Your discussion of the turn of the right side is very clear. It's as if the really good players turn their ribs around their spines. This allows them to rotate instead of sway. And the point about maintaining the 90 degree angle in the trail elbow, not collapsing it at top of backswing, is also important. Few teachers understand the swing as well as you, Adam. Nor can they talk about it so clearly and simply.
Excellent instruction. Thanks Adam. As someone who has played golf for 58 years, it was only in the past year or so that I realized that when I swung the club back, although I seemed to have done it correctly when the club was halfway back, parallel to the ground, by the time I reached the top of my backswing I had lost a clear feeling for what my hands were doing. Talented athletes know exactly where their bodies, arms, legs, feet, hands are all the time, but ordinary beings often don't. With the help of Brendan Horton, a pro at Olney Golf Park in Olney, Maryland that I go to, I found that on the backswing I tended to cup my left wrist (extension) and raise my right elbow but with the forearm slanted forward at an angle instead of being vertical, and with my right wrist straight, not in extension. That combination made the shaft come up vertical instead of staying on plane, and to be across the target line at the top. Brendan got me to keep the shaft on the same plane as at address during my backswing. As Adam points out, that requires the trail arm wrist (my right wrist) to be in extension. But I would also add a couple of other factors not specifically mentioned by Adam, but totally consistent with what he was demonstrating. To keep the shaft on plane, the left wrist must also be straight or slightly in flexion (bowed). And the right or trailing forearm should be more or less vertical. Brendan also pointed out that I tended to keep my left arm low during the backswing, which also contributed to getting the shaft upright and off plane. He worked on me to get my left upper arm higher during the backswing, seeming to almost touch my chin. At first this felt odd, but now I see any time I watch a player or an instruction video that this is correct. When I combine this with getting my trailing arm elbow away from my body and up higher, it produces a longer and more powerful backswing that is on plane and returns to the ball on plane, creating a much better strike. I cannot get my right elbow as high as some pros, where the right forearm is almost horizontal, which also requires a greater shoulder turn that is more than my 79 year old core can do, but I definitely move it up and away from my side. I see many golfers at the range who struggle with getting distance and making contact who cautiously keep their right elbow tucked in against their right side during the entire backswing, and/or fold their left arm too much, reducing the radius as Adam says. I can also see that, even if I correctly have my right wrist in extension and left wrist flat or slightly in flexion, if instead of getting my right elbow up away from my side, and my left arm up higher and more across the area under my chin, I allow my left arm to stay low on the way back, that will produce an overly flat swing plane that wraps too far around and behind my body, making it impossible to get back to the ball on the downswing. Consistent with what Adam says and shows in this video, I also work to get a good shoulder turn, with the right shoulder up and back and the left down and under, and the back toward the target as much as I can. It is easy to forget this when you are on the course, distracted by the obstacles on each hole, facing non-flat lies, maybe a little tense thinking about your score and other things. When you don't complete that full, fluid shoulder turn you start to swing with your arms, which of course outrace your core, resulting in duck hooks left or, if you feel it coming and try to hold off, push slices to the right. So Adam is completely right about the exercise using a driver shaft to get a good turn. Thanks again, Adam.
As my first time seeing any of your videos it pleased me that you do not repeat yourself often with one specific area, go straight and clear to the core of the matter and this make possible to repeat the video many several times for any reason. Very good and fluid communication of concepts and again, right to the issue in case. Thanks a lot. I´m from Mexico and I will share with my golfers friends through social media.
Your descriptions of the swing are spot on and very helpful. I struggle with distance. When I play everyone comments on how smooth my swing is but for some reason I feel as if I decelerate rather than accelerate.
Robert, Thanks. It's highly unlikely that you decelerate (hard to do), but as you get comfortable with your swing you should, at times, practice it with as much speed as you can reasonably create. Hope this helps. Best, Adam
Such brilliant video Adam .. loved the fact u went into that folding lead arm ... keeping that arm as "firm" as possible gets that lead shoulder under ur chin for wider swing ... i see soooo many fold it .. straighten it up too late and wrist already straight and weak so everything also folds instead of extend right after impact. Straight/strong lead arm is crucial for that back arm to stay strong and stop over swinging to "no mans land" behind ur back. LOVE THIS ONE .... thx buddy ;)
Of all the lessons I've had and video instructors I've viewed over the decades, you are the one I can truly understand and resonate with. Your method and language make great senses and I can easily apply them. Thank you! Keep up the good work!
