Joe,
How do you make adjustments in the middle of a round when your swing is not working well?
Al
Hi Al,
I would recommend having an “A” swing and a “B” swing to choose from. When the A-swing stops working and you cannot afford to experiment in the middle of the round, switch to the B-swing. The A swing is always your preferred method, while the B swing is only something to fall back on when the A swing goes wacko, but it does not have to be all that different, maybe just a shorter-easier-more relaxed version of the A swing, since many problems are caused by overswinging. There are many other ways to make adjustments, and the next time you are on the range it might be a good idea to try a few different things and pick the ones that suit you best. Remember, everyone is built differently, so the same ideas that work for one person may not work as well for the next person. There are too many ideas to list them all, but here are a few: If your backswing is naturally flat, try one that is a little more upright, or vice versa. Exaggerate your follow-thru more toward the target and pose longer. If you use a narrow stance, try a wider one, or vice versa. Change your ball position slightly and compare results. Try varying amounts of a forward press. If your backswing is wristy, try less wrist or vice versa. Most of all, keep your swing thoughts simple, because if you try to think of too many things at the same time, your swing becomes a house of cards that will tumble if you forget one of those many things. Next time you go to the range, figure out how to get your A-swing back and if you cannot, then maybe your B swing becomes your preferred swing for awhile. I hope this helps you.
Joe
Monday, January 24, 2005
Joe,
I enjoy reading your column on a regular basis. I've replaced my 3 and 4 irons with hybrids and they usually go straight. My question is: I hit my 5/6/7 irons well. They go in the direction I want with only a slight fade (about 10 yards in the air). However, when the balls hit the ground they immediately spin hard right (literally at right angles to the fairway by 10-20 yards. What am I doing wrong?
Richard
Hello Richard,
I would think a consistent hard right bounce would be due to lots of sidespin, but then your fade or slice would likely be much more pronounced. I have always felt that if you have some clubs that you can hit straight, then those clubs fit your swing, so change your other clubs that you do not hit straight. Since your hybrids go straight, check the type of shaft, are they regular or stiff? I suspect your irons do not have the same flex, maybe not even the same brand. Try some different irons, especially those with more upright lie angles, which will reduce slices. Joe
I enjoy reading your column on a regular basis. I've replaced my 3 and 4 irons with hybrids and they usually go straight. My question is: I hit my 5/6/7 irons well. They go in the direction I want with only a slight fade (about 10 yards in the air). However, when the balls hit the ground they immediately spin hard right (literally at right angles to the fairway by 10-20 yards. What am I doing wrong?
Richard
Hello Richard,
I would think a consistent hard right bounce would be due to lots of sidespin, but then your fade or slice would likely be much more pronounced. I have always felt that if you have some clubs that you can hit straight, then those clubs fit your swing, so change your other clubs that you do not hit straight. Since your hybrids go straight, check the type of shaft, are they regular or stiff? I suspect your irons do not have the same flex, maybe not even the same brand. Try some different irons, especially those with more upright lie angles, which will reduce slices. Joe
