The Dead Shot

When playing golf, there are some days that no matter what you try, you can't get your upper and lower body to work in sync. On these days, you'll find that the hips trail too far behind the shoulders, and the shoulders trail too far behind the arms and hands. The Dead Shot is an effective drill I use with my students to promote balance, timing and synchronization from the takeaway through the finish.

Assume your normal stance with any club, but position your right foot near the instep of your left foot (for right-handed golfers), leaving three to four inches between both feet with the right toe drawn back from the original toe line about four inches.

Now, turn your left foot inward so that your left big toe points toward the ball. Taking your stance with your feet in these positions will effectively limit your hip turn and lower body movement. Swing the club back with a great deal of freedom in the arms and shoulders and then forward with the same free and easy motion. Try this technique and you'll find why it's called the Dead Shot—the body is dead and the ball goes dead straight. If you let your hips turn, you'll have problems controlling the direction of your shots. Simply work on swinging the club with your arms and hands in a smooth, unhurried motion.

Class A PGA Professional Jerry Elwell's former students include Johnny Miller, Billy Casper and Nancy Lopez. He directs instruction at Max Out Golf in Sherman Oaks, Calif.