I guarantee that something in this newsletter will help your golf swing whether you are a regular reader of the Classic Swing newsletter, a first time reader, a past student, or a web browser who has found this page. Thinking back to the January newsletter, you will remember that I mentioned how the first four editions of 2011 would discuss the five components of the pivot. In January, February, and March, I defined the role of the feet, knees, hips, shoulders, and head in the energy transfer of the golf swing. This month, I will summarize the five components by highlighting the pivot as the key to power and consistency. Your golf swing can only be as good as your pivot!

In January, I described the head and shoulder components of the pivot. For consistency, it is vital that the head remain steady. It is nearly impossible to develop a dynamic pivot with a still head, but a steady head is an essential. In order to keep the head steady during the golf swing, the shoulders must be trained to tilt instead of turn in the golf swing. The shoulders can be utilized as a power source, as well as a component for efficiency based on their range of motion. The key for the shoulders is to rotate at right angles to the cervical area of the spine. Therefore, a good key for this action is left shoulder down to initiate the backswing (See Picture #1) and right shoulder down to initiate the downswing from putt to drive.

For balance, we want to allow momentum in the golf swing to lift the heels off the ground. Any voluntary lifting of the heels or feet off the ground will throw off the proper sequence in the swing. You can review the February newsletter for information on proper footwork. The knees accommodate the hips in the golf swing, and the big keys for the knees are to keep the right knee flexed in the backswing and allow the left knee to straighten coming into the ball and all the way to the finish (Picture #1 reveals proper knee action in the backswing and Picture #2 illustrates knee action approaching impact).

Your hips are the power components. Last month, I discussed how the hips make both a lateral and rotating motion in both the backswing and downswing (Picture #3 shows the weight shift and hip action while on a teeter totter board). Variations are what make the dynamics of the pivot so elusive so please keep the following in mind: Injuries, age, ailments, range of motion, flexibility, strength, and sometimes stubbornness directly influence the amount and speed at which one can pivot or turn.

My suggestion is to set a goal and work on one component at a time. My instructional DVD, "From Putt to Drive," has a chapter on stretching. In my opinion, flexibility is paramount for golfers who are getting older and/or want to put more power in their pivot. Next month, I will highlight some stretches designed to complement the turn.

Ted Frick
2005 Carolinas PGA Section Teacher of the Year
Owner / Director of Instruction
Classic Swing Golf School (Located at Legends Resort)
P.O. Box 50955 Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-5560
1-800-827-2656
tfrick@classicswing.com
www.classicswing.com