Something that is often not understood is that your body should bend sidewards during the swing.  It will bend sidewards to the left in the backswing, and sidewards to the right in the downswing.

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Advanced golf pivot lesson

Something that is often not understood is that your body should bend sidewards during the swing.  It will bend sidewards to the left in the backswing, and sidewards to the right in the downswing.

I know at first you will be thinking that I have lost my mind, but hang in there and let me explain.

If I bend my upper body sidewards to the left at address, and then turn my shoulders, you can see that it is the combination of these 2 movements (side bend & rotation) that creates the backswing body movement.

In the downswing, it is just the opposite.  Again, if I bend my upper body to the right, and then turn my shoulders, it is the combination of these 2 movements that creates the correct body movement to impact.

For the purpose of this article, I am separating the 2 movements, but in reality, bending sideward and rotating will blend together smoothly during the swing.

If you do not have enough side bend in your backswing, your swing can cause your posture to change – a high left shoulder, or disconnected arms.  If you do not have enough side bend in the downswing, it can cause an over the top swing, slice shots, and bad ball contact.

Perhaps now you are understanding the mechanics; but understanding the mechanics and having a feel for the movement are sometimes 2 different things.   The easiest way I have found to teach players the combination of side bend and rotation is using the following drill.

Windmill Drill

• Taking your golf posture, hold your arms out so they are parallel to the ground. Pic 45 degrees
• Keeping your arms in this extended position, turn your body to the right and point your left arm at the ball, with your right arm behind you at a 45% angle. This will ensure you have bent your upper body sidewards to the left during the backswing. Pic 45 degrees
• Now turn to impact, but this time point your right arm at the ball.  Again, this will ensure you bend your upper body sidewards to the right in the downswing. Pic 45 degrees
• Repeat the exercise until you can perform the drill with the same tempo as your regular golf swing. Pic 45 degrees

Once you have the feeling, pick up your club and move your body in the same way as you did in the drill.  Learning to bend your body the correct way can really help straighten out your shots as well improve your ball striking.

Good pictures, backswing + impact