Shawn, appreciate the time you put in with your instruction, golf instruction has been jumped on via the internet by thousands of so called " teaching pros. " I am unable to recall any sport where so many amateurs are basically preyed on by individuals selling instruction or worthless high priced gimmicks. And that's exactly what they are, they are not " training aids " they are gimmicks.
The whole instruction issue is chock full of contradictions from one instructor to the next as you know.
I wanted to see if you'd do a video sometime on a hips drill I came up with....what I do is have the student loop an alignment stick through the front of their belt....in the backswing i get them to move the right end of the stick behind them (clear the right side to make room for the arms), then on the downswing try to get them to move the left end of the stick behind them. I find it helps give them the feeling for getting the body out of the way without the pelvis going forward to the ball.
Hey Shawn! Brad Edwards here. I'm a PGA teaching pro based in Charlotte NC and am a HUGE fan of your work. I stumbled upon your vids some years ago, and it was nice to see a kindred spirit in that we base teaching in anatomy and physics rather than outdated theory. Your concepts really ramped up my own teaching and this past year i had 68 different students shoot career rounds! Thanks a TON!!!
I have been working on this lately, did a little self video an noticed something I think which is a problem. Namely, lifting my back foot up too soon, which may put my lower body in the way (as my back knee and leg get in the way) causing the "trapped" stuck feeling. Should the back foot stay down on the ground until closer to impact?
@clemshaw Thanks Shawn - I needed a refresher on that. Have been working in the "Hogan" drill and was accidentally getting sloppy with the feet. Take care...
@evergeendata Your comment is spot on to what I do. I have noticed from vids of my swing that I raise my right foot very soon in the down swing. Did you ever figure out a drill to help you with this?
Shawn - A think I have a pretty good question hear.Is it possible that some peope who are more athletic or rythemicaly inlcline will make the proper hip move by starting with the upper body?I know Snead claimned in his J.Mc videos he moved everything together by starting with the left shoulder/arm.Belive it or not Mclean actually tried to persuade him 3 times he was doing it differently.Snead never relented,wanted you opinion.
@secretogolf Hey Boston George! It is all in the perception because the left shoulder rides on top of the rib cage and is strapped on there in a very tidy way; it is taken back with the whole body but what Snead was aware of was his shoulder;
The thing is that he would never think about this while playing; the target and the flight to his target was king and he let his instincts react to it. See "Ridiculously easy; shawn clement" video; Shawn
Hi Shawn, I hear so many times that the speed at which your hips rotate will translate into longer golf shot. Does that simply mean that the hips are just clearing faster? My initial thinking was that the hips were dragging the rest of the body but I felt so much strain, but it didn't feel correct. Your videos are awesome by the way, I just started practicing a few months ago and can hit my 8i about 140 yds already (on a very good day)! Thank you!
It seems whenever I watch my swing in slow motion I ALWAYS get some lateral movement in my hips/upper body/left leg even when I clear them by rotating them I still get some (not a lot) lateral movement is this correct?
@LBos11 Let's look at it a bit differently; and no, definitely not any lateral movement away from the target in the backswing whatsoever, matter of fact, you should have a bit towards the target with the butt! See "Downswing Weightshift; shawn clement", "Awareness to low point in swing; shawn clement" and brush up on your "Feet together drill; shawn..." and "one leg drill; shawn..." and see the "Feet together and one leg update; shawn..." Shawn
Great videos by the way. I went to the driving range yesterday and I was making pretty good contact most of the time but all the shots were either starting straight and curving left a lot of starting left and staying straight. Do you have any idea what might cause this? Thx. Also, at address should both arms be straight and should the clubface be square, and should the club be flat on the ground?
Is your weight supposed to already be on your left side at the top of your backswing? Also how much weight should be on your left foot at address? Should this weight be the same with all clubs? Are you supposed to pull with your left hand after your hands and hips fall together or your right hand( for a right handed player)?
From the down the line and target view positions the hands are much further away from the body at impact (hands under forehead) than at address (hands under shoulders). Seems that this would require a much steeper plane to deliver the clubhead to the ball than established at address.
@bellatrixg Yes; I know what you are saying; I am exaggerating the motion in the demonstration aspect of that particular movement; it does not look that way when I swing as I would certainly miss the ball! :) Thank you for the observation and comment; it will certainly help others with the same question; Shawn
@mason0030 Go and check out my "Rip the driver" video as well as the underlying issue with clearing the hips in "Ridiculously easy" part 1 and 2 videos; You will discover that you are already wired to perform properly and that all you need to have is the right focus! Shawn
i have a quick question regarding your "brace to the left move" in this video. are you usually supposed brace to the left before you start you back swing? or is that just part of the drill? all great videos btw! keep it up!! cheers
Since just starting golf this year, your hip clearing advise is great. It actually seems more awkward rotating my hips right on the back swing, but somehow that translates to better hip clearing on the follow through. I don't know how and I don't care. I noticed that big hip turn on the take away while practicing your one leg drill with my driver (which cured my slice) so I figured why not try it with both legs. Tooks some time but I like the results. Thanks.
Excellent. I wanted to see if there was a similar clearing the hips in golf as well as in baseball. There also seems to be a "separation" in golf that you call the lag
THIS IS SUCH AN IMPORTANT VIDEO. My friends are accusing me of getting real one on one golf lessons on the sly because just a few weeks ago I was all over the place. Just making sure im focused on the target makes sure my butt stays PROTRUDED. So I have plenty of room to let the arms swing.
Great videos Shawn. However, while watching the brace against the left side (e.g., 2:55), it does not appear that your weight has shifted to your right side on the backswing. When I try to emulate your swing positions as shown, my weight does not easily leave my left leg. Are you achieving a weight shift on the backswing?
You should be Tiger's new coach instead of Sean Foley. Seriously.. I don't like the stack and tilt. I also don't like the one plane swing. Your teaching method is so in tune bio-mechanically and logical. If your Tiger's coach he probably wouldn't be hurt as much.
With regard to the "hips" I think it's also a good to address where the hips actually are. I think you address this in your other videos, but I've found that when I ask people where their hips are they will point at their pelvis or their butt.
I think this is what my problem may very well be in my golf swing. I feel my hips dont clear in time and i become flippy through impact which in turn make me feel very inconsistant and frustrated. Take a look at my golf swing guys and tell me if you agree. thanks.
Shawn, I think the greatest thing about your videos is that whatever people may think about the details of your instruction, few can argue sensibly that you don't make everyone think about what we're doing in the golf swing. Great work.
@MrAbx Very important move!! Funny you mention Jack; if you watch my "working the ball part 3; shawn clement" video, you will see a poster of Jack that I use as an alignment aid in the background and in this sequence, his head drops about 4 inches in the downswing; IT IS A NECESSARY MOVE BOTH ANATOMICALLY AND FOR LEVERAGING AGAINST THE GROUND to deliver the release towards the target; then see "create serious speed; shawn clement" and "horse shoes and lassos; shawn clement"
@clemshaw I have a problem with my hipmotion through the ball my right hip tend to get pretty high because I used to hit a pushdraw I want my left hip to clear get my left hip out of the way so I can create alot of crucial space in the dowswing so my arms don't get "stuck" because my right hip tends to get high and when that happens I tend to hit either a push or a pushfade. Do you have a tip for me?
@f0cusen try to kick your lead knee towards the target during/before the transition. i mean try to really point your knee at the target and then push off your lead foot. hopefully it works for you, because I can feel how the left hip wants to turn back and twist the body using that motion.
@f0cusen not necessarily...it's very hard to explain. you kinda just have to feel it. check shawn's video leg and footwork. he explains how things should move.
@f0cusen Search this video by andrew rice. "The Hip Slide and Why it is Important ". You should slide your hips directly down the line into the "wall". The clearing comes by keeping your HEAD still. Your body will sort of form a reverse c and your hips clear automatically. I would paractice slowly first.
It worked for me. I prectice with my head against the wall and slide my hiops and allow them to clear effortlessly. Good Luck.
@sessien I just need to get rid of the left hip I my issue is not really the hipslide I have to clear my left hip it has to move backwards talked to my coach about this.
