The concept of “loading” into the swing is misunderstood by most golfers, who feel like they have to press into the ground with their track foot all the way to the tip. I have spent a lot of time with students using Swing Catalyst’s pressure and ground force pitchers and players who hit it farther do not.
Here’s what happens: As good golfers drive the club back, they actually shift their weight and apply pressure to the ground with their trail foot (above left). But once they get halfway back, the pressure eases, as if they’re going “lighter” on the back (right) leg.
It makes sense: If you don’t overload your trail side at the top, you’re in a better position to shift to your front side as you start down. By having too much pressure on your side of the trail at the top, you run the risk of standing back on the way down. Which is not good.
So start with pressure, then ease. It’s subtle, but the key to powerful hits.
Joe Plecker is one GOLF Top 100 Teachers and director of instruction at The Landings Club in Savannah, Ga.
