P3G-GoodFeel

Power Golf

This page was last updated 05-22-09

B I O M E C H A N I C S

Related To The Fundamentals of Good Feel

As mentioned on the Stage Three - Your Biomechanics web page, there are 12
biomechanical features related to the biomechanics of a sound swing; four (4) of the
features relate to the fundamentals of Accuracy, four (4) of the features relate to the
fundamentals of Power, and four (4) of the features relate to the fundamentals of
Good Feel. Also keep in mind that each of the 12 biomechanical features has 3
options. On this page we will overview the 4 Biomechanical features related to
Good Feel. Study these features and familiarize yourself with the 3 options related
to each feature. Simply familiarize yourself with the basic patterns. If you are
interested in studying them in more detail you will be able to purchase a series of
books related to the Power of 3 Golf Biomechanics. There will also be DVD's and
downloads available in the future.

Below we will show pictures and provide descriptions of the 4 biomechanical features related
to Good Feel. In doing so we will cover the three options related to each feature. Keep in
mind we are overviewing these features. In the future you will have the opportunity to learn
more about how to test yourself, and how to apply the knowledge found on these pages.

As a reminder, the Power of 3 Golf Biomechanics related to Power:

Swing Linkage – there are 3 possible ways of linkage all components of the body and arms.
Swing Slotting – there are 3 possible ways of matching the arms delivery plane to the body action.
Postural Release – there are 3 possible ways of releasing the body fully to match the arm swing.
Arc Management – there are 3 possible ways of rhythmically blending the arms with the body action.

As mentioned above there are 3 options for each feature. The options for the
biomechanics related to the fundamentals of power are listed below.

Power of 3 Golf Biomechanics related to Power:

Swing Linkage – Front, Center, & Rear
Swing Slotting – Down Slotting, Cross-Slotting, & Plane-Slotting
Postural Release – Stand-Up, Post-Up, & Rotate-In
Arc Management – Narrow-Wide, Deep-Deep, & Wide-Narrow

If you have any questions regarding New Horizons Golf Approach please contact
Ed Tischler at (408)203-7599, or email your questions to Ed Tischler
new horizonsgolf er @y a h o o .com.

New Horizons Golf Approach
I n n o v a t i v e C o a c h i n g F o r G o l f e r s

Swing Linkage Biomechanics:
Front, Center, & Rear options

As we begin our study of the biomechanics related to good feel we will start with the feature of Linkage. Linkage is a
very important influence when it comes to ensuring proper timing. To understand why this is, we will describe the
concept of linkage first. Linkage is the ability to geometrically align your arm swing with your pivot action. In order
for all the components of your stroke to deliver the stroke's energy in one united action, they must all be linked
together. Linking all the components together allows all the stroke's energy to multiply, gather, and be delivered
together.
In the New Horizons Golf Approach Linkage is an expanded version of connection. If you've studied either the
Stage One - Your Fundamentals web pages or the Stage Two - Your Techniques web pages your may remember
studying the basic techniques of connecting your arm swing to your body motion. If you have studied the basic
connection techniques you may ask, "What's the difference between connection and linkage?" The easiest way to
differentiate between the two is that connection establishes the basic synchronization between the arms and the
torso, where as Linkage is aligning every component of your body together. For example, a right handed golfer
using the Rear Linkage feature will deliver the swing with every component of the right side moving through the
delivery interval at the same time. Right foot, knee, hip, side of the torso, shoulder elbow, hands and club are all
moving through delivery together in one continuous synchronized manner.
One of the key things to remember about linkage is that it must match your clearing pattern. If you use Front Hip
Clearing then you must use Front Linkage to ensure a biomechanically sound stroke. If you use Tailbone Clearing
then you must use Center Linkage to ensure a biomechanically sound stroke. If you use Rear Hip Linkage then you
must use Rear Linkage to ensure a biomechanically sound stroke. In order for all the forces of the stroke to be
delivered down the line together, they all need to be oriented in the same direction. If your arm swing links up to
your body motion on a different mark than the one that creates clearing the delivery of the arm swing will be thrown
out of alignment with the force vectors of the pivot action. If the arm swing links up with the pivot action on the mark
with the clearing action, all the components of the body will be delivered down the same plane line. In summary,
matching your linkage to your clearing feature ensures all the forces of your stroke will be working together in a
synchronized manner.

