isn't it strange

In my supposed search for the effortless golf swing I find it strange that having found it - essentially the Paul Wilson method - I abandoned that method or swing within a matter of a few months. Check out my archived blogs for proof of that.

Why would I do that? There are several possibilities - short attention span, impatience, poor memory, stupidity - all of which might actually apply. I suspect it could also be that there is no fun in finding the answer to a puzzle that you are having fun working on. Paul has in fact modified his terminology, perhaps in response to some criticism from doubters, I don't know, or just to clarify or refine the teaching method he now calls 'the body swing'.

In any event, a mere ten years on, I have re-discovered the Wilson concept of the effortless swing. Of course, it is not entirely effortless - there is quite a bit of effort required in sticking to the concept, using it properly - and the swing does involve some athletic moves. But it is in many senses effortless or at least 'less effortful'.

De-activating the arms, eliminating the 'hit' impulse is one of the key concepts. Freeing up the wrists to hinge correctly is another. Using rotation and the big muscles in the hips and legs is probably another key. Overall, however, his idea is to swing more freely, maintain a good wide arc, stay balanced and in control.

Having revisited some of the old swing machine content and looked at the later videos I think there is a great deal to take from this teaching. I'm certainly going to give it another go when we resume golf. Isn't it strange that I've waited so long?

Give it the elbow

There are a lot of ideas about how to find the ideal backswing position. After all it really does matter where you start the downswing. If you are too flat or too high above the plane adjustments will be needed in the downswing.

I've been looking for a key that will work for me when trying to find this ideal position. Over the years I've tried various thoughts and keys - straight left arm, connection in different forms, flat left wrist and so on, but this elbow positioning might be the answer.

The idea is to locate an angle and a degree of connection with the right side (right-hander) that feels strong and seems to be good for the position of the club in relation to the swing plane. It's actually impossible to convey this position properly in writing, but I know the feeling and I at least know what it looks like.

It's important not to feel too restricted, but there needs to be some tension and some consistency in the positioning of the elbow, fairly much pointing down and in line with the spine angle.

This is my plan for now. I'm going to 'give it the elbow'.

Left and right, right?

 I've just watched an excellent video from Rotary Swing golf (Chuck Quinton, I believe) where the discussion was about rhythm in the golf swing.

A guitar analogy was used - left hand mechanics - right hand rhythm or tempo. You have to learn the mechanics first (which strings to press and where) and then you have to learn how to make the right strumming or similar motion with the other hand to make the tune meaningful.

The analogy was extended to the brain - left brain for the logical and technical - right brain for the more creative or feeling. You need both sides of the brain working together to effectively complete many tasks or get the complete picture of many things.

So it is with the golf swing - something I've been guilty of ignoring - you need to mesh the mechanical with the feel or rhythm. I think I've been focusing so much on the mechanical - wrist position, straight left arm, weight transfer, watch the ball, do this, do that - that I've neglected the rhythm and tempo that make a golf swing work.

Clearly, focusing on mechanics can cause tension and tension is the enemy of rhythm. I think I need to stick with the mechanics that I've learnt - posture, swing plane, etc. - but focus much more on smooth movements, rhythmic movements, without rushing, without trying to hit hard, keeping my arms tension-free, my wrists loose, perhaps aiming for a 70 percent effort and good contact.

I think left is right for some things, but without the right, it ain't right.