Lower Body

Question
Eddie,

Got a problem I hope you can help with.  I'm having difficulty getting my lower body properly involved in the downswing.  It seems that no matter what swing thought I try to focus on - "firing the hips", etc., I'm swinging almost entirely with my arms.  So it feels like I'm only slapping at the ball and thus losing a lot of distance.  On those rare occasions when I do get through the ball properly, oh what a difference.  But those are rare occasions.  Can you recommend a good drill(s) or training aid(s) to help?  Many thanks.

Answer
Hi Bob:

Get a 2 x 4 Bob and try this drill at home before you go to the range.  Put half of your right foot on the edge of the 2 x 4.  All of your weight on the right foot will be on the inside of the foot, as you are obviously crooked inward.  Then make some swings with a club and make sure you push off that board inward so that your right heel would be off the ground at impact.  The 2 x 4 does two things for you.  In the backswing, it stabilizes your right side so you don't sway, and then it acts as a springboard to get off your right side.  If you look at most Tour players, their right heel is about an inch off the ground at impact.  So the right knee should kick in towards your left toe.  The hips would be opening, belt buckle turning towards the target.  Start using your feet and legs more Bob instead of worrying about your hips.  Push off that board and feel how you use that as a springboard.  Kickstart your downswing with your right knee moving down your toeline so that your right heel is slightly off the ground at impact.  With some practice involving your legs and feet more will help your overall timing.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member