What is transition? In golf, transition is considered the start of the downswing. Why is it important and what moves first? Well, in any good 3D analysis’ we generally see the hips start first, torso second and hands and arms third. In general, I’ve found that “the average” golfer has the innate ability to forget their hands and arms and more often than not engage their body far too much without what I refer to as a “pull” from the top of the swing as they transition. That’s right, I said “pull” not drop. The club is not being dropped anywhere and if it does I guarantee there’s some casting of the club, loss of angles or there is club path and hand path issues in the movement along with a huge loss of power and what’s the first thing students ask for? “Transition…Initiate Your Sequence”
They say, “I want to hit it farther.” or “be more consistent.” The solution I’ve found to be one of the best keys is to have students initiate the downswing or transition by “feeling” like they’re “pulling” the club downwards with their hands and arms first. In reality their hips will still be moving in the downswing simultaneously with their hands and arms, but they will be less conscious of this and tend not to overdue this movement as a result of it being over emphasized on TV. I’ve titled this the 1, 1, 2 sequence 1, (hands & arms) 1, (Hips) and 2 Torso. I often get them to do a pump drill to help get the feels. As a result of doing these drills students improve matching their hands and arms with the rotation of their lower core and upper cores. You can use the (SKLZ Golf Flex pictured above to help feel the movement. This improves their tempo, rhythm and impact conditions as they create a more efficient bracing or load to the lead side and a more efficient movement pattern. Further results include improved connection, more lag, more hand speed, improved contact and trajectory. The simple fact of the matter, is that golfers need to educate their hands and arms to match the speed of their upper and lower cores. If the sequence or kinetic chain is broken, it becomes increasingly difficult to hit repeatable shots. However, if you understand a more effective initiator in conjunction with connection and add that with a manageable tempo it’s much easier to repeat the sequence. Try working on these key issues I know it will help your game. Book your next coaching session with Jason at The Academy at Wyndance to fix your sequence.
By: Jason Helman, 0ne of Canada’s Best Golf Coaches
PGA of Canada Teacher of the Year (2010)
Top 5 Teacher in Canada – Golf Digest Magazine
Golf Channel Swing Fix Instructor