Hi Clay.Just been down the range and did everything you said. I'm 63,with a HC of 13 I've had 2 ops on my back I've always been fit, I just wish this vid had been around 30 years ago my swing speed has gone from 93mph to 99mph ...I've never hit a ball so far and so accurate it's added 20 plus yards to my distance...the down side to it all is that I now have to go out and re-measure all my club distances. oh I now hit my driver 275 yds and that is just carry, it's very wet where I am and the balls were plugging at 275 yds.Thank you very much indeed Clay,Regards Bob....UK.
Hi Bob, thanks for sharing. Sounds like you're on the right track. Nice work! Those are good problems to have ;-). Keep up the good shooting! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Excellent video. My local pro was telling me it looked like my left shoulder wasn’t doing much on the backswing and he gave me a visual that improved my takeaway. He told me to imagine a baseball catcher was crouching behind my target line and extend the club right into his mitt. Gave me great extension and no more arms only short takeaways.
In my opinion the best and clearest communicating online coach in the business. I am in my early seventies and have managed to get my swing speed up from 88 mph to a steady 103-105 mph in a little over six months. Thank you!
This was the exact video I needed to see. My friends have been telling me for years that I was only using my arms and your comment about being afraid to pull away from the ball has been exactly my problem. I just got back from the range and was effortlessly driving it 300 yards plus. Thanks so much for your help!
I just came back from the range and tried to use your teachings...wow, what a difference. I was one of those guys who took it away with my hands and never turned my shoulders properly.
And I’m really glad you said that your head can tilt back a little bit on the back swing. I have been told multiple times my back swing is too far coming back that it’s making my head tilt back a little and making my front foot move a little. Makes me feel better about it as I’ve been trying to shorten my back swing a little because of it. I’m going back 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽 lol
This has definetely been my biggest error in golfing-not turning the lower body. I tend to "freeze" up, particulary with the driver and the big muscles don't turn. I started recently to lift the left heel as you say and let the left knee work towards the right leg and magically I get so much more turn on the backswing. I also looked at old Nicklaus videos and he really lifts the heel. Thanks so much for clarifying this. I'm so ready to hit the links this spring!
Watched a lot of instruction vids but yours are by far helping me the most! Have added 25yards to my drives but more importantly my swing has found a more natural rhythm than ever before. Thanks!
Living in cold and snowy Utah is great when I am skiing, but it makes practicing golf hard. I can't wait to get to the indoor driving range later this week!
You gained MAJORR distance from the beginning till now. I’ve watched your numbers just stack over the years. I’ve went from 180 when I first started to 280 now 8 months later with more consistency and a better swing . I hope to add another 100 in another year
I think the video is excellent .temperature in sunny Northern Ireland is hoovering just above zero at moment , a lot of warming up required to get muscles to do what you ask! Keep them coming
Clays arms only swings go 50-60 yards further than my All Out, Swing For The Fences shots... I 💘 golf... Clay "Big Swoll" Ballard 💪 with another knock out video 🍻 ⛳👍
I tried a round today practising this. My drives went 20-25 yards longer and straighter than they used to 😊 Thanks for your exellent explanations Clay 👍
Indisputable and well presented. Clay, the golfer who stands too far from the ball, and reaches, has his trail shoulder hanging out. In my opinion this a prime reason why golfers abbreviate their shoulder turn...it gets routed improperly from the setup. The trail shoulder, square and maybe even feeling a little back, at address, promotes the turn you suggest, IMO. Even dropping the trail foot back a little so the stance appears a little shut (Hogan later in his career, Houston Shell WWoGolf) promotes the shoulder turn.
Clay, I actually just tried this video and I'm very impressed with the results!!! I thought I would look extremely awkward with a FULL SHOULDER TURN AND BACK THRU... NOT BAD AT ALL !! I joined TSG a few days ago AND I'M SO VERY EXCITED ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTION !! THANK YOU SO SO MUCH MAN !!
Great video Clay, this is perfect for launching bigger drives with extra swing speed. Every golfer wants more distance and this move is perfect for all of us golfers. Cheers, Troy.
Very useful. One more thing to help those of us that have added a few years - flare the back leg out helps. And as you suggest drills or even exercises around flexibility, turns, stretches etc will help a great deal too.
