Pivot motion for forward swing

The pivot motion for the forward swing is a reverse of the back swing.

The back swing is a rotation of the shoulders and chest around a stable right leg. The forward swing is a rotation of the body around the left leg. The difference is that on the back swing the hips and feet are stable and provide resistance. On the forward swing the hips and shoulders rotate as one.

At the finish position the hips and shoulders have rotated to face the target. To allow this, the right knee must move laterally to a point alongside the left. At the finish the left leg has straightened to allow a full rotation of the body. At the finish position the body is balanced over the left leg, the hips and shoulders are stacked on top of one another and the height has remained fairly constant meaning that the right shoulder will be a little lower than the left.

There must be no conscious effort to transfer the weight. The transfer of weight in the golf swing is a natural result of a correct pivot motion. There must also be no effort to keep the head still. The head must be allowed to move where the body takes it.

It is true that maintaining height during the swing is desirable. This is achieved by developing the pivot motion and not trying to keep the head still. Trying to keep the head down or still will destroy an athletic pivot and result in exactly what you are trying to avoid - inconsistent golf shots!

Practice this by holding a club across the shoulders to reflect the shoulder turn. Make the back swing as described in last week's column. From this point practice rotating on to the front leg as described and pictured. Practice at home with the use of a mirror. This exercise will teach you to make the correct movements naturally, without thought.

Terry Gingell is the Head Golf Professional at Eagle Valley Golf. For adult and junior group lessons call Terry at 775-887-7174.