I love the logical approach you utilise, Adam. Simple steps that build upon one another. Once more, you've made me realise that I have something I can work on and understand when I next go out onto the course.
Thanks Adam! Still think you're one of the best in the instruction business. Your online teaching took me from high 80s to low single digit hcp! Keep doing what you do 👍
Adam I love the front heel lift and stomp like Jack. Have to be careful not to sway but he is the best to ever do it and it gives me more power even though my coach and other people tell me not to.
Thanks Darren. I have quite a few videos on the start of the backswing. Also, full in depth video courses with drills back at www.scratchgolfacademy.com I hope you'll consider it. All the best, Adam
Steve, I have a number of videos that get in to the top of backswing that I hope you'll find helpful. Generally, I'd recommend squeezing the two elbows together a bit at the top. Hope this helps. Best, Adam
So, are you applying a right side scapular load? When I throw, that is what I do. Is the backswing in golf applied in the same manner to get a good backswing turn?
A few days ago I went to the range and realized I was being too lackadaisical with my backswing and not getting a good coil at all. I did not discover this until the last few shots. I struck those last few shots flush. I really like the way Hideki Matsuyama completes his backswing, so I put that thought in my mind.
Do you have a video on how to flight your driver higher / lower? In my case my apex with driver is lower than what I prefer. I think I need to get the apex about 40ft higher as I am probably not getting much more than 60ft apex. Thanks for any help.
I don't specifically John, but a shallow angle of attack and a slight upward hit help launch it higher. You might also visit a club fitter. All the best, Adam
Adam, I just love your videos!! Examples of great players, the conceptual framework, emphasis on the feel aspect, some interesting and impactful technical tidbits. Really wonderful. I have been working on the rotation on the takeaway of late, and the point of weight shifting back a bit to the centre at the top of the swing resonated and was very reassuring. I have been struggling a bit about the start of the takeaway, especially on the course. I have one small question, if you can help. Where, which part of the body, should I feel to start the back swing? I want to reduce tension in my hands as much as possible. Should it then be right shoulder? Can I start, just a bit from the right hip? Just at the beginning? I presume there may not be one perfect answer. But I will really be grateful if you could throw a tip or two. Thank you!
Subir, Thanks, and I'm glad you like the videos. As far as start of the backswing I have several videos on that at the channel, I hope you'll find them helpful. All the best, Adam
Great video Adam..back swing is something I been working on. I can get it back nice but sometime I get a casting the odd time..can you help on that? Point number I follow your five point lesson have been great ..shot a low 38 front nine and a 40 back nine.. Need better putting !
I'm wondering if my knees are too straight. I've always gripped the driver so that the end of the handle is in the middle of my left palm. I'm 6'2", yet I've always felt like I needed a longer shaft. So I got a "Great Big Bertha" 48", so I can grip it better. I had some hits that felt good, but I can never reach 200 yards. So now I'm wondering if my need for a longer shaft is due to legs being too straight, which results in no upward pull. Does this make sense?
I always have the problem, that I'm to curious and want to look where my ball goes to early, that causes me to rotate my upper body open to early and open up the clubface. Do you have any tips on how to fix that issue because I've been struggling with that a lot lately. The videos are really helpful by the way, keep them coming :)
Adam, what about the wrists? You’ve mentioned many times in other videos that wrist cock produces speed. I’ve seen some very “handsey” players drive the cover off the ball.
I have several videos on fairway woods at this channel, and a whole video course on them at www.scratchgolfacademy.com I hope you'll find it helpful. Best, Adam
On Saturday, I spent 3 hours at the range working on my driver. I continue to be a massive slicer (push or pull). If I could ever stop slicing, I might actually be a good golfer.
JP Golf if the ball starts left and curves right it means your path is travelling even further left compared to your face. Get your path more neutral or even in to out with the face closed and you’ll see them going left.
Steve, Hard to say without seeing you swing. That said, you may be thrusting your arms down to hard as you start your downswing. This would make it very difficult to freely shift weight. Hope the helps. Best, Adam
Adam, I think you have found my problem. I cant even get the club into the position below the neck behind my shoulders. Very tight and painful. As a result my limited back swing results in a drive of only 150 yds if I make good contact.
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Your discussion of the turn of the right side is very clear. It's as if the really good players turn their ribs around their spines. This allows them to rotate instead of sway. And the point about maintaining the 90 degree angle in the trail elbow, not collapsing it at top of backswing, is also important. Few teachers understand the swing as well as you, Adam. Nor can they talk about it so clearly and simply.
Thanks very much Doug!
