[lagster]

I'm not sure this would be an "X Classification" Variation, Lagster. In fact, it appears to be merely the Turning Shoulder Plane (10-6-D), and probably the Left Arm Swing Plane version -- as opposed to the Vertical Wristcock version.

Here, the Arms produce the vertical element of the Stroke and point a line inside (but parallel to) the Plane Line. [This would be Mr. Trahan's "foot line".] As the Arms simply lift and lower the Club -- the "vertical pick up" -- the Pivot takes the Hands directly to a Squared Shoulder Plane at the Top. This steep Backstroke brings the Club into its Loaded condition on a Vertical Plane at the Top (and not on the Inclined Plane). And Single Wrist Action (10-18-C-#3) produces Hands that are "well under" the Club (and thus not 'Palms aligned to Plane').

This "straight back" Backstroke is mirrored by a "straight down" Downstroke. The "upward thrust" you mention would be the Pivot's 'equal and opposite' reaction to the Arms and their vertical force.

It is not surprising that Mr. Trahan has produced champions with this Stroke Pattern. Quoting Homer Kelley: "It is extremely effective and dynamically correct."

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Another excellent analysis Mr. Yoda!!!! This may be another Hall of Fame Post!! Mr. Yoda just showed how TGM can be used for stroke analysis of various procedures.

Some good points can be gleaned from this study. 1. The flashlight, or laser does not point to the Plane Line for all procedures. In fact trying to do so may disrupt some procedures. 2. Mr. Kelley does say these Turning Shoulder procedures can be very effective. Now that I think about this, a player like Johnny Miller looks to be close to one of these, maybe the Vertical Wristcock version.