Using the ground

[Reposted Forum move]

Dan Sep 11, 2017
Hey Ross, what are your thoughts on using the ground to push off during the downswing, ala Justin Thomas and Lexi Thompson?

[Ross]

Ross Sep 11, 2017
Hi Dan
We do use the ground for both winding up and unwinding.

What I think you’re referring to is straightening out the front leg. In general this is contrary to what we do. This move essentially helps generate speed having the arms/club pass the body at impact. They’re sending the energy “up” so they can swing their arms through against the body vs. how we rotate and trap the ball using the body and arms unwinding.

Moral of the story… if you try this move, your distances will be very inconsistent, and the ball will be all over the place unless you have exceptional talent and can consistently square the club face… and then you still can’t trust it. You also may hurt your front knee if your front foot is flatfooted and you turn through fast .

One other thing, many top players have different swings for different shots. You usually see this “up” move with Driver or a very long or hard-hit shot.

[Reposted Forum move]

Dan Sep 11, 2017
The way we use the ground is what I’m familiar with and satisfied with. Just curious what your take is on the way some of the pros seem to almost leave the ground. It’s spectacular the way they’re feet are contorted and they throw themselves at the ball, and so inconsistent. Also, you mentioned knee problems, it makes my knee hurt just watching them. No thanks! I’ll stick with my boring game down the middle.

[Ross]

Ross Sep 12, 2017
If my memory is correct, I recall Laura Davies would leave the ground too. It is almost like jumping rope in a way, where the body leaves the ground, so the arms can swing the rope under.

[Author]

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