Turning my hips too soon

[nemofish]

Hi, one more Q!

I have read many times that one should resist the turning of hips for as long as possible on the backswing - and that for the first 1/4 the hips should remain static and pointing forward as they are at address.

I for one can't do this - not sure if it's genetic, but when I turn my body I also turn my hips.

I simply wonder why this is so important - I recall Ben Hogan saying this was absolutely critical to the golf swing, but I have never ready why.

At the top of my swing, my hip rotation seems pretty much the same as anyone else's - about 35-45 degrees, and feel taught.

Anyone know why we should be resisting?

[ph_kingston]

Re: Turning my hips too soon

Keeping the hips as square as possible while rotating the shoulders builds elastic energy in the body that's released during the downswing creating clubhead acceleration and speed at impact. It's therefore essential for good striking.

Don't get too worried about how much you rotate the hips in relation to the shoulders though. Ensure you get a full shoulder turn and that there is resistance in the hips but if you try too much you'll lose control as you overstretch. You may also find that if you concentrate too much on trying to keep your hips as square as possible that you don't achieve the shoulder turn, which is counter-productive.

You can increase flexibility by doing some simple stretches before you start hitting balls. Rest a club across your shoulder blades and grap the grip and the shaft as if you were doing a bench press. Take a wide, square stance and rotate the shoulders 90deg while attempting to keep the hips as square as possible. Hold it for a few seconds before twisting the other way. Over time this should build a bit more flexibility allowing more resistance without losing control.

Hope this helps,

Paul

[Ian Hancock]

Re: Turning my hips too soon

I would like to add apoint that might also answer your question.....

During the swing you do not turn the hips at all they are forced to move by the upperbody rotation......if you try to hold them still and turn you will find it is ni on impossible.

this is the perfect turn, hold the hips still and turn the upper body.......if you look in the mirror you will see your hips have moved about 45 degrees........................perfection.


Hope this helps


ian.

[nemofish]

Re: Turning my hips too soon

I would like to add apoint that might also answer your question.....

During the swing you do not turn the hips at all they are forced to move by the upperbody rotation......if you try to hold them still and turn you will find it is ni on impossible.

this is the perfect turn, hold the hips still and turn the upper body.......if you look in the mirror you will see your hips have moved about 45 degrees........................perfection.


Hope this helps


ian.

Yeah helps a lot - will try it at the range tonight!

I have just let my hips go with the flow until now. Does feel a lot tighter and more restrictive, but harder to shift weight! Argghh!

Will post my findings..

[Mr_Change]

Re: Turning my hips too soon

I have watched my hips, and on my takeaway my hips shoulder and arms all move together. If I keep the right knee flexed when I perform my right arm bend my shoulders start to coil against my hips, If I allow my right knee to straiten my hips keep on turning with my shoulders.