FAULT - UPPER BODY LEAN
The second of our lateral letdowns is the upper body “lean” away from the target. Here the culprit for most players is playing with the idea of getting the left shoulder under the chin or wound up behind the ball. As you can see in this exaggerated image, I’m well behind the ball but haven’t created a proper turn.
FIX - SUN
SALUTATION Standing in the same “one footed” stance as the previous drill, fold your arms across your chest. With the left leg acting as your axis of rotation it will be near impossible to lean your torso away from the target without losing balance. In the backswing, think of winding your “right shoulder” around behind your head. Into the follow through unwind with the same attitude, this time with the left shoulder rotating back and behind. You should notice your shoulders circling comfortably around as your head remains centered and constant, much like planets that orbit the steady position of the sun. On my lesson tee in Arizona I often have students experience this drill with the sun directly at their backs displaying their shadow in front of them on the turf below. Monitoring the movement of your shadow is another great way to practice some self coaching in an environment that delivers immediate feedback.
20 GOLF INFUZION MAGAZINE JUNE 2011
