Ball flight direction is a function of two factors:
how the clubface meets the ball
the path of the swing.
For most players, the path is the more elusive of the two factors.
The path has two characteristics:
it’s plane (flatter or more upright)
it’s direction (across the target line or parallel to the target line)
With any plane, a player can produce their desired ball flight direction. However, they are not afforded such leniency with swing direction. The swing direction must be parallel to their target line or else the club will cause the ball flight to curve. The swing has two directions:
the direction of the backswing
the direction of the forward swing
What may be a surprise is that while the forward swing is that which propels the ball, the direction of the forward swing is principally a reaction to the backswing. Here are two ways to understand this:
First, toss a ball making a backswing that is outside your target line and then try to toss to your target. Then do the same but make the backswing inside your target line. What you’ll find is that without delaying the forward swing to re-route your arm you’ll be unable to get the ball to your target.
Second, choose three different targets for tossing. Setup and toss to the first target. Now without changing your setup, toss to the other two targets. To accomplish this you will find that you changed your backswing.
Third, consider that the entire swing from start to finish takes about 2.5 seconds (one thousand one, one thousand two, and a half). From the start of the forward swing till impact, the club accelerates from zero to 60, 70, 80, etc., in about a second (Yes, that’s faster than a Lamborghini). It’s not reasonable to change the forward direction in that amount of time.
Bottom Line: As with tossing, when making a golf swing we must have the target’s LOCATION in mind and make a backswing that prepares the forward swing to be in the direction of that target.
Each Thursday we’ll bring you a helpful insight.
Swing to the Target,
Ed
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This makes sense, when you think about all other actions we do, using a hammer, archery, casting a fishing rod, bowling… they all required focus on the target… great article.