@MrAbx If you're not dropping your head on the DS, you're not compressing the ball. Dropping in the DS is a good thing. Hogan, the best ball striker in golf history dropped about 4-5 inches on the DS :D
Shawn, this video and the one comparing the hip function to the catapult counter weight are a perfect fit. The protruded tilt allows you to really feel the turning power generated by the large lower muscles as they clear the way for the trailing members and establish rhythm. I appreciate all of your good work. So, when is the book coming out?
shawn i know this doesn't have much to do with this vid, but could uyou please redo the flop shot vid you made a while back. thnx. Anvesh, Truro, England.
Any great video. I have following your video and drills and make major improvement with my backswing (no more crashing with the proper hip turn)....
To maintain the rear protrude and clear left hip at the downswing as per this video, I feel a lot of tension/strain on my left hip and left knee. Is this normal? Could this be flexibility issue? I tried to post the same move as you have at 58 seconds of the video, i felt a lot of tension in by left hip. Thanks in advance.
I think the best video for you is the "Ridiculously easy" video; you will understand much more how your body was actually wired to do this without thinking; when you try to manufacture a position and try too hard, you get stiff and your awareness falters; Shawn
Love this video. My major problem is I lose the protruded position at beginning of the downswing. I often end-up losing balance, dipping my head, and "falling/collapsing" toward the ball. Any drill or tip to maintain the protruded position?
@yc2s If you are not focused out to the target with a clear feel of what your action to target should be, you will struggle with EVERYTHING! See a very important video called "#1 most popular teacher on yt; ridiculously easy"; you will understand what I mean! Shawn
@yc2s I had the same problem until i made sure my weight was not on the tips of my toes at address but instead more the middle of my heals. That made all the difference on my balance when clearing the hips. I was leaning "in" at address. At first I felt I was back on my heals, however, actually balanced.
I really like when you put your back to the camera. Shows us the lower body much better. I am struggling with my sequence coming down. My left hip does not get out of the way in time. I have always struggled with being a "hitter" of the ball with my upper body.
hey shawn love your golf tips keep em coming.. one question do you really want your hands to fall that far infront of your body, it seems if u tried to get them that far out from the body u might shank one..
Great stuff but I am still having trouble holding that lag with the driver. My irons are solid and straight but I either hook or block it with the driver ! Any suggestions ?
@wantonjr1 You want to check out the ball position; could be too far back; then make sure you feel the weight of the hammer RELEASE ITSELF THROUGH THE BALL! See "golf pro lesson feel and let the hammer through" and then place a ball against a door frame and feel where the ball position would need to be if you were to use the weight of the arm club unit to compress it into the frame. Shawn
Awesome Stuff. Love the vids. Shawn got a question for you. I am working to get down to scratch. I have been playing golf for 2 years. the beginning of this season I was an 18 handicap, right now down to a 10. getting better, but I am not sure what exactly to work on. I practice alot on the range, and work on things I struggle with. but any good tips on just a general overall practice routine for someone that is trying to become an elite golfer? Thanks again.
@JwillJR55 Hard to answer that one in 500 characters or less! :)
While everyone is different, it comes down to consistent FOCUS, learning to pick the proper shot at the proper time and short game. For balance in the swing, work on your fades and draws and work on your uphill, downhill and sidehill lies; both from the standpoint of the swing and mastery of the shots themselves;
My DVD series has all the above described and also shows use of slopes to perfect driving; Shawn
@clemshaw haha.. I tried to make the question in less than 500 which was hard as well.. Awesome, I will look at your DVDs. I have the desire, and the will power to become an elite golfer, I know I can do it, just need some direction. So thanks again for the answer, and the quick reply.
@clemshaw haha.. I tried to make the question in less than 500 which was hard as well.. Awesome, I will look at your DVDs. I have the desire, and the will power to become an elite golfer, I know I can do it, just need some direction. So thanks again for the answer, and the quick reply.
@clemshaw dont see my last comment. 2nd try. i will check out your dvds. are they aval to order thru ur website? I really have the desire to become an elite golfer, and even though I started later in life (25) hard work can pay off! Thanks again Shawn.
@blackbelt1123 Have a look at my "golf pro lesson uphill downhill and sidehill" video and imitate the ball below the feet scenario; it is exactly what you should feel with clubs that are too short;
Shawn, coming into impact, with your knees bent, rear protruding, and spine angle retained, the distance from head to toe must be significantly shorter than your normal height. So question: do you have the lie angle of your clubs flattened? And if so, by how much? TIA
@bellatrixg It is a bit more complicated-and easier than you think! Please see "golf pro lesson get more club speed and power" and "golf pro lesson feet together and one leg update" and finally "golf pro lesson horse shoes and lassos" :) SHawn
the more i learn about the golf swing, the more i am convinced that this is the single best instructional video on how to swing the club i've ever seen.
@Shawn Looking forward to your comments on my question 2 weeks ago"level of tension in the arms as well as legs at address. &" I accept and agree that it should be instinctive but all the same to reach that level do I need to be aware of something so that the right elbow is always in front. As regards the offer:) let me assure you that you will not regret it if you accept it." Thanks.
@Shawn, Should the falling of the arms(without crashing) be starting with bringing the elbow in front of the body......If so what would be the awareness.Thanks
@Shawn, This is the most critical part of the swing and apparently I have some problems keeping my right elbow in front. Do I need to drop it once the back swing is complete. How much tension needs to be there in both arms. Thanks. PS Why don't you make a trip to India in winters for some group lessons. India is beautiful in winters. We have some Canadian friends(Golfers) living very close to your place who are here in India for the long winter in Canada.
@mjs0039 Thank you for the kind offer and comment! A couple of great videos to follow this one up so that things happen more instinctively is the "golf pro lesson the insanity of golf" and "golf pro lesson ridiculously easy" part 1 and 2
@clemshaw, I accept and agree that it should be instinctive but all the same to reach that level do I need to be aware of something so that the right elbow is always in front. As regards the offer:) let me assure you that you will not regret it if you accept it. Thanks.
Shawn, On the BS is there a sit down feeling tilted left while the upper body and head tilted to the right rotates right? On the BS is it critical to maintain flex on the right leg for RH golfer?
Thank you again. Great stuff and will definitely buy the DVD.
@451mnu Have a look at the following videos for this question: "golf pro lesson get more power and club speed" and "golf pro lesson feet together and one leg update"
You will be both amazed and surprised when you feel this in your swing; Shawn
Great videos and really like your style of delivery and demonstration.Your mid section (posterior & hips) are tilted left at address. On the BS they rotate but stay left, eliminating sway to the right. You described a minimal weight shift to the right as the arms go back and up. In the BS does weight momentarily go to the inside of your right foot or does it move further than the inside?
@451mnu momentarily bounces of the right foot and then re-settles into a position against the left ankle in preparation for the delivery of the action to the target; we are talking about a shift in pressure of about 30% in each direction...so 40-60 address (60% against the left side) then 70-30 momentarily (70% in right) and then 30-70 as the arm-club unit gets to the top of the backswing; then the whole downswing is a one leg swing against the left side.
I struggle for years with the big slide and out thrust of the hips. Now my swing thought is just turn, turn, turn the hips. After so many years of a move up and forward, almost feels like I have to squat into it. What I'm finding is that the quick hook is a much more rare shot now.
this video has been very helpful to me. I am in highschool and and a 13-19 handicap on a par 70. this video has helped me become more consistant and hit more smoothly like a practice swing. I have had golf lessons before but this video helped me thing about swing mechanics. I love your anologies like throwing a stone on the water. your video helps me focus on my swin and shows me why i am taking a backswing a certain way and why i turn my wrists and so on. thanks a bunch Mr. Clement
this is me again Mr. Clement. I also hit my drives like 250 or more now and are straighter. I also like to add that i think you are very nice for posting videos of instruction for free.
I watch alot of golf instructional videos on youtube, and you are, by far, the best teacher. I love your videos, and they've really helped me out alot. Wish you lived in NC.
You're a great, great teacher!! I watch alot of golf instructors on youtube, and you're, by far, the best!! I've learned alot from your videos. WIshed you lived here in NC.
I'm working on initiating with the hips more, but don't think I am fully clearing them yet. Could this be part of the reason that the beginning of my downswing starts out steep? About a 3rd of the way down I do adjust and get the club back to the inside by focusing on swinging "towards right field", but I fear that this is just a fix, and not addressing the core issue. What swing thoughts will help me let the club FALL from the BEGINNING? Many thanks - and keep up the great work!
