Left Foot Action -- Component #17

[Yoda]

For our members' discussion, Jeff has captured the Top alignments of these four great golfers:



Thanks, Jeff!



Can anybody else see the difference in Big Jack's Foot Action versus the other three? If so, what is it? And . . .

Why?

Could it be improved?

Are there any biomechanical, long-term implicatons?

Let's talk!

[Thom]

It looks as if Nicklaus is lifting and rolling to the inside of his left foot, where the others are lifting only.

That might be why he has more of a dancers lower back (and butt).

[EdZ]

The foot and knee action Jack has there requires more axis tilt/hip tilt, putting a lot of strain on the left knee, hip and lower back and resulting in a reverse 'c' style finish position. Useful for hitting high fades and very difficult to draw the ball from.

[Yoda]

The foot and knee action Jack has there requires more axis tilt/hip tilt, putting a lot of strain on the left knee, hip and lower back and resulting in a reverse 'c' style finish position. Useful for hitting high fades and very difficult to draw the ball from.

EdZ,

I know you are an avid student of the game and are more than a little familiar with the work of Alex Morrison. Could you trace the Morrison-Picard-Grout-Nicklaus geneology of this exaggerated 'Ankle Roll' move?

I'll buy the cigars at the 2009 Barclays.

Thanks!

[EdZ]

EdZ,

I know you are an avid student of the game and are more than a little familiar with the work of Alex Morrison. Could you trace the Morrison-Picard-Grout-Nicklaus geneology of this exaggerated 'Ankle Roll' move?

I'll buy the cigars at the 2009 Barclays.

Thanks!

The ankle roll, as well as the 'chin back' move are both anti hook, right shoulder down plane proxies born of the old style very 'strong' left hand grip (10-2-D).

In Morrison's case, given the very strong lead hand grip, any move of the right shoulder 'out' (over plane) was a big problem, resulting in a massive hook/pull hook. Likewise, further assurance of staying 'behind and under' plane was the ankle roll. It keeps the right hip from moving out/over plane (keeping the right knee, hip and shoulder motion in check, but adds hip tilt and leg drive).

Grout learned from Picard and Morrison as I understand it, and in teaching Jack to play a high fade, included both of these key moves as insurance that the hook wasn't going to be part of his core shot pattern. All of that leg/hip drive Jack speaks of is effectively hook prevention.

Of the two, I'd say many, if not most, players can benefit from the chin move. Rolling the ankles is a great drill to learn to release the club, but can put a lot of strain on you in a full motion.