Air-time

[airair]

http://www.lynnblakegolf.com/forum/thread4560.html

Originally Posted by bts

Just wondering if there are any "anti-chicken wing" drills?

bts,

The dreaded 'chicken wing' simply disappears once the student learns the correct Release Motion Through the Ball per 7-24. In other words, he must learn to correctly allow the Clubhead to Overtake the Hands. In turn, this means learning to Roll the #3 Accumulator (the In-Line Left Arm and Club) through Impact and Follow-Through and into the Finish Swivel. At our Secrets of The Golfing Machine Workshop last August, a student and I met the monster and tamed it with a drill that now bears his name. From a post I wrote last August, here is...

The Nowotny Drill

Always remember that the express purpose of this drill -- done without a Club -- is to isolate and coordinate the respective functions of the two Hands: Right Hand...Clubhead. Left Hand...Clubface.

The Left Wrist is positioned in its Flat, Level and Vertical Impact Alignment. It remains at all times within a few inches of this location. Its only function is to Turn a bit to the right on the Backstroke and Roll a bit to the left on the Downstroke. Meanwhile, the Right Forearm is 'brushing' by the Left Hand with the Right Forefinger Tracing the Plane Line. Do not slap the Left Hand with the Right or in any way interfere with the Right Hand's passage by the Left. The Feel of the Right Hand Overtaking the Left (and of the Clubhead Overtaking the Hands) -- all without breaking down the Flat Left Wrist -- is the whole point of this drill.

As the Right Forearm and Right Forefinger #3 Pressure Point brush above the Left Hand through 'Impact,' the Left Hand simply 'Closes the door' with a Roll. This 'Closing' Motion of the Flat Left Wrist is felt in the Left Forearm. It can be practiced as both a Hinge Action -- the Left Arm moves forward a few inches as the Right Forearm brushes by -- and as a Swivel Action -- the Left Arm doesn't move. Until the 'chicken-winging' student gets the Feel of the Overtaking, I recommend the focus remain on the Swivel Action.

The drill should be executed in continuous motion, i.e., the Right Forearm swings back and through and back and through continuously. Again, for the Swivel Action version, the Left Arm simply remains in its Impact Location as the Left Wrist Turns and Rolls (from the 'swivel' in the Left Forearm) in sync with the passing Right Forearm.

The benefit of this drill is that it trains independently but coordinately:

(1) The Right Hand and Forearm to sense Clubhead Lag Pressure and Trace the Plane Line, thus controlling the Clubhead and its Line of Flight through the Ball;

(2) The Left Hand to Hinge and Swivel, thus controlling the Clubface and the Rhythm of the Stroke, i.e., the Clubhead Overtaking of the Hands during the Impact Interval (from Release to Finish Swivel).

Do not allow the simplicity of this drill to cause you to underestimate its importance. It has the potential to do nothing less than revolutionize your Golf Stroke and with it, your entire Game.

Think Dorothy and her full-color entrance into the Land of Oz!



The Nowotny And The Endless Belt

Relating the Nowotny Drill to the Endless Belt Effect:

Remember, the Belt Speed, i.e, the Hand Speed, does not change. The Surface Speed of the Clubhead increases dramatically, but only because of the Pulley Wheel Encounter, i.e., the Release Point (Study 2-K #6 and 10-24-A/B/C/D/E).

For the 'Pulley Wheel Effect' to occur, the Right Hand must Overtake the Left and the Clubhead must Overtake the Hands. So...

Keep 'brushing the Plane Line with the Right Forearm and #3 Pressure Point and 'Closing the Door' with the Left Hand as the Right Forearm brushes by. Feel the Swivel (Sketch 2-K #4/#5) in the Left Forearm.



Things To Do -- Left And Right

A third and final post relates to any drill emphasizing the Overtaking of the Hands by the Club. For example: Swinging with the Left Arm only; or with the Right Arm only; or with a Club in both hands (and keeping them parallel throughout the Stroke).

Training For Results

When the training emphasizes the correct alignments, drills can yield valuable results.

Each Hand has its respective function and should be trained independently to perform it. Left Wrist Action controls the Clubhead position (See the subheading of 10-18 ) on the face of the Inclined Plane. The Left Hand Hinge Action controls the Clubface alignment in relation to its selected Plane of Motion -- Horizontal, Angled or Vertical -- through Impact. The Right Hand (through Pressure Points #1 and #3) provides the Active Drive of the Clubhead -- actually the entire Primary Lever Assembly -- for Hitters and the Acceleration Control of the Clubhead for both Hitters and Swingers. When combined with the Right Forearm Tracing of the Plane Line, it also controls the essential geometry of the Clubhead's Line of Flight through Impact (2-N-0).