I have gone from handicap 20 down to 5.8 in 5 years and over last two years drifted back to 7.7 . I have read alot of books and got lessons on a few occasions and work hard on improving my game ,. I have never grasped these two fundamentals correctly until i saw how well you demonstrated them in this video. Its really working for me in the last week .Well done and thanks.
I have gone from handicap 20 down to 5.8 in 5 years and over last two years drifted back to 7.7 . I have read alot of books and got lessons on a few occasions and work hard on improving my game ,. I have never grasped these two fundamentals correctly until i saw how well you demonstrated them in this video. Its really working for me in the last week .Well done and thanks.
Whats up with bracing on the left leg while at the top of your swing? I thought the inside of the right foot/leg should be bearing the weight at that point? If you always keep your weight on the front foot/let, how do you achive any weight transfer?
Awesome, went to the range today and all was well. I have watched everyone of your videos numerous times, especially your anti-shank videos. Is there a reason some people (including myself) tend to shank their wedge rather than any other club?
Shawn, after swinging coming out of winter hitting about 150 balls a week, I am practicing all of your drills and my results have been amazing...but I my left hip is soar...especially when I brace my tilt against my forward side. Do you think I am tilting too much?
This means that you are collapsing too much into the left side; you do not want to slide into the left side to brace against it; see the "golf pro lesson one leg swing no weightshift" and feel a way to stay against the left side that does not strain the hip;
Shawn, Great videos. So the back of the left hand MUST be facing away from the body during the down swing. I finally pick that nuance up in this video today. I kept casting on my downsiwng and getting frustrated. Then I just committed to keeping the back of the left hand facing away from me through the entire downswing and my wrist released naturally and I hit it perfectly. To me, this is more the key to hitting from the inside. Maybe you can discuss this.
This is a nice comment; it would be good to get feedback from others on this one; I can definitely see the benefits; question though; what is your dominant hand you write and throw with?
Shawn, my dominant hand is my right hand and I swing right handed. Just an FYI, check out the "BizHub" videos of the pros (Tiger, Ernie et al) on youtube, and without fail, ever single one keeps the back of their left hand (for right handed players) pointing away from their bodies well in their down swing and often past the ball. The result is tremendous lag. Would you agree?
Great videos Shawn, I have learnt alot from you as you explain everything so clearly, by far the best golf instructional videos ANYWHERE. Many thanks Shawn.
I have to much leg slide in my swing which causes a loss of lag becasue the body tries to balance itself, how do I shift my weight properly out of the way in accordance with this drill if I dont slide my hips
I would have a look at my "golf pro lesson proper weight shift" and "Golf pro lesson downswing weightshift"; it will help get the right mind set; Shawn
As a student of the game I can say," this video explains so much." I come to the realization that the hands are not a source of power when used like a motor but a "link" that makes the motions described in this video the ultimate engine..The hands should concern themselves with regulating grip pressure and not with the "hit" of the ball
I want everyone out there to understand that this guy has the best golf videos on youtube. He has a great understanding of the golf swing and he makes it easy to learn. He also has some of the best putting drills Ive seen yet!
I've been playing golf since I was 10 and have always had a problem clearing my hands and keeping my hands in front. I can do it fine with a pitching wedge, but as the clubs get longer, my hands lag too much and i end up flicking my wrists. My coach told me to get my upper body much more active because it lags. I feel like keeping my hips protruded will achieve the same effect. What do you think?
What the heck does a more active upper body look like??
To balance the body, you need to have something to react to: See "golf pro lesson timing and tempo update" as well as "golf pro lesson the insanity of golf"; then practice the "golf pro lesson perpetual motion drill" together with "golf pro lesson feet together drill" and "golf pro lesson one leg swing no weightshift"; Shawn
Chemshaw, you need work on your weight shift. X drill: little less knee bend, cross arms on chest like an x and make the swing motion. That is what the weight shift is suppose to feel like.
For those of you seeing this comment, I have a video on this called "golf pro lesson proper weight shift" as well as "golf pro lesson downswing weightshift"; I am glad I blocked this person from making any other ignorant comments...BTW jonstarks697, the video I do recommend you start with is my "golf pro lesson learn your golf machine" which is a mini lesson in human anatomy...Good luck with everything! Shawn
If I can hit a golf ball on one leg as far as I can two legs, does weight shift really matter. I am 46 years old and I still can get 110-112 mph club head speed on one leg.
Shawn's theory has rescued my beaten up body from the perils of the x-factor. I no longer have patella and/or right hamstring tendonitis and I no longer have an odd twinge in my spine.
The hard part with learning shawns method has been learning ot mentally get out of the way of having a good swing.
Terrible! He is teaching average golfers to block every shot right or hit a hook by flipping the club. That hanzy flip motion not a release. And what is this brace against your left side with a lean. What happend to simply keeping your weight on the inside of your right foot. He's supposed to be a pro and has got a reverse pivot, What is this stack and tilt! lol. Hey clemshaw do all the people on youtube trying to break 90 a favor and quit posting videos.
Boy I really feel sorry for you dude; it's guys like you who called Hogan's move a reverse pivot and no, this is not stack and tilt; far from it! The majority of my 7000 plus subscribers (and me) would take your money on the golf course any day of the week and I recommend you start doing your homework before making such ignorant accusations;
his swing is far from a reverse pivot. some nice things in the video. my question is do you want the golfers to just feel like they turn their hips through the ball? is there any lateral slide toward the targert?
The lateral move towards the target happens in the backswing; see "golf pro lesson downswing weightshift" and "golf pro lesson 2008 golf swing review part 2"; then see "golf pro lesson the insanity of golf" for the hip clearing automation focus! :) Shawn
people, is the "brace against the left" bit helping most of you? i'm a newbie, i can hit pretty cleanly but i dont feel the "brace" (rather, the weight having shifted to the left) until the end of the swing.
Have a look at my "golf pro lesson downswing weightshift" video for this; to achieve well, see "golf pro lesson feet together drill" and then "golf pro lesson sequence power drill" in that order...a good finish is "golf pro lesson 2008 golf swing review" part 2
Love this guy!!! His lesson are perfection on video...I have been playing for over 30 years this guy really knows how to break it down...watch all his videos and learn!!! Also love the little guy in the background with the junior clubs leaned up against the desk...PRICELESS...
This is a super drill for feeling how the hips clear properly and how lag is maintained. You can actually play golf with this drill, 1, clear, 2, clear, 3, strike!
It gives you an awesome feel for the heaviness of the arm assembly and the spit of the ball to towards the target.
I'm a bit confused viv a vis "bracing against the left leg" . Won't this cause your weight to be more on the left leg at address instead of the usual 60% on the right one?
Hello Ivan; if you rewind back 30 to 50 years, you would find that almost every top tour pro including Palmer, Nicklaus, Player, Casper, Souchak and many more used to advocate(and still do today) having 60% of the weight pressure into the left side at address; so now are you going to say they were wrong? Golf instruction took a very funky turn when video first came out and they started passing theories without having any base knowledge of human anatomy...things will be coming back soon...:)
See the perpetual motion drill for this one; you will realize that the relationship is as follows: Arm Club unit is tracking gravity and centrifugal force and the body is getting out of the way in both directions to ALLOW THE ARM-CLUB UNIT TO TRACK GRAVITY AND CENTRIFUGAL FORCE; so the answer is that it is already being taken care of and there should never be any conscious thinking about this; Shawn
You forget to mention sliding the hips on the downswing which as a junior it is something i have been plagued with for years but thanks to some recent lesson im starting to rotate more instead of slide and i no longer need to place with a shut clubface. The feeling i need on the downswing is to feel like my weight is staying on my right side throughout the whole downswing, remember thats just for me, feel and real are not the same thing, what you feel your doing your very seldom doing.
Well that could be true at the beginning but once you match perception to reality and get good body awareness, then you can start performing nicely on course and under pressure;
The "golf pro lesson leverage power" as well as the "golf pro lesson feet together drill" videos would be good for you!
The key here is to be against the left side; not on top of it; there should be no strain on any of your joints at any time; see "golf pro lesson feet together drill for the ultimate feel in how to stay stacked in the swing; Shawn
hi shawn i have tried everything to fix my hip slide on the downswing and even after this video im still struggling to really get the rotation happening. any suggestions?
