Head Movement

[AlanN]

For years I have been a pupil of the "keep your head still" school of golf. I was led to believe that any head movement will wreck the chance of making a good golf swing. I've struggled with my game and have never got below my present 18 handicap. I could hit every shot in the book; pull, hook, slice etc.. I struggled to make a full turn due to years of lower back problems

In the last two weeks, my long game has improved beyond all recognition. Gone are the pull hooks, pulls, slices and blocks. I've played four rounds in this period and have never hit the ball so, consistently, straight and long(+ a slight draw). My short game needs some work but, that's another story!!

The reason for this unbelievable improvement is due to a recent lesson I had. The pro got me to move my head, away from the target line, in the backswing. It felt like I was moving it about 2 feet but, was probably about 6-9 ins. He then told me to keep it back there during the downswing. No forward movement until impact. As a result of his instruction, I am now striking the ball in a way that I thought was only for much better players than me.

Keep my head still? Never again.

[LowPost42]

Re: Head Movement

It sounds like he's got you behind the ball at impact - a great thing.

[AlanN]

Re: Head Movement

LowPost42. That certainly seems to be the case.

I've just come back from playing a practise round on a 9 hole course, as I'm playing there in a team comp on Wednesday. I went with my playing partner (12 h'cap) and we scored 23 pts. I had 2 birdies and one par. We've played together many times before and he couldn't believe the sudden improvement in my ball striking. Long may it continue

[cyc53870]

Re: Head Movement

I try not to think about the head too much... it would mess with my swing. Most teachers say to keep the head behind the ball and not to move it too much...

[rotator]

Re: Head Movement

Very good.

Look at the swings of the good golfers and they get behind the ball.

I started this about a year ago and as you say, it works wonders.

I start with the slight backward lean of the upper body from the hips (away from the target), which among other good things that does, gets the head already behind the ball. Then when I make my backswing, I think about getting my shoulder turn to line up with my back foot. From here, you are ready to go with your lower body leading, and the head stays back until the through swing pulls you forward and around.

Ted