Best, Adam
Excellent instruction. Thanks Adam. As someone who has played golf for 58 years, it was only in the past year or so that I realized that when I swung the club back, although I seemed to have done it correctly when the club was halfway back, parallel to the ground, by the time I reached the top of my backswing I had lost a clear feeling for what my hands were doing. Talented athletes know exactly where their bodies, arms, legs, feet, hands are all the time, but ordinary beings often don't. With the help of Brendan Horton, a pro at Olney Golf Park in Olney, Maryland that I go to, I found that on the backswing I tended to cup my left wrist (extension) and raise my right elbow but with the forearm slanted forward at an angle instead of being vertical, and with my right wrist straight, not in extension. That combination made the shaft come up vertical instead of staying on plane, and to be across the target line at the top. Brendan got me to keep the shaft on the same plane as at address during my backswing. As Adam points out, that requires the trail arm wrist (my right wrist) to be in extension. But I would also add a couple of other factors not specifically mentioned by Adam, but totally consistent with what he was demonstrating. To keep the shaft on plane, the left wrist must also be straight or slightly in flexion (bowed). And the right or trailing forearm should be more or less vertical. Brendan also pointed out that I tended to keep my left arm low during the backswing, which also contributed to getting the shaft upright and off plane. He worked on me to get my left upper arm higher during the backswing, seeming to almost touch my chin. At first this felt odd, but now I see any time I watch a player or an instruction video that this is correct. When I combine this with getting my trailing arm elbow away from my body and up higher, it produces a longer and more powerful backswing that is on plane and returns to the ball on plane, creating a much better strike. I cannot get my right elbow as high as some pros, where the right forearm is almost horizontal, which also requires a greater shoulder turn that is more than my 79 year old core can do, but I definitely move it up and away from my side. I see many golfers at the range who struggle with getting distance and making contact who cautiously keep their right elbow tucked in against their right side during the entire backswing, and/or fold their left arm too much, reducing the radius as Adam says. I can also see that, even if I correctly have my right wrist in extension and left wrist flat or slightly in flexion, if instead of getting my right elbow up away from my side, and my left arm up higher and more across the area under my chin, I allow my left arm to stay low on the way back, that will produce an overly flat swing plane that wraps too far around and behind my body, making it impossible to get back to the ball on the downswing. Consistent with what Adam says and shows in this video, I also work to get a good shoulder turn, with the right shoulder up and back and the left down and under, and the back toward the target as much as I can. It is easy to forget this when you are on the course, distracted by the obstacles on each hole, facing non-flat lies, maybe a little tense thinking about your score and other things. When you don't complete that full, fluid shoulder turn you start to swing with your arms, which of course outrace your core, resulting in duck hooks left or, if you feel it coming and try to hold off, push slices to the right. So Adam is completely right about the exercise using a driver shaft to get a good turn. Thanks again, Adam.
John,
Thanks for the comment, and glad you've made progress with your game.
All the best, Adam
As my first time seeing any of your videos it pleased me that you do not repeat yourself often with one specific area, go straight and clear to the core of the matter and this make possible to repeat the video many several times for any reason. Very good and fluid communication of concepts and again, right to the issue in case. Thanks a lot. I´m from Mexico and I will share with my golfers friends through social media.
Jorge,
Thanks for the kind comment, and I appreciate you sharing it with your friends.
All the best, Adam
Great video, I have a lot of work to do after watching this. Thanks.
Hope it goes well for you Steve.
Best, Adam
Really enjoying your lessons. Such great attention to details have helped me rethink so many aspects of my swing. Thank you!
Thanks Mark, nice of you to comment.
Best, Adam
Thank you Adam. I appreciate the lesson.
Thanks, glad you found it helpful.
Best, Adam
Your descriptions of the swing are spot on and very helpful. I struggle with distance. When I play everyone comments on how smooth my swing is but for some reason I feel as if I decelerate rather than accelerate.
Robert,
Thanks. It's highly unlikely that you decelerate (hard to do), but as you get comfortable with your swing you should, at times, practice it with as much speed as you can reasonably create.
Hope this helps.
Best, Adam
Great informative video Adam. Thanks
Thanks Malcolm.
All the best, Adam
Such brilliant video Adam .. loved the fact u went into that folding lead arm ... keeping that arm as "firm" as possible gets that lead shoulder under ur chin for wider swing ... i see soooo many fold it .. straighten it up too late and wrist already straight and weak so everything also folds instead of extend right after impact. Straight/strong lead arm is crucial for that back arm to stay strong and stop over swinging to "no mans land" behind ur back. LOVE THIS ONE .... thx buddy ;)
Thanks for the comment Gunnar.