Clay I also notice that you keep your chin (head) up slightly so that your left shoulder can clear under your chin on your backswing. I also notice that you set you head back to the right slightly similar to Jack Nicklaus did as he got older. I assume that both of these movements also contribute to your fuller shoulder turn so that you can get it behind the golf ball.
Hi Randy, I would imagine that Clay doesn't even know that he is doing that but it can certainly help otherwise things get in the way. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
I am really glad that this X factor (try to coil your upper body against a still lower one) is going out of vogue. I think it caused a lot of people to get hurt trying to swing hard that way.
Todays Clay "Big Swoll" Ballard, used to be Clay "Pookie" Ballard 😂 ... Its awesome when at the end of your featured video you send us to a long ago flashback preview vid...Whenever I see old family videos/movies of myself I always have to say, "Omg, Wtf was I thinking back then...Please turn it off mom...Yuck!"....as my daughters laugh their asses off at me and tell their grandma they want to see more. "You used to have hair dad?" 😂 (BTW, Pookie was the character played by Chris Rock in the movie New Jack City)
Thanks Clay. Now a days it’s nearly no-go lifting the lead heel. My golf friends tells me it’s all wrong when I do it. But look at Jack Nicklaus. He crushed it. And today Bubba Watson.
Clay... Another great video. I have exactly that issue(using my arms), Last Sunday I tried to just unleash my body and I was going very far with my shots, but slicing. And many times I even overthinking and believe that I am gonna miss the ball completely...that's why I don't rotate my body how I should.
Throughout the backswing, which muscle (s) should I feel? And at the top of the backswing, in order to feel maximum coil, which (tight) muscle should I feel? Thanks.
Brilliant video - so clear. What do you think about to initiate the downswing. I think about firing my right hip (I am right handed) back towards the target and allowing the arms to follow Is this O K? Many thanks
Thanks David! Yeah, that's a fine feeling. Usually, the feeling of the downswing starting from the ground up is pretty good. Different feels work better for different people. Try some out and find what works best for you. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Hey Clay, I completely agree. Question though, where is a good target position for the shoulder/scapula at the top of the backswing for fairway woods, irons, and wedges? Would that be the target for any “full” swing or only the driver? Thanks
Yes, you can use this for any full swing club. You can tone it down too if you feel like it gives you a little more control. Everyone is a little different so just try some things out and see what works best for you. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Clay, I noticed you said on your turn you should be able to see ball with left eye. What if you are blind in your left eye which is what I am. I hit the ball average drive 290 which is pretty good for me. But I want more what do u reccomend?? Thanks Mike
Hi Michael, if you're blind in your left eye then you may lose sight of the ball getting your max turn. I would give it a tray and see if you can still hit the ball well. It's worth checking because you may be able to gain quite a bit of distance. Best of luck! Quentin | TSG Instructor
I can get my left shoulder turned around 90 degrees or even a little more but I really struggle to get to even 45 degrees on the follow through even with my right foot up on its toe. I am 65 and have had two lower back surgeries in the last 3 years that limit my flexibility especially on the follow through. Any flexibility drills for this? Thank you for the video!
Hi Rob, it changes throughout the swing. You have to put force into the handle. As a general rule, you put as little pressure as you need to into the handle to be able to control it and hold on to it. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
For most of us older than 45, our head is going to come up a bit as we rotate past 45 degrees, especially as our left heel comes off the ground. We just don't have the flexibility in our shoulders and neck. Mine does. But the trade off in swing speed is worth it.
Thanks again, Clay! More great lessons. One quick question: You are not promoting the stable and fluid spine (SAFS) lean in this instruction. Are you deviating from it and focusing on the rotation principle instead? I realize both are important and the rotation is just to add killer distance simply because it loads up the whole body to drive power through the ball. I just didn’t notice the SAFS positioning you fundamentally promote.
Hi Scott, Clay still has a SFS in this video. The spine is curved. The lower spine is still very stable. The upper spine curves and might give the appearance of leaning toward the target a little or being vertical. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
An inexpensive set second hand. As you play you will get a feel for what works for you and have confidence in using. All this high tech is for the really good golfers. Adding yards comes after consistently hitting the fairway. You concentrate on hitting the fairway and keeping the ball in play first.