The weight shift into the right side in the backswing, there is no doubt about that; but how does it get back to the left BEFORE THE ARMS FALL BACK DOWN IN THE DOWNSWING? See "golf pro lesson 2008 golf swing review part 1 and 2" as well as the "golf pro lesson one leg swing no weightshift" and "golf pro lesson timing and tempo update" videos for a deeper understanding; Shawn
Hi Shawn, Thanks for all the great videos!! When I try to rotate my hips on the downswing, It makes it really hard for me to even hit the ball, it feels like the club is way behind my body and it feels like I'm going to hit the ball straight to the left with an outside to in swing across the ball. Do you have any advice? Thanks!
Take a look at my "golf pro lesson arms falling down plane" video; it is a great complement to this one; then check out the "Golf Pro lesson timing and tempo update";
Hi Shawn, I was having difficulty performing the left hip clearing action at full speed. However I watched your "transition" video and managed to get this weightlessness of the club at the top, at which time I find it a lot easier (effortless) to clear the left hip ( or protrude your left cheek) is this the correct feeling?
Make sure you keep the "Catapult to the target" feel and focus from the very beginning; "Golf Pro lesson Distance to ball part 2", "golf pro lesson feet together drill" and "golf pro lesson catapult power" as follow ups; keep at it! Shawn
Hey there clemshaw, I got a little question. My dad has a tendency to fall to the right on the top of his backswing. His head bobs up a little, but I'd say it's only 2-3 inches. Any recommendations on which videos to watch?
The very best drill for this is the "golf pro lesson feet together drill" and make sure you keep the knees together as well when doing the drill; take that feel and bring it to your regular swing; Shawn
Hi Shawn, while trying to clear the hips better and to get some more lag (as you describe it in other vids, too), I suddenly started to pull my shots heavily. I checked with my camera and realised that I'm coming from the outside to the ball (with straight clubface). Is it possible to clear the hips too early and therefore pulling the shots to the left? Do you recommend any vid here on YouTube or on your DVD to find (or solve) the issue? Any idea would be very welcome... Thanks a lot!
The key is to stay centered behind the ball against the left side through the motion while the focus stays on your target and the feel of the whip or swat towards that target; "Golf Pro lesson how to repeat your practice swing", "golf pro lesson tilted spiral" part 1, 2 and 3; Thanks for the question! Shawn
They should call this stack and tilt!! :) What they do is not true Stacking with the centre of gravity of the human body and they do not understand how the central nervous system reacts to proper commands...it is still position this and position that because this guy did this and that guy did that; I am not a big fan...I wish I could do more to explain but only have 500 characters or less and I do not want to open that can of worms in debates just yet...:) Thanks for the comment! Shawn
Shawn - I have enjoyed all your videos and they have helped me big time. I think anyone watching this one must watch the Arms falling down the plane video. You are a little too mechanical in this video and some of the angles are confusing. It comes thru perfectly in the arms falling presentation. Get the arms falling in front and the brain will clear the hips. Thanks a million you are great!
To elaborate on my previous post, in most of your videos showing a full backswing your hips are rotated almost as far back as they can go.
I would argue with you that this is not a good move at all and certainly not one to encourage.
For a really solid unload and great coil restrict the hips and make a full shoulder turn, that's the move all really good players make.
That being said there certainly is a great deal of merit to your instruction but it's so easy to get overloaded with instruction.
jeanmunn 1 week ago
Shawn, appreciate the time you put in with your instruction, golf instruction has been jumped on via the internet by thousands of so called " teaching pros. " I am unable to recall any sport where so many amateurs are basically preyed on by individuals selling instruction or worthless high priced gimmicks. And that's exactly what they are, they are not " training aids " they are gimmicks.
The whole instruction issue is chock full of contradictions from one instructor to the next as you know.
jeanmunn 1 week ago
I wanted to see if you'd do a video sometime on a hips drill I came up with....what I do is have the student loop an alignment stick through the front of their belt....in the backswing i get them to move the right end of the stick behind them (clear the right side to make room for the arms), then on the downswing try to get them to move the left end of the stick behind them. I find it helps give them the feeling for getting the body out of the way without the pelvis going forward to the ball.
CarolinasPGApro 3 weeks ago
Hey Shawn! Brad Edwards here. I'm a PGA teaching pro based in Charlotte NC and am a HUGE fan of your work. I stumbled upon your vids some years ago, and it was nice to see a kindred spirit in that we base teaching in anatomy and physics rather than outdated theory. Your concepts really ramped up my own teaching and this past year i had 68 different students shoot career rounds! Thanks a TON!!!
your colleague and fan,
Brad E
CarolinasPGApro 3 weeks ago
please check ouy my swing-cosmas mufaya:)
CosmasKM 1 month ago
thanks its helps!!
CosmasKM 1 month ago
I have been working on this lately, did a little self video an noticed something I think which is a problem. Namely, lifting my back foot up too soon, which may put my lower body in the way (as my back knee and leg get in the way) causing the "trapped" stuck feeling. Should the back foot stay down on the ground until closer to impact?
evergeendata 1 month ago
@evergeendata I have the video just for that; it is called "anchoring your swing; shawn clement" and will give you exactly what you need! :) Shawn
clemshaw 1 month ago
@clemshaw Thanks Shawn - I needed a refresher on that. Have been working in the "Hogan" drill and was accidentally getting sloppy with the feet. Take care...
evergeendata 1 month ago
@evergeendata Your comment is spot on to what I do. I have noticed from vids of my swing that I raise my right foot very soon in the down swing. Did you ever figure out a drill to help you with this?
MrDaryboy 3 weeks ago
Shawn - A think I have a pretty good question hear.Is it possible that some peope who are more athletic or rythemicaly inlcline will make the proper hip move by starting with the upper body?I know Snead claimned in his J.Mc videos he moved everything together by starting with the left shoulder/arm.Belive it or not Mclean actually tried to persuade him 3 times he was doing it differently.Snead never relented,wanted you opinion.
Happy Hoildays you do a great job
Boston George
secretogolf 1 month ago
@secretogolf Hey Boston George! It is all in the perception because the left shoulder rides on top of the rib cage and is strapped on there in a very tidy way; it is taken back with the whole body but what Snead was aware of was his shoulder;
The thing is that he would never think about this while playing; the target and the flight to his target was king and he let his instincts react to it. See "Ridiculously easy; shawn clement" video; Shawn
clemshaw 1 month ago
Hi Shawn, I hear so many times that the speed at which your hips rotate will translate into longer golf shot. Does that simply mean that the hips are just clearing faster? My initial thinking was that the hips were dragging the rest of the body but I felt so much strain, but it didn't feel correct. Your videos are awesome by the way, I just started practicing a few months ago and can hit my 8i about 140 yds already (on a very good day)! Thank you!
edmundkim007 1 month ago
It seems whenever I watch my swing in slow motion I ALWAYS get some lateral movement in my hips/upper body/left leg even when I clear them by rotating them I still get some (not a lot) lateral movement is this correct?
LBos11 2 months ago
@LBos11 Let's look at it a bit differently; and no, definitely not any lateral movement away from the target in the backswing whatsoever, matter of fact, you should have a bit towards the target with the butt! See "Downswing Weightshift; shawn clement", "Awareness to low point in swing; shawn clement" and brush up on your "Feet together drill; shawn..." and "one leg drill; shawn..." and see the "Feet together and one leg update; shawn..." Shawn
clemshaw 2 months ago
Great videos by the way. I went to the driving range yesterday and I was making pretty good contact most of the time but all the shots were either starting straight and curving left a lot of starting left and staying straight. Do you have any idea what might cause this? Thx. Also, at address should both arms be straight and should the clubface be square, and should the club be flat on the ground?
n00bslayer74 3 months ago
Is your weight supposed to already be on your left side at the top of your backswing? Also how much weight should be on your left foot at address? Should this weight be the same with all clubs? Are you supposed to pull with your left hand after your hands and hips fall together or your right hand( for a right handed player)?
n00bslayer74 3 months ago
From the down the line and target view positions the hands are much further away from the body at impact (hands under forehead) than at address (hands under shoulders). Seems that this would require a much steeper plane to deliver the clubhead to the ball than established at address.
bellatrixg 3 months ago
@bellatrixg Yes; I know what you are saying; I am exaggerating the motion in the demonstration aspect of that particular movement; it does not look that way when I swing as I would certainly miss the ball! :) Thank you for the observation and comment; it will certainly help others with the same question; Shawn
clemshaw 3 months ago
Thanks Will Ferrell!
