My question here is in the hips though. I have not found the answer in TGM, although Mr. Kelley (I believe) liked the delayed hip turn. How much should the hips turn for the 1) young flexible player 2) less flexible 3) not flexible players. If anyone has this information in degrees or something measurable I would appreciate the information.
Hi VJ,
Homer Kelley did indeed prefer the Delayed Hip Turn. Despite the popularity of the Standard Action for centuries, he saw "absolutely no reason" for the Hips to lead the Shoulders in the Backstroke.
Regarding measuring the Turn -- or anything else in the Golf Stroke for that matter -- in degrees, he was dismissive. His geometrical relationships were meant for the Golf Course, not for the laboratory. For example: Flat, Level, Vertical, Straight Line and On Plane. These alignments lend themselves to visual confirmation and can be produced within acceptable tolerances (if not exactly).
So, it is not surprising that we do not find any 'degree' measurement or recommendation in his work. His only guideline would be this:
If something does not have to move, don't move it.
And the Right Hip need move only enough on the Backstroke to (1) clear a path for the Right Elbow and (2) place the Right Shoulder On Plane. As you have noted, those requirements will differ from player to player and, also, from Stroke to Stroke.
Which brings us full circle to why Homer didn't measure in degrees.
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