Hi Paul,I’m a retired surgeon,75 years old and very fit.I’d never played any golf until my wife discovered your website and “logged” me in in 2014 to get me out of the house, and I’ve been playing and improving ever since,5 afternoons most weeks. I’ve bought your book and only know your technique and my retirement is transformed thanks to you.I’m impressing my friends who have been playing for years and I’ve been trying to get them to join your website although one has to be very diplomatic.My question is can I trigger the downswing by moving my hips or belt 3 inches to the midline rather than springing off my right instep?Thanks once again.Ian.
Great tip again and this is what I try to do with my trigger (belt buckle ahead of arms). The timing of the transition is something i find difficult at times and my arms can outpace my lower body. You need to move the belt buckle pretty fast?
Oh yes, you need to move it lightning fast. It has to get ahead of the fast moving arms. As I said, this separates pros from amateurs. This is why so few people do it. The thing is, no one is even talking about it … except me.
Exactly. When I try to swing slow I tend to hit fat, probably cause I’m moving my hips too slow. Will really focus on this when I’m out on the course and during practice. Thanks boss:)
I think coil going back with the arms turned off then use your downswing trigger, touching the legs then touching the head and hold the follow through would be better thoughts.
Hi. Just a quick update: played 47 points today my 16 hcp. Down to 12,7. Some bad shots here and there but mostly very good. One birdie and nine pars. My swing thought was tight left shoulder and then touch legs :))))
Tried it. Not sure I was doing it as you are but it was interesting. Can definitely see the hips turning going back. Coming down while holding the arms up was interesting. I guess it could give someone the feel.
Paul,
Would it be correct to say that you FIRST turn the belt buckle to the ball as you demonstrate here AND THEN push (or dig) with your right foot (even if it’s only a split second between the two) ? In other words the very first movement we should be thinking of when we initiate the downswing is this one, not the one one we have chosen as the downswing trigger (especially if we have chosen the straightening of the left leg or pushing from right instep triggers, maybe not so true with the turning of the hips trigger) ?
Thanks,
Raoul
I would thinking I am digging first to use the ground to turn the hips. Not sure I could make this happen without a solid base. This is a millisecond in time so it’s hard to say.
I would like to to think trigger but make sure this trigger is getting your hips moving. Anyone thinking belt buckle, hips or even locking the lead leg would be doing this. It is just instep and knee ahead of ball that the person may have to think about it.
Hi Paul
If you hit with powerless arms won’t the separation be automatic I.e come naturally. The body turn drive the arms through after the hips. Is it really necessary to consciously hold your arms back?
All the best
David
It should be rarely does because people cannot turn their arms off plus they do not know how hard the leg drive is. I show people how hard and fast I do it when they come to the school and they are amazed because I look so slow. It’s deceiving.
You are not holding your arms back. You are not hitting or helping the shot with your arms. There is a difference.
Yesterday is the second practice day I felt the real tight coil on the right side of my back, then firing from the inside arch on my right foot, with my hips turning first and my arms trailing along. It really IS a complete different feeling. There’s no question about knowing that your hips are firing first with your loose arms and hinged wrist following along. Plus my shots are straighter and longer!
I’m still struggling with full extension and tend to buckle my arms “Chicken wing” but soon this too shall fadeaway.
Glad you are feeling it. For the chicken wing you need to constantly and consistently stretch them out until you get used to the feeling. It is different and people feel out of control doing it so they contract. I am letting it go. I know this feeling and to me it feels great.
The best exercise I know to improve the effectiveness of the Lower/Upper body separation is to train with one or several rubber bands attached around your waist ,the other end of the rubber bands held in a door hinge.
Do the turn a hundred times a day and your core will strengthen accordingly and your ball distance will increase
The rubber bands can be the ULTIMATE SWING TRAINER bands of MIKE BAUMANN advertised on the IGNITION GOLF site.
Trying out the move and I have been doing this for about a month before seeing this video. I tend to pull the ball a bit left when focusing on this move ? Normal when integrating move or no ?
