Stop Flipping or Throwing the Club Head
Original topic by Reposted — 2022-12-15T23:01:53Z
Student Question — Jun 04, 2014
Ross,
Overcoming 40 years of throwing my arms and hands apparently isn’t easy for me. Any suggestions?
Original forum topic
Discussion (8 replies)
Reply 1
Ross — 2022-12-15T23:02:57Z
Ross — Jun 04, 2014
I have really emphasized lately to some of my other students having flipping and throwing problems: SHORTEN THE BACKSWING AND FOCUS ON SPEEDING UP THE BODY ROTATION ON THE DOWNSWING.
This has worked wonders for them. The reason is that if you allow your backswing to get too long, the arms lift slightly or the wrists hinge a bit, and then you are going to “throw the clubhead” to help catch up. But if you stop the backswing when the shoulders are done—which will feel short and weird at first—you haven’t hinged or lifted and can now just focus on turning for the downswing. And I mean GO! TURN.
The shorter backswing gives you confidence that you can return to the ball easily and keep going… no hit… just turn… commit! Think of it as a drill for a while, and you’ll build confidence and know that you don’t have to help… just turn on the downswing.
I wanted to add this to help you understand why shorter is better. If you take the club back with the shoulders about halfway, the hands and arms are more likely to still be under control. As you lengthen the backswing, what generally happens is that the hands and arms take over, lifting and hinging. That “action” of the hands and arms is a disconnect from the large muscles, but it forces the “reaction” on the downswing.
So, practice with a shorter, shoulders-only backswing, and your hands and arms will get the idea. As you get better, you may make a bigger shoulder turn if it works. But if not, go back to the shorter backswing.
FYI… the downswing and commitment to turning through faster are what produce accuracy and distance… not the backswing.
Ross
Reply 2
Reposted — 2022-12-15T23:03:34Z
Dan — Aug 28, 2014
Bro,
I decided to take a look around the forum, and I happened upon this thread from June. You know how I “roll”—my hands, that is. I took this advice to shorten the backswing, and the results were solid shots with the right trajectory.
It might take a little time to lengthen my backswing, but I’m really not concerned about that. It’s a good feeling to hit the ball so consistently.
Incidentally, the pitching lesson has really paid off. I played UNM North today and pitched the ball to within a foot on three holes. Now, that’s a confidence builder.
Talk to you soon.
Reply 3
Ross — 2022-12-15T23:06:58Z
Ross — Aug 29, 2014
That’s awesome, Dan!
Once your brain correlates the “feeling” of keeping the face square with more solid, straight, and consistent shots, it will start to “accept” this swing change as valid and override the old muscle memory. This takes time and is different for everyone.
I’ve seen that anyone who wants lasting change will have to put in the time and effort to give their body and brain time to change and accept it. It is like a vague image that becomes more and more vivid and clear over time.
This does not happen in a swing or a moment, like “Now I’ve got it.” You develop it.
- You get it; you lose it.
- You get it back better, then you lose it better—but with experience.
- You lose it less often and get it back much quicker.
In time, you learn more about yourself and your golf swing.
Glad you came by, Dan…
Reply 4
Reposted — 2022-12-15T23:07:39Z
JW66 — May 16, 2016
Greetings,
The “get it and lose it” syndrome has hit me twice—probably more!
First, my shoulders were not level; the right one was way down, so there was no shoulder turn. Then I got lazy about putting my weight to the left, and my shots became short and inconsistent. Fixing that was like you had waved a magic wand over me.
In both instances, a mirror helped. We have a big mirror in the garage, and it helps me see swing flaws that may not be obvious while playing. It almost always comes back to setup, doesn’t it?
I also keep a log of every round and every practice session, which, for me, involves walking a few holes in the late afternoon with a few balls. If it’s a bad shot, I get to do it over. Once I write it down, it sticks better. It also helps me see the continued progress of learning the Ross way.
Tomorrow, I’m trying the gap with putting. In the house, it feels pretty good and helps me visualize keeping everything quiet except the shoulders.
Onward!
Reply 5
Ross — 2022-12-15T23:07:56Z
Ross — May 19, 2016
You’re an inspiration, JW66! I like your drive and positive self-talk. This game is tough and needs constant attention… that’s half the fun, I think.
Ross
Reply 6
BCgolfer — 2023-01-11T19:55:08Z
Long time no see, and compliments of the season to everyone.
About holding the club in the downswing without flipping: Do I keep the clubface on the target line straight through the downswing, then facing the sky after impact through to the finish? This is the only way I have been able to maintain the shape of my wrists at impact and through to the finish.
Please clarify this area. Thanks.
Reply 7
Ross — 2024-06-20T20:22:28Z
Ross,
I just went back and found this article about the shorter backswing. This really helps. I love your last comment: “The downswing and commitment to turning through faster are what produce accuracy and distance… not the backswing.”
Your method is real genius. It has made golf one of the real, lasting pleasures of my life. I almost feel guilty that I have a shot for just about every situation.
Thanks again for your method and teaching skills.
Dan
Reply 8
Ross — 2024-06-20T20:27:52Z
Hi Dan,
Great to hear from you. It makes me very happy to hear you’re still golfing and enjoying the instruction.
Ross