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In this video, golf professional Mark Crossfield shares insights on enhancing your downswing technique and choosing the appropriate shaft for your driver. The tutorial focuses on the importance of leg movement and weight distribution in executing an effective downswing. Also, Mark explains a simple drill to improve your takeaway and discusses the differences between regular and stiff shafts.
Initiating the Downswing Correctly
The downswing is a critical part of any golf swing, significantly influencing the direction and power of the shot. Starting from the ground up, the sequence of movements from the right foot, knee, hips, shoulders, hands, club, and through is crucial. Many golfers struggle with this, often beginning the downswing with their arms, leading to compromised shot quality.
Role of Leg Movement
The main issue, as Mark points out, lies in insufficient leg use. The remedy includes maintaining more flex in the right knee during the backswing and becoming more dynamic in both the backswing and downswing. This dynamism helps improve swing power and the quality of shots.
Exercise to Improve Leg Movement
A practical tip is to start your swing with a bit of bounce in your legs. This can be achieved by moving or shuffling your legs around at the address. Then, focus on maintaining the flex in your right knee during the backswing and firing it towards the left during the downswing. This method will encourage a more involved and dynamic leg movement in the swing.
Improving the Takeaway with a Simple Drill
The video presents a useful drill with a cane to help golfers improve their takeaways. This technique addresses the common issue of rotating the shoulders too early, causing the club to move under the hands, making it hard to hit the ball straight. The cane drill encourages the club to move back straighter and outside of the hands for a more efficient takeaway.
Regular vs. Stiff Shafts
The choice between regular and stiff shafts in your driver can make a difference. While a regular shaft may feel more wobbly, it doesn’t necessarily lead to an off-line shot. A stiff shaft might feel more stable and provide a slightly lower ball flight.
Recommendations
Despite personal feelings, data shows the minimal difference between regular and stiff shafts. The crucial aspect is how you’re applying angles. The best advice is to get a custom fit based on your swing speed and shot preferences. Ultimately, the choice between a regular and stiff shaft should be about what makes you feel more comfortable, which can significantly influence your performance.
In conclusion, it’s not just about choosing the right equipment or executing the perfect downswing; it’s about understanding and implementing a series of movements and adjustments to suit your playing style.