You would pull it due to shifting to the forward leg too soon. I have a bunch of tips on pulling. When I fire my whole upper body hangs back like hitting the accelerator on a car. This backward tilt is one reason the path is from the inside.
Can we incorporate this into your favorite drill. like the tip and great explanation. See this in the pros all the time but difficult for us.I guess this is why I don’t take a divot.
I do not but your handicap may have nothing to do with it as there are some better players who play higher lofted clubs. I definitely don’t like any of these drivers with 12 degrees or more of loft. This is too much and a band aid. I have had students with these clubs come out and I get them hitting their old 10.5 way better even though they thought they couldn’t hit it.
So mid handicapper I would go with 10.5. Better players 9.5 of less (usually).
Oh my, oh my – this video sooo neeeeded!! This 3″ separation is key.. This is the first move after full coil versus “slamming it down with the arms”! Cutting this short as I have to go do 1000 reps of this 3″ move!!! Grateful!
Went to range yesterday, 7 iron, and I’m predominately hitting pull hooks. I’m thinking a major source of this problem is I’m taking it way inside going back which has been my nemesis for years. So, must come over the top and sway to get it back to the ball. Did hit some good shots when concentrating on good coiled position. Hit half dozen drivers which were good. Also, hearing your suggestion, on my TMade SLDR 460 driver that was “fit” to me four years ago as well as remainder of TMade set, I reduced the factory set 11 1/2 degree loft to 10 1/2 degrees and moved “movable weight” directly in line with sweet spot of face. Although this put it slightly in “fade” area, certainly didn’t see any fade in the half dozen shots I hit.
Pull hook. So simple to fix. You are starting down with your arms but the hinge is working. So from the top you need to think about moving the body first not the arms. If so, you will hit it dead straight.
So focus on the body first. Relax the arms a little. Done.
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32 Responses to “Three Inches To Separation”
April 16, 2017
IanBernadtHi Paul,I’m a retired surgeon,75 years old and very fit.I’d never played any golf until my wife discovered your website and “logged” me in in 2014 to get me out of the house, and I’ve been playing and improving ever since,5 afternoons most weeks. I’ve bought your book and only know your technique and my retirement is transformed thanks to you.I’m impressing my friends who have been playing for years and I’ve been trying to get them to join your website although one has to be very diplomatic.My question is can I trigger the downswing by moving my hips or belt 3 inches to the midline rather than springing off my right instep?Thanks once again.Ian.
April 16, 2017
StianOttersenGreat tip again and this is what I try to do with my trigger (belt buckle ahead of arms). The timing of the transition is something i find difficult at times and my arms can outpace my lower body. You need to move the belt buckle pretty fast?
April 18, 2017
Paul WilsonStian,
Glad you liked it. Thanks.
Oh yes, you need to move it lightning fast. It has to get ahead of the fast moving arms. As I said, this separates pros from amateurs. This is why so few people do it. The thing is, no one is even talking about it … except me.
April 18, 2017
StianOttersenExactly. When I try to swing slow I tend to hit fat, probably cause I’m moving my hips too slow. Will really focus on this when I’m out on the course and during practice. Thanks boss:)
April 19, 2017
Paul WilsonStian,
Yes, you would stuck on the back foot at impact. Easy to fix.
April 26, 2017
StianOttersenYou think “Feel weight on right heel” and then “Feel the weightshift and the pulsating in the legs” is good swing thoughts when out on the course?
April 26, 2017
Paul WilsonStian,
I think coil going back with the arms turned off then use your downswing trigger, touching the legs then touching the head and hold the follow through would be better thoughts.
April 26, 2017
StianOttersenThanks again Paul. Will try this. I do get too focused on the ball and it’s no good! 🙂
April 30, 2017
Paul WilsonStian,
Exactly. Got to stop hitting.
