I'm going to keep today's written description short. That's because I think the story I'm going to tell you is much better when you hear it directly from me instead of reading it.
There was no question that was submitted. Instead, I want to talk about one of my students, Richard, and the evolution of his game. He's now at the point where I can truly say his game has awoken!
Check out the video and you'll see exactly what I mean.
Keep it vertical!
The Surge
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Comments
Setting up
I've been looking for ways to improve setup and alignment while practicing indoors during the winter months. The following is a link to a system that is similar to an earlier alignment video from Dave Seeman and Derek Hardy.
https://www.swingsurgeon.com/daily-video-tips/dave-seeman-derek-hardy-alignment
http://ultimategolfsystem.com/tracy-reeds-golf-setup-routine
The instructor sets his feet while looking at the target in the same way that Derek Hardy recommends. The instructor's ideas about setting spine angle, how to get the weight in the arches of the feet, and establish the correct distance from the ball for a more upright swing, interested me.
setting feet
Dave,
Took a look at Tracy Reeds suggested set up routine and though it may be great for some I would be cautious as far as the alignment aspect. He is not so much addressing alignment as he is proper distance from the ball and arm hang where as Derek Hardy was addressing alignment specifically. So although I can see the possible benefit from the standpoint of finding the correct distance from the ball I think many of us would loose our alignment if we weren't careful with adjusting our feet while looking at the target. Personally I do most my looking and visualizing from behind the ball before walking in. Derek recommends doing the 'two step' -(left foot placed and then right foot placed) while looking at the target, I do it while looking at my chosen intermediate point a few inches ahead of the ball on the target line. If I continue to shuffle my feet at all while looking at my target I will move off of the good alignment I had already attained. I am better off not looking up any more at all but simply trusting that I have the right club and a good set up already then swing. Reeds method seems to encourage allowing to let your feet move more than I'd like.
Staying square to that imaginary wall is a great thought. If you read the comments under the video of Derek and Seeman's you'll see Steve Smiths comments which is pretty much how I feel too.
Meanwhile, what ever works for you is good too:)
Setting Up
Robert,
I won't be setting my feet while looking at the primary target either. I use the same procedure that you described. I will however, be trying Reed's method for setting the distance to the ball. As far as I can tell from hitting indoors, off a mat, it works quite well.
Dave
setting distance
Dave,
Sounds like a plan. One thing that I plan on adding to my goals for improving in 2014 is to carry a notebook with me to jot down notes when I notice something about my play or areas for modification.
On another 'note' the latest leap in improvement for me has been with my lob and sand wedges. I saw a reminder a few weeks ago about the need to set up with the weight on the front foot and the sternum (or shirt buttons) set ahead of the ball. Then stay there throughout the swing.
This has resulted in ball first contact along with nice high trajectory and the ball checking up. Finally hitting some closer with the sw and 60* lob from 45-85 yards. I still pre-load right with the rest of the clubs as per PPGS (for normal shots). From close in(10-35 yrds) I am using the Gary Pines chipping you gave me several months ago.
Always learning and growing. Keeps golf intrresting.
My wife Cindy has really made a leap in ball striking and distance lately. I showed her a stronger grip position and wow has she been stripping it.
Vertical swing
I'm having a problem using the vertical swing with my driver? In my follow through I swing so hard that I hit the back of my leg with the head. Can you help me?
leg whack
Can you upload a video to You Tube? Otherwise it would be impossible to properly comment. At first glance it would be physiologically impossible even if a golf ball was in the way of the club head during a swing.
leg whack
SGW,
Hitting the leg on the FUS is actually possible with a very fast swing with two conditions: (1) a very vertical FUS and (2) a reverse C finish instead of a T-Finish. The first condition is quite acceptable; the second - not so much.