Front Linkage Option:

To help visualize and understand how linkage works we are going to study it in terms of using a pre-set wrist drill.
Whenever you use a pre-set wrist drill you want to make sure your set the wrists on the Linkage Line. You also
want to make sure you assemble your delivery point on the linkage line.

To perform the Front Linkage pre-set wrist drill, you begin by perform the Wrist Lever Option that fits your
biomechanics. As you perform the Wrist Lever action you will align your lead arm in-line with the front side of your
body. In the middle picture above you can see that the pre-set wrist action has been performed by aligning the left
arm in-line with the left side of the body. This is the proper Front Linkage alignment for a right handed golfer. Once
the preset is completed you simply move to the top of your backswing.

As the transition is executed the lead arm needs to move in front of the body back toward the front linkage
alignment mark. Golfers often describe this process as waiting for the arms to match up to the body. By this they
mean the body is waiting for the arms to link up. Though the perception is the body is staying back as the arms
catch up, in reality the body is restoring as the arms are catching up to link up. We can see this happening in the
picture far left. Instead of the body out racing the arms, we can see the arms moving in front of the body in an
effort to link up to the Front Linkage mark. In the middle picture the lead arm has once again aligned itself with the
front side of the body. The wrist lever action is being maintained as the stroke moves into delivery while achieving
front linkage alignments. If a Front Linkage golfer leaves his, or her, arms behind the body as the pivot moves
forward he or she will most likely experience the feeling of being stuck. It will become obvious that Front Linkage
golfer really have to wait for the transitional move to be completed, much more than even Center Linkage
golfers.(Far right picture) As the stroke moves further into delivery, notice how the lead arm and clubshaft are
aligned exactly on the Front Linkage mark.

In the picture far left above we can see the set-up has been established with the front hip up against the orange
stick, simulating that it is up against the wall. In the middle picture we can see the pre-set wrist position. Notice how
the lead arm, torso, and upper leg all seem to be lined up as if they are also up against a wall. It is clear the pre-set
position is more front than either center or rear. (Far right) The stroke moves to the top of the backswing.

(Far left) As the stroke transitions forward the lead arm moves more in front of the body. It is moving toward the
Front Linkage mark as the body is moving to restore its' posture. In the middle picture the front hip has cleared
back up against the orange stick and the lead arm has linked up to the Front Linkage alignment mark. Notice how
similar the middle picture immediately above is to the middle picture in the first three pictures from this view. (Far
right) As the swing continues into impact the front hip is fully cleared and the front leg, torso, arm, and clubshaft
are all aligned on the mark.

Keep in mind these descriptions are offered as a general overview. For further explanations,
ways of testing your body mechanics, and to study applications you can study the Power of 3
Golf books, attend a workshop, or wait for the Secrets of Owning Your Swing website.

Center Linkage Option:

To perform the Center Linkage pre-set wrist drill, you begin by perform the Wrist Lever Option that fits your
biomechanics. As you perform the Wrist Lever action you will align the center of your hands on the center line of your
body. In the middle picture above you can see that the pre-set wrist action has been performed by aligning the center
of the hands exactly on the center line of the body. This is the proper Center Linkage alignment for a right handed
golfer. Once the preset is completed you simply move to the top of your backswing.

As the transition is executed the hands need to move in front of the body back toward the center linkage alignment
mark. Golfers often describe this process as waiting for the arms to match up to the body. By this they mean the
body is waiting for the arms to link up. Though the perception is the body is staying back as the arms catch up, in
reality the body is restoring as the arms are catching up to linkage point. We can see this happening in the picture
far left. Instead of the body out racing the arms, we can see the arms moving in front of the body in an effort to link
up to the Center Linkage mark. In the middle picture the hands have once again aligned with the center line of the
body. The wrist lever action is being maintained as the stroke moves into delivery while achieving center linkage
alignments. If a Center Linkage golfer leaves his, or her, arms behind the body as the pivot moves forward he or she
will most likely experience the feeling of being stuck. Tiger Woods has often described this experience. I believe he
describes this experience because he owns Center Linkage biomechanics. (Far right picture) As the stroke moves
further into delivery, notice how the hands stay exactly on the center line of the body as the stroke moves into impact.

In the picture far left above the set-up has been established with the tailbone up against the orange stick,
simulating that it is up against the wall. In the middle picture the pre-set wrist position is established on the centerline
of the body. (Far right) The stroke moves to the top of the backswing.

