post this morning.

Thought you should know that we have the DVD's (and the product) back in stock.  Unfortunately, the factory that produced our product was destroyed by fire a few years ago.  It took us some time to restructure the business after we realized we were not going to get any relief from the manufacturer's insurance.

It would be too long a response to speak to the specific issues you might be having and the best way to use the SJ.  The drills and tips on the DVD's will be very helpful to you.

I have been told by top instructors and physical therapists that many of the golf 'injuries' (low back pain, golfer's elbows, knees, shoulders, upper back pain etc. etc.) are a result of the body's natural athleticism trying to re-route the club due to an off plane or disconnected motion.  The forces golfers can create during the swing are very powerful so trying to re-channel them can cause a lot of stress on the body parts involved.  By guiding you through a perfect, on plane, connected swing you may find the Swing Jacket will help you develop a swing that will be more kind to your body.

I hope this note finds you and your game is in fine form.  Please drop me a note at billw@swingjacket.com if we can help in any way.

Best

Bill