Proper weight distribution is even more prevalent in the all important impact position.
As you come into the impact position, 70% of your weight should now be shifted back onto your left leg and 30% remaining on your right leg.
You need to shift you weight first, sit into your left glute muscle and then pull from your left oblique. This will naturally the pull the golf club down into the correct golf swing plane every time. WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW WHERE I DEMONSTRATE HOW TO FIX A STEEP DOWNSWING AND HIT THE BALL SOLID: Why most golfers pull and slice shots. In that processthe weight will shift through impact, will be upwards for 70 percent at the moment we’re hitting the ball. If not more than that, and then from there the club will go, continue on, our weight will move to 90 percent, and 10 percent on the back leg.
This is critical for crisp iron shots. However, it is better to keep a little bit more weight behind the ball if you are hitting your driver. Improper weight shift in this position causes so many contact faults.
If you keep your weight too far back (most common problem) your swing will bottom out behind the ball and you will either hit the ball “fat” or you will hit the ball on the up swing.
To be a good iron player, you must hit the ball on the downswing. This means that your swing will bottom out AFTER you hit the ball and your divot will be after you hit the ball.
In addition, your weight should be shifting to the heel of your left foot. This indicates that you are rotating your body like a slingshot and not following the ball to the target like a shot putter.
From time to time, I offer to evaluate a golfers swing if they send in a video. This is a picture of one of those golfers at the impact position.
Hanging Back at Impact Vs Fred Couples at Impact with Correct Weight Transfer
The main issue that the golfer on the left is trying to correct was that she kept hitting behind the ball. Known as hitting “fat.”
Fitness Fixes
This is one of my favorite exercises because it works so well to retrain the body to improve timing and move in the correct sequence.
Band Wrap Around Drill
Get into position: hold the band in your left hand crossing your stomach and turn around in one full circle to the left so the band wraps around your waist one time.
Golf Action: As if you were hitting a golf ball, take your normal backswing and follow through. Your follow through will be against resistance so turn strong, quickly, and under control to a full finish.
Parameters: Perform 1-3 sets of 8 repetitions.
Keys to Success: During your follow through, make sure that you fully follow through to your front foot so that the only part of your right foot touching the ground is your toe.
Pro Fixes
The Walk Through Drill
This is a simple drill that you can perform anywhere, even hitting balls on the range.
Setup: Begin in your setup position without a golf ball.
Golf Action: Take your normal swing. As you move through impact position, allow momentum to carry your back leg forward and walkthrough, or take a step forward with your back foot.
Exercise Parameters: Perform 5 repetitions without a ball, then repeat with a ball.
Keys to Success: Do not “lift” your back foot but allow your forward momentum to pull it through.
Training Aid Fixes
If you read my last golf article on wrist position at the point of impact, you can use the same training aid used there. The SKLZ Smash Bag is a great tool to help train the correct weight transfer.
To use the Smash Bag correctly, set up in your address position with a golf iron or wood. Put the back edge of the bag where your golf ball would be.
Take your normal swing at 1/2 speed and give the bag a good whack! Hold the position.
Check to see if your weight is 70% on your left leg. If not, keep trying this drill focusing on getting to your left leg better.
Thanks for reading!
QUESTION:Did you feel that the walkthrough drill improved your ball contact? Please leave a comment below!
Dr Ryan York, DPT CGS
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Certified Golf Performance Specialist
Age Defying Golf