(Far left) As the stroke transitions forward the hands move in front of the body. They are moving toward the Center
Linkage mark as the body is moving to restore its' posture. In the middle picture the tailbone has cleared back up
against the orange stick and the hands have linked up to the Center Linkage alignment mark. Notice how similar the
middle picture (immediately above) is to the middle picture in the first three pictures from this view. (Far right) As the
swing continues into impact the tailbone is fully cleared and the hands remain aligned on the center line of the body.

Rear Linkage Option:

To help visualize and understand how linkage works we are going to study it in terms of using a pre-set wrist drill.
Whenever you use a pre-set wrist drill you want to make sure your set the wrists on the Linkage Line. You also want
to make sure you assemble your delivery point on the linkage line.

To perform the RearLinkage pre-set wrist drill, you begin by perform the Wrist Lever Option that fits your
biomechanics. As you perform the Wrist Lever action you will align your rear arm in-line with your rear leg. In the
middle picture above you can see that the pre-set wrist action has been performed by aligning the right arm in-line
with the right leg. This is the proper Rear Linkage alignment for a right handed golfer. Once the preset is completed
you simply move to the top of your backswing.

As the transition is executed the rear arm stays connected to the rear side of the body. Depending on the top-set
alignment, the arm may need to move slightly to make sure it is married to the side of the body. Rear Linkage
golfers often report rotating from the top of the backswing while leaving the arms behind. This was Ben Hogan's
description, showing he was a rear linkage golfer. If you are extremely flexible you may still be able to leave your
arms behind your body and end up feeling stuck. In the middle picture the rear arm has linked up with the rear side
of the body. The hands are directly in front of the rear pocket, and the wrist lever angle is being maintained. (Far
right picture) As the stroke moves further into delivery, notice how the whole right side seems to be moving into
impact together. Right arm is married to the right side, the right knee is moving into alignment with the clubshaft
and the hands are still aligned in front of the pocket. These are exactly the conditions needed to deliver the swing
with Rear Linkage alignments.

In the picture far left above we can see the set-up has been established with the rear hip up against the orange
stick, simulating that it is up against the wall. In the middle picture we can see the pre-set wrist position. Notice how
the rear arm, torso, and upper leg all seem to be lined up as if they are also up against a wall. (Far right) The stroke
moves to the top of the backswing.

As the transition is executed the rear arm returns alongside the body. Golfers often describe this process as
marrying the right arm to the right side of the body. As the pivot restores the postural angles, the arms, hands, and
club return to their pre-set alignments. We can see this happening in the picture far left. In the middle picture the
lead arm has once again aligned itself with the front side of the body. The wrist lever action is being maintained as
the stroke moves into delivery while achieving rear linkage alignments. Once again the wrist lever angle is
maintained. If the Rear Linkage golfer is flexible enough to leaves his, or her, arms behind the body as the pivot
moves forward he or she may still experience the feeling of being stuck. However, this is much less common in the
case of Rear Linkage golfers. They are more likely to simply rotate forward while leaving the right arm in place
where it can become married to the side of the body. (Far right picture) As the stroke moves further into delivery,
notice how the right side is driving through and the right arm and clubshaft are aligned exactly on the Right Linkage
mark.

Swing Slotting Biomechanics:
Down Slotting, Cross Slotting, & Plane Slotting options

To understand the concept of slotting better we will observe three different golfers performing three different training
exercises. As you view these patterns, keep in mind that golfers whom own Down-Slotting biomechanics deliver their
swings on the Center of Gravity Plane. This is the plane that is aligned from the ball line up through the golfers
center of gravity. Golfers whom own Cross-Slotting biomechanics deliver their swings on the Torso Plane. This is
the plane that is aligned from the ball line up through the center point of the golfers torso. Golfers whom own
Plane-Slotting biomechanics deliver their swings on the Shoulder Plane. This is the plane that is aligned from the
ball line up through the center of the golfers shoulder girdle.

In the middle picture above Sean has pre-set his wrist lever action so that his hands and club shaft are exactly on
plane. From this pre-set position Sean simply rotates in posture ensuring that the first half of the backstroke is
performed on the Center of Gravity Plane.

