One way to facilitate being Centered at Impact and with the Left Shoulder properly located (in relation to the Ball) is to begin that way. Here's how Larry Nelson goes about it. Take a look at his 'set' in Photo 1A (as he relates to the athletic posture of the baseball infielder). Can the Head get more Centered (between the Feet) than this? Has he maintained that Centered Head in his actual Address (Photo 1)? If it can get any better, using Homer Kelley's words, "I'll buy the beer."
Also, though this thread is focused on the Pivot and its Center, note Larry's Power Package alignments. The Arms are in a natual, unforced condition, with the Right Elbow bent nicely. Also, notice his Hands. Both Wrists are Level, and this positions the Hands (Photo 2) in a relatively 'high' position. However, they are not Uncocked, which would put the Left Arm and Clubshaft In Line (from a down-the-line view), obviously something that Homer Kelley did not recommend (unless the player uses that technique to intentionally 'zero-out' the #3 Accumulator).
Larry Nelson Downstroke Sequence -- Maintaining the Centered Head
Finally, let's take a look at Larry Nelson's world-class Action in the Downstroke. Note especially the Start Down. The Head remains Centered...there is no exaggerated "Sit and Tilt" action moving the Head down and to the rear.
There is a slight Bob as Larry moves from his more erect Address position into his Impact alignments, but the Head remains Centered. The Right Shoulder has turned directly toward the Ball (Down Plane and On Plane) as it rotates perfectly in its own Centered Arc. As a consequence, the Left Shoulder is properly higher than at Address. This action creates additional Right Elbow Bend (versus Address) and allows his Hands to move into the perfect Impact Location, well in front of the Ball, even in this Driver sequence. The Wrist alignments are textbook.
Importantly, there is no "hitting up" on the Ball as is so often advised today. The Club has traveled Down-and-Out to its Low Point(1-L-#13), just as it should have. Results? In his prime, Larry was one of the straightest drivers on TOUR and well above average in length.
At the Finish, he allows his Head to move naturally to the left as he completes his Stroke with his Back straight and his Body in perfect Balance. This is a 'no injury' action, and as Homer Kelley predicted, it has served Larry well his entire career.
Finally, let's take a look at Larry Nelson's world-class Action in the Downstroke. Note especially the Start Down. The Head remains Centered...there is no exaggerated "Sit and Tilt" action moving the Head down and to the rear.
There is a slight Bob as Larry moves from his more erect Address position into his Impact alignments, but the Head remains Centered. The Right Shoulder has turned directly toward the Ball (Down Plane and On Plane) as it rotates perfectly in its own Centered Arc. As a consequence, the Left Shoulder is properly higher than at Address. This action creates additional Right Elbow Bend (versus Address) and allows his Hands to move into the perfect Impact Location, well in front of the Ball, even in this Driver sequence. The Wrist alignments are textbook.
Importantly, there is no "hitting up" on the Ball as is so often advised today. The Club has traveled Down-and-Out to its Low Point(1-L-#13), just as it should have. Results? In his prime, Larry was one of the straightest drivers on TOUR and well above average in length.
At the Finish, he allows his Head to move naturally to the left as he completes his Stroke with his Back straight and his Body in perfect Balance. This is a 'no injury' action, and as Homer Kelley predicted, it has served Larry well his entire career.
Boss . . . Could you comment on the Right Foot of L. Nelson versus Sam pictured below? Is this a difference in alignment? Loading procedure? Method of acceleration?
What are the causes of the difference in the right heel? And what would be the pro's/con's of both?
Boss . . . Could you comment on the Right Foot of L. Nelson versus Sam pictured below? Is this a difference in alignment? Loading procedure? Method of acceleration?
What are the causes of the difference in the right heel? And what would be the pro's/con's of both?
As is Billy Casper, Larry Nelson is a 'Right Foot Dragger' through Impact. It is a very natural action, the same 'foot drag' you get when you skip a rock across water with gusto.
Personally, I like Sam Snead's more stable Right Foot, but Larry's action gets the job done, and I, for one, would not suggest that he change it. The procedure does not interfere with his Pivot Stability or Balance, and it has served him well throughout his career.
There has been much ado lately about which Pivot Center to use: The Head (recommended by Homer Kelley) or its alternate, the Point-Between-the-Shoulders (referenced by Mr. Kelley, but not recommended). What seems to have been lost in the shuffle is the really important point: That the Pivot have a Center in the first place.
All art forms -- and the necessary Human Element makes the Golf Stroke an art, not a science -- need their grounding Center. Picasso was an accomplished portrait artist long before his 'modern' forms emerged. Does that mean his earlier structure and disciplines were lost? No. In fact, they enabled his artistry to manifest itself.
The Discipline of Art.
Think about it.
Western music is characterized by seven tones -- doe-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti...
Don't ya just want to hit that last repeating 'doe?'
These seven tones repeat in twelve keys, including half tones, from A to G. In other words, the tones sound the same, just a bit higher or lower. In fact, starting anywhere, these keys move progressively in a circle until they arrive once again in the beginning key. Each new key is exactly five tones higher -- ascending, the old 'so' now becomes 'doe' in the new key -- or descending, four tones lower ('fa' becomes 'doe'). Ascending, for example, think 'Twinkle twinkle little star...then begin your next verse -- and new key -- on the second "twinkle."
But at the end of the day...
'Doe' -- in any key -- never changes.
What does all this have to do with Golf?
The Pivot has a Center...
Or it does not.
That Center can be the Head...
Or the Point-Between-the-Shoulders beneath the Head.
That Center can be located "precisely between the feet" (Homer's ideal) or 1/2 inch left or 1/4 inch right or pick another number.
Your call.
Just have a Center.
Please...
That's the message.
Unlike most all golfers on the face of the earth...
As is Billy Casper, Larry Nelson is a 'Right Foot Dragger' through Impact. It is a very natural action, the same 'foot drag' you get when you skip a rock across water with gusto.
Personally, I like Sam Snead's more stable Right Foot, but Larry's action gets the job done, and I, for one, would not suggest that he change it. The procedure does not interfere with his Pivot Stability or Balance, and it has served him well throughout his career.
What are the problems to watch out for with dragging the right foot (I think Greg Norman did this too)?
What are the problems to watch out for with dragging the right foot (I think Greg Norman did this too)?
Just don't let Knee Action and Foot Action act independently of Hip and Shoulder motion. The Feet and Knees support the action of the Hips and Shoulders, not the other way around.
As far as Greg Norman goes, his early action was to slide the Right Foot back to the line across the Heels -- as opposed to dragging the Right Foot forward toward the Target -- as he simultaneously spun rapidly on his Left Heel (his toe pointing toward the Target). He ultimately quieted down this Foot Action, and that change preceded his becoming the #1 player in the world.
Just don't let Knee Action and Foot Action act independently of Hip and Shoulder motion. The Feet and Knees support the action of the Hips and Shoulders, not the other way around.
As far as Greg Norman goes, his early action was to slide the Right Foot back to the line across the Heels -- as opposed to dragging the Right Foot forward toward the Target -- as he simultaneously spun rapidly on his Left Heel (his toe pointing toward the Target). He ultimately quieted down this Foot Action, and that change preceded his becoming the #1 player in the world.
But not by much.
Yoda,
Stuart Appleby, Adam Scott, Geoff Ogilvy, Michael Campbell, Mike Weir Robert Allenby have all been promoting the Leaderboard training aid (Stuart Appleby, Adam Scott and Geoff Ogilvy are company owners).
When you look at the videos are you seeing the old Greg Norman foot action or the better revised foot action. Which foot action do you think this aid promotes, if any?
Hybrid Mode
