By Ken Martin, Director of Golf Instruction

Our "e-mail bag"  has been chock full of requests for "optimizing power" over the past month or so; here is a tip in that regard.

The photos below are of Moe Norman, Master of the Single Plane Swing .  They were taken when he was a "sprite 72 year old" and still striking the ball beautifully. Moe took full advantage of leverage as a power source. Notice in the first 3 pictures below how stable his lower body remains as his right arm extends, fully releasing his wrist angle through impact.

The picture sequence below reveals more of the same; a stable body as he continues to allow his arms to release the force generated through right arm extension and a complete release of his wrists.

 Notice how the logo on his shirt is virtually in the same place in this picture sequence. It is here we find the mechanical advantage of our Single Plane Swing.  Beginning from a Single Plane Setup allows you to maximize arm and wrist speed without the interference of excessive body motion, i.e., turning or twisting.  Increased arm and wrist speed equates to faster clubhead speed meaning more power.

The "Grass Cutting Drill"  is a great way to experience arm independence.  Simply stand in one place and swing the club, say a 6 iron, back and forth in front of you, cutting the top of the grass in both directions.  It's a lot like using a scythe, swing the club back and forth in a continuous motion, 5-7 times, brushing the top of the grass both forward and back, while you stabilize your body with both feet flat on the ground.  This drill will allow you to experience the arm and wrist freedom necessary to optimize and fully release your power through impact.

Free your arms and optimize your power!

Ken 

Ken Martin was certified in February 1995 and is a PGA member.  Ken teaches in West Palm Beach, Florida. Ken's personal motto on the golf course is: "Experience and Enjoy".