Flex and the Single Ball

Adjusting one foot can equal many yards.

Numerous swing flaws can contribute to a lack of distance. Chief among them is failing to keep flex in the right knee (for right-handed players) during the backswing. This leads to swaying, sliding or rising up—all of which take your swing off-plane, reduce the amount of backswing coil and rob you of dozens of yards in distance.

This easy, at-home practice drill should help. I learned it from my mentor and longtime friend, the late PGA instructor Marshall Smith of Oklahoma, whose philosophy was KISS—Keep It Simple, Stupid. All you need for the drill is a golf ball and a 7- or 8-iron and you’ll see major improvements in both accuracy and additional power in your long games.

As my longtime student, Brad Rhodes, helps demonstrate, this drill only requires a backswing. No follow-through is necessary.

Scroll down to watch the video!

1. Lift up the toes on your back foot, and place a golf ball under them.

2. Grip a mid-iron and get into the setup position.

3. Slowly take the club back feeling your rear shoulder turn behind your body, positioning the club over your rear shoulder. During the backswing, maintain the flex in your back knee.

4. At the top of the backswing you should feel your torso pivoting over the right heel (for righties) and your body turning into your right hip. (Your torso will naturally turn twice as much as your hips do.) This will create a better coil for more power at impact and improved accuracy.

RELATED LINKS

Get an Edge On Your Chipping

GolfTEC's Two-Club Drill

Control Your Direction This Golf Season

from US Kids Golf. 303-781-0400 x3525; [email protected].

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