Chiznarles 3 months ago
Great video, is there anyway you could show I hip drill with the driver. I'm having problems clearing my hips with that club.
mason0030 3 months ago
@mason0030 Go and check out my "Rip the driver" video as well as the underlying issue with clearing the hips in "Ridiculously easy" part 1 and 2 videos; You will discover that you are already wired to perform properly and that all you need to have is the right focus! Shawn
clemshaw 3 months ago
@clemshaw Thanks so much for your help and especially your quick reply.
mason0030 3 months ago
excellant vid ....coach teaching me this way ,not the old style of swing and hit ..with lots of luck
your way is the way of hitting the ball long and straight with very little effort ..cheers
roastedpeas 4 months ago
i have a quick question regarding your "brace to the left move" in this video. are you usually supposed brace to the left before you start you back swing? or is that just part of the drill? all great videos btw! keep it up!! cheers
lafontaineadam 4 months ago
tiger sprays to the right cuz of his way too much hip-slide
aardvaark069 5 months ago
Who's the beauty in the desk chair?
happiergilmour 5 months ago
@happiergilmour thats a little boy
tincup1268 4 months ago
Since just starting golf this year, your hip clearing advise is great. It actually seems more awkward rotating my hips right on the back swing, but somehow that translates to better hip clearing on the follow through. I don't know how and I don't care. I noticed that big hip turn on the take away while practicing your one leg drill with my driver (which cured my slice) so I figured why not try it with both legs. Tooks some time but I like the results. Thanks.
MrSbarnica 5 months ago
thumbs up for the lil boy watching porn in the background
zaneniemand 5 months ago
this is wrong. Shoulders can't move, it has to be square otherwise you will be OVER THE TOP.
hardcoremofo 6 months ago
Excellent. I wanted to see if there was a similar clearing the hips in golf as well as in baseball. There also seems to be a "separation" in golf that you call the lag
microwave173 6 months ago
THIS IS SUCH AN IMPORTANT VIDEO. My friends are accusing me of getting real one on one golf lessons on the sly because just a few weeks ago I was all over the place. Just making sure im focused on the target makes sure my butt stays PROTRUDED. So I have plenty of room to let the arms swing.
DonDotta86 6 months ago
How should you start the downswing? Btw im a huge fan and love your technique of teaching the game. You have really helped me alot
kdogy4416 7 months ago
Great videos Shawn. However, while watching the brace against the left side (e.g., 2:55), it does not appear that your weight has shifted to your right side on the backswing. When I try to emulate your swing positions as shown, my weight does not easily leave my left leg. Are you achieving a weight shift on the backswing?
dbadm 7 months ago
You should be Tiger's new coach instead of Sean Foley. Seriously.. I don't like the stack and tilt. I also don't like the one plane swing. Your teaching method is so in tune bio-mechanically and logical. If your Tiger's coach he probably wouldn't be hurt as much.
GolfLover16 7 months ago
With regard to the "hips" I think it's also a good to address where the hips actually are. I think you address this in your other videos, but I've found that when I ask people where their hips are they will point at their pelvis or their butt.
BourbanAces 8 months ago
I have problem maintaining my spine angle. I tend to straighten up at the top of my backswing. Hope this drill help... Thank you very much
MrRangebum 8 months ago
I think this is what my problem may very well be in my golf swing. I feel my hips dont clear in time and i become flippy through impact which in turn make me feel very inconsistant and frustrated. Take a look at my golf swing guys and tell me if you agree. thanks.
RedUSMarines311 8 months ago
Its like Will Ferrell, as a golf instructor!
KBenz47 8 months ago
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namalkotage 8 months ago
great video
crijaxx 9 months ago
Shawn, I think the greatest thing about your videos is that whatever people may think about the details of your instruction, few can argue sensibly that you don't make everyone think about what we're doing in the golf swing. Great work.
bunkerputt 9 months ago
Watch his head drop!! Nicklaus would not like this move.
MrAbx 9 months ago
@MrAbx Very important move!! Funny you mention Jack; if you watch my "working the ball part 3; shawn clement" video, you will see a poster of Jack that I use as an alignment aid in the background and in this sequence, his head drops about 4 inches in the downswing; IT IS A NECESSARY MOVE BOTH ANATOMICALLY AND FOR LEVERAGING AGAINST THE GROUND to deliver the release towards the target; then see "create serious speed; shawn clement" and "horse shoes and lassos; shawn clement"
clemshaw 9 months ago
@clemshaw Even Nick Faldo, who always gets on Tiger's case when he's "analyzing" his swing, never realized he had a little head drop as well.
dschultz6072 9 months ago
@clemshaw You are right every great ballstriker makes that move compressing into the ground using the ground as leverage.
f0cusen 7 months ago
@clemshaw I have a problem with my hipmotion through the ball my right hip tend to get pretty high because I used to hit a pushdraw I want my left hip to clear get my left hip out of the way so I can create alot of crucial space in the dowswing so my arms don't get "stuck" because my right hip tends to get high and when that happens I tend to hit either a push or a pushfade. Do you have a tip for me?
Thanks, Sincerely David
f0cusen 7 months ago
@f0cusen try to kick your lead knee towards the target during/before the transition. i mean try to really point your knee at the target and then push off your lead foot. hopefully it works for you, because I can feel how the left hip wants to turn back and twist the body using that motion.
dschultz6072 6 months ago
@dschultz6072 Thanks for the advice. You mean like a hip slide?
f0cusen 6 months ago
@f0cusen not necessarily...it's very hard to explain. you kinda just have to feel it. check shawn's video leg and footwork. he explains how things should move.
dschultz6072 6 months ago
@f0cusen Search this video by andrew rice. "The Hip Slide and Why it is Important ". You should slide your hips directly down the line into the "wall". The clearing comes by keeping your HEAD still. Your body will sort of form a reverse c and your hips clear automatically. I would paractice slowly first.
It worked for me. I prectice with my head against the wall and slide my hiops and allow them to clear effortlessly. Good Luck.
sessien 5 months ago
@sessien I just need to get rid of the left hip I my issue is not really the hipslide I have to clear my left hip it has to move backwards talked to my coach about this.
f0cusen 5 months ago
@sessien But thanks for the advice. I don't need that much lateral hipmovement though.
f0cusen 5 months ago
@clemshaw Agree, Tiger drops and squats too. Powerful move. Great vids, keep em coming
craigt611 5 months ago
@MrAbx
Tiger Woods head drops on backswing and then again on downswing
madongolf 8 months ago
@MrAbx Hogan and Tiger also 'compress' into the ground.
manulboi 8 months ago
@MrAbx If you're not dropping your head on the DS, you're not compressing the ball. Dropping in the DS is a good thing. Hogan, the best ball striker in golf history dropped about 4-5 inches on the DS :D
1tontomato 4 months ago
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MrAbx 9 months ago
Clearing the hips has been a huge challenge for me. Looking forward to implementing this into my game.
remmy100 10 months ago
Shawn, this video and the one comparing the hip function to the catapult counter weight are a perfect fit. The protruded tilt allows you to really feel the turning power generated by the large lower muscles as they clear the way for the trailing members and establish rhythm. I appreciate all of your good work. So, when is the book coming out?
JimJollymon 10 months ago
shawn i know this doesn't have much to do with this vid, but could uyou please redo the flop shot vid you made a while back. thnx. Anvesh, Truro, England.
manvesh97 11 months ago
Shawn,
Any great video. I have following your video and drills and make major improvement with my backswing (no more crashing with the proper hip turn)....
