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Downswing Golf Tip with Top Ten Instructor, Mike Bender. Learn the proper way to generate more club head speed by understanding what starts the downswing.
Video Rating: 4 / 5
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Kinematic Sequence, just look it up.
I think what Mike is trying to demonstrate is how the shoulders do NOT turn back around once they are coiled at the top, until the golf club pulls them around long after the ball is gone. This is the move of a good player. This is also the hardest part of the golf swing… to stay passive with the top waiting for the bump of the hips to let it fall from top. Most of us want to go with a turn of the shoulders because we feel that is powerful, and it is, but we don’t want “power”, we want speed.
@denwhit I’d be glad to explain. The club and shoulders do not “wait” at the top, however the lower body is moving (turning and forward) basically at the same moment the club is at the top / this is the transition. Once the hips reach peak speed, then the shoulders get whipped into greater speed and peak, then the arms, and finally the clubhead. Kinematic Sequence. Remember, I never said this drill would not be helpful for some, however factually this is not what happens.
@kyernst I would love to hear your explanation of what actually occurs in the golf swing. I do know that if the club and shoulders are taken to the top, held there waiting waiting for the hips to turn at this point, the club will be thrown out over the top. I don’t think the hips can turn until the club is back down to horizontal as Mike states. Hopefully, Mike Bender will engage you and we’ll read some good arguments. As an amateur with overactive shoulders, I am not qualified to teach.
@denwhit NO, he first said that traditional instruction has taught that the body starts the swing. Then he goes on to say there is a big difference between what happens and “feel”. The problem with the tip is this, THE ARMS DO NOT MOVE FIRST! I don’t care how you feel, you cannot say that the body does not start first in Tour player and better player swings. Because there is research to prove otherwise, substantial research. Is there merit in feel tips yes, is this info correct – NO!
@denwhit I’d glad you enjoy his videos and that they have helped you. However, that does not take away from the “truth” that is out there. The lower body is stable – yet it does turn as the first move on the downswing for tour players. By the way, I’m not an amateur, so I’m not going to fall into your incredibly ill-minded idea that the pelvis starting the swing actually slows down the club. Look up Zach Johnson swing vision … and you tell me if he starts with his arms and hands.
@kyernst Mike is exactly on with his videos. The body’s function is to brace and support the speeding arms just as it naturally does when throwing a rock, swinging a weed whacker or something. Doing Mike’s drills has added twenty yards to every club in the bag for me! Most amateurs “anticipate” the finish with a big turn of the shoulders and hips and this out of sequence move actually slows down the arms and club head speed. I’ve personally added 20 yards to every club in the bag. Mike+++
@kyernst couldn’t have said it better myself…anyone who thinks the sequence starts with the arms and hands is on crack..
The best ball strikers in the world start with their pelvis, followed by the trunk, then arms then clubhead – THATS A FACT. The K-vest proves it with their research. Feel is not real. I don’t care if Bender thinks or feels arms first, Zach Johnson starts with his lower body… look it up!
Just seen yr videos for the first time-you’re a great teacher Mike. Love the analogies and clarity of your teaching.
Speed = Power! Great Video, Sir. Similar to what Tom Tomasello taught!
@larryrsf I find it quite odd that you are suggesting that Mike Bender should read a Leadbetter book to learn the transition when Mr. Bender has worked with Leadbetter, He is not selling snake oil. Your view of the golf swing is just myopic. Give what he says a try with an open mind, and you will see that it works. Zach Johnson won the masters with this snake oil!!!!
This is just snake oil. Apparently Mike has tuned in to the 99% of amateurs who are too lazy to learn the transition weight shift–who believe this stuff because they hope that an “all arms” swing can actually produce consistent golf. It can’t. Read Bobby Jones or Hogan or Leadbetter or McLean or take lessons from a PGA pro.
The golf swing remains, “turn, SHIFT, swing.” There are no shortcuts.
Larry
Mike,
I’m not sure who taught you karate. I teach martial arts. When either punching or kicking, you get ALL of your power from your hips and your core. Only beginners arm punch. Not only do they tire easily, but there is no power. It’s the same in boxing. When a boxer throws a short hook, it is all body.
Is this old school MORAD? I like this instruction much more than the new MORAD stuff I have seen on the net.
Great video, thanks so much for putting these on. I can trust it now after your explanation of how the arms travel further than the shoulders and hips. I think this was what I was doing wrong because I would get stuck and flip it over causing a hook.