If you're a beginner then I wouldn't invest much. I would just try to find a used one made by one of the major brands that makes quality clubs like PING. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Hello, when you start your downswing, do u first start by going down your right elbow or by putting down your left heel ? I like your videos and your advices
Hi, thank you for your interest but Clay isn't taking on any students. He focuses all his time on making videos and running the business. This allows him to help as many people as possible. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Hi Roberto, you need to use your lower body more to create momentum. If you swing all arms then you'll have trouble feeling relaxed. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Most of them don't but some do. If you're happy with your distance and/or have very flexible hips then it isn't necessary. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Hi Kenneth, that is all relative. The best thing you can do is go from one extreme to the other and see what works best for you. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Hi Clay, great video, thank you!! My big problem with my driver is lack of distance! I'm 47, reasonably fit, but consistently outdriven by older, less fit guys in my club! I'm lucky if I achieve 220 yards carry, and that's rare! I KNOW I have a complete mental block when it comes to rotating when I get my driver out, and ends up being a 99.99% arms shot!! On those very few occasions I really try to rotate my hips and shoulders, ie give it my all, I usually end up lunging at the ball on the way down, and come in way too steep, often resulting in either skied shots, or even divots in front of the ball! Any wonder I guess why I don't have the courage to fully rotate lol!! So, when you have wound up so much, lead shoulder totally behind the ball, how on earth plse do you then keep your head behind the ball at impact? Your response could very well save my golfing life.... Many thanks in advance from the UK Andrew
Hi Andrew, if you're looking to improve your club head speed and distance then I would highly recommend working through the 20 Minute Distance Fix program. See what our members are saying about it: topspeedgolf.com/20-minute-distance-fix-success-stories/
I have watched many instructional instruction. Please stop talking about negatives. Try only talking and showing positive or correct actions . As when you talk about what we should do your information is not only but positive but excellent. Thank you.
the shoulders don't rotate. it is the left chest that rotates- once the "inside muscles" of the right leg have been activated. the left shoulder should remain relaxed, that way the left shoulder joint can extend in its socket, which will then help the shoulder to turn.
Hi, you're right, the shoulders don't rotate within the socket but they do rotate relative to the starting position which is what we're talking about. The shoulders protract and retract. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
@@TopSpeedGolf yes, of course the shoulders turn relative to the address position. but, there should be no conscious effort to turn the shoulders- and you are talking about consciously rotating the shoulders. the left shoulder doesn't protract on the way back. it is protracted. and, this enables the left shoulder to retract in the downswing. i should, also, add that the idea of lifting the left heel is not necessarily the best way of increasing the turn. as the weight moves back onto the left foot towards the top of the backswing, press down with the left foot. this will increase the turn, and compress the left knee. and, this is crucial to starting of the downswing correctly. when pressure on the ground is increased, once the left knee has fully compressed, the left side will initiate itself into the downswing. and, it is this left foot control that clay needs to grasp. tiger had to fix it. and, if he had to fix it we all have to fix it- unless it doesn't need fixing. if it aint broke don't break it.
Clay I did the rotation test with my hips staying still. I can literally get my shoulder behind the ball.(left) Do you think I'm over rotating with my hips in it?
I would say that you would be incredibly gifted. You still want to rotate your hips. Your average Tour player has a shoulder turn of about 118 degrees. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Hey, if you're' looking for more distance then I recommend working through our 20 Minute Distance Fix program. People of all ages and abilities are gaining tons of distance on this program. See what our members are saying about it here: topspeedgolf.com/20-minute-distance-fix-success-stories/. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
This is probably one of those dumbass questions, but like with so many other sports, it’s apparently critical to “keep your eye on the ball”, or in this case, to watch the club impact with the ball. I’ve asked this question of other instructors before and I’ve had poor responses. Could be a stupid question of course! However, I seem to have better outcomes when I watch the club head impact with the ball. If I just go with the, “I’m lined up, swinging as per practice swing, thinking of target etc etc, things go wrong. So how important is it in producing great golf shots to actually watch the club onto the ball. Seems important to me and my golf, but what do you do and for that matter, what do others do in this regard?
