some more thoughts

[BrianW]

Re: some more thoughts

The legs and hips are the engine of the swing, the arms and hands are the transmission system. OK, a system where a certain amount of power can be added, strong hands may be needed for big hitting but they are not the primary power source.

To create a headspeed of 100 mph with a driver head of around 7 ounces requires around 3 to 4 horse-power to be generated through the body. Muscles can at best produce about an eighth of a horse-power per pound of muscle. In an average man all the muscles acting in and on the arms is about 20 pounds, of which about half can produce useful power at a given instant on account of their arrangement in opposing pairs.

Roughly speaking then, the power available from the arms amount at most to one and a quarter horse-power, and is probably less as the loading cannot be optimal throughout the whole duration of the downswing. If we are looking for three to four horse-power then we have to look to our biggest muscles, those of the legs and lower body for the main supply of power. In fact the muscles acting in and on the legs weigh about forty pounds and can produce two and a half horse-power or so.

[shootin4par]

Re: some more thoughts

Never really thought of it that way.... When I practice my "L to L" shots (left arm gets to parallel on the backswing, then right arm gets to parallel on the follow-through) I can hit the ball about 70% of my normal distance. If I really POWER it with my arms and wrists, maybe 80%. I control it much better. So sometimes, esp into the wind, I will take 2 clubs more and hit that shot instead of trying to MUSCLE my normal club.

BUT....

My avg. drive is right around 275 yards. 70% of that number is 192.5 yards. So yes, my arms hit the ball 192.5 yards, but the lower body gives me that all important 82.5 extra yards.

My recent surge (in the last year) has dropped my handicap from a 13 to a 7. I am hitting more 3/4 shots, more wedges, and getting on in 2 on some of the shorter par 5s.

God I love this site....

random,
when I swing a speed stick I can start at the L position in the backswing and hold it there, and just swing from there and get 130 mph on the speed stick. The full swing gets me only 5 mph more. Two clubs more and swing easier, sounds like a great strategy to use, no wonder your handicap has almost cut in half. Thanks for discussing.

[RandomHero1090]

Re: some more thoughts

random,
when I swing a speed stick I can start at the L position in the backswing and hold it there, and just swing from there and get 130 mph on the speed stick. The full swing gets me only 5 mph more. Two clubs more and swing easier, sounds like a great strategy to use, no wonder your handicap has almost cut in half. Thanks for discussing.

Yes, I would rather club up and not try to kill it then try to muscle a club. In fact, I have had issue lately with hitting it TOO long. I relax and swing easy and it produces a longer shot than expected.

BrianW makes a ton of good points. Obviously the "L to L" swing is not just arms. Since I take a normal stance...my legs, hips, glutes, abs, back are all involved. They all help power even a half swing.

I guess my point is this; Trying to make a HUGE turn and THROWING your hands from the top will increase clubhead speed, but balance and control become the biggest issue. Making a controlled swing, staying relaxed, and staying in "sync" will create better golf shots.

Watch pros from 180 yards on in.... Many of them swing from 10 o'clock to 2 o'clock. They don't take huge backswings. They don't need to. They generate enough power from the 10 o'clock position. They make a full shoulder turn, but they dont feel that need to LIFT the left arm super high.

[BrianW]

Re: some more thoughts

Cmays,

Can you explain how moving a foot back one quarter of an inch creates stability please? I have tried it but cant feel any difference.

[RandomHero1090]

Re: some more thoughts

I do like the feeling of having my feet a bit open while keeping my shoulders square. Helps me speed my hips up. I use it on my drives to hit big, long fades.

[BrianW]

Re: some more thoughts

Cmays

Thank you for your explanation. That is very interesting.