Down-Slotting Option:

As Sean's stroke continues to the top of the backstroke his right arm folds completing the levering action in the
backstroke. In Sean's case this elevates the club into the Mid-Track Swing-Track. From the top of the backstroke
Sean performs a down-slotting action. This action involves his right forearm and hands returning to the Center of
Gravity Plane while maintaining his Wrist Lever angle. Once the right forearm has returned to the Center of
Gravity Plane he will restore his posture and hands to the pre-set wrist position. Then he will deliver the stroke
through impact exactly on the Center of Gravity Plane.

(Left Picture Above) Sean has performed the Down-Slotting action so that the clubshaft has returned to the Center
of Gravity Plane. In the middle picture Sean has restored his posture and wrist lever action back to the pre-set wrist
position. Once again it is performed on the Center of Gravity Plane. (Right Picture Above) Sean has moved into
impact with his body rotating in posture and his hands and the clubshaft on the Center of Gravity Plane.

Cross-Slotting Option:

Above we can view Sean's training exercise fro the target view. In this pattern I will skip the address position and add
in the picture below where Sean returns to the restored pre-set wrist position. (Left Picture Above) Sean has pre-set
his wrist lever action to be aligned on-plane. In the middle picture Sean is rotating in posture while the stroke
remains on the Center of Gravity Plane. (Right Picture Above) Sean folds his right arm completing the backstroke
lever action. He is now ready to down-slot

(Left Picture Above) Paul has addressed the ball with the clubshaft positioned on the Center of Gravity Plane. The
orange stick is positioned to simulate Paul's Torso Plane. In the middle picture Paul has performed his pre-set lever
wrist action. He uses a version of the Diagonal Lever action. His version sets the clubshaft outside the plane line,
however his rotation brings it back on-plane. (Right Picture Above) We can see Paul has rotated in posture and in
doing so the clubshaft has been aligned on the Torso Plane.

(Left Picture Above) As Paul's stroke continues to the top of the backstroke his right arm folds completing the
levering action in the backstroke. In Paul's case this elevates the club into the Mid-Track Swing-Track. From the top
of the backstroke Paul performs a cross-slotting action. This action involves his hands moving across his torso onto
the Torso Plane while maintaining his Wrist Lever angle. For the player owning Cross-Slotting biomechanics, the
ideal top of the backstroke position will position the hands exactly on the Torso Plane. This allows the player to
simply deliver the stroke along the Torso Plane without any compensation. Paul's hands are very close to being
exactly on the Torso Plane at the top of the backstroke. Close enough to be biomechanically sound. Keep in mind
that achieving ideal alignments are dependent on having ideal physical conditioning. Something most of us struggle
with being able to maintain in our lives. Once the Cross-Slotting action is initiated all Paul needs to do is ride the
Torso Plane down through impact. Notice how the stroke maintains Torso Plane integrity through impact.

Plane-Slotting Option:

Below we can study the training pattern of a golfer that delivers his stroke on the Center Of Gravity Plane. The
Center of Gravity Plane is marked by the orange shaft angled from the ball line up through the center of gravity.
The orange shaft is off-set from the ball line slightly so that it is aligned with the golf shaft which is a few inches
inside the ball line at address. Ideally the club shaft will match the orange stick at address as well as impact.

Below we can study the training pattern of a golfer that delivers his stroke on the Torso Plane. The Torso Plane is
marked by the orange shaft angled from the ball line up through the center of the torso. The orange shaft is
off-set from the ball line slightly so that it is aligned with the golf shaft which is a few inches inside the ball line at
address. Some day we may see golfers that deliver the stroke on the Torso Plane actually address the ball with
the golf shaft on the Torso Plane. Moe Norman is a golfer that has done so.

Below we can study the training pattern of a golfer that delivers his stroke on the Shoulder Plane. The Shoulder
Plane is marked by the orange shaft angled from the ball line up through the center of the shoulder girdle. The
orange shaft is off-set from the ball line slightly so that it is aligned with the golf shaft which is a few inches inside
the ball line at address. Some day we may see golfers that deliver the stroke on the Shoulder Plane actually
address the ball with the golf shaft on the Shoulder Plane. As a matter of fact Ed Tischler already has students
that use such alignments. Below Ed demonstrates the pattern with a more traditional single shift onto the
Shoulder plane from a more traditional address position.

