Learn to make the transition weight shift

The primary difference between 99% of amateurs and those who consistently shoot low scores is the ability to make the transition weight shift. They turn, then post on their front foot, then swing. 99% of amateurs turn and swing without first posting on their front foot. And accordingly they hit it sideways so often that they can't hit fairways and greens enough to score.

So make a dramatic change! This Winter take a lesson. When the PGA pro watches and video tapes your swing, he will see what you do and if he thinks you are serious, the kind of guy who would actually do drills to improve, he will show you what is necessary.

The ubiquitous out-to-in or OTT downswing clubhead path ( too steep) is caused by our failure to make the transition weight shift-- to "post" on our front foot before or as we start the downswing pivot turn toward the target. When we stay on our back foot and swing, our hips restrict the movement of our hands and arms-- and force them outside the target line.


The answer your pro will show you is what Shawn Clement says: "turn, plant (the front foot), swing." If you really want to be consistent, to hit fairways and greens, you must learn to do that. Good players make the backswing turn, their weight moving to their back heel as their hips and shoulders turn away from the target. Then instead of swinging, the golfer smoothly shifts his weight to his front foot heel, his butt moves laterally toward the target. He maintains his bend from the waist, his "crouch," and he does not straighten up (which is a very common error).

THEN he pivots around toward the target on his front leg. His huge torso muscles supply the power to swing his shoulders, which swing his arms, which swing his hands, which swing the clubhead in a multiplying effect that creates massive ACCELERATING clubhead speed-- with zero hand action! With relaxed grip and arms, the clubhead is free to align itself centrifugally, it strikes the ball flush while it is still accelerating.

The clubhead is accelerating at impact because the golfer moved onto his front foot before he swings-- The clubhead stays inside the target line before impact for the same reason.

This is not easy to learn--but not impossible. Its worth it to those who really want to play better, however, because according to every authority on the golf swing, the ability to shift the weight to the front foot while still coiled (the transition weight shift) is THE difference between high and low handicap golf. It is the entrance fee that must be paid if you are serious.

I doubt any amateur with an ingrained swing can learn it while making full swings. The old habits are too strong to overcome. But it can be learned by doing slow motion reps-- in your living room with arms across your chest. It might take thousands of reps, but it is only February-- by June you could have it-- and come out for the new season as a contender for the Club Championship.

Good luck!

Larry

I have had a look at Shawn Clement after getting the link on this board. Best common sense golf teaching I have ever seen. He is absolutely spot on in my opinion.

Is this an instructional thread on GR?

That's like trying to give catechism lessons at the college of cardinals.

[QUOTE=NiftyNiblick]Is this an instructional thread on GR?.[/QUOTE]

Of course. ALL serious golfers should be interested in learning-- or if they know, they are eager to review the golf swing. No golfer will say, "I have it." I know that every great player IS great because he is intensely interested and continuously learning.

Sorta begs the question, "if you're not interested in the details of the golf swing, what are you doing in a Golf Discussiion forum?''

Larry

We do really have our very own swing guru on GR now. Larry, you are GR's answer to Leadbetter. Pro Status will be very angry with you though.

Good post Larry, although this part:

[QUOTE]His huge torso muscles supply the power to swing his shoulders, which swing his arms, which swing his hands, which swing the clubhead in a multiplying effect that creates massive ACCELERATING clubhead speed-- with zero hand action![/QUOTE]

I'm of the exact opposite opinion. The core does not provide power, it provides stability - supporting the acceleration rather than providing it. Gravity initially provides the acceleration, and the hands work to stay ahead of the shaft and maintain load on the shaft. Centrifugal alignment (on the proper plane and around the front leg pivot) only happens if the initial move from the top is a passive one which is caused by a combination of the forward weight transfer and the initial dropping of the club due to gravity - a natural slotting of the club. From there, centrifugal force will do a good job of holding the club on plane provided it continues accelerating.

That's how it works for me, anyways.



FON

[QUOTE=Not a hacker]We do really have our very own swing guru on GR now. Larry, you are GR's answer to Leadbetter. Pro Status will be very angry with you though.[/QUOTE]

"we?" I get the implication that you presume to speak for others than yourself. Isn't that rather pretentious--maybe a little arrogant?

