To create the necessary power and club head speed needed to compress a golf ball to it’s maximum the swing needs to be driven by a good body action. On a good backswing a golfer turns and shifts his weight away from the target building up the potential energy of a wound spring as the right leg and hip resist.
The downswing is driven by the left hip and leg. As the spring unwinds, and the left hip and leg drive powerfully towards the target, the arms are pulled down on the correct inside path. To hit the golf ball correctly study the photo sequence below to fully understand the body action and weight transfer during a good golf swing.
Golf Backswing Weight Transfer Photos
- In the address position the right leg of the golfer is set in a position which will allow it resist the turning of the body. The body weight is evenly distributed. (pic 1)
- The right foot is set approximately at right angles to the target
- During the takeaway the right hip and leg resist the turn.
- The right knee must not be allowed to buckle outwards during the backswing.
- The flex of the right leg remains almost exactly the same at the top of the backswing as it did at address. (pic 3) Most of the golfers weight has transferred onto the right side.
- If the right leg buckles out on the backswing all tension is lost ,and with it, the potential to create significant power and club head speed.
Golf Downswing Weight Transfer Photos
- At the start of the downswing the left leg and hip start to turn and drive towards the target.
- Turning and driving the lower body correctly allows the arms to be pulled down on the correct plane so they can attack the ball from the inside. (Pic 3)
- At impact nearly all the body weight has been driven forwards, towards the target, but the braced left leg and foot make sure that the golfer releases the club past the body.
- Hitting against a firm left side maximises centrifugal force and is responsible for slinging the club head with maximum force at the ball.
Swing Finish Position Photos
- In a good swing, with a good weight transference, the right foot comes up into a vertical position turned away from the target.
- As a response to the hips turning towards the target the left foot rolls onto the outside of the foot. Very importantly this only happens after the ball is hit and the golfer is being pulled into the finish position.
- In the finish of a good golf swing with the correct weight transfer the shoulders, chest and hips all face the target.
See also: Simple Drill for Slow Motion Swing Takeaway or Golf Swing Drill for a Perfect Swing
John Hoskison - John is a class 'A' member of the British PGA and author of the acclaimed book 'Inside - One Man's Experience of Prison'.