(Left Picture Above) Ed sets up in a fairly traditional address position. In the middle picture he pre-sets his wrist
lever action while positioning it on the Shoulder Plane. (Right Picture Above) Once the stroke is pre-set on-plane he
simply rotates in posture until the left arm is parallel to the ground. At this point the clubshaft is still aligned on the
Shoulder Plane. From this top-set position Ed is ready to complete the backstroke.

(Left Picture Above) As Ed's stroke continues to the top of the backstroke his right arm folds completing the
levering action in the backstroke. In Ed's case this elevates the club into the Mid-Track Swing-Track. From the top
of the backstroke Ed performs a Plane-Slotting action. This action involves the right shoulder rotating down the
shoulder plane line with the hands moving along the plane in a synchronized manner. Additionally the action is
performed while maintaining the Wrist Lever angle. For the player owning Plane-Slotting biomechanics, the ideal
top of the backstroke position will position the hands exactly on the Shoulder Plane. This allows the player to simply
deliver the stroke along the Shoulder Plane without any compensation. Paul's hands are very close to being exactly
on the Shoulder Plane at the top of the backstroke. Close enough to be biomechanically sound. Keep in mind that
achieving ideal alignments are dependent on having ideal physical conditioning. Something most of us struggle
with being able to maintain in our lives. Once the Plane-Slotting action is initiated all ed needs to do is ride the
Shoulder Plane down through impact. Notice how the stroke maintains Shoulder Plane integrity through impact.

Postural Release Biomechanics:
Stand-Up, Post-Up, & Rotate-In options

(Left Picture Above) This is an example of a golfer that owns Plane-Slotting biomechanics and addresses the
ball with the clubshaft establishing the shoulder plane alignment. As we can see he also sets his wrist lever
action on the shoulder plane in the middle picture above. (Right Picture Above) At the top of the backstroke his
hands set on the shoulder plane.

(Left Picture Above) As the stroke transitions back toward the restored delivery position, once again still on the
shoulder plane line. In the middle picture the stroke reaches impact with the shoulder plane alignments being
maintained. (Right Picture Above) As the swing is finished off his hands are still on the Shoulder Plane.

Stand-Up Postural Release Option:

In the above sequence notice how the golfer is standing up through impact (picture 2). From delivery (1) through
impact (2) we can see by the position of the head in relations to the blue line that the golfer's posture is moving
upward. This allows the golfer to maximize verticals through impact. Notice how extended the arms and club are
through impact. By the time the golfer turns to face the target full postural release has been achieved, as marked by
the vertical orange line (picture 3). Though many people argue that this is improper posturing technique, the reality
is that Stand-Up Postural Release golfers rotate in posture through the transition. At the end of the transition the
golfer's rearend is restored back into its' starting position (picture 1). After the transition is completed the golfer
begins the stand-up process producing upward verticals that make room for the downward verticals to extend.
Maximizing and synchronizing these verticals in one of the options we have for maximizing power. By synchronizing
the verticals energy is accelerated and power is multiplied. As the posture is released, it is released into a fully
vertical and properly aligned posture (pictures 3 & 4). In the Stand-Up postural release option it simply happens
earlier than is traditionally taught. In this pattern the delivery process begins as the golfer begins to stand-up.

Post-Up Postural Release Option:

Rotate-In Postural Release Option:

As we study the Rotate-In Postural Release Option from the down the line view we can see the golfer rotating in
posture until the full extension in Picture (3). Once the full extension is achieved the golfer releases all postural
angles up to a tall finish. This option is easy to visualize and it is so often professed as the only correct option that it
needs little discussion. The point to remember is that it is only suited to one-third of the golfing population. One-third
of you are built to own the Stand-Up option and one-third of you are built to own the Post-Up option.

The Stand-Up Postural Release option is largely misunderstood. It is used by golfers that need to add extra
vertical actions into their swings. Golfers that have Front Anchor, On-Top, and Low-Track Biomechanics for
example have such strong horizontal properties in their strokes that they often own the Stand-Up Postural Release
Feature to help balance out the strong horizontal properties of their strokes. Be assured that this option is valid
and is used by golfers on all major golf tours.

Arc Management Biomechanics:
Narrow-Wide, Deep-Deep, & Wide-Narrow options

Though one of the primary concerns of developing a biomechanically sound swing action is rotating in posture, we
must also release our postural angles if we are to execute a biomechanically sound swing. Releasing these angles
allows a full release of the body's energy and it allows you to normalize the stress the golf action puts on the body
during the stroke.