Just in case you're wrong in your presumption, wouldn't it be better for everyone to politely allow others to either ignore or learn from each post??

Larry

[QUOTE=Larryrsf]"we?" I get the implication that you presume to speak for others than yourself. Isn't that rather pretentious--maybe a little arrogant?

Just in case you're wrong in your presumption, wouldn't it be better for everyone to politely allow others to either ignore or learn from each post??

Larry[/QUOTE]

Oh-Oh!!.... Here we go again .Old member/ new member. Old member likes to take the piss, new member dosen't get it. We can all get on ... can't we?

ps. Larry, get in touch with Nifty, he'll give you the tip about what goes on here.

[QUOTE=oldplayer]Oh-Oh!!.... Here we go again .Old member/ new member. Old member likes to take the piss, new member dosen't get it. We can all get on ... can't we?

ps. Larry, get in touch with Nifty, he'll give you the tip about what goes on here.[/QUOTE]

Hey, been there-done that" on Golf discussion forums populated by a clique of "regulars" who think they own it--and jealously keep it exclusive.

If there is a problem I will just bail out. I am NOT interested in ANY personal interaction, no vitriol, no bitterness, nothing emotional. I just want to objectively discuss the golf swing-- and try to learn.

Larry

Take it easy Larry, life's not that serious. It's just that unsolicited advice on the technical aspects of the golf swing is usuaully greeted with caution, particularly on this board. Even you must admit that there is no hard and fast way to swing a golf club, and that golfers come in all shapes, sizes, and flexibilities. Listening to 'experts' on golf forums is fraught with danger, and there is probably nothing you say that most members here haven't read in a book, or seen in a DVD, or heard Pro Status crapping on about at some point. Quite frankly, coming onto a site like GR and professing to know everything about the golf swing is like painting a target on your chest. Just ask the above mentioned Pro Status.

[QUOTE=Larryrsf]Hey, been there-done that" on Golf discussion forums populated by a clique of "regulars" who think they own it--and jealously keep it exclusive.

If there is a problem I will just bail out. I am NOT interested in ANY personal interaction, no vitriol, no bitterness, nothing emotional. I just want to objectively discuss the golf swing-- and try to learn.


Larry[/QUOTE]

Chill Larry, your imput is appreciated. But hey, most of the fun IS in the personal interaction. We are all here 'cos we are golf nuts. Occaisionally the banter gets out of hand, but 99% of the guys on here are top blokes, and the ribbing is in good humour. Some of the humour and the way threads develop around here are priceless. Hang around and I'm sure you'll like it; and maybe learn a bit about the game and equipment as well, as you desire. Sure, it seems a bit cliquey, but it doesn't matter where you go in life, you still have to "pay your dues". Have fun!

[quote=Larryrsf]

If there is a problem I will just bail out. I am NOT interested in ANY personal interaction, no vitriol, no bitterness, nothing emotional. I just want to objectively discuss the golf swing-- and try to learn.

Larry[/quote]

There's no problem, Larry. A text discussion board is a ludicrous place to discuss the golf swing.

Every club has a teaching pro to speak to in person.

Here we decide the BIG issues.

Is grain flow forging a sign of latent homosexuality?

Does learning the game with the new, stronger lofts make you a complete flamer?

If you buy balls that cost more than twenty bucks a dozen, do you also love Cher and Liza Minnelli?

Would you rather play a round at Royal Birkdale with Edgey or at Birkdale Orchard Par 3 with Natalie Gulbis?

Look around. You'll get the idea.

apparantly dick's & golf galaxy have no computers in their stores since prostatus stopped posting. maybe he just assumed we are all fitting experts by now?

[quote=bjdrivers]apparantly dick's & golf galaxy have no computers in their stores since prostatus stopped posting. maybe he just assumed we are all fitting experts by now?[/quote]

Reasonable assumption by any fair standard.