April 30, 2017
StianOttersenHi. Just a quick update: played 47 points today my 16 hcp. Down to 12,7. Some bad shots here and there but mostly very good. One birdie and nine pars. My swing thought was tight left shoulder and then touch legs :))))
May 1, 2017
Paul WilsonStian,
Great. You are getting there. Next jump to 10-12 handicap. This shouldn’t be a problem. Don’t forget to work on your short game too.
April 16, 2017
Bill FreemanSo helpful! So important!! Thanks,
Bill
April 17, 2017
MichaelBlockIf you swing in a swivel chair (try it) you see exactly the three inch or 45 degree movement. 🙂
April 18, 2017
Paul WilsonMichael,
Tried it. Not sure I was doing it as you are but it was interesting. Can definitely see the hips turning going back. Coming down while holding the arms up was interesting. I guess it could give someone the feel.
April 17, 2017
Raoul BintnerPaul,
Would it be correct to say that you FIRST turn the belt buckle to the ball as you demonstrate here AND THEN push (or dig) with your right foot (even if it’s only a split second between the two) ? In other words the very first movement we should be thinking of when we initiate the downswing is this one, not the one one we have chosen as the downswing trigger (especially if we have chosen the straightening of the left leg or pushing from right instep triggers, maybe not so true with the turning of the hips trigger) ?
Thanks,
Raoul
April 18, 2017
Paul WilsonRaoul,
I would thinking I am digging first to use the ground to turn the hips. Not sure I could make this happen without a solid base. This is a millisecond in time so it’s hard to say.
I would like to to think trigger but make sure this trigger is getting your hips moving. Anyone thinking belt buckle, hips or even locking the lead leg would be doing this. It is just instep and knee ahead of ball that the person may have to think about it.
April 17, 2017
DavidWaltersHi Paul
If you hit with powerless arms won’t the separation be automatic I.e come naturally. The body turn drive the arms through after the hips. Is it really necessary to consciously hold your arms back?
All the best
David
April 18, 2017
Paul WilsonDavid,
It should be rarely does because people cannot turn their arms off plus they do not know how hard the leg drive is. I show people how hard and fast I do it when they come to the school and they are amazed because I look so slow. It’s deceiving.
You are not holding your arms back. You are not hitting or helping the shot with your arms. There is a difference.
April 17, 2017
JohnBensonYesterday is the second practice day I felt the real tight coil on the right side of my back, then firing from the inside arch on my right foot, with my hips turning first and my arms trailing along. It really IS a complete different feeling. There’s no question about knowing that your hips are firing first with your loose arms and hinged wrist following along. Plus my shots are straighter and longer!
I’m still struggling with full extension and tend to buckle my arms “Chicken wing” but soon this too shall fadeaway.
April 18, 2017
Paul WilsonJohn,
Glad you are feeling it. For the chicken wing you need to constantly and consistently stretch them out until you get used to the feeling. It is different and people feel out of control doing it so they contract. I am letting it go. I know this feeling and to me it feels great.
Here are a bunch on arc width:
It is a Letting Go Experience: https://ignitiongolf.com/letting-go-experience/
Wide Arc: https://ignitiongolf.com/wide-arc/
DRILL: Try To Hit Chair: https://ignitiongolf.com/try-to-hit-chair/
DRILL: Another Way To Widen The Arc: https://ignitiongolf.com/drill-widen-arc/
Power: How a Wider Swing Arc Affects Power: https://ignitiongolf.com/wider-arc-power/
April 17, 2017
RaymondCHASTELThe best exercise I know to improve the effectiveness of the Lower/Upper body separation is to train with one or several rubber bands attached around your waist ,the other end of the rubber bands held in a door hinge.
Do the turn a hundred times a day and your core will strengthen accordingly and your ball distance will increase
The rubber bands can be the ULTIMATE SWING TRAINER bands of MIKE BAUMANN advertised on the IGNITION GOLF site.
April 18, 2017
Paul WilsonRaymond,
I definitely like this idea. I did a tip on using the Ultimate Swing Trainer to feel this. Feel great when you do it.
