What are the Power Accumulators?

[Beachcomber]

I've been getting more and more into the finite details and mechanics of my swing - and in doing so - have seen and heard references to the four power accumulators from various sources.  Where can I find a clear and concise demonstration of all four?

On this blog - I found a video from Brian Manzella (mid way down the page) which is ~ 9:00 in length.  I thought he did a solid job of explaining them, but wasn't sure how accurate his information was.

http://www.gothamgolfblog.com/2009/12/power-accumulators.html

Bottom-line, from what I've found on the web - I'm confused and thought the experts using this forum could highlight some solid references for me so that I can continue to educate myself on the golf swing, and in particular the power accumulators.

Thanks!

Beachcomber

[mvmac]

http://thesandtrap.com/a/big-list-of-golf-terminology

Quote:

Accumulators in the Golf Swing
1: A bent right elbow
2: Leading (top) wrist cock
3: Angle between shaft and lead forearm (expressed as rotation about that lead forearm)
4: Angle between lead arm and shoulders
Each accumulator has a corresponding pressure point.

Couple quick examples

[Beachcomber]

Thansk Mike.  Quick question... Because I'm a little confused after seeing different sources state different things.

After P7 - if all the Power Accumulators are carried out to perfection - should you try and let the clubface rollover - or stay on path/target (square) as long as you can?  I'm seeing different instruction via videos, blogs, etc.  And wasn't sure which feel was physics/geometry based to give you the best chance to hit the ball straight, and with power.

[mvmac]

The PA's are from the Golfing Machine book, which is more of an encyclopedia than an instruction book.  And I think this might be where the confusion is coming from.  When you ask if the PA's are carried out to perfection, then the question becomes: for what ball flight, what swing pattern, what grip?  For example Grant loads and unloads his PA's differently than some of his tour players, but they all hit the ball well.  The PA's or the Golfing Machine in general is just about coming up with a common language we can all use, rather then get stuck with generalities.

To finally answer your question, you should basically "let it go".  Have a flat left wrist at impact with the weight forward and smash it.  No point in trying to hold on to anything, that just makes the clubhead move slower.  Now there are drill we give students to improve a flat left wrist at impact that may "feel" like they aren't releasing the club.  Again it's a drill for players that have poor sequencing and have the handle too far back at impact.

It sounds more complicated when the info is new, easier to explain in person.  Then you'll understand this

[iacas]

I think Mike's nailed it but if you have any other questions let us know.

[tshapiro]

Knowing how to mix and match the accumulators is another story. For example, a lot of people find its better to relax the right elbow and not attempt to use it as a power source.

[iacas]

Originally Posted by tshapiro

Knowing how to mix and match the accumulators is another story. For example, a lot of people find its better to relax the right elbow and not attempt to use it as a power source.

That may be their feeling .

In truth golfers use all accumulators with every stroke longer than a really short one.

[Beachcomber]

Thanks guys for the responses... Dana's video about the 2nd accumulator is awesome.

Just watching this video alone - trying to practice that 'punch' motion with a 4-iron on the carpet (~ 7 o'clock to 4 o'clock finish)... I have been hitting some great golf shots on the range / course!  Love this!!

[mvmac]

Yeah, one of my favorites

[Th3R00st3r]

That's a great video. I was wondering how to focus on that part and the video does a nice job of showing how. I was/am doing what the student was doing, but now I will practice this move to increase the 2nd accumulator..Thanks!

[Beachcomber]

Originally Posted by mvmac

It sounds more complicated when the info is new, easier to explain in person.  Then you'll understand this

LOL... I just watched this video.  Thanks!

[maddog0512]

Sorry for bumping an old thread but I am having trouble with power accumulator #3.

From what I've gathered, it's essentially the rotation of the left forearm and the release of the associated angle formed between it and the club shaft.  During the backswing, the clubface goes from pointing in the general direction of the target at address to a more toe-up position when the shaft is parallel to the ground.  This then gets reversed in the downswing.

I believe I don't do this much at all.  When I've focused on it and been able to do it correctly, my swing feels much more powerful and effortless.  My question is: would going down this road of trying to feel the left forearm rotate more be beneficial or will it lead to more inconsistency with my ball striking?  I posed this question to @cbrian in my last Evolvr submission but I feel like I wasn't clear enough.

[mvmac]

Sorry for bumping an old thread but I am having trouble with power accumulator #3.

From what I've gathered, it's essentially the rotation of the left forearm and the release of the associated angle formed between it and the club shaft.  During the backswing, the clubface goes from pointing in the general direction of the target at address to a more toe-up position when the shaft is parallel to the ground.  This then gets reversed in the downswing.

Yes it's forearm rotation, "old" Rickie Fowler would be someone that doesn't load PA#3 very much on the takeaway

I believe I don't do this much at all.  When I've focused on it and been able to do it correctly, my swing feels much more powerful and effortless.  My question is: would going down this road of trying to feel the left forearm rotate more be beneficial or will it lead to more inconsistency with my ball striking?  I posed this question to @cbrian in my last Evolvr submission but I feel like I wasn't clear enough.

Don't mean to sound rude but how the heck should we know? No one can answer this question without seeing your swing and knowing your tendencies. Using Rickie Fowler again, he probably feels like he loads #3 earlier since working with Harmon, his hands are less "in" club head works less out. Jay Haas was on yesterday talking about how he was rolling the forearms too much on the takeaway, toe was up at A2, so feeling it more could be disastrous for him.

[iacas]

@maddog0512 , if memory serves, I think your clubface is "closed" a little at 2 because it's closed at address.

Listen to @cbrian . Dude knows what he's talking about. ;-)

[maddog0512]

Thanks, Erik.