Hi Craig, you definitely want to be focused on impact. The problem I see with a lot of people who emphasize this is that they keep their head down after impact. You have to let the head come up otherwise you'll likely be losing some speed. Also, if something works great for you then you should definitely stick to it. What works great for someone else may not be best for you and vice versa. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Hey Mike, I think you'd be surprised. In my experience, most people can get into this position. It just takes practice. If you're a weekend golfer that is just looking for a quick tip then this probably isn't for you but if you're a weekend golfer that also practices then this can definitely help add some yards. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
It doesn't make as big a difference as you might think. This is a lot easier and works faster then bulking up in the gym. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Hi Clay.Just been down the range and did everything you said. I'm 63,with a HC of 13 I've had 2 ops on my back I've always been fit, I just wish this vid had been around 30 years ago my swing speed has gone from 93mph to 99mph ...I've never hit a ball so far and so accurate it's added 20 plus yards to my distance...the down side to it all is that I now have to go out and re-measure all my club distances. oh I now hit my driver 275 yds and that is just carry, it's very wet where I am and the balls were plugging at 275 yds.Thank you very much indeed Clay,Regards Bob....UK.
Hi Bob, thanks for sharing. Sounds like you're on the right track. Nice work! Those are good problems to have ;-). Keep up the good shooting! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Love that you are now showing your swings in slo mo. It makes it much easier to see what you are actually doing. Please keep it up. Thanks.
Thanks!
Excellent video. My local pro was telling me it looked like my left shoulder wasn’t doing much on the backswing and he gave me a visual that improved my takeaway. He told me to imagine a baseball catcher was crouching behind my target line and extend the club right into his mitt. Gave me great extension and no more arms only short takeaways.
Thanks for sharing!
Fully agree. Clay is nowadays the best professor of golf in the world. One thing I adore: he helps everybody, even if not flexible. Superb!
Thanks!
In my opinion the best and clearest communicating online coach in the business. I am in my early seventies and have managed to get my swing speed up from 88 mph to a steady 103-105 mph in a little over six months. Thank you!
Thanks Harry!
Top Speed Golf - Clay Ballard 👍
Harry McLeese I totally agree....also seems such a nice man ☺️
This was the exact video I needed to see. My friends have been telling me for years that I was only using my arms and your comment about being afraid to pull away from the ball has been exactly my problem. I just got back from the range and was effortlessly driving it 300 yards plus. Thanks so much for your help!
Hi John, thanks for sharing. Glad the video helped!
Very good info,,as a 67 yo newbie who already hits the ball straight this practice will def get me hitting the ball further,many thanks,Les
My pleasure!
I just came back from the range and tried to use your teachings...wow, what a difference. I was one of those guys who took it away with my hands and never turned my shoulders properly.
Hi, thanks for sharing. Glad it helped. Keep up the hard work!
And I’m really glad you said that your head can tilt back a little bit on the back swing. I have been told multiple times my back swing is too far coming back that it’s making my head tilt back a little and making my front foot move a little. Makes me feel better about it as I’ve been trying to shorten my back swing a little because of it. I’m going back 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽 lol
Thanks!
Been watching your videos for 2+ years. This lesson is one of the best! Thanks!
Thanks Thomas!
This has definetely been my biggest error in golfing-not turning the lower body. I tend to "freeze" up, particulary with the driver and the big muscles don't turn. I started recently to lift the left heel as you say and let the left knee work towards the right leg and magically I get so much more turn on the backswing. I also looked at old Nicklaus videos and he really lifts the heel. Thanks so much for clarifying this. I'm so ready to hit the links this spring!
Thanks for sharing!
Watched a lot of instruction vids but yours are by far helping me the most! Have added 25yards to my drives but more importantly my swing has found a more natural rhythm than ever before. Thanks!
That's awesome! Thanks for sharing
This is one of the best golf videos I've ever watched. Thank you Clay.
Thanks!
InstaBlaster.
Living in cold and snowy Utah is great when I am skiing, but it makes practicing golf hard. I can't wait to get to the indoor driving range later this week!
Hi, thanks for sharing. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
You gained MAJORR distance from the beginning till now. I’ve watched your numbers just stack over the years. I’ve went from 180 when I first started to 280 now 8 months later with more consistency and a better swing . I hope to add another 100 in another year
Hi Dustin, thanks for sharing. Those are some serious gains. Keep up the hard work! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Thanks for a great visual and descriptive guide to achieving a better swing.
