Working on the forward swing

The forward swing is a rotation of the hips and shoulders around the pivot point of the left foot.

Ideally the legs simply respond to the movement of the hips although in many cases the legs do not respond correctly and

therefore must be trained to make the correct motion. At the completion of the back swing the shoulders have rotated about 90 degrees and the hips have turned half as much.

As we transition to the forward swing the hips must lead the way since they have turned less on the back swing. The hips

and shoulders rotate in a synchronized motion around the front foot. The shoulders catch up to the hips after impact and in the case of many good golfers actually surpass the hips at the completion of the swing.

At the finish position the hips are facing the target. If you slice the ball the shoulders should also face the target. A golfer with a hook should allow the shoulders to rotate slightly to the left of the target at the finish position.

A great way to practice the forward swing is to hold one club across the line of the shoulders and one across the line of the hips. Rotate the shoulders around the back leg for the back swing and notice that the shoulders have turned twice as much as the hips.

Start the forward with the hips and shoulders rotating in harmony. This is easily seen with the aid of the clubs. Simply turn the hips and shoulders until they are above the front foot. The right knee should have moved laterally to a point alongside the left knee. Practice with the use of a mirror.

Terry Gingell is the director of Instruction at Eagle Valley Golf. He's now taking registration for sports camps, junior golf camps and adult group lessons. For more information, call Gingell at 887-7174.