I often look at natural movement patterns to see what people do without the contamination of pre-scribed technique. To do this it is useful to step outside of your discipline to learn from others.
For example: balance - essential for any golfer. But where do you find the best examples of this. For me it is with the Snowboarders at the Winter Olympics and surfers. I know there are many other examples but I like these as they are dynamically on the move. The same can be said for those magnificent Parkour Practitioners or Freerunners.
These people have one thing in particular in common that is of great interest for me for a golfer - they are all remarkably flexible through the torso – and have a subtle capacity for movement here also. Very nice for a balanced golf swing.
How does this idea help with your golf stance?
Try this. Place a larger ball on the ground – something like a baseball and grab a baseball bat or hockey stick.
Choose a rough direction to hit it in (not toward the windows).
Actually take a run at the ball and hit it there. Do this a few times until it is easy and comfortable. Most people find that they hit ‘across the line’. This means there is rotation in the body and it is probably pointing about 10 degrees away from the actual target.
At the point of contact take particular note of the position of your feet. Where is the front foot placed. Exactly where is it pointing. Is it close to the ball or not. Is the back foot in a direct line with the front foot or offline – perhaps behind that line. Are your knees bent.
I am not saying that you should then abandon your current swing and stance to this but you might find it interesting to introduce certain aspects you have discovered just to try them on.
Here is one thing I do know though. After over 20 years of studying movement and working with world class athletes across many disciplines. In most sports, the techniques taught and practiced have very little to do with natural fluid balanced movement and more to do with tradition and flawed principles – such as a tight tense toned body.
What if this was true of golf?
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