My pleasure!
I think the video is excellent .temperature in sunny Northern Ireland is hoovering just above zero at moment , a lot of warming up required to get muscles to do what you ask! Keep them coming
Thanks!
Clays arms only swings go 50-60 yards further than my All Out, Swing For The Fences shots... I 💘 golf... Clay "Big Swoll" Ballard 💪 with another knock out video
🍻 ⛳👍
😎
I tried a round today practising this. My drives went 20-25 yards longer and straighter than they used to 😊
Thanks for your exellent explanations Clay 👍
That's great! Thanks for sharing. Keep up the hard work!
Indisputable and well presented.
Clay, the golfer who stands too far from the ball, and reaches, has his trail shoulder hanging out. In my opinion this a prime reason why golfers abbreviate their shoulder turn...it gets routed improperly from the setup. The trail shoulder, square and maybe even feeling a little back, at address, promotes the turn you suggest, IMO.
Even dropping the trail foot back a little so the stance appears a little shut (Hogan later in his career, Houston Shell WWoGolf) promotes the shoulder turn.
Hi, thanks for sharing. Hope you're playing great! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Clay, I actually just tried this video and I'm very impressed with the results!!! I thought I would look extremely awkward with a FULL SHOULDER TURN AND BACK THRU...
NOT BAD AT ALL !! I joined TSG a few days ago
AND I'M SO VERY EXCITED ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTION !! THANK YOU SO SO MUCH MAN !!
Thanks Ron!
You are the beat coach! Learned a lot! review and practice daily during this shutdown period due to COVID-19.
Thanks!
Thank u clay . Your swing is very awesome I try u copy your swing I still lost balance but I never gonna give up thank u 🙏🏾
Thanks!
Tried it last weekend. Absolute magic! Keep the vids coming.
Nice!
Good explanation on how to turn further.
Thanks!
Phenomenal instruction. Thx Clay
Thanks!
I will try, thanks for the class. Very nice
Thanks!
I really enjoyed this video. The drill and tips I believe will be really helpful to better my swing.
Thanks!
this looks great.Trying this next time on the range
Hope it helps!
Great video Clay, this is perfect for launching bigger drives with extra swing speed. Every golfer wants more distance and this move is perfect for all of us golfers. Cheers, Troy.
Thanks!
Very useful. One more thing to help those of us that have added a few years - flare the back leg out helps. And as you suggest drills or even exercises around flexibility, turns, stretches etc will help a great deal too.
Hi, thanks for sharing. Hope you're playing great! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Clay I also notice that you keep your chin (head) up slightly so that your left shoulder can clear under your chin on your backswing. I also notice that you set you head back to the right slightly similar to Jack Nicklaus did as he got older. I assume that both of these movements also contribute to your fuller shoulder turn so that you can get it behind the golf ball.
Hi Randy, I would imagine that Clay doesn't even know that he is doing that but it can certainly help otherwise things get in the way. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Totaly agree with you Clay
Thanks!
Thanks clay as always easy and clear advice for us club golfers ,👏🏻👊🏻
Thanks!
I am really glad that this X factor (try to coil your upper body against a still lower one) is going out of vogue. I think it caused a lot of people to get hurt trying to swing hard that way.
Hi, thanks for the comment. Hope you're playing great! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Todays Clay "Big Swoll" Ballard, used to be Clay "Pookie" Ballard 😂 ... Its awesome when at the end of your featured video you send us to a long ago flashback preview vid...Whenever I see old family videos/movies of myself I always have to say, "Omg, Wtf was I thinking back then...Please turn it off mom...Yuck!"....as my daughters laugh their asses off at me and tell their grandma they want to see more. "You used to have hair dad?" 😂
(BTW, Pookie was the character played by Chris Rock in the movie New Jack City)
haha
appreciate your work and instructions
My pleasure!
Thanks Clay. Now a days it’s nearly no-go lifting the lead heel. My golf friends tells me it’s all wrong when I do it.
But look at Jack Nicklaus. He crushed it. And today Bubba Watson.
My pleasure!
Clay... Another great video. I have exactly that issue(using my arms), Last Sunday I tried to just unleash my body and I was going very far with my shots, but slicing. And many times I even overthinking and believe that I am gonna miss the ball completely...that's why I don't rotate my body how I should.
