Golf Swing Lateral Motion: Pros vs Ams

In this video we look at the key differences in the way that pro’s and amateurs move the center of the torso and the center of the pelvis throughout the golf swing.

What we have found in our 3D research is that the classic “reverse k” set-up is not something the best players in the world employ. Also, for the professional, during the downswing, the torso remains on top of the pelvis (or even gets in front of the pelvis) until the hands reach around waist high. At this point the high level player pushes hard with the lead side which causes the pelvis to finally shift out in front of the torso.

We believe that over the years for golf instruction (for the sake of simplicity) has taken the static position of impact and tried to employ it in the swing via the reverse K set up and keeping the torso behind the pelvis during the entire motion. The problem with this is that it can cause a severe in-to-out swing direction and a reduction in ground force production as the player is not able to push as hard with his lead side late in the downswing (as it would cause him to topple over).
This has caused countless (better players especially) to struggle with hooking and pushing the ball.

Now we have all seen the chronic slicer who has benefitted from some “reverse k” feeling in their swing especially if they have the upper body well to the left of the pelvis at the top of the swing, but in this video series we are highlighting the lower handicapper amateur who is trying to take their game to the next level.

[AthleticMotionGolf]

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[donkhan]

Best channel on YouTube for golf. I've seen all 500. This is the truth.

[masonkim]

wow this is by far the most comprehensive scientific and simple swing vids i've ever seen.
great job guys you earned a subscriber

[aam]

One of the best YouTube videos on golf swing analysis... awesome​...👍

[robsaxepga]

Yup.. Fortunately, I gave this one up after only 20 years of working on it rather than 30. Lol! I've worked with "best" instructors in the game. I got better when I dumped that and started studying what good players do. That helped more than anything. Obviously, this doesn't apply to every great player but it applies to most. Another great video!

[stephenellis]

Nice and simple video guys! Have been trying to achieve and work the reverse k for ages and don't seem to be getting anywhere. Will give this a go from now on!

[RAEscobar]

Great video! My power and accuracy have improved with this one swing thought. I was always trying to do the reverse K at address. Can’t wait for it to warm up so I can keep practicing!

[nicklk]

You should add in little drills at the end of your videos to help improve these points. I've seen you do it with others and its extremely helpful.

[malcolmparker]

Hi Shaun,
just watched this video and isn't the pro at impact in the reverse K postion, understanding he did not set up like that, but it looks like it at impact,
even it only seems that way due to body angles ??

[curlycalhoun]

So glad to hear you say in the pro swing the upper body has a movement that moves outside the lower body. I've been looking for someone to prove my point on the subject. as you have there is science to explain why it happens...Btw it does it in the backswing as well and it will NOT effect the ability to shift weight; actually it allows the weight shift to better match your breathing good

[markhuru]

Thanks for fixing my swing, I’ve developed over 40 yrs what Most people thought was a great swing, I get compliments all the time, by good golfers, I have good balance and tempo. What they and I didn’t realise was that my down ward plane was above my backswing plane. I have always struggled with controlling my slice.
By raising my hands and takeaway to my middle shoulder, then pulling shaft down, im finally dropping it into the slot... wow now swing speed is up, effortless draw, more lag....

[industrialpalletworx]

My mentor who has was a long drive champion in college and was a teacher to a few long drive champions taught exactly what you're referencing. The reverse "K". His thoughts were to get as much mass behind the ball as possible  to load up, but also to maintain the stability. Meaning not to sway off the ball. So you are just rotating around those points, maintaining the same position of your head back and through the ball. After impact allowing your weight transfer and momentum to pull you through to a nice finish. Ben Witter was his name. He sadly passed away a few years ago from a lifetime bout with cancer. Dude could flat out bomb it long before bombing it was the thing to do. I saw him regularly fly it close to 400 yds when technology wasn't really up to snuff yet. Dude could do stuff with a golf ball not even touring pros could do. He was also a celebrated trick shot artist.

[curlycalhoun]

correction I call it the middle body I see the golf swing break down as the UPPER, MIDDLE AND LOWER BODIES from there i just connect the movements together.

[DH-oyij]

I noticed that with this pro’s swing the ball isn’t perfectly framed by the centre of their chest and pelvis. Does this only happen with irons and not happening here because this is a driver swing?

[bmatt]

Was hoping you could conduct the same analysis on the Rotary Swing based on Chuck Quinton’s swing concepts. Rotary Swing is one of the most successful on line training websites. Seeing his swing using your graphics would be helpful.

[DanRoach]

Could you consider doing this video again but from an above the golfers head perspective?

I think it’s important to understand where the centres are moving not only on the x axis (target to backward) but also on the y axis is (ball to behind the back). I think only seeing it from front on masks an important nuance.

Huge fan of your work btw! Just think this one didn’t tell the whole story.

[Mitch-MD]

Can you do a video on Pro vs Am right foot position in swing. Does an improper right foot position lead to early extension, casting, over the top and other flaws?

[jboy]

This vid confused me at first look. Replayed it several times maybe I needed a line showing the hip movement as I cannot read the tiny writing! As usual this is one if not the go to site for info👍

[jcee]

I watched this video this morning and I had to go try my driver without the reverse k set-up. I shot my best ever score of 42 over 9 holes. Why do others teach the reverse k? I've never hit my driver so consistently sweet.

[thomasfraser]

Hi have you made a computer analyst of Moe Norman's swing? If so I would love to see it. I believed I have developed a darn good and easy lateralized golf swing for myself and possibly others after carefully observing Moe Norman clinics on You Tube. I believe his stretch out arms was his own preference and not needed to carry out his trail arm single axis lateralized golf swing. Thanks and have a great day