From the down the line view we can see the golfer transition in posture (picture 1). When the transition is
completed the golfer begins the stand-up postural release action. As the stand-up action begins the downward
verticals begin to kick in. By the time the stroke reaches impact the posture is stretching up vertically and the arms
and club are stretching downward vertically (picture 2). We can see the posture is stretching up vertically as the
golfer has come out of the posture marked by the orange lines. In picture (2) we can see the yellow line indicating
the golfer's adjusted posture. We can also see how much the head has risen as marked by the blue lines. In
picture (3) we can see the posture is continuing to move in t he vertical direction. By the time the golfer reaches
the full follow-through, the posture is fully vertical.

In the sequence above we can see the stroke transition in posture. Then as the stroke moves from delivery (1)
into impact (2) and just beyond (3) the posture is standing up. In this golfer's case he delivers the swing on the
Center of Gravity Plane and therefore his stand-up progresses a little later than the one demonstrated in the above
two sequences. This is evident in the fact that his rearend stays back in the restored position until the club moves
through impact. From picture (3) to the full follow-through he releases his posture freely as he finishes off the
stand-up action. Once this golfer began releasing his posture with the stand-up option he gained both power and
accuracy.

The Post-Up Postural Release option is more commonly accepted, yet is still criticized by some teachers that
believe you must rotate in posture as long as possible. It is used by golfers that need to add a moderate amount
of vertical actions into their swings. Golfers that have Front Anchor, Side-On, or Low-Track Biomechanics will
have enough horizontal properties in their strokes that they often own the Post-Up Postural Release Feature to
help balance out the moderate horizontal properties of their strokes. This option is used by Tiger Woods, who I
believe owns center anchor, side-on, mid-track biomechanics. This combination added to some of his other
features that have modern horizontal influence make the Post-Up feature ideal for his swing.

In the Post-Up option the golfer will transition in posture, maintain the posture into delivery (1) and then begin
posting up on the front leg. As the golfer posts up on the front leg the stroke begins to extend through the ball (2)
out to the full extension point (3). Once the leg reaches the full post the sternum and head begin to release
upward. This is happening in picture (2) as we can see the head raising a little in relations to the blue line. As the
swing moves into the full extension the posture releases more, as evident in the head moving upward above the
blue line in picture (3). Notice how the orange line in pictures (2) & (3) indicate the vertical attitude of the posting
action. From the full extension the postural release action releases fully to a vertical finish alignment (picture 4).

From this view we can see how the golfer is doing a relative job of staying in posture until the front leg is posted in
picture (2). As the front leg posts up the head begins to move upward as can be seen in picture (2). Then as the
stroke moves into the full extension (3) the posture releases more upward. From the full extension to the finish the
posture releases freely into its' vertical alignment.

The Rotate-In Postural Release option is the most commonly accepted option. It is used by golfers that have
strong vertical actions and need to add some extra horizontal properties into the stroke. One thing to notice is the
postural release pattern matches the timing of the extension in each stroke. Golfers that need maximum verticals
will have the extension occur closer to impact, ensuring more vertical launch characteristics. Golfers that need
moderate verticals will have the full extension occur shortly after impact to ensure ideal launch characteristics.
Golfers that have strong verticals inherent in their strokes will extend outwardly past waist-high, or even to
shoulder-high, helping add more horizontal action into the stroke. And, to do so they will rotate in posture until the
full extension reaches its' horizontal attitude. Golfers that have Rrear or Center Anchor, Under, and/or Mid-Track
or High-Track Biomechanics will have enough inherent vertical properties in their strokes that they often own the
Rotate-In Postural Release Feature.

As we Can see with Rotate-In Postural Release actions, the golfer will rotate in posture until the full extension is
completed at some point past waist-high in the follow-through. To rotate in posture for this long interval the golfer's
front leg straightens and leans rearward slightly, this allows the lead hip to continue to rotate around so that the
body can continue to rotate in posture. Once the full extension is achieved the golfer once again release the
postural angles to a tall finish alignment.

Arc Management patterns have been around for a long time, all though teachers have used many different terms
and descriptions to convey the message. There are golfers, such as Tom Watson, who have relatively narrow arc
as the stroke moves up in the backstroke and a slightly wider one as the stroke transitions toward delivery. There
are golfers like Jack Nicklaus that had a very wