On The Tee with Hank Johnson

POWER

Third segment in a series: Storing the windup (starting down)

At the top of the swing, the body and arms are wound up or coiled and potential energy is stored in the muscles of the body. For maximum power, the sequence of the downswing must “store” this energy until the proper time for release through the ball.

To accomplish this, two simultaneous movements should happen to start the downswing.

The left knee (for a right handed player) should move back over the left foot where it started.

The right elbow should move back in front of the right hip where it started.

Both of these movements must be accomplished without unwinding the shoulders and upper trunk.

And

Without and uncocking or unturning of the hands and wrist.

At this point:

The weight is flat on both feet
The knees and hips have returned to a square position (where they started)
The shoulders are still turned approximately 45 degrees to the hips
The left arm is still across the front of the chest
The hands and wrist are still turned and cocked and located approximately waist high.

This position is referred to as The delivery position because the golfer is positioned to release maximum power through the ball to the finish of the swing.

Next segment: Releasing the Power


Hank Johnson, PGA
August 4, 2008