Hi Pedro, thanks for sharing. Hope the video helps. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Good instruction
Glad you're enjoying it. Play well!
Yes, help with heel shots would be good!
Hi, try to hit it off the toe. I know it seems trivial but it works. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Keep it coming love all of your advice..
Thanks!
Nice 👍🏼 Thanks for the tips and drills ☀
My pleasure!
Great video! I need it to get warmer to get out there and try all of this. After extensive indoor practice of course!
Thanks!
Thanks so much for this, the swing reminds me of the players in the past..so natural...Elvis Presley move
Thanks!
Throughout the backswing, which muscle (s) should I feel?
And at the top of the backswing, in order to feel maximum coil, which (tight) muscle should I feel? Thanks.
Now back to what I was taught 40 years ago. Then taught to keep left foot down on the take away. As a super senior I need this to get the turn
You got that right. It looks just like the "Classic" golf swing.
Hey Larry, thanks for the comment. Hope the video helps. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Thanks for the great tips clay. I'm keen to try them..
Glenn from Australia..
My pleasure!
Brilliant video - so clear. What do you think about to initiate the downswing. I think about firing my right hip (I am right handed) back towards the target and allowing the arms to follow Is this O K? Many thanks
Thanks David! Yeah, that's a fine feeling. Usually, the feeling of the downswing starting from the ground up is pretty good. Different feels work better for different people. Try some out and find what works best for you. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Hey Clay, I completely agree. Question though, where is a good target position for the shoulder/scapula at the top of the backswing for fairway woods, irons, and wedges? Would that be the target for any “full” swing or only the driver? Thanks
Yes, you can use this for any full swing club. You can tone it down too if you feel like it gives you a little more control. Everyone is a little different so just try some things out and see what works best for you. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Absolutely magic clay this will help me so much especially moving the heels cheers 👍🏻👍🏻🏌️🏌️
Thanks!
Excellent.
Thanks!
I find knee action really guides the hips. Straightening the back leg and bending the front leg during the back swing turns my hips.
Hi Alan, thanks for sharing. Hope you're playing great! Quentin | TSG Instructor
a very important lesson
Thanks!
Hi clay is it the same with fairway woods to
fantastic
Thanks!
Awesome video, thanks
Thanks!
Clay, I noticed you said on your turn you should be able to see ball with left eye. What if you are blind in your left eye which is what I am. I hit the ball average drive 290 which is pretty good for me. But I want more what do u reccomend??
Thanks
Mike
Hi Michael, if you're blind in your left eye then you may lose sight of the ball getting your max turn. I would give it a tray and see if you can still hit the ball well. It's worth checking because you may be able to gain quite a bit of distance. Best of luck! Quentin | TSG Instructor
I can get my left shoulder turned around 90 degrees or even a little more but I really struggle to get to even 45 degrees on the follow through even with my right foot up on its toe. I am 65 and have had two lower back surgeries in the last 3 years that limit my flexibility especially on the follow through. Any flexibility drills for this? Thank you for the video!
HI Cliff, I would recommend turning your lead foot more toward the target at address. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Will this help get my back spin rpm down as well?
Clay, on a scale of 1-10, what is your grip pressure? When I try to loosten my grip, I feel some casting going on unless I add a lot of arm speed.
Hi Rob, it changes throughout the swing. You have to put force into the handle. As a general rule, you put as little pressure as you need to into the handle to be able to control it and hold on to it. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
For most of us older than 45, our head is going to come up a bit as we rotate past 45 degrees, especially as our left heel comes off the ground. We just don't have the flexibility in our shoulders and neck. Mine does. But the trade off in swing speed is worth it.
Hi, thanks for sharing. Hope you're playing well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Thanks again, Clay! More great lessons. One quick question: You are not promoting the stable and fluid spine (SAFS) lean in this instruction. Are you deviating from it and focusing on the rotation principle instead? I realize both are important and the rotation is just to add killer distance simply because it loads up the whole body to drive power through the ball. I just didn’t notice the SAFS positioning you fundamentally promote.
Hi Scott, Clay still has a SFS in this video. The spine is curved. The lower spine is still very stable. The upper spine curves and might give the appearance of leaning toward the target a little or being vertical. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Hey Clay, will the same drill works with irons for consistency as well?
