Learning to hit down on the ball

[benjaaz]

Once I saw the video I was so disappointed in my backswing (still) that I went back again last night and tried again.

In this first video I actually stop to check the clubface and then continue. I think I jacked my right shoulder up like RA and Michael were talking about which made me top the ball.
YouTube - Practice_0615_1.avi

I got a little better later on.
YouTube - practice_0615_2.avi

I still wasn't satisfied so I hit some shots doing the backswing in slow motion, to the top, then swinging through. I don't have video on this but after a few tries it actually works pretty good.

Jim

[Michael Jacobs]

Once I saw the video I was so disappointed in my backswing (still) that I went back again last night and tried again.

In this first video I actually stop to check the clubface and then continue. I think I jacked my right shoulder up like RA and Michael were talking about which made me top the ball.
YouTube - Practice_0615_1.avi

I got a little better later on.
YouTube - practice_0615_2.avi

I still wasn't satisfied so I hit some shots doing the backswing in slow motion, to the top, then swinging through. I don't have video on this but after a few tries it actually works pretty good.

Jim

Jim,

Video #2 looks better... I would avoid the slow stopping swings. They give you no chance of having any type of proper body sequencing.

[benjaaz]

Thanks Michael,

I was getting desperate so I was trying most anything. We tried something new last night as I searched for ways and I think I got it. At least the guy I'm working with says it's working. I just didn't have the video setup last night. I will try to do some video tomorrow morning before work if the range is open. I gripped the club as loosely as possible, almost like I was going to drop it. Then I just swung the club up in a swivel and hit full shots. The guy said I hit the best shots ever and was getting club toe up. Obviously before I was trying to go toe up with normal grip pressure and had a hard time feeling the toe stay above the heel, as he puts it.

I'm not giving up yet!

Jim

[benjaaz]

OK, I've got a start on the toe up backswing. This is just a practice swing and it's still a little inside but it's getting better.

[benjaaz]

I know it's been a while but I think I'm on the right path. I want to thank Michael for all his support. I wasn't hitting any balls at this point. That comes later.


I was talking with my golfing buddy about the forum because he's been my eyes through this lately. He said something that resonated with me about the forum, mainly, telling me to point the hosel at the ball. I told him he sounded like Michael and Homer Kelly. He told me he had worked with Ben Doyle in the early 70's in southern California about the same time Bobby Clampett was there as he remembered him on the range. I had never known that. He also said he could never "get" Homer's book. lol

Jim

[Michael Jacobs]

Jim,

Not too shabby on those practice swings, you have come a long way - nice to see hard work pay off. Thats cool that your friend worked with Ben in the 70's. Ben was a super great player at that time, he is a great man... I will be visiting him in Oct and I look forward to seeing my friend and my mentor.

[benjaaz]

Thanks Mike,

I just got back from Albany yesterday. I wish I could have made it down to Long Island but my plate was full. I visited my sister and nephew, played in the Futures Tour proam on Thursday and volunteered for the Tournament Fri-Sun. It sure is nice watching those girls swing because they are pure technique. My swing is improving and I'm going to Prescott in Northern Arizona this weekend coming so I'll try to take some more video. On the plane ride back yesterday I reviewed the Top 10 Things Golfers Should know and Brian's Soft Draw pattern as a refresher. Have to keep working it.

Jim