All the best, Adam
Of all the lessons I've had and video instructors I've viewed over the decades, you are the one I can truly understand and resonate with. Your method and language make great senses and I can easily apply them.
Thank you! Keep up the good work!
tThanks very much for the positive note!
All best wishes, Adam
I love the logical approach you utilise, Adam. Simple steps that build upon one another. Once more, you've made me realise that I have something I can work on and understand when I next go out onto the course.
Thanks very much for the comment Martin.
All the best, Adam
Thanks Adam! Still think you're one of the best in the instruction business. Your online teaching took me from high 80s to low single digit hcp! Keep doing what you do 👍
Thanks, and glad to hear of your progress!
Best, Adam
Great lesson as per usual. And what a lovely swing you have. Many thanks
Thanks very much Carlos.
All the best, Adam
Adam I love the front heel lift and stomp like Jack. Have to be careful not to sway but he is the best to ever do it and it gives me more power even though my coach and other people tell me not to.
I love the way Jack did that too.
All the best, Adam
Congratulations on 300k subscribers
Thanks very much!
All best wishes, Adam
Scratch Golf Academy you’re very welcome. Well deserved.
Good discussion.
Thanks Ben, glad you found it helpful.
All the best, Adam
Thanks for the drills. Any tips or videos for the first part of the backswing as to not feel rigid. You mentioned bumps in this video.
Thanks Darren.
I have quite a few videos on the start of the backswing. Also, full in depth video courses with drills back at www.scratchgolfacademy.com I hope you'll consider it.
All the best, Adam
Thank you
Glad you liked the video.
Best, Adam
Very helpful
Thanks Paul.
Best, Adam
works for me. magic.
Thanks Neil, glad you found the video helpful.
Best, Adam
Adam. Can you talk about the right elbow position at the top of the backswing. I tend to fly my elbow and lose accuracy
Steve,
I have a number of videos that get in to the top of backswing that I hope you'll find helpful. Generally, I'd recommend squeezing the two elbows together a bit at the top.
Hope this helps. Best, Adam
Lower back stiff.. would like some good stretches to do , will def try these drills and check points
Thanks Patrick, hope you make progress.
All the best, Adam
So, are you applying a right side scapular load? When I throw, that is what I do. Is the backswing in golf applied in the same manner to get a good backswing turn?
If I’m understanding you correctly yes it is
Best, Adam
@@Scratchgolfacademy Thank you. Quinton Golf advocates a right side rotation pull, in contrast to a front shoulder push if that makes more sense?
I think people feel things differently. Rehearse the correct move in front of a mirror and see what it feels like to you
A few days ago I went to the range and realized I was being too lackadaisical with my backswing and not getting a good coil at all. I did not discover this until the last few shots. I struck those last few shots flush. I really like the way Hideki Matsuyama completes his backswing, so I put that thought in my mind.
Glad you made some progress Patrick.
All the best, Adam
Do you have a video on how to flight your driver higher / lower? In my case my apex with driver is lower than what I prefer. I think I need to get the apex about 40ft higher as I am probably not getting much more than 60ft apex. Thanks for any help.
I don't specifically John, but a shallow angle of attack and a slight upward hit help launch it higher. You might also visit a club fitter.
All the best, Adam
Adam,
I just love your videos!! Examples of great players, the conceptual framework, emphasis on the feel aspect, some interesting and impactful technical tidbits. Really wonderful. I have been working on the rotation on the takeaway of late, and the point of weight shifting back a bit to the centre at the top of the swing resonated and was very reassuring.
I have been struggling a bit about the start of the takeaway, especially on the course. I have one small question, if you can help. Where, which part of the body, should I feel to start the back swing? I want to reduce tension in my hands as much as possible. Should it then be right shoulder? Can I start, just a bit from the right hip? Just at the beginning? I presume there may not be one perfect answer. But I will really be grateful if you could throw a tip or two. Thank you!
Subir,
Thanks, and I'm glad you like the videos. As far as start of the backswing I have several videos on that at the channel, I hope you'll find them helpful.
All the best, Adam
Great video Adam..back swing is something I been working on. I can get it back nice but sometime I get a casting the odd time..can you help on that?
Point number I follow your five point lesson have been great ..shot a low 38 front nine and a 40 back nine..
Need better putting !
Edward,
38, nice going! Can't really comment on swing without seeing your motion.
