Constant Elbows Pressure –
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I mention constant grip pressure or passive hands a lot. It is crucial if we want the Large Muscles to dominate, that the grip pressure remains constant so the hands do not take over. It is also equally important for the elbows to maintain constant elbows pressure towards each other.
As I work with my students and we address different issues with their golf swings, I find that many of these problems can be eliminated if their elbows start close together (pointing back at the hips) and remain towards each other during the swing.
Now, the front arm stays straight on the backswing and the back arm still bends a little, and the opposite happens on the downswing. A little bending is not what I am talking about. It is about keeping the elbows close together. It is almost too simple. By keeping constant elbows pressure during the entire swing, the shoulders can control the backswing, and the body rotation can control the downswing through to the finish.
The Fixed Triangle –
Okay, so let’s tie-it-all-together. Ideally we want to maintain “both”, constant elbows pressure and constant grip pressure for the entire swing. I’ve thought of a way to do both with one thought. We combine the two thoughts into one “Triangle“.
If you imagine the elbows staying towards each other “fixed” as two points on a triangle, and your constant grip pressure as the 3rd point completing the triangle. Now all we do is maintain this “Fixed Triangle” during the swing and we will get both jobs done. There is something about keeping this triangle in tact during the swing, that keeps both the hands and elbows connected and busy, letting the shoulders control of the backswing and the body turn control the downswing. All we have to do is maintain The Fixed Triangle back and through.
This concept is fresh and new, but I’ve seen great results so far. I would love feedback good or bad. You must have the shaft in line with the front arm at setup (which is how we want it to return as we turn through impact). Please start with short shots, then lengthen the backswing a litte, but only with more shoulder turn (no lifting). You can turn as fast or slow through impact as you’d like for great results. I’ll make a video soon.
8 Comments
Great Egon… thanks for the nice comment. You might check out the Forums for more instruction/info… Ross
I saw yesterday your website and I have tried today on the driving range your ‘traingle’.
My golf swing is more constant and it feels very simple. Thanks for your advice.
Al best from Spain.
Thanks so much Steve for your insight and confidence. You are right on! For many years I’ve felt like Columbus or Dick Fosbury, trying to enlighten. I have now seen way too many successes, to think it is not at least a little more reliable. FYI… the Setup is just as important as the Swing… once combined… a very repeatable and powerful golf swing… Ross
June 29, 2013
Ross,
I played on a national championship golf team in college so I have tried every possible swing system known to man. Without a doubt, your instructional system is the very best!
I have always maintained that there had to be an easier way to play good golf than the swing systems we have been using. It is almost impossible for a person with only average athleticism and limited time to play and practice to ever achieve a handicap of less than 15. However, it is now possible with your instructional method for everyone to score lower and enjoy the game even more. Your system eliminates the problems of: weight shift from the back to the front feet; getting the club face way inside on the back swing; swaying; creating and maintaining the lag; squaring the club face at the moment of impact; creating a high swing finish with your hands; maintaining your head behind the ball at impact; and back injuries due to the reverse-C body position at impact. And, add to the above difficulties, one must complete all the components of the modern swing in sequence with rhythm and timing! Is there any question as to why my three grandchildren refused to go to the golf course after our initial trip?
Congratulations on your unique accomplishment. Steve
Hi Scotty
Usually when I mention turning fast or slow, my intention is to indicate that my method works exactly the same at different rotation speeds for different results. The ball will be hit in the same sweet spot of the club face and with all the same body parts moving the ball forward, but using different speeds will produce different results. A faster rotation will produce more spin and more distance… slower more of a softer, less spin landing and less distance. Also, longer backswing at a slower pace produces even different results. One important aspect is, the downswing through to finish is always the same… it may be at a slower pace, but must finish completely every time. The downswing is never abbreviated.
Now, are you saying that when you turn through slower you don’t hit as solid? or you lose distance?
Hi Ross
I’m working diligently following your instructions and getting some really satisfying results. I did note that a couple of times you have mentioned that solid strikes can also be achieved using a ‘slower turn through the ball’. I’d like to know more about this concept because I’m a veteran 0f 66 yrs (been a golf nut for 55 yrs) and the ol’ snake hips just cannot turn with any speed these days 🙂 If I can get the same strike and solidity with a slower action the I’m very up for that!
Great to hear Cal. Usually the “going left” on putts is flipping right at the ball. Re-watch the Putting Series under Short Game in the Members area. The key is setting up with the shaft slightly ahead of the club face then “Locking” the back wrist. Now you want to use only the front shoulder to push down, then pull straight up KEEPING THE WRISTS FIXED … no flip, no help, no release. This will keep the ball rolling straight.
I think a new element for me to observe is the elbows pressure during the swing.
Sometimes I do not get a good result due to a week away from the course or the athletic preparation required to outstanding in the game.
But no doubt for me; if a follow the memorized videos the results are very good.
I think the constant elbows pressure during the swing, completing the triangle was the variable missing in my golf swing equation! Regards, Cal Guimaraes
Note: I need to correct my putting, sometimes go to the left. How can I avoid this hand turn?