In doing drills that emphasize the Clubhead Overtaking understand these three things:

1. The Shaft Rotates around the Sweet Spot (and not the other way around);

2. The Hands Rotate about each other; and

3. There is a definite Clubhead (Sweet Spot) Overtaking of the Hands during the Impact Interval.

An intellectual understanding of these points is one thing. Knowing them is another.

Their Clarion Call is Rhythm (See The Glossary and 6-B-3-0).

[Yoda]

I like this one!

Originally Posted by Bagger Lance

Yoda, How about a loaded question to kick off this board!!! Can you describe Hogans swing? His swing is probably the most studied golfswing in the world. I would appreciate your take on it. Bagger

A description of Ben Hogan's Swing?

In one word: Powerful.

In another word: Accurate.

In an all-inclusive third: Efficient.

But it wasn't always that way. At first long and loose, his Total Motion became a Darwinian case study in the Evolution of a Golf Stroke. By the end of his career, all unnecessary frills had been stripped away. Unless something had to move, it didn't. Ben Hogan sought Golfing Perfection, and in that pursuit there was only utility. Form followed Function. Or was jettisoned.

His Hands, which early on traveled to an End Top behind his Head, ultimately found their Top at Right Shoulder High and On Plane. His Lower Body, formerly dominated by extremely active Feet and Knees, became a stable Platform from which to mount the powerful assault of his Arms and Upper Body upon the Ball. His Grip evolved from a Turned Left Wrist and its Double Wristcock Action (Cock and Bend) to a Vertical Left Wrist and a Single Action (Wristcock Only).

In short, without the benefit of today's Swing coaches, psychologists and trainers, Ben Hogan realized his dream: Driven by a burning desire and working only with his own God-given gifts and the dirt, he became a Golfing Machine. And in so doing, he lit the lamps along Golf's Pathway for future generations to follow.

That torch now has been passed, and the mission of Lynn Blake Golf is to continue the pursuit of Golfing Perfection. Most of all, we are dedicated to helping you find its application to your Game. Armed with our own burning desire and the practical, working knowledge of Homer Kelley's magnificent work, The Golfing Machine, we boldly set forth on this uncharted journey.

Bon Voyage!

[airair]

http://www.lynnblakegolf.com/forum/thread4558.html

Originally Posted by rchang72
Just wanted to get input on this. I drew a couple sketches of my impressions of the inclined plane.


My understanding is that we continue the downstroke through impact towards the low point with the down, out and forward. Only then does one come upward into the finish.

So should the actual aiming point along the plane line that is underground (i.e. a little forward of the impact point, and more outside the target line)? Any thoughts?

[Bold by Yoda.]

...


Very nice, rchang! Because your simple question demands a not so simple answer, I have actually given two answers: the Basic Answer (Item #3) and the Advanced Version (Item #6). Accordingly, I've moved your post to the Advanced Section where any discussion of points #4-#6 should take place. Hang on...this is going to get a little sticky, especially for the newer students.

1. The Target Line could also be labeled the Impact Point Plane Line, and the line passing through the Low Point could be labeled Low Point Plane Line. There should be nothing mysterious about these lablels: They merely identify parallel lines that co-exist on the face of the same Inclined Plane and that pass through two defined points.

2. The Impact Point Plane Line does indeed rest atop the ground, whereas the Low Point Plane Line is in the ground, but again, on the same Inclined Plane.

3. Here then, is the Basic Answer to your question: Because the two Lines are parallel, when you point at one -- with the Tracing Right Forearm and #3 Lag Pressure Point -- you simultaneously point at the other. Therefore, it is sufficient to direct your Thrust at -- but through! -- an Aiming Point on the Impact Point Plane Line.

But, as promised, there is more!

4. The Three-Dimensional Direction of Thrust -- Downward, Outward and Forward -- will be that defined by the Delivery Path of the Hands (7-23). This concept is most clearly illustrated by Photo 10-23-A #1.

5. This Delivery Path Line of Thrust is established at Impact Fix and is parallel to the Right Forearm Angle of Approach: Note (1) the Right Forearm in Photo 10-19-A #2 is pointing directly at the Impact Point Plane Line but well in front of the Ball; and (2) that the Right Forearm is parallel to the Delivery Path. Thus, the Right Forearm Angle of Approach precisely defines:

* a. The parallel Delivery Path of the Hands;

b. The Right Forearm's own Cross Line (but On Plane) Thrust through Impact; and also

c. The Angle of Approach of the Clubhead (through the Inside Aft qadrant of the Ball where the eye directs the Delivery Path Thrust via Pressure Point #3 (7-3 and 7-11).

