The definition or descriptive text doesn't meet the definition of a tripod (a three legged support). Any attempt to use a line down to the base line (line between the feet) is not a leg but bisecting line (three is a name for this, I can't recall) which divides the base line into two equal segments. Now if this bisecting line forms two rt triangles on the base, then this is an isoscele triangle, otherwise it is just a non right triangle. There is no requirement that I know of that would make this an isosceles triangle, since you can bend the knees, spread the feet, all of which will move the apex, the pivot center and change the length of lines between the feet to the apex.
The defintion or descriptive text does define the pivot center to between the feet, in the middle.
Did Homer update or change the glossary to add some words to explain this 'tripod'?
This is confusing, Homer did what I thought was a great job on explaining and showing the 'Triangle Assembly', I would think that this would merit the same level of detail.
You're right, Martee, it would have been helpful had Homer provided more detail. Unfortunately, he left us only with the quote that was to be added to 2-H (Shoulder Motions). Also, in the 7th edition revisions, we find a note in 7-12 where he said simply, "present Pivot Swing Center Tripod." While there were a number of revisions to The Glossary, none referred to the Tripod.
Regarding the isoceles triangle, that is my own concept. Homer states in 1-L #21 that "The relation of all Machine positions and motions can be described by a geometric figure." I used the triangle to describe relationship of the centered Head to the Feet. This description is supported by Homer's Pivot Swing Center Tripod concept and the photos in 9-1 and 9-2. Certainly, the relationship is not the near-right triangle so often seen when the player hangs his head well back in the stance, sometimes even over the right foot.
As we discuss Homer Kelley's Tripod concept, it is interesting to note that Ben Hogan had one, too. He wrote about it in his book, Power Golf:
"When I have taken up what I consider the ideal position for hitting a golf ball, I feel as though I were a tripod with my two feet and the clubhead as the three points of contact with the ground."
"While that is the best comparison I can think of to describe my position at the ball, it isn't entirely correct. The weight of a tripod is evenly distributed between its three points of contact with the ground, but in the ideal position at the ball the weight is evenly distributed between both feet."
"None of your weight should rest on the clubhead point of contact. That will be true if the weight is back though the heel as it should be. You should never feel that the weight is forward on your feet if you have taken up the correct position."
While this concept is not the same as Homer's, it does support another very important TGM concept, namely, Foot Loading at Address. The loading should be "an even distribution [of the weight] between both Feet but with enough on the heels to allow the toes to be lifted momentarily without altering the distribution between the toe and heel" (7-17). This was controversial at the time, because Golf Digest and the very high profile instructors at their schools were promoting a loading toward the balls of the feet. Their example was always the baseball player positioned to move either way. Of course, these players are not counterbalancing the pull of centrifugal force, either!
Anyway, I find all this fascinating. As with books on investing in the stock market, some of the best on golf are also the oldest. It's a Back to the Future kind of thing.
great discussion guys. this is going to the cusp of the problems i feel are associated with the golfing machine models. specifically with the axis is rotation of the shoulders turn component and its relationship to the ball location and the the corressponding axis tilt. all the best
Hybrid Mode
