The inside of your right leg. The inside of your right leg. How many times have you heard this notion before?
Although it may be correct, the thought of shifting your weight to the inside of your right leg could lead to some large problems. The fact is that you should never think of shifting your weight in the swing. It should happen automatically.
The main reason for this idea of a weight shift in golf is because there is one in other sports. A quarterback shifts his weight. A baseball player shifts his weight. And a hockey player taking a slap shot shifts his weight. But do you really think that these athletes make it a conscious thought to shift their weight? Or is it just a natural reaction to the distance they are trying to throw something, or the force which they are to shoot?
The reason a quarterback or tennis player's lower body shifts is because he took his arm back in the correct position, not the other way around. The same rules should apply to golf. You should never try to shift your weight to the right side and hope that gets your club in good position at the top. If you do, you will start to sway and your timing will be completely thrown off. - Don't start rocking the boat or you know what will happen.
Here is a checklist for the weight shift in a golf swing:
- Take the club back on the correct plane. (Steep and outside for the over the top slicer)
- If you do this, the weight will shift automatically. However, if you whip it way inside and around your body, look out for a reverse pivot.
- Also, in order to make the most of your natural weight shift, you should keep that right knee flex. This will create a lot of built up energy, just waiting to be released through the ball.
Columns ©1999 Joseph K. Sullivan and GolfLink Inc. All rights reserved.