[Note: Photo 10-19-A #2 is meant to depict Drive Loading, not the Right Forearm Angle of Approach. This is the first time -- and possibly the last -- that I will use a photo for a purpose beyond its captioned intent. The reason I've done so is that there is no better photo in the book with which to illustrate this esoteric concept.]

6. So, here then, is the Advanced Answer to your question: The Aiming Point -- established at Impact Fix -- is located at the intersection of the Impact Point Plane Line and the Three-Dimensional Line of Thrust defined by Delivery Path of the Hands and its parallel Right Forearm Angle of Approach. It is precisely down that Line that you direct your #3 Pressure Point Thrust -- Down Plane through the Impact Point and Low Point until Both Arms are Straight (1-L-15).

[airair]

Originally Posted by EdZ

Great post lynn.

From a hypothetical view point -

If the impact point plane line and the 'underground' plane line were the same (the ball on a tee, exact, perfect low point separation). What angle with the ground would an 'ideal' line of thrust be for the right forearm?
(Assume a perpendicular to the ground primary lever, and turned shoulder plane).

....

From a down-the-Line view, the Right Forearm during Impact will be on the angle of the Turned Shoulder Plane. This Ideal Plane Angle should not be thought of in terms of an absolute degree of Tilt. Instead, it will vary:

1. From Club to Club (Steeper for the shorter Clubs and Flatter for the longer Clubs per 7-5/6/7);

2. Between Hitters and Swingers (the Shorter Shoulder Turn of the Hitter requires a Steeper Plane per 2-H); and

3. From Player to Player (the less flexible players may have a shorter Shoulder Turn and therefore use a Steeper Plane).

[airair]

Originally Posted by EdZ

Thanks, I'll have to incubate a bit on the shoulder turn vs. plane, which while it makes sense, I wonder if it is more a matter of anatomy than geometry.

What would your perspective be from a face on view?

..

The Clubshaft's Forward Lean (2-J-2) through Impact and the Right Forearm's Angle of Approach are dictated by:

1. Club design (2-G);

2. Plane Angle and the consequent Clubhead Line Of Flight (2-N-O);

2. Ball Location (3-F-7-E); and

3. The degree of Right Wrist Bend established at Impact Fix (6-C-2-A).

[airair]

Originally Posted by Yoda

2. The Impact Point Plane Line does indeed rest atop the ground, whereas the Low Point Plane Line is in the ground, but again, on the same Inclined Plane.

....

Originally Posted by Martee

I wrote a previous post that has since gone with little response, so I will take this opportunity to try and get some clarification.

The Impact Point Plane Line must always be above or atop the ground unless a special shot (bunker explosion shot).

The Low Point Plane Line can below ground (any golf stroke that takes a divot at or after the golf ball), it can be atop the ground (the pick clean shot or the Teed Driver or any other shot that doesn't take a divot).

I beleive that depending upon the ball location, the hinging action and golf stroke (hitter/swinger) the location of the low point can be other than outside of the target line.

This raises the question "Is the target line is really the Impact Point Plane Line?" The Target Line can cross the Plane Line. The Impact and Low Point Planes must use the Sweet Spot Plane.

Since we cannot see beneath the surface, all line we visualize or make marks would be on the surface. Visualizing the Low Point Plane Line doesn't seem to have much merit IMO unless someone can point out some reason to do so.

[Bold by Yoda.]

...

My good friend Martee -- a Hall of Fame poster if there ever was one -- has asked for clarification regarding Plane Lines. Well, buckle up, folks, because here we go!

1. My quoted answer to rchang72 was in specific reference to his two graphics wherein the ball rested on the ground and the Low Point was in the ground. However, as Martee correctly points out, in the case of a Teed Ball there may be only 'air' divots -- this great phrase courtesy of our own PGA Professional Drewitgolf! -- or with a Ball placed precisely at Low Point only a brushing of the ground.

2. And it is possible, as Martee points out, that that the Low Point could be "other than outside the Target Line." Certainly that would be the case if the Ball is positoned at Low Point (in which case it would be on the Target Line).

3. Of course, the Target Line and the Plane Line are two different 'animals' and must maintain their respective identities. This is the case even when the Plane Line (either Impact Point or Low Point) lies atop the Target Line. Hence, the nine different Plane Line-Stance Line-Target Line Combinations of 10-5. And remember, you aways swing along (Trace) the Plane Line, but only in the Square-Square Combination of 10-5-A do you swing along the Target Line.

4. Finally, as I pointed out in my post to rchang72, in those instances where the Low Point Plane is indeed below ground, it is enough to monitor only the Impact Point Plane Line that is above ground. Then, make sure you Trace it with your Right Forearm in its Three-Dimensional, Downplane Attack Angle (of Approach) per 2-N-0 and 7-3. This will insure that the Clubhead makes its proper Down, Out and Forward orbit (Arc of Approach per 2-J-3) through the Impact Point Plane Line toward Low Point.

There now, Martee. Glad we got that all cleared up!

[airair]

http://www.lynnblakegolf.com/forum/s...-+Snap+Release

Originally Posted by EdZ

Extensor action simplifies Rhythm IMO.

..

As Homer would say, Ed..."Kee-rect!"

Rhythm in The Golfing Machine is defined as maintaining the In-Line condition of the Left Arm and Club (Primary Lever Assembly) during the Impact Interval (6-B-3-0). The Flat Left Wrist directly controls this Rhythm by executing one of the three Hinge Actions (2-G). This, in turn, determines the unique degree of Clubhead Travel and Clubface Closing from Impact to the end of the Follow-Through (Both Arms Straight).

However, despite this veneer control of the Flat Left Wrist and its Hinge Action (2-G), it is the straightening Right Elbow -- driven Centrifugally (Swinging) or Muscularly (Hitting) -- that actuates the Roll of the Primary Lever Assembly (Left Arm and Club) through Impact. That being the case, the Right Elbow's Location during Impact will directly and dramatically affect:

1. The amount of Clubhead Travel;

2. The degree of Clubface Closing; and thereby

3. The Rhythm of the Stroke.

There are many things that can disrupt the Right Elbow Location pre-selected at Impact Fix. Among the most important of these is the lack of Extensor Action. Unless the Right Arm is kept constantly stretched, it can stretch at any time, and this 'wobble' factor can be highly disruptive.

But with Extensor Action applied, the Right Arm can straighten only as the Left Arm moves away from the Right Shoulder (6-B-1-0). This produces a smooth, unbroken Acceleration of the Lever Assemblies (6-A-2/3); a consistent Right Elbow Location; and, hence, the correct amount of Clubhead Travel and degree of Clubface Closing throughout the Impact Interval (6-B-1-D #3).

All this is Rhythm...the Third Essential of The Golfing Machine (2-0).

[airair]

http://www.lynnblakegolf.com/forum/thread4608.html

Originally Posted by 12 piece bucket

Yoda,

How about getting a short club or dowel. Then set your impact bag on a low bench, table, stool, dog, cat whatever. Pound the bag as usual placed at impact and follow through per your expert advice. My thoughts were that you could really focus on the critical Hand alignments and how they translate to the Clubhead and Clubface with a short club. The Impact Interval could really be right below your nose.

Does this sound like a winner or a loser for a close up and intense alignment drill?

..

Sure, Rich, anything to help focus attention on the Hands and their Impact alignments is worth doing. Don't make the dowel too short though. Make sure it's long enough to grip down the length of your left forearm. That In-Line condition of dowel and forearm is a priceless relationship and Feel you absolutely must ingrain and make subconscious.

Another tip that will help in this pursuit of 'up close and personal' alignments is visualization. Homer noted that most people think in terms of a small ball and the fleeting moment of Impact and therefore tend to minimize the need for extreme precision. The cure is 'armchair visualization and an exaggeration of each of the elements of Impact.

For example...

'See' the Ball as being as big as a beach ball. See that Ball mashed against a huge Clubface. Visualize the dramatic 'forward lean' of the long Clubshaft and the gigantic Hands well ahead of the Ball. The Left Wrist is Flat and the Right Wrist is Bent. A huge Right Forearm and the #3 Pressure Point Loaded with Lag and Tracing the Straight Plane Line. Visualize these elements individually and also as an integral part of the whole. 'Watch' as the Ball is gradually compressed and driven Down, Out and Forward in an Impact Interval lasting, say, a full minute. Or ten minutes. 'See' the resilient Ball slowly rebound from the Clubface before the Clubhead tears into the turf. Watch the Right Elbow continue to straighten as inches DownPlane, through the Low Point and into the Follow-Through (the Both Arms Straight position).

When you can 'see' Impact like that, Downstroke Blackout will have become a thing of the past. Your Impact Interval -- from Release to Follow-Through -- will have been brought under a conscious control. You will have gained a new authority and mastery of Golf's Moment of Truth.

[airair]

http://www.lynnblakegolf.com/forum/thread4590.html

Originally Posted by rangerover

Yoda,
How would I figure out which one that I doing. I understand (A) & (C) but
(B) is the one I'm not clear on. Looks like I need to make an appointment
to visit the swamp.

..

Rangerover,

The Bent Plane Line means that instead of Tracing the original Plane Line through Impact, you Trace Outside-In (from above the Plane) or Inside-Out (from below the Plane). In other words, you are now Tracing an entirely new Plane Line and, in effect, have 'Bent' the original (either to the left or to the right).

Most high handicappers Bend the Plane Line to the left. In other words, they swing Outside-In and come in with the Right Forearm too 'high' (and pointing beyond the Plane Line instead of driving toward it). This usually results from the Flat Downstroke Right Shoulder Turn (see Photo 10-13-B-#3) that inevitably lifts the Hands Off Plane as well.

In turn, this Right Shoulder 'Spin-Out' is the product of faulty Hip Control, namely failure to lead the Downstroke with a slight Hip Slide parallel to the Plane Line. It is this move that both Loads the Lag and allows the Right Shoulder -- and with it the Hands and the Loaded Lag Pressure Point -- to be pulled Down Plane toward the Ball. Only when this is done can the Right Forearm return to its mandatory Impact Fix alignment through Impact.

The cure?

The Downstoke Waggle (3-F-5).

We do a lot of that down here in The Swamp. Y'all come!

[airair]

http://www.lynnblakegolf.com/forum/thread4571.html

Originally Posted by swingeasttowest

Once Yoda explained the swivel to me, bye bye golf ball

It was a great day in the Swamp. I only wish their was more time. It is so hard to fit everything in.

...

Rich and I planned this session literally months in advance, and I know both of us really pointed toward this great day. He had a 3:15 a.m. wake-up call to catch his red-eye from New York, and he showed up in Atlanta ready-to-rumble in his "Yoda-Green" Masters hat. After exchanging the Hitter's Handshake -- Right Forearms stump-to-stump and pistoning -- we started with Yoda's traditional Cracker Barrel breakfast: Eggs, bacon and hash browns, pancakes and the Geometry of the Circle!

We began our on-site instruction with a technical demo of the infamous Hinge Action Concept. Quoting Rocky Balboa (to Clubber Lang): "Not so bad!" And then...The Power Package! Flying Wedge alignments, Extensor Action (stretch against #1!) and The Golfer's Flail. Still not a ball struck. To horse!

Rich had worked hard on his Pivot Motion. Too hard! His quickly spinning Backstroke Right Hip and Shoulder Turn pulled his Hands abruptly to the inside (and Under Plane). From there, his only recourse was an Over-The-Top Right Shoulder Spin-Out, a 'high' Right Forearm into Impact and the dreaded Chicken-Wing Follow-Through. The predictable results? Fore Left...or Right!

The Good News was that Rich had learned his Forum Lessons well. His Balance was excellent and he had great control of his Left Wrist. He drove his Right Arm hard and was able to really stress the Clubshaft. Our challenge was to direct that Motion correctly Down Plane -- with the Right Forearm driving Downward, Outward and Forward toward the Plane Line -- instead of the Flat Downstroke Right Shoulder Turn (10-13-B) coming 'Out and Over' and the Forearm covering the Line in the Downstroke.

Our Cure was to quieten his Lower Body's overzealous activity in the Backstroke and to train his Hip Slide to pull the Right Shoulder (and the Power Package) down On Plane in the Downstroke. Rich got this job done by learning the Start Down Waggle (3-F-5) and making it an integral part of his Pre-Shot Routine. As he ingrained this Motion, his Flat Downstroke Shoulder Turn began to disappear.

Still, something was missing, and that 'something' was the Finish Swivel (2-G, 12-3-12-#41 and 12-5-3-#3). This proved to be the missing link that allowed his Stroke to flow uninterrupted from his Top (Station Two) to his Finish (Station Three). When Rich integrated this move, it was 'Good-bye' Chicken Wing and 'Hello' Compression!

Sadly, all good things come to an end, and this day was no exception. With darkness falling and his 8:11 p.m. flight beckoning, we bid one another a fond farewell. This really is the toughest part for me...watching my students fly into the night...knowing that many weeks will likely pass before we meet again.

That's why I love this place...

See you in The Clubhouse Lounge, Rich!