Clubhead speed
 

Can anyone give me some ideas on how to increase my clubhead speed? I'm already long, but I'm fairly sure that's due mostly to muscling the ball. I'm currently working on my fitness, which I know will help. But I want to know what types of things create more speed with the swing itself. I know about trigger delay, swing radius, and accumulator overlap (I read the book a lot). But I sometimes go overboard in applying what I think the book is trying to tell me. Thanks.

Anybody...?:)

Power Points
 

You have asked only for ideas relating to increased Clubhead Speed. However, I think what you really want is increased Clubhead Power. And Power is a product of not only Clubhead Speed, but also Effective Clubhead Mass.

There are two ways to vary each of these components. Clubhead Speed is affected by (1) the length of Stroke (the time you allow for Acceleration) and (2) the sharpness of the Release Interval (Sweep versus Snap). Effective Clubhead Mass is determined by (1) Lag Pressure (the rate of Acceleration into Impact) and (2) Swing Radius (length of the Primary Lever, i.e., the Left Arm and Club). This last item -- Swing Radius -- can be further extended to the Feet via the 'gear train' effect of Pivot Lag.

Now to your question. Regarding Clubhead Speed, since I rarely see a Stroke that is too short, I am going to assume that your Stroke is long enough. That leaves only the Release Interval as a source of additional Velocity. You have stated that you understand the Power Accumulators and Trigger Delay. Check each of the employed Power Accumulators -- #2, #3 and #4 (Swinging) and #1, #2, #3 and #4 (Hitting) -- and make sure you are actually achieving the Maximum Power application (6-B-1/2/3/4-A) and also the Maximum Delay of each (6-B-1/2/3/4-C).

Regarding Effective Clubhead Mass, work first on your Timing. You want to make contact just before you reach Full Extension (of the Left Arm and Club via the Full Uncock of the Left Wrist) and with the Clubhead moving as fast as it can and still be Accelerating. Then, make sure you have plugged that most insidious of all Power leaks, the Bent Left Wrist through Impact.

Contrary to what most people think, when the Club is thrown past a Bending Left Wrist, it does pick up Speed (due to the Law of Conservation of Angular Momentum). However, that increased Speed comes with a high price tag. Namely, a dramatically reduced Swing Radius (now only from the Wrist to the Clubhead) and a similar reduction in Effective Clubhead Mass and Momentum. This results in a much greater slowdown of the Clubhead during the Impact Collision and a proportionately lower Ball Speed at Separation. So, make sure you are keeping your Left Wrist Flat through Impact and using your Pivot Lag to extend your Swing Radius to the Ground.

Bottom Line: For increased Clubhead Speed, work on Maximum Power and Trigger Delay of the Accumulators. For increased Effective Clubhead Mass, work on Timing, the Flat Left Wrist and Pivot Lag. When these items have been successfully integrated into your Total Motion, you will have achieved your maximum Clubhead Power and Ball Speed at Separation.

Lynn,

In all my time reading about TGM I've heard Pivot Lag mentioned more than a few times....I've never heard a def'n though.

I assume that it is simply delaying the firing of the hips or something.....

.....good guess? or is there more to it?

-Paul

Pivot Lag
 

Pivot Lag refers to the unwinding of the employed Pivot components from the Feet up, i.e., sequentially through the Knees, Hips and Shoulders. For both Hitters and Swingers, this 'gear train' effect loads the #4 Accumulator (Left Arm) and Lag Pressure, thus providing the Stroke its maximum Radius (6-C-0).

Classic explanation. Homer would not have put it better!

I agree, compda. Thank you, Lynn. Are there any drills that I can work on to help me ingrain the feels of pivot lag, as well as maximum power and trigger delay (I think I may have one for the flat left wrist)?

Translating Pivot Lag And Power Mechanics
 

Aaah, Component Translation...the heart and soul of the Star System of G.O.L.F.! Mechanics produce Feel, and Feel reproduces Mechanics (1-J).

There are plenty of ways to Translate precision Pivot Lag and Power Mechanics into their Identifiable Feels. In fact, they are limited only by one's imagination. Off the top of my head, here's a Starter Kit:

1. Use a mirror and imitate the photos 9-1-6 through 9-1-12 in TGM. Also, photos 9-2-6 through 9-2-12.

2. Do plenty of Start Down Waggles. Feel your Lower Body lead and your Upper Body lag. Also, feel your Left Wrist Cock more in the Start Down.

3. Imitate the left-handed dowel 'baton twirl' I do illustrating the Sequenced Release (Uncocking Power of the #2 Accumulator and the Overtaking Power of the #3 Accumulator) in The Gallery video "Are You Prepared to Roll On That Line?"

Quality... Thanks, Lynn!

yoda i cant seem to find the 'are you prepared to roll on that line' vid, got link?

ah, some odd fella showed me the link...so then yoda, what makes us roll? is it a conscious left arm roll or a letting go process or an overtake of right hand.

You calling me odd ;)
Glad I could help you find the video.
Alex

Learning Left Forearm Rotation
 

Most players do not have a good Finish Swivel. Therefore, most will have to learn to make the move I demonstrate on the video. It is not difficult to do, but it does require attention to both the Rotation of the Left Forearm and the On Plane Clubshaft alignments.

I suggest first doing the exercise only with a balled Left Fist (and no dowel). Swing your fist back waist high and point the butt of the fist at the Line. The fist will be palm-down to the Plane and the Left Wrist will be Flat. Then, Rotate the fist through 'Impact' to waist high in the Finish. Once again, make sure the butt of the fist points at the Line. The left fist will be palm-up to the Plane and the Left Wrist will have remained Flat. Swing the Left Arm back and through continuously and get used to the Motion (its Rotation and its alignments).

Again, make sure your Wrist is Flat at the Top and at the Finish. Most people will find their Left Wrist Bent at the Finish, even when the fist is 'balled' and there is no Club! It is what the Un-educated Hand has been allowed to get away with all this time. The demon is alive and well.

Next, stick a dowel in the fist. DO NOT ASSUME A NORMAL GOLF GRIP LIKE EVERYBODY WANTS TO DO AT FIRST! This simplifies the entire exercise and keeps the focus on Left Forearm Rotation and not on Wristcock.

Finally, repeat the exercise with a gripped-down Golf Club. First in the fist, then in a normal grip. Then head to the Practice Tee. Do not try to 'hit the ball'. Instead, simply 'make the Motion' and let the Motion make the Shot.

If you do as I have prescribed, there is a high probability you soon will be hitting the best shots of your life.

Great stuff Yoda!! If I do every drill that you prescribe, I don't think I will ever hit a golf ball again for the next 3 months (its winter here so no golf :()
Alex

Star System Commander . . .

Colonel Extree Krispy reporting from the deep-deep-fried-smothered-skattered-covered-diced-and-chunked Northern Carolina front sir.

I regret to report a significant shortage of Release Swivel sir . . . INCOMING!!!! After driving a WEDGE deep into enemy territory and digging the trenches, we are experiencing significant casualties sir. We gotta ROLL outta here, sir!!! We are dug DOWN deep. We need air support . . . back ON PLANE Commander!

Dear God . . . what has my life come to?

So the Release Swivel is executed after Hinge Action, Both Arms Straight and Full Lever Extension.

Question on the execution of Swivel. . . should the left elbow not be beginning to bend after both arms straight? How long should the Left Arm remain straight? For example in Punch 2/3's Swivel should the Left elbow begin to bend?

Thanks!

B

Hi Will,
I am with Lynn - while clubhead speed seems to be the difference, I believe what you are looking for is power. Impact can result in serious deceleration!!!
Personally, I would look at the uncocking left wrist for speed and make sure you have a bent right wrist at impact which will ensure you have what Lynn called effective clubhead mass. As Lynn stated, when you throw the clubhead at the wrists, clubhead speed is accelerated - but at a cost. First, the bent right wrist is now flat and can offer no resistance to ball/face contact and the clubface is now moving in an upward direction, nullifying the how the face was meant to be hit.

Great question! Love the thread!

Alex! Good seeing you!
Be careful! Whether it is Lynn or Homer, never - ever hit balls without occasional trips to the range!!!

Component Translation
 

Homer Kelley was a firm believer that you couldn't learn the precision alignments of G.O.L.F. whacking drivers on the range. Drills and short shots are The Gateway. With and without a mirror, look, LOOK LOOK!

Thanks Philly! With the weather the way it is at the moment, the range is all I have. I have turned into a range rat :D
Just have to keep working at it.
Alex

lol man.

Ur crazy.

I second that question. I also have a question about lag pressure in the wet mop drill. I love the way this drill reinforces the feeling of the body turning through impact for me. I feel a lot of pressure in my right hand, which was a bit disconcerting for me as a swinger. My right arm dosen't feel like it's driving out, really, but it's far from inactive; it's maintaining just enough pressure to keep the mop from collapsing it. It has been stated that inertia is basically a resistance to a change in direction. So am I correct in assuming that to achieve the proper feel of lag pressure, it is the player that is resisiting the club's change of direction, and that feeling of resistance is what we are to carry through impact? If that is the case, would it also be fair to say that overacceleration is the problem of applying more resistance than is needed to establish and maintain the proper pressure through the swing?

Thanks, Philly. Just tryin' to learn!

The Rhythm (rpms) of the swing needs to remain constant. The body or the hands cannot overtake the other. “Erratic execution indicates loss of Rhythm.”

That said, the clubhead will get a HEAVY feeling as it lags behind. I think that is what you are feeling when you say more pressure in the right hand. Keep pulling and drive the right arm follow as you pivot. That clubhead just got Deliberate, Positive, and Heavy. See 3-F-6

And the video clip: Big Dogs, and Test Pilots

6b

Lag Pressure And Its Pretender
 

No, Bigwill, it is the Clubhead that resists the change in direction, not the player. The player establishes that resistance -- the Lag Loading -- in the Start Down. Properly manipulated, the Clubhead Inertia can withstand all the Lag Pressure we humans can generate. Homer Kelley described the phenomena (of incredible #3 Lag Pressure Point Pressure) this way:

"Sometimes I felt that if I were just a little stronger, I could have lifted both my feet off the ground."

Throwaway and its Over-Acceleration are the products of an improper, throwing pressure (typically from Pressure Point #3), not the steady, driving pressure of the Clubhead Lag.

Understood. Thanks, Lynn. I'm beginning to truly understand Homer's advice against going solo in learning G.O.L.F. It really helps to have someone to bounce these things off of.