To maintain the rear protrude and clear left hip at the downswing as per this video, I feel a lot of tension/strain on my left hip and left knee. Is this normal? Could this be flexibility issue? I tried to post the same move as you have at 58 seconds of the video, i felt a lot of tension in by left hip. Thanks in advance.
teckyongyt 1 year ago
@teckyongyt
I think the best video for you is the "Ridiculously easy" video; you will understand much more how your body was actually wired to do this without thinking; when you try to manufacture a position and try too hard, you get stiff and your awareness falters; Shawn
clemshaw 1 year ago
is that ur son in the background??
manvesh97 1 year ago
Love this video. My major problem is I lose the protruded position at beginning of the downswing. I often end-up losing balance, dipping my head, and "falling/collapsing" toward the ball. Any drill or tip to maintain the protruded position?
yc2s 1 year ago
@yc2s If you are not focused out to the target with a clear feel of what your action to target should be, you will struggle with EVERYTHING! See a very important video called "#1 most popular teacher on yt; ridiculously easy"; you will understand what I mean! Shawn
clemshaw 1 year ago
@yc2s I had the same problem until i made sure my weight was not on the tips of my toes at address but instead more the middle of my heals. That made all the difference on my balance when clearing the hips. I was leaning "in" at address. At first I felt I was back on my heals, however, actually balanced.
123GPA 10 months ago
I really like when you put your back to the camera. Shows us the lower body much better. I am struggling with my sequence coming down. My left hip does not get out of the way in time. I have always struggled with being a "hitter" of the ball with my upper body.
MikePedersenGolfTips 1 year ago
hey shawn love your golf tips keep em coming.. one question do you really want your hands to fall that far infront of your body, it seems if u tried to get them that far out from the body u might shank one..
thanks Ryan
910736ryan 1 year ago
@910736ryan Some of the motions you see me take in this video are exaggerated so that you get the point; see the reply I give to yc2s...
clemshaw 1 year ago
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healthnut4life48 1 year ago
Shawn,
Great stuff but I am still having trouble holding that lag with the driver. My irons are solid and straight but I either hook or block it with the driver ! Any suggestions ?
wantonjr1 1 year ago
@wantonjr1 You want to check out the ball position; could be too far back; then make sure you feel the weight of the hammer RELEASE ITSELF THROUGH THE BALL! See "golf pro lesson feel and let the hammer through" and then place a ball against a door frame and feel where the ball position would need to be if you were to use the weight of the arm club unit to compress it into the frame. Shawn
clemshaw 1 year ago
Awesome Stuff. Love the vids. Shawn got a question for you. I am working to get down to scratch. I have been playing golf for 2 years. the beginning of this season I was an 18 handicap, right now down to a 10. getting better, but I am not sure what exactly to work on. I practice alot on the range, and work on things I struggle with. but any good tips on just a general overall practice routine for someone that is trying to become an elite golfer? Thanks again.
JwillJR55 1 year ago
@JwillJR55 Hard to answer that one in 500 characters or less! :)
While everyone is different, it comes down to consistent FOCUS, learning to pick the proper shot at the proper time and short game. For balance in the swing, work on your fades and draws and work on your uphill, downhill and sidehill lies; both from the standpoint of the swing and mastery of the shots themselves;
My DVD series has all the above described and also shows use of slopes to perfect driving; Shawn
clemshaw 1 year ago
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JwillJR55 1 year ago
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@clemshaw haha.. I tried to make the question in less than 500 which was hard as well.. Awesome, I will look at your DVDs. I have the desire, and the will power to become an elite golfer, I know I can do it, just need some direction. So thanks again for the answer, and the quick reply.
JwillJR55 1 year ago
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@clemshaw haha.. I tried to make the question in less than 500 which was hard as well.. Awesome, I will look at your DVDs. I have the desire, and the will power to become an elite golfer, I know I can do it, just need some direction. So thanks again for the answer, and the quick reply.
JwillJR55 1 year ago
@clemshaw dont see my last comment. 2nd try. i will check out your dvds. are they aval to order thru ur website? I really have the desire to become an elite golfer, and even though I started later in life (25) hard work can pay off! Thanks again Shawn.
JwillJR55 1 year ago
@JwillJR55 Yes, you bet! Larry Nelson Started at age 21! Shawn
clemshaw 1 year ago
im really tall and use standard length clubs so i tend to top the ball often. How can i compensate for my short clubs.
blackbelt1123 1 year ago
@blackbelt1123 Have a look at my "golf pro lesson uphill downhill and sidehill" video and imitate the ball below the feet scenario; it is exactly what you should feel with clubs that are too short;
Shawn
clemshaw 1 year ago
Good Stuff. A lot of stuff on internet is junk, but this is well delivered. Good for advanced players too, which is rare.
slaathauggolf 1 year ago
Great tip, I can't wait to get out on the range and apply all your lessons. Thanks!
chasemyaccord 1 year ago
Shawn, coming into impact, with your knees bent, rear protruding, and spine angle retained, the distance from head to toe must be significantly shorter than your normal height. So question: do you have the lie angle of your clubs flattened? And if so, by how much? TIA
bellatrixg 1 year ago
@bellatrixg It is a bit more complicated-and easier than you think! Please see "golf pro lesson get more club speed and power" and "golf pro lesson feet together and one leg update" and finally "golf pro lesson horse shoes and lassos" :) SHawn
clemshaw 1 year ago
@clemshaw Thanks. I'll check them out.
bellatrixg 1 year ago
love this chap's long game methods, the biomechanics and sequencing make all kinds of sense
TheDistilledMan 1 year ago
the more i learn about the golf swing, the more i am convinced that this is the single best instructional video on how to swing the club i've ever seen.
senorchipotle 1 year ago
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@Shawn Looking forward to your comments on my question 2 weeks ago"level of tension in the arms as well as legs at address. &" I accept and agree that it should be instinctive but all the same to reach that level do I need to be aware of something so that the right elbow is always in front. As regards the offer:) let me assure you that you will not regret it if you accept it." Thanks.
mjs0039 1 year ago
hi shawn..any thoughts on how to correct the over the top swing?
martinkp76 1 year ago
@Shawn, Should the falling of the arms(without crashing) be starting with bringing the elbow in front of the body......If so what would be the awareness.Thanks
mjs0039 1 year ago
Excellent lesson. Reminds me a lot of Hogan's fundamentals.
m1ax 1 year ago
@Shawn, This is the most critical part of the swing and apparently I have some problems keeping my right elbow in front. Do I need to drop it once the back swing is complete. How much tension needs to be there in both arms. Thanks. PS Why don't you make a trip to India in winters for some group lessons. India is beautiful in winters. We have some Canadian friends(Golfers) living very close to your place who are here in India for the long winter in Canada.
mjs0039 1 year ago
@mjs0039 Thank you for the kind offer and comment! A couple of great videos to follow this one up so that things happen more instinctively is the "golf pro lesson the insanity of golf" and "golf pro lesson ridiculously easy" part 1 and 2
Shawn
clemshaw 1 year ago
@clemshaw, I accept and agree that it should be instinctive but all the same to reach that level do I need to be aware of something so that the right elbow is always in front. As regards the offer:) let me assure you that you will not regret it if you accept it. Thanks.
mjs0039 1 year ago
@clemshaw I would also like to know the level of tension in the arms as well as legs at address. Thanks
mjs0039 1 year ago
Shawn, On the BS is there a sit down feeling tilted left while the upper body and head tilted to the right rotates right? On the BS is it critical to maintain flex on the right leg for RH golfer?
Thank you again. Great stuff and will definitely buy the DVD.
451mnu 1 year ago
@451mnu Have a look at the following videos for this question: "golf pro lesson get more power and club speed" and "golf pro lesson feet together and one leg update"
You will be both amazed and surprised when you feel this in your swing; Shawn
clemshaw 1 year ago
Shawn,
Great videos and really like your style of delivery and demonstration.Your mid section (posterior & hips) are tilted left at address. On the BS they rotate but stay left, eliminating sway to the right. You described a minimal weight shift to the right as the arms go back and up. In the BS does weight momentarily go to the inside of your right foot or does it move further than the inside?
451mnu 1 year ago
@451mnu momentarily bounces of the right foot and then re-settles into a position against the left ankle in preparation for the delivery of the action to the target; we are talking about a shift in pressure of about 30% in each direction...so 40-60 address (60% against the left side) then 70-30 momentarily (70% in right) and then 30-70 as the arm-club unit gets to the top of the backswing; then the whole downswing is a one leg swing against the left side.
clemshaw 1 year ago
I struggle for years with the big slide and out thrust of the hips. Now my swing thought is just turn, turn, turn the hips. After so many years of a move up and forward, almost feels like I have to squat into it. What I'm finding is that the quick hook is a much more rare shot now.