[QUOTE=bjdrivers]apparantly dick's & golf galaxy have no computers in their stores since prostatus stopped posting. maybe he just assumed we are all fitting experts by now?[/QUOTE]

By the way, while my new club was being reshafted, I played my R. I could be very happy with that head. Definite classic and if I lose the affinity for the D3 I'm definitely going back to the R.

[QUOTE=Larryrsf]If there is a problem I will just bail out. I am NOT interested in ANY personal interaction, no vitriol, no bitterness, nothing emotional. Larry[/QUOTE]

I know this could be characterized as personal, but did you just go through a divorce, Larry?

Because I feel exactly the same way.

[QUOTE=Larryrsf]"we?" I get the implication that you presume to speak for others than yourself. Isn't that rather pretentious--maybe a little arrogant?

Just in case you're wrong in your presumption, wouldn't it be better for everyone to politely allow others to either ignore or learn from each post??

Larry[/QUOTE]

Oh my god. I think my irony meter just exploded.

Thanks for resurrecting this thread. It showed that Larry did bite back when he joined this forum.

In all seriousness, the first paragraph of this thread may be the most useful thing Larry has ever posted. I can do what he suggests in practice swings, but 4 some some unknown reason just can't plant the weight first when there is a ball in front of me. So frustrating having a picture perfect practice swing that I just can't replicate when a ball is sitting there asking to be hit. I think I need a sports shrink.

[QUOTE=Ty_Webb]Oh my god. I think my irony meter just exploded.[/QUOTE]

LOL - gidday Ty. :D

Welcome to GR.

I take it you are familiar with Larry from Golf Rewound? I notice he is pushing most of his nonsense over there lately and has gone rather quiet on this forum. Back when he originally posted this thread we probably all mistook him for a genuine low handicapper i.e. <5 but he has long since been exposed as the phony he is and is a bit of a laughing stock around here.

It's interesting that your irony meter has exploded. Irony is very topical here on GR.

Cheers
Kiwi

[QUOTE=Not a hacker]Thanks for resurrecting this thread. It showed that Larry did bite back when he joined this forum.

In all seriousness, the first paragraph of this thread may be the most useful thing Larry has ever posted. I can do what he suggests in practice swings, but 4 some some unknown reason just can't plant the weight first when there is a ball in front of me. So frustrating having a picture perfect practice swing that I just can't replicate when a ball is sitting there asking to be hit. I think I need a sports shrink.[/QUOTE]

It may be time to add Lharee to your buddy list, as I have. You've got your pal buddies and then you have your punch dummy buddies. Laaree never seems to get underinflated.

[QUOTE=Larryrsf]"we?" I get the implication that you presume to speak for others than yourself. Isn't that rather pretentious--maybe a little arrogant?

Just in case you're wrong in your presumption, wouldn't it be better for everyone to politely allow others to either ignore or learn from each post??

Larry[/QUOTE]

Actually Larry, what NAH has not mentioned is his rather unfortunate tape worm infestation. Hence the we.

Indeed only 3 types of person are entitled to use the we appelation

1. Head of state - ususally royal rather than presidential
2. The Pope and the Patriarc of the Coptic Church
3. Anyone with an unfortunate tape worm infestation.

[QUOTE=Kiwi Player]LOL - gidday Ty. :D

Welcome to GR.

I take it you are familiar with Larry from Golf Rewound? I notice he is pushing most of his nonsense over there lately and has gone rather quiet on this forum. Back when he originally posted this thread we probably all mistook him for a genuine low handicapper i.e. <5 but he has long since been exposed as the phony he is and is a bit of a laughing stock around here.

It's interesting that your irony meter has exploded. Irony is very topical here on GR.

Cheers
Kiwi[/QUOTE]

Thanks Kiwi

New here, known Larry for a little while. Up until the weekend I had no idea he was so popular on golf forums. Then I googled him and found a surprisingly large number of people who think the same way I do. I've spent so much time telling him to stop saying "we" when he talks about his stuff, then I happened upon that little gem above and I had to pop in and comment.

Oh, and Alan posted Larry's handicap information on golf rewound one day (it didn't last long, but I got it while it was there), so I have seen all those 97-102 scores in all their glory.

All best

Ty

[QUOTE=Larryrsf]"we?" I get the implication that you presume to speak for others than yourself. Isn't that rather pretentious--maybe a little arrogant?

Just in case you're wrong in your presumption, wouldn't it be better for everyone to politely allow others to either ignore or learn from each post??

Larry[/QUOTE]

Hey Larry

You posted this on 2/19/09. One week earlier than this, you posted this thread: [URL="http://forums.golfreview.com/showthread.php?t=11679"]We we we[/URL]

Don't you think it's not only pretentious and arrogant, but also incredibly hypocritical, one week after posting about what "we" have a problem with, to then call someone else out for doing the same thing? Only particular difference I can see is that when Not a hacker posted his post, he had his tongue in his cheek, so he was being neither pretentious, nor arrogant. You on the other hand...

[QUOTE=Ty_Webb]Hey Larry

You posted this on 2/19/09. One week earlier than this, you posted this thread: [URL="http://forums.golfreview.com/showthread.php?t=11679"]We we we[/URL]

Don't you think it's not only pretentious and arrogant, but also incredibly hypocritical, one week after posting about what "we" have a problem with, to then call someone else out for doing the same thing? Only particular difference I can see is that when Not a hacker posted his post, he had his tongue in his cheek, so he was being neither pretentious, nor arrogant. You on the other hand...[/QUOTE]
Ty_Webb, we already have one Larry antagonizer. His name is Alangbaker. Larreey is a treasured legend on GR and I will not stand for the scales to be weighted against him. Cease and desist your ad hominem attacks on GR's resident guru, unless you can provide video evidence that you are a basement-dwelling Canuck.
Thanks in advance,
HB

What movie was it where a black guy runs into another black guy at an otherwise all white high school party and had to leave because there was only room for one token black guy?

Was it Scary Movie?

[QUOTE=Horseballs]Ty_Webb, we already have one Larry antagonizer. His name is Alangbaker. Larreey is a treasured legend on GR and I will not stand for the scales to be weighted against him. Cease and desist your ad hominem attacks on GR's resident guru, unless you can provide video evidence that you are a basement-dwelling Canuck.
Thanks in advance,
HB[/QUOTE]

Sorry. I didn't mean to tread on anyone's toes. I am neither a Canuck, nor basement-dwelling, so I'll be careful to avoid any ad-hominem attacks on Larry.

I'm also going to have to go check up on the definition of ad-hominem, because as I understood it, that wasn't. Oh well.

[QUOTE=Ty_Webb]Sorry. I didn't mean to tread on anyone's toes. I am neither a Canuck, nor basement-dwelling, so I'll be careful to avoid any ad-hominem attacks on Larry.

I'm also going to have to go check up on the definition of ad-hominem, because as I understood it, that wasn't. Oh well.[/QUOTE]
Don't worry about it, I don't know the definition either. In this forum, you gain respect by creating authoritative posts with little to no actual knowledge on the subject matter. Ironic? Maybe. We're also unclear on the definition of irony.

[QUOTE=Horseballs]Don't worry about it, I don't know the definition either. In this forum, you gain respect by creating authoritative posts with little to no actual knowledge on the subject matter. Ironic? Maybe. We're also unclear on the definition of irony.[/QUOTE]

In short summary, I think ad-hominem would be something like arguing with someone about healthcare reform, then on realising that you're losing, you say something like "yeah, but he sleeps with his sister". Thing is ad-hominem is sometimes a valid arguing tool. For example, if arguing the point about a golf tip somewhere, the comment "yeah, but you can barely break 100" is strictly speaking ad-hominem, but it's also pertinent to the argument. Pointing out that someone is being hypocritical and providing evidence of such I would have said is something different, but heyho...

And irony? Isn't that like steely?

[QUOTE=Ty_Webb]Thanks Kiwi

New here, known Larry for a little while. Up until the weekend I had no idea he was so popular on golf forums. Then I googled him and found a surprisingly large number of people who think the same way I do. I've spent so much time telling him to stop saying "we" when he talks about his stuff, then I happened upon that little gem above and I had to pop in and comment.

[B]Oh, and Alan posted Larry's handicap information on golf rewound one day (it didn't last long, but I got it while it was there), so I have seen all those 97-102 scores in all their glory. [/B]

All best

Ty[/QUOTE]

Alan just lies in wait to call BS every time Larry posts on this forum. None of his posts have ever been deleted, censored or modified. So we've also all seen the scores and heard Larry's lame excuse about how he got down to a 6. Something about two good nine hole rounds at his local course. Totally implausible.

[QUOTE=lorenzoinoc]It may be time to add Lharee to your buddy list, as I have. You've got your pal buddies and then you have your punch dummy buddies. Laaree never seems to get underinflated.[/QUOTE]
As anyone ever heard of Conversation of Angular Momentum as it relates to the golf swing?

Ty,

In case you were wondering about all of the spelling versions of Lorries name. Irony was when Larry thrashed someone for misspellings and then misspelled his own name in closing. f'ing classic.

[QUOTE=Ty_Webb]Thanks Kiwi

New here, known Larry for a little while. Up until the weekend I had no idea he was so popular on golf forums. Then I googled him and found a surprisingly large number of people who think the same way I do. I've spent so much time telling him to stop saying "we" when he talks about his stuff, then I happened upon that little gem above and I had to pop in and comment.

[B]Oh, and Alan posted Larry's handicap information on golf rewound one day (it didn't last long, but I got it while it was there), so I have seen all those 97-102 scores in all their glory. [/B]
All best

Ty[/QUOTE]
I thought it would be safe to assume that if Larry went to golf rewound Alan G Baker wouldn't be far behind. Maybe Larry has a valid point about Alan.

[QUOTE=poe4soul]Ty,

In case you were wondering about all of the spelling versions of Lorries name. Irony was when Larry thrashed someone for misspellings and then misspelled his own name in closing. f'ing classic.[/QUOTE]

Any chance of a link? I tried searching for irony, but that returns 7 pages of threads. Though, of some significant benefit, while searching I did find a thread about best moments on here and read a little story by someone called Besson about lactose intolerance. I have tears in my eyes. lol

[QUOTE=Larryrsf]The primary difference between 99% of amateurs and those who consistently shoot low scores is the ability to make the transition weight shift. They turn, then post on their front foot, then swing. 99% of amateurs turn and swing without first posting on their front foot. And accordingly they hit it sideways so often that they can't hit fairways and greens enough to score.[/quote]

Score like you do? No thanks!

[quote]So make a dramatic change! This Winter take a lesson. When the PGA pro watches and video tapes your swing, he will see what you do and if he thinks you are serious, the kind of guy who would actually do drills to improve, he will show you what is necessary. [/quote]

Thanks, but I'm already well beyond your kind of self-aggrandizing.

[quote]The ubiquitous out-to-in or OTT downswing clubhead path ( too steep) is caused by our failure to make the transition weight shift-- to "post" on our front foot before or as we start the downswing pivot turn toward the target. When we stay on our back foot and swing, our hips restrict the movement of our hands and arms-- and force them outside the target line. [/quote]

Fact: you can make no weight shift at all and still hit the ball in to out.


[quote]The answer your pro will show you is what Shawn Clement says: "turn, plant (the front foot), swing." If you really want to be consistent, to hit fairways and greens, you must learn to do that. Good players make the backswing turn, their weight moving to their back heel as their hips and shoulders turn away from the target. Then instead of swinging, the golfer smoothly shifts his weight to his front foot heel, his butt moves laterally toward the target. He maintains his bend from the waist, his "crouch," and he does not straighten up (which is a very common error).

THEN he pivots around toward the target on his front leg. His huge torso muscles supply the power to swing his shoulders, which swing his arms, which swing his hands, which swing the clubhead in a multiplying effect that creates massive ACCELERATING clubhead speed-- with zero hand action! With relaxed grip and arms, the clubhead is free to align itself centrifugally, it strikes the ball flush while it is still accelerating. [/quote]

Shawn Clement also says that you can actively use your dominant hand, but you're more than a little selective about which bits of an instructors advice you'll quote, aren't you?

[quote]The clubhead is accelerating at impact because the golfer moved onto his front foot before he swings-- The clubhead stays inside the target line before impact for the same reason.

This is not easy to learn--but not impossible. Its worth it to those who really want to play better, however, because according to every authority on the golf swing, the ability to shift the weight to the front foot while still coiled (the transition weight shift) is THE difference between high and low handicap golf. It is the entrance fee that must be paid if you are serious. [/quote]

The transition is useful, Larry, but not for the reasons you imagine.

[quote]I doubt any amateur with an ingrained swing can learn it while making full swings. The old habits are too strong to overcome. But it can be learned by doing slow motion reps-- in your living room with arms across your chest. It might take thousands of reps, but it is only February-- by June you could have it-- and come out for the new season as a contender for the Club Championship.[/QUOTE]

Start posting your scores for real. Let's see if you "have it" or not.

LOL

[QUOTE=poe4soul]Ty,

In case you were wondering about all of the spelling versions of Lorries name. Irony was when Larry thrashed someone for misspellings and then misspelled his own name in closing. f'ing classic.[/QUOTE]

That one small act summarized him better than any of us could have. Duh!

Well in my Humble opinion, If youre going to tell people how to play and hint that you are in the 1% that can perfect the weight transfer, then scores and swing must be posted, all swings are very different and work for each player in their own way, look what happened to faldo as he strived for that textbook swing, his own personal rythm/tempo infact his entire game just went downhill, he got to play with fanny 4 times a week!! look at him now! hes just a fudd 7 days a week, i dont know where iam going with this now so i will stop.

[QUOTE=Ty_Webb]Any chance of a link?[/QUOTE]

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller? Fry?

If this is gone the way of the Tai chi video, I'll be pissed.

I'll look but Larry is not short on posts or words or feces for that matter.

[QUOTE=poe4soul]I'll look but Larry is not short on posts or words or feces for that matter.[/QUOTE]

If you have to search don't worry about it. I can do that. Judging by when the strange spellings of his name start, it must have been some time around May or June this year I think. Do you remember how he spelled his name? Was it like Lary, Larri, Lerry, Lorry or something else?

[QUOTE=Ty_Webb]If you have to search don't worry about it. I can do that. Judging by when the strange spellings of his name start, it must have been some time around May or June this year I think. Do you remember how he spelled his name? Was it like Lary, Larri, Lerry, Lorry or something else?[/QUOTE]
I think it was Lary.

Edit:
Found 1, but I believe there are more than 1.
[url]http://forums.golfreview.com/showthread.php?t=12790&highlight=Lary[/url]

Just got it: [url]http://forums.golfreview.com/showthread.php?t=12019[/url]

Some things are supposed to be remembered. This looks like a pretty good one for that bucket.

[quote=Not a hacker]Take it easy Larry, life's not that serious. It's just that unsolicited advice on the technical aspects of the golf swing is usuaully greeted with caution, particularly on this board. Even you must admit that there is no hard and fast way to swing a golf club, and that golfers come in all shapes, sizes, and flexibilities. Listening to 'experts' on golf forums is fraught with danger, and there is probably nothing you say that most members here haven't read in a book, or seen in a DVD, or heard Pro Status crapping on about at some point. Quite frankly, coming onto a site like GR and professing to know everything about the golf swing is like painting a target on your chest. Just ask the above mentioned Pro Status.[/quote]I actually like your internet Blow Jobs you give me NAH, and the fact that you swallow and clean it allll up. I only offer my opinion. Besides , wallaby lookin mofos like you need all the advice you can get. You know better than I that you will never be any better than you are now.

[img]http://smilies.sofrayt.com/%5elf/popcorn2.gif[/img]

[QUOTE=lorenzoinoc]What movie was it where a black guy runs into another black guy at an otherwise all white high school party and had to leave because there was only room for one token black guy?

Was it Scary Movie?[/QUOTE]

It was "Not another Teen Movie" then they say in unison "Damn, that's wack." Good stuff.

And thank you Alan for giving Ty a classic lesson on how to dissect a Larry post line by line.