Yes
hi i’m just getting into golf and i was wondering what driver is best for beginners
Saphira Yoder Taylor made
An inexpensive set second hand. As you play you will get a feel for what works for you and have confidence in using. All this high tech is for the really good golfers. Adding yards comes after consistently hitting the fairway. You concentrate on hitting the fairway and keeping the ball in play first.
If you're a beginner then I wouldn't invest much. I would just try to find a used one made by one of the major brands that makes quality clubs like PING. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Would it be a good or bad thing to do step 2 (swing with club - no ball) using an orange whip? Thanks
Hi Mike, I don't see any issue with that. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Hello,
when you start your downswing, do u first start by going down your right elbow or by putting down your left heel ?
I like your videos and your advices
Thanks Eric, the downswing starts from the ground up so it would be lead heel first. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Hey Clay, do you do a 1 on 1 coaching?
Hi, thank you for your interest but Clay isn't taking on any students. He focuses all his time on making videos and running the business. This allows him to help as many people as possible. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Mister Clay: I dont know if I make myself clear, but I ask you : how can we keep the arms relaxed and keep the lag at the same time. Thanks.
Hi Roberto, you need to use your lower body more to create momentum. If you swing all arms then you'll have trouble feeling relaxed. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
@@TopSpeedGolf thank tou.
Does this hold true for irons play as well?
Yes
Hi Clay i just want to know why pros not lifting There left heel when they driving the Ball ? Thank's for time
Most of them don't but some do. If you're happy with your distance and/or have very flexible hips then it isn't necessary. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
What swing analysis or tracker do you use or recommend?
V1 Golf
Do you do the same with irons?
Yes
Just two words: SAM SNEAD. Great explanation..
Thanks!
That G410 is like a magic wand!
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If I am quite flexible. Is the a limit to how much I should rotate?
Hi Kenneth, that is all relative. The best thing you can do is go from one extreme to the other and see what works best for you. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Ala Bubba! Nice explantation.
Thanks!
Does all of this hold true when hitting 3 wood, 5 wood, and hybrid? Thanks for another phenomenal video!
Yes
Hi Clay, great video, thank you!! My big problem with my driver is lack of distance! I'm 47, reasonably fit, but consistently outdriven by older, less fit guys in my club! I'm lucky if I achieve 220 yards carry, and that's rare! I KNOW I have a complete mental block when it comes to rotating when I get my driver out, and ends up being a 99.99% arms shot!!
On those very few occasions I really try to rotate my hips and shoulders, ie give it my all, I usually end up lunging at the ball on the way down, and come in way too steep, often resulting in either skied shots, or even divots in front of the ball! Any wonder I guess why I don't have the courage to fully rotate lol!!
So, when you have wound up so much, lead shoulder totally behind the ball, how on earth plse do you then keep your head behind the ball at impact?
Your response could very well save my golfing life....
Many thanks in advance from the UK
Andrew
Hi Andrew, if you're looking to improve your club head speed and distance then I would highly recommend working through the 20 Minute Distance Fix program. See what our members are saying about it: topspeedgolf.com/20-minute-distance-fix-success-stories/
I have watched many instructional instruction. Please stop talking about negatives. Try only talking and showing positive or correct actions . As when you talk about what we should do your information is not only but positive but excellent. Thank you.
My pleasure!
This is all true. But you must ALSO keep your head back through impact.
Hi William, thanks for sharing. Hope you're playing great! Quentin | TSG Instructor
what gram shaft do you use? thx in adv
Hi Danny, I think it's about 65 grams. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Top Speed Golf - Clay Ballard thanks man.
My shoulder gets in the way of my sight on the ball, any advice?
You might be standing up out of your posture. Feel like your lead shoulder goes down more instead of across. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
That’s exactly why my practice swing is so much better and fluid versus my actual shot ... especially on a tighter fairway.
Thanks for sharing!
Hey clay any tips or vids that addresses hitting the driver on the heel and how to correct it thanks in advance Jim 👍
Try to hit it off the toe.
the shoulders don't rotate. it is the left chest that rotates- once the "inside muscles" of the right leg have been activated. the left shoulder should remain relaxed, that way the left shoulder joint can extend in its socket, which will then help the shoulder to turn.
Hi, you're right, the shoulders don't rotate within the socket but they do rotate relative to the starting position which is what we're talking about. The shoulders protract and retract. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
@@TopSpeedGolf yes, of course the shoulders turn relative to the address position. but, there should be no conscious effort to turn the shoulders- and you are talking about consciously rotating the shoulders.
the left shoulder doesn't protract on the way back. it is protracted. and, this enables the left shoulder to retract in the downswing. i should, also, add that the idea of lifting the left heel is not necessarily the best way of increasing the turn. as the weight moves back onto the left foot towards the top of the backswing, press down with the left foot. this will increase the turn, and compress the left knee. and, this is crucial to starting of the downswing correctly. when pressure on the ground is increased, once the left knee has fully compressed, the left side will initiate itself into the downswing. and, it is this left foot control that clay needs to grasp. tiger had to fix it. and, if he had to fix it we all have to fix it- unless it doesn't
need fixing. if it aint broke don't break it.
Clay I did the rotation test with my hips staying still. I can literally get my shoulder behind the ball.(left)
Do you think I'm over rotating with my hips in it?
I would say that you would be incredibly gifted. You still want to rotate your hips. Your average Tour player has a shoulder turn of about 118 degrees. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
@@TopSpeedGolf thanks man
I can do all the practice swings in world but when comes actual swing I'm no where near the practice swing. Game drives me crazy haha
Hi, that's pretty normal. I would try to just hit a tee first and then transition to the ball. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
I have the same problem.
@@TopSpeedGolf I will give the tee thing a shot. I have tried everything else so Haha. Ps the heel up does help a bit.
Let Elvis play....all I need is some blue shade shoes...
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I love your swing. Please adopt me
😂Thanks for watching! Hope it helps.
👍⛳
Thanks!
It baffles me how you can hit 270 all arms. When I hit my driver solid, I’m getting 250 out of it.
Hey, if you're' looking for more distance then I recommend working through our 20 Minute Distance Fix program. People of all ages and abilities are gaining tons of distance on this program. See what our members are saying about it here: topspeedgolf.com/20-minute-distance-fix-success-stories/. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Point the toe, pull the toe, extend one leg.
Thanks for sharing!
@@TopSpeedGolf I took that from here but it's sound advice: ruclips.net/video/wA4HrWTmw1Y/видео.html
This is probably one of those dumbass questions, but like with so many other sports, it’s apparently critical to “keep your eye on the ball”, or in this case, to watch the club impact with the ball. I’ve asked this question of other instructors before and I’ve had poor responses. Could be a stupid question of course! However, I seem to have better outcomes when I watch the club head impact with the ball. If I just go with the, “I’m lined up, swinging as per practice swing, thinking of target etc etc, things go wrong. So how important is it in producing great golf shots to actually watch the club onto the ball. Seems important to me and my golf, but what do you do and for that matter, what do others do in this regard?
Hi Craig, you definitely want to be focused on impact. The problem I see with a lot of people who emphasize this is that they keep their head down after impact. You have to let the head come up otherwise you'll likely be losing some speed. Also, if something works great for you then you should definitely stick to it. What works great for someone else may not be best for you and vice versa. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Clay: all arms 270.
Me: hands and body 230
You'll get there. Keep working!
98 mph with just hands and arms? mine is 78 mph if I just use hands and arms
Hi Mike, thanks for sharing. Your speed will go up with some training. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Let's get real. How many weekend hackers can get the left hand straight over the right shoulder like this? 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Hey Mike, I think you'd be surprised. In my experience, most people can get into this position. It just takes practice. If you're a weekend golfer that is just looking for a quick tip then this probably isn't for you but if you're a weekend golfer that also practices then this can definitely help add some yards. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
I hope the move isn’t the one in the thumbnail because it ain’t happening lol
Hope the video helps
Imagine that . . . Jack Nicklaus was doing it right all along.
Haha
The big bulging muscles wouldn't help a all I suppose
It doesn't make as big a difference as you might think. This is a lot easier and works faster then bulking up in the gym. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
Jack N was long with this.
Hi, thanks for sharing. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor
jullian mark and Bubba today. He is nearly up on his toes at the lead foot in the backswing