April 18, 2017
MaxJamesTrying out the move and I have been doing this for about a month before seeing this video. I tend to pull the ball a bit left when focusing on this move ? Normal when integrating move or no ?
April 18, 2017
Paul WilsonMax,
You would pull it due to shifting to the forward leg too soon. I have a bunch of tips on pulling. When I fire my whole upper body hangs back like hitting the accelerator on a car. This backward tilt is one reason the path is from the inside.
Watch:
2 Things Flatten the Plane: https://ignitiongolf.com/2-things-flatten-plane/
Still Coming Over The Top – Shifting Too Soon: https://ignitiongolf.com/shifting-too-soon-forward-leg/
Cures – Manually Tilt To Stop Pulling: https://ignitiongolf.com/manually-tilt-cure-pull/
Impact Head Behind Ball: https://ignitiongolf.com/impact-head/
Pull: https://ignitiongolf.com/cure-pulled-shot/
Pull 2 (expanding on it): https://ignitiongolf.com/cure-pulling/
Body Tilt – Left Right: https://ignitiongolf.com/cure-pulling/
April 19, 2017
RoyCan we incorporate this into your favorite drill. like the tip and great explanation. See this in the pros all the time but difficult for us.I guess this is why I don’t take a divot.
Roy
April 19, 2017
Paul WilsonRoy,
Absolutely, I was going to do a tip on this. Yes, you don’t take a divot because you are hitting with the arms.
Watch:
Illustrating Why A Divot Is Taken: https://ignitiongolf.com/illustrating-divot/
How To Take A Divot: https://ignitiongolf.com/how-to-take-a-divot/
Never Purposely Hit Down On The Ball: https://ignitiongolf.com/never-hit-down/
Why You Do Not Take Divots: https://ignitiongolf.com/not-take-divots/
February 10, 2018
jamessmithDo you have a tip on what the driver loft should be based on differ gofer handicaps? Thanks, Jim
February 11, 2018
Paul WilsonJames,
I do not but your handicap may have nothing to do with it as there are some better players who play higher lofted clubs. I definitely don’t like any of these drivers with 12 degrees or more of loft. This is too much and a band aid. I have had students with these clubs come out and I get them hitting their old 10.5 way better even though they thought they couldn’t hit it.
So mid handicapper I would go with 10.5. Better players 9.5 of less (usually).
April 2, 2018
DanKueblerOh my, oh my – this video sooo neeeeded!! This 3″ separation is key.. This is the first move after full coil versus “slamming it down with the arms”! Cutting this short as I have to go do 1000 reps of this 3″ move!!! Grateful!
April 2, 2018
Paul WilsonDan,
Glad you found this one and as I explain it is such a minimal move but it takes the right thought and coordination to do it.
April 4, 2018
DanKueblerWent to range yesterday, 7 iron, and I’m predominately hitting pull hooks. I’m thinking a major source of this problem is I’m taking it way inside going back which has been my nemesis for years. So, must come over the top and sway to get it back to the ball. Did hit some good shots when concentrating on good coiled position. Hit half dozen drivers which were good. Also, hearing your suggestion, on my TMade SLDR 460 driver that was “fit” to me four years ago as well as remainder of TMade set, I reduced the factory set 11 1/2 degree loft to 10 1/2 degrees and moved “movable weight” directly in line with sweet spot of face. Although this put it slightly in “fade” area, certainly didn’t see any fade in the half dozen shots I hit.
April 4, 2018
Paul WilsonDan,
Pull hook. So simple to fix. You are starting down with your arms but the hinge is working. So from the top you need to think about moving the body first not the arms. If so, you will hit it dead straight.
So focus on the body first. Relax the arms a little. Done.
How to Cure the Direction: https://ignitiongolf.com/cure-direction/
Do some swing at knee high to feel the legs moving first.
2 Things Flatten the Plane: https://ignitiongolf.com/2-things-flatten-plane/