MrLuigiFercotti 1 year ago
this video has been very helpful to me. I am in highschool and and a 13-19 handicap on a par 70. this video has helped me become more consistant and hit more smoothly like a practice swing. I have had golf lessons before but this video helped me thing about swing mechanics. I love your anologies like throwing a stone on the water. your video helps me focus on my swin and shows me why i am taking a backswing a certain way and why i turn my wrists and so on. thanks a bunch Mr. Clement
Negs006 1 year ago
this is me again Mr. Clement. I also hit my drives like 250 or more now and are straighter. I also like to add that i think you are very nice for posting videos of instruction for free.
Negs006 1 year ago
I watch alot of golf instructional videos on youtube, and you are, by far, the best teacher. I love your videos, and they've really helped me out alot. Wish you lived in NC.
teenazzty22 1 year ago
You're a great, great teacher!! I watch alot of golf instructors on youtube, and you're, by far, the best!! I've learned alot from your videos. WIshed you lived here in NC.
teenazzty22 1 year ago
Shawn,
I'm working on initiating with the hips more, but don't think I am fully clearing them yet. Could this be part of the reason that the beginning of my downswing starts out steep? About a 3rd of the way down I do adjust and get the club back to the inside by focusing on swinging "towards right field", but I fear that this is just a fix, and not addressing the core issue. What swing thoughts will help me let the club FALL from the BEGINNING? Many thanks - and keep up the great work!
claytronica23 1 year ago
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I have gone from handicap 20 down to 5.8 in 5 years and over last two years drifted back to 7.7 . I have read alot of books and got lessons on a few occasions and work hard on improving my game ,. I have never grasped these two fundamentals correctly until i saw how well you demonstrated them in this video. Its really working for me in the last week .Well done and thanks.
mousey180 1 year ago
I have gone from handicap 20 down to 5.8 in 5 years and over last two years drifted back to 7.7 . I have read alot of books and got lessons on a few occasions and work hard on improving my game ,. I have never grasped these two fundamentals correctly until i saw how well you demonstrated them in this video. Its really working for me in the last week .Well done and thanks.
mousey180 1 year ago
Whats up with bracing on the left leg while at the top of your swing? I thought the inside of the right foot/leg should be bearing the weight at that point? If you always keep your weight on the front foot/let, how do you achive any weight transfer?
u2b9876 1 year ago
Awesome, went to the range today and all was well. I have watched everyone of your videos numerous times, especially your anti-shank videos. Is there a reason some people (including myself) tend to shank their wedge rather than any other club?
NikeGolf118 1 year ago
Shawn, after swinging coming out of winter hitting about 150 balls a week, I am practicing all of your drills and my results have been amazing...but I my left hip is soar...especially when I brace my tilt against my forward side. Do you think I am tilting too much?
NikeGolf118 1 year ago
This means that you are collapsing too much into the left side; you do not want to slide into the left side to brace against it; see the "golf pro lesson one leg swing no weightshift" and feel a way to stay against the left side that does not strain the hip;
Shawn
clemshaw 1 year ago
Shawn, Great videos. So the back of the left hand MUST be facing away from the body during the down swing. I finally pick that nuance up in this video today. I kept casting on my downsiwng and getting frustrated. Then I just committed to keeping the back of the left hand facing away from me through the entire downswing and my wrist released naturally and I hit it perfectly. To me, this is more the key to hitting from the inside. Maybe you can discuss this.
mjburke43 1 year ago
This is a nice comment; it would be good to get feedback from others on this one; I can definitely see the benefits; question though; what is your dominant hand you write and throw with?
Shawn
clemshaw 1 year ago
@clemshaw
Shawn, my dominant hand is my right hand and I swing right handed. Just an FYI, check out the "BizHub" videos of the pros (Tiger, Ernie et al) on youtube, and without fail, ever single one keeps the back of their left hand (for right handed players) pointing away from their bodies well in their down swing and often past the ball. The result is tremendous lag. Would you agree?
mjburke43 1 year ago
Great videos Shawn, I have learnt alot from you as you explain everything so clearly, by far the best golf instructional videos ANYWHERE. Many thanks Shawn.
renown69 1 year ago
I have to much leg slide in my swing which causes a loss of lag becasue the body tries to balance itself, how do I shift my weight properly out of the way in accordance with this drill if I dont slide my hips
bunker703 1 year ago
I would have a look at my "golf pro lesson proper weight shift" and "Golf pro lesson downswing weightshift"; it will help get the right mind set; Shawn
clemshaw 1 year ago
Great Lesson THANKS
golfdaddie69 1 year ago
Great comment! Thanks for the one below; well said;
Shawn
clemshaw 1 year ago
As a student of the game I can say," this video explains so much." I come to the realization that the hands are not a source of power when used like a motor but a "link" that makes the motions described in this video the ultimate engine..The hands should concern themselves with regulating grip pressure and not with the "hit" of the ball
golfdaddie69 1 year ago
I want everyone out there to understand that this guy has the best golf videos on youtube. He has a great understanding of the golf swing and he makes it easy to learn. He also has some of the best putting drills Ive seen yet!
XTMRACER17 2 years ago 2
Thank you Man!
Shawn
clemshaw 1 year ago
I've been playing golf since I was 10 and have always had a problem clearing my hands and keeping my hands in front. I can do it fine with a pitching wedge, but as the clubs get longer, my hands lag too much and i end up flicking my wrists. My coach told me to get my upper body much more active because it lags. I feel like keeping my hips protruded will achieve the same effect. What do you think?
wizardsofthe 2 years ago
What the heck does a more active upper body look like??
To balance the body, you need to have something to react to: See "golf pro lesson timing and tempo update" as well as "golf pro lesson the insanity of golf"; then practice the "golf pro lesson perpetual motion drill" together with "golf pro lesson feet together drill" and "golf pro lesson one leg swing no weightshift"; Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
Chemshaw, you need work on your weight shift. X drill: little less knee bend, cross arms on chest like an x and make the swing motion. That is what the weight shift is suppose to feel like.
jonstarks697 2 years ago
For those of you seeing this comment, I have a video on this called "golf pro lesson proper weight shift" as well as "golf pro lesson downswing weightshift"; I am glad I blocked this person from making any other ignorant comments...BTW jonstarks697, the video I do recommend you start with is my "golf pro lesson learn your golf machine" which is a mini lesson in human anatomy...Good luck with everything! Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
@jonstarks697
If I can hit a golf ball on one leg as far as I can two legs, does weight shift really matter. I am 46 years old and I still can get 110-112 mph club head speed on one leg.
Shawn's theory has rescued my beaten up body from the perils of the x-factor. I no longer have patella and/or right hamstring tendonitis and I no longer have an odd twinge in my spine.
The hard part with learning shawns method has been learning ot mentally get out of the way of having a good swing.
bluejfk 2 years ago
Terrible! He is teaching average golfers to block every shot right or hit a hook by flipping the club. That hanzy flip motion not a release. And what is this brace against your left side with a lean. What happend to simply keeping your weight on the inside of your right foot. He's supposed to be a pro and has got a reverse pivot, What is this stack and tilt! lol. Hey clemshaw do all the people on youtube trying to break 90 a favor and quit posting videos.
jonstarks697 2 years ago
Boy I really feel sorry for you dude; it's guys like you who called Hogan's move a reverse pivot and no, this is not stack and tilt; far from it! The majority of my 7000 plus subscribers (and me) would take your money on the golf course any day of the week and I recommend you start doing your homework before making such ignorant accusations;
By the way, you have been blocked! :)
clemshaw 2 years ago
his swing is far from a reverse pivot. some nice things in the video. my question is do you want the golfers to just feel like they turn their hips through the ball? is there any lateral slide toward the targert?
ssgolf37 1 year ago
The lateral move towards the target happens in the backswing; see "golf pro lesson downswing weightshift" and "golf pro lesson 2008 golf swing review part 2"; then see "golf pro lesson the insanity of golf" for the hip clearing automation focus! :) Shawn
clemshaw 1 year ago
people, is the "brace against the left" bit helping most of you? i'm a newbie, i can hit pretty cleanly but i dont feel the "brace" (rather, the weight having shifted to the left) until the end of the swing.
seeget 2 years ago
Have a look at my "golf pro lesson downswing weightshift" video for this; to achieve well, see "golf pro lesson feet together drill" and then "golf pro lesson sequence power drill" in that order...a good finish is "golf pro lesson 2008 golf swing review" part 2
Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
thank you
seeget 2 years ago
Love this guy!!! His lesson are perfection on video...I have been playing for over 30 years this guy really knows how to break it down...watch all his videos and learn!!! Also love the little guy in the background with the junior clubs leaned up against the desk...PRICELESS...
mkinnear68 2 years ago
This is a super drill for feeling how the hips clear properly and how lag is maintained. You can actually play golf with this drill, 1, clear, 2, clear, 3, strike!
It gives you an awesome feel for the heaviness of the arm assembly and the spit of the ball to towards the target.
1tontomato 2 years ago
I'm a bit confused viv a vis "bracing against the left leg" . Won't this cause your weight to be more on the left leg at address instead of the usual 60% on the right one?
Ivan
bmicall 2 years ago
Hello Ivan; if you rewind back 30 to 50 years, you would find that almost every top tour pro including Palmer, Nicklaus, Player, Casper, Souchak and many more used to advocate(and still do today) having 60% of the weight pressure into the left side at address; so now are you going to say they were wrong? Golf instruction took a very funky turn when video first came out and they started passing theories without having any base knowledge of human anatomy...things will be coming back soon...:)
clemshaw 2 years ago
Hi Shaw, do you drop down the hands first then clear the hips are do you rotate the hips first then drop the hands? Love you tips
eddiebutt1 2 years ago
See the perpetual motion drill for this one; you will realize that the relationship is as follows: Arm Club unit is tracking gravity and centrifugal force and the body is getting out of the way in both directions to ALLOW THE ARM-CLUB UNIT TO TRACK GRAVITY AND CENTRIFUGAL FORCE; so the answer is that it is already being taken care of and there should never be any conscious thinking about this; Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
You forget to mention sliding the hips on the downswing which as a junior it is something i have been plagued with for years but thanks to some recent lesson im starting to rotate more instead of slide and i no longer need to place with a shut clubface. The feeling i need on the downswing is to feel like my weight is staying on my right side throughout the whole downswing, remember thats just for me, feel and real are not the same thing, what you feel your doing your very seldom doing.
xKiNGP1N 2 years ago
Well that could be true at the beginning but once you match perception to reality and get good body awareness, then you can start performing nicely on course and under pressure;
The "golf pro lesson leverage power" as well as the "golf pro lesson feet together drill" videos would be good for you!
Thanks for the comment!
clemshaw 2 years ago
Hi Shawn, by far the best video lessons i've found on the internet. Thanks a lot for sharing them with us and now i really feel i'm enjoying the game.
Greeting from Guadalajara, Mexico
Keep up the good job.
vizca26 2 years ago
Muchas Gracias!
I hope I spelled that one right! :)
I wish you guys could send some of your wonderful heat our way in Canada for the winter!
Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
The key here is to be against the left side; not on top of it; there should be no strain on any of your joints at any time; see "golf pro lesson feet together drill for the ultimate feel in how to stay stacked in the swing; Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
hi shawn i have tried everything to fix my hip slide on the downswing and even after this video im still struggling to really get the rotation happening. any suggestions?
Skukzwun 2 years ago
I saw that you already went to the feet together drill which was the video I was going to suggest; that and the "one leg swing no weightshift"; Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
Please respond to gmonkey. I have the same concerns.
thegonz9 2 years ago
Sean help me !!!
Are you saying in this video that your weight is on your left leg at the top of your back swing 4.05????? Surley not??
I have my weight on the right foot at top of swing.
How do you have weight on a bent leg??
this is driving me mad. I play off 12 and feel like I am doing a few things wrong but could be much better. Shame you aint in uk.
gmonkey808 2 years ago
Hey gmonkey;
The weight shift into the right side in the backswing, there is no doubt about that; but how does it get back to the left BEFORE THE ARMS FALL BACK DOWN IN THE DOWNSWING? See "golf pro lesson 2008 golf swing review part 1 and 2" as well as the "golf pro lesson one leg swing no weightshift" and "golf pro lesson timing and tempo update" videos for a deeper understanding; Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
Would it be OK to combine the feet together drill with this drill?
maineroots 2 years ago
yes! You bet! You will feel the returning of the butt launch the arms towards the target!
Great comment! Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
Hi Shawn, Thanks for all the great videos!! When I try to rotate my hips on the downswing, It makes it really hard for me to even hit the ball, it feels like the club is way behind my body and it feels like I'm going to hit the ball straight to the left with an outside to in swing across the ball. Do you have any advice? Thanks!
00179119 2 years ago
Take a look at my "golf pro lesson arms falling down plane" video; it is a great complement to this one; then check out the "Golf Pro lesson timing and tempo update";
Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
Thanks Shawn!
00179119 2 years ago
Hi Shawn, I was having difficulty performing the left hip clearing action at full speed. However I watched your "transition" video and managed to get this weightlessness of the club at the top, at which time I find it a lot easier (effortless) to clear the left hip ( or protrude your left cheek) is this the correct feeling?
coopersx19 2 years ago
Yes; you are getting there!
Make sure you keep the "Catapult to the target" feel and focus from the very beginning; "Golf Pro lesson Distance to ball part 2", "golf pro lesson feet together drill" and "golf pro lesson catapult power" as follow ups; keep at it! Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
Hey there clemshaw, I got a little question. My dad has a tendency to fall to the right on the top of his backswing. His head bobs up a little, but I'd say it's only 2-3 inches. Any recommendations on which videos to watch?
By the way, your lessons are great!
MicrowavedHamster 2 years ago
I have a video for that..."golf pro lesson head bobbing" :)
Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
Yes; you are on the right track!
See "golf pro lesson feet together drill", "golf pro lesson catapult power" and "golf pro lesson distance to ball part 2" as follow ups! Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
Shawn thanks for the reply, i have trouble leaning back or forward on my backswing any tips to help staying level on my backswing, Thanks Frank.
Franknemcic 2 years ago
The very best drill for this is the "golf pro lesson feet together drill" and make sure you keep the knees together as well when doing the drill; take that feel and bring it to your regular swing; Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
how does it work if we dont have the braced tilt
MrGolfman7 2 years ago
It won't! See "golf pro lesson proper spine tilt angle" for the first of the tilt series; then see "golf pro lesson tilted spiral" part 1, 2 and 3;
Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
Hi Shawn, while trying to clear the hips better and to get some more lag (as you describe it in other vids, too), I suddenly started to pull my shots heavily. I checked with my camera and realised that I'm coming from the outside to the ball (with straight clubface). Is it possible to clear the hips too early and therefore pulling the shots to the left? Do you recommend any vid here on YouTube or on your DVD to find (or solve) the issue? Any idea would be very welcome... Thanks a lot!
chrzipfel 2 years ago
The key is to stay centered behind the ball against the left side through the motion while the focus stays on your target and the feel of the whip or swat towards that target; "Golf Pro lesson how to repeat your practice swing", "golf pro lesson tilted spiral" part 1, 2 and 3; Thanks for the question! Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
Shawn- Is your swing a stack and tilt ? I think your videos are very good because you break down all parts of the swing ! Thank you.
Franknemcic 2 years ago
They should call this stack and tilt!! :) What they do is not true Stacking with the centre of gravity of the human body and they do not understand how the central nervous system reacts to proper commands...it is still position this and position that because this guy did this and that guy did that; I am not a big fan...I wish I could do more to explain but only have 500 characters or less and I do not want to open that can of worms in debates just yet...:) Thanks for the comment! Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
For nigh on 25 years this drill has been part of pre-shot routine. Very important piece of instruction and very well explained. Great video.
footstink35 2 years ago
Shawn - I have enjoyed all your videos and they have helped me big time. I think anyone watching this one must watch the Arms falling down the plane video. You are a little too mechanical in this video and some of the angles are confusing. It comes thru perfectly in the arms falling presentation. Get the arms falling in front and the brain will clear the hips. Thanks a million you are great!
daver19572000 2 years ago
Thanks for the great input daver! Much appreciated!
Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago