Problem Solved- Narrow stance to promote weight shift and open hips

[Marty2019]

So, as a senior who is having problems getting my weight shifted properly, and getting my hips open at contact, I have found that if I just narrow my stance, it very much alleviates those problems.   Not severely narrowing, just narrowing a little more than a little.  Just pull my right foot forward 4 or 5 inches, so when I take a stance for a pitching wedge, for example, my heels are about a foot apart.  I think I'm taking about 20% of the space out of my stance with all clubs.  It also seems like this puts less strain on my back.
 

Does this seem like a valid solution?  

 

[Piz]

For baseball pitchers; the proper stride length is longer than too short and shorter than too long.  I imagine the same logic applies to the width of a golfers stance.  

[Club Rat]

2 hours ago, Marty2019 said:

 

Does this seem like a valid solution? 

Yes being that you are an older player.
I'm 64 and have always used a narrower stance on most shots along with a shorter backswing swing.
Just be aware, it could lead to adverse swings during the transition of change.
I typically have days when I feel like I rush my swing and force myself to Slooow Down.

[Strat-Pack Rick]

I think im gonna try this. I sometimes feel my stance getting too wide. With my mid irons I get too wide I think. Im gonna shorten my stance when I hit into my net and see how it feels. I searched for this thread because I had this question on my mind too. Great question , so thank you. If anyone has any more stance advice please bring it. Im really starting to see how fundamentals are the most important aspects of this game.Thanks everyone !!

[Ernest Jones]

On December 13, 2016 at 8:13 AM, Marty2019 said:

So, as a senior who is having problems getting my weight shifted properly, and getting my hips open at contact, I have found that if I just narrow my stance, it very much alleviates those problems.   Not severely narrowing, just narrowing a little more than a little.  Just pull my right foot forward 4 or 5 inches, so when I take a stance for a pitching wedge, for example, my heels are about a foot apart.  I think I'm taking about 20% of the space out of my stance with all clubs.  It also seems like this puts less strain on my back.
 

Does this seem like a valid solution?  

 

Absolutely. Lots of players get too wide, usually because it feels more stable or solid. The trouble is, a wide stance can make the weight shift more difficult than it needs to be because it tends to lock up your lower body. 

Just watch that the narrower stance doesn't lead to swaying back in the backswing. 

[Hatchman]

Not sure their is a set distance for a stance.  Pretty sure a wide stance might restrict a turn, weight shift, or follow through efficiently.  Course conditions may also apply...try narrow in the sand.  Physical conditioning factors into the swing I've come to understand.  A senior making changes as well.

[Marty2019]

I tried it on the range yesterday and had one of the best ball striking sessions I've had in a long time  

I narrow my stance, and take a shorter back swing so I have some slack in my body; I'm not all twisted up tight.   That allows me to shift my weight and rotate my hips and I get more solid contact and more power.   That eliminates the occasional fat shot as well. 

 

[HitAndGiggle]

Yes, I have been working on this lately too and the narrower stance is part of my setup change. It was probably the first thing my teacher had me do, actually. Felt really weird at first.