Understanding the trail knee movement during the downswing can correct multiple faults.
It’s a common for many players to allow the trail knee to pass the toe line during the downswing.
This pattern is associated with an early hip turn which results in a lack of pressure shift into the lead side and a restricted space for the club to move on a consistent path. As a result its easy to struggle with strike and flight control.
In this article I’ve outlined a simple station drill you can easily implement into your practice sessions. All you require are two alignment sticks as shown below.
(Picture 1) You can see how I’ve placed one alignment stick horizontally on the ground representing your toe line and the other on a more vertical plane at around 45 degrees which represents the knee line.
Goal: To setup within the station with your toes on the horizontal line and make some practice swings whilst avoiding the vertical line with your trail knee. If this is achievable then add a golf ball and hit some shots with the same focus.
(Picture 2) Your intention is to maintain a club head gap between the trail knee and vertical alignment stick during the downswing. If this is achieved you’ll also notice that your trail heel stays closer to the ground during impact (Picture 3).
Feels: If you go to impact and hold the position for a few seconds you’ll notice more pressure on the instep of the trail foot and lead leg. This will help with ball compression and contact. You’ll also feel and see that the trail knee has move across and under your right hip. This will help with path and give you an unrestricted channel to the back of the ball resulting in a flight control (Picture 4)
(Picture 5: )These are the patterns your trying to avoid. You can see the trail knee has dived out and across the toe line and the trail heel has move quickly away from the ground. As a result my pressure feels to be hanging back and I feel I’ve no room to consistently approach the back of the ball as its blocked by the trail knee!!
If you practice this mind the gap drill I feel you’ll improve both your strike and flight control no matter what level you currently play. Enjoy the improvement and look forward to sharing more drills and advice over the coming months.
Written by Stephen Deane
Head International Development Coach for Dubai Golf
Stephen is an ambassador for Dubai Golf and coaches at they’re wonderful array of facilities whilst in Dubai. Stephen also spends a proportion of his time developing Professionals, Amateurs and VIPs Internationally.
He has a passion for coach education and sharing knowledge and ideas with his colleagues and students.