All the best, Adam
I'm wondering if my knees are too straight. I've always gripped the driver so that the end of the handle is in the middle of my left palm. I'm 6'2", yet I've always felt like I needed a longer shaft. So I got a "Great Big Bertha" 48", so I can grip it better. I had some hits that felt good, but I can never reach 200 yards. So now I'm wondering if my need for a longer shaft is due to legs being too straight, which results in no upward pull. Does this make sense?
Not sure Ken, I'm afraid it's hard to give an opinion without seeing you swing.
All the best, Adam
I always have the problem, that I'm to curious and want to look where my ball goes to early, that causes me to rotate my upper body open to early and open up the clubface. Do you have any tips on how to fix that issue because I've been struggling with that a lot lately.
The videos are really helpful by the way, keep them coming :)
thanks. I'd just put my attention on your hands, and closing the face....overdo it for a while to get the feel.
Best, Adam
Adam, what about the wrists? You’ve mentioned many times in other videos that wrist cock produces speed. I’ve seen some very “handsey” players drive the cover off the ball.
Raleigh,
I try to tackle one thing at a time in these videos. The wrists are a big source of power though.
All the best, Adam
I am trying to rotate the hips while keeping the head stable. Do you think the turn in a barrel swing thought is a good one?
Glenn,
Yes, in the backswing. In the downswing the hips should bump to the target as well as turn.
Best, Adam
i'm having problem with my fairway woods. Could you help me with that??
I have several videos on fairway woods at this channel, and a whole video course on them at www.scratchgolfacademy.com I hope you'll find it helpful.
Best, Adam
On Saturday, I spent 3 hours at the range working on my driver. I continue to be a massive slicer (push or pull). If I could ever stop slicing, I might actually be a good golfer.
I'd put my attention on closing the face in the downswing, hope this helps.
All the best, Adam
@@Scratchgolfacademy I did that too. That produced pull slices.
The ball CANNOT slice (assuming decent contact) if the clubface isn't open in relation to the swing
I've been there. I stopped slicing after I got a new driver with a stiff shaft. I also focused more on hip turn.
JP Golf if the ball starts left and curves right it means your path is travelling even further left compared to your face. Get your path more neutral or even in to out with the face closed and you’ll see them going left.
Always curious now about lead wrist angles at the top of the backswing 🤔 straight 🤔 bowed 🤔 cupped❓
No hard and fast rule Bob. Generally I'd go for the the same angle in the back of the wrist as you had at address.
Hope this helps.
All the best, Adam
I am a right handed golfer with a dominant left side. I have trouble getting my weight onto the front foot. Any suggestions?
Steve,
Hard to say without seeing you swing. That said, you may be thrusting your arms down to hard as you start your downswing. This would make it very difficult to freely shift weight.
Hope the helps.
Best, Adam
i frequently get the club face open on the backswing. Can you suggest a remedy to this
I'd check your grip first Bill. Try to feel the face looking more at the ground when club is hip high.
All the best, Adam
Adam, I think you have found my problem. I cant even get the club into the position below the neck behind my shoulders. Very tight and painful. As a result my limited back swing results in a drive of only 150 yds if I make good contact.
Hope you make good progress Michael.
All the best, Adam
Long lead time and delay is provide more time to increase a power of the swing and can deliver a strong force to ball.
Thanks for the comment Chang.
Best, Adam
4 commercials in 11 minutes sucks. Another great lesson even so. Thanks.
Sorry James, but glad you liked the videos.
Best, Adam
I like the stretch to find you flexibility and limitations. As big man, it is very easy to over extend. Your right full speed leads to frustration.
Thanks Carlos, hope you can find the swing that's right for you.
Best, Adam
I'm bruising the inside of the right mid of my arm about 6 inches from the inside of mine ✋. What am I doing wrong
I'm afraid I can't really comment without seeing your swing, sorry. Hit some in slow motion, you might figure it out.
All the best, Adam
wacking off to much
a video of a lesson with a student would be nice . enjoy the videos tho Thanks
Thanks Rusty, I'll try to get to that.
Best, Adam
should you lean back from the ball
Neil,
Sorry, but I'm not clear about what you're asking.
Best, Adam
I was watching a video from Sean clement and he says your head should always stay behind the ball
I appreciate you taking the time to respond to comments
First
Thanks, glad you liked the video Sonke.
All the best, Adam
KEPT SEEING IT MULTIPLE TIMES IN ONE VID
LIKE WTFFF
Not quite sure what you're referring to?
Best, Adam