It’s an interesting subject timing.
Up until a few years ago, I always looked at timing as – when to release the clubhead, or timing my move from one foot to the other. But timing is also about how to sync your body up with your arms.
Knee flex & regaining flexion
Understanding the constant change in knee flex during the swing is crucial, as this dictates the pelvis moving on a titled angle. Which in-turn dictates if the spine can function in a 3-dimensional manner.
The trail knee should extend (straighten) during the backswing and the lead knee should flex more. This allows the pelvis to tilt, turn and extend going back. Which in-turn allows the thorax to tilt, turn and extend going back.
During the transition into the downswing, the trail knee starts to flex again as the lower body starts to use the ground as a spring board. This moves the pelvis level again and the spine back into its original flex. By this time the arms and club have come back down and the shaft is parallel with the ground – p6.
Also during this time there is a delay is rotating the pelvis as this will send it into early extension, which causes the spine to lose its inclination to the ground. Here, the head will start to move prematurely upwards and backwards.
The movement of the hips should be more lateral rather than rotational from P4-P6.
To learn more about P1-P10 (Positions 1-10) CLICK HERE
This is otherwise known as ‘squatting’ or ‘sitting’ during the downswing, and all the best players throughout history have demonstrated it.
To stop the club from hitting the ground too early, there has to be extension with the body. This combined with the hips moving laterally also produces a side tilt with the spine by the time the club reaches impact.
To extend the spine in the latter part of the downswing – the knees will start to straighten which raises the belt line (or tucks the hips). This also raises the handle of the club and also keeps the arms straight.
The Magic Move – Regaining Flexion on the downswing
The change of knee flex between P4 and P6, and the external rotation of the trail arm allows the arms to start to move back down in front of the body and keeps the clubhead behind the hands. This flexing of the trial knee starts to once again flex the pelvis and also flexes the spine.
As the arms and club move back down to P6 (shaft parallel to the ground) the thoracic spine comes out of extension and back once again into flexion. This position of the body looks very similar to the setup position (P1) with both knees flexed and the spine in flexion.
It’s from this position that the thrust (extension) of the hips takes place.
The reason this improves timing is because it gives you time to allow the arms to come back down in front of the body from P4-P6. This will keep the elbows closer together (squeeze elbows together) and if performed properly allows an increase in lag.
I shot a short video explaining what my practice exercise looks like to regain flexion on the way down. Let me know what you think by leaving a comment or asking a question below.
Early extension of my hips is big problem of mine. I like that butt back and forehead forward idea or drill. You also alluded to how early extending the right hand/wrist can cause you to come out of your posture to avoid hitting the ground which is something I often do. I don’t leave much of a divot or none at all is a good indicator of my raising up. Thanks for the drill.
No probs Mike.
Your fault is extremely common. Try and keep the clubhead behind your hands for longer as you come down (try and push the ball out to the right). This will help you feel the external rotation necessary in the right arm, and will keep your right arm and wrist bent for longer..
Another great insight into understanding the golf swing! Linking your earlier comment about the importance of flexing the front knee – more for the driver (as opposed to an iron) – was particularly helpful for me. Also, somewhere in my travels, I became confused as to proper movement of the front knee when flexing on the backswing. (Previously, I had got screwed up when I followed the advice of one well known golf analyst when he indicated a fault in a professional golfer’s swing by pointing out that he was not pointing his front knee towards the ball.) In an earlier article, you had mentioned that the front knee should flex towards the balls of your front foot and I believe that you are absolutely right. These two pointers have been very helpful to me.
In terms of the flexing of the back leg (squatting on the downswing), it is interesting to note the swings of Sam Snead and Rory McIlroy who clearly do exactly what you are advocating. Thank you.
Cheers
Jim
Thanks for your comments Jim. You leave some intelligent feedback. Thank you..
I didn’t know or understand that moving closer to the ball was called ‘early extension’. This has really helped me understand the downswing more. Thank you.
Yep. So understanding how to regain flexion on the way down is important. It’s a common fault.
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Any time I try this move my head drops down a good bit. Any ideas on how to do the move without my head dropping alot.
Thanks
Most of the Pros on Tour drop their head quite a bit. Just make sure you’re extending again through and post impact..
I completely agree with your a analysis of the golf swing dynamics. Have you any useful tips on how to maintain or prolong the trailing arm follow through towards the target and is the hand/wrist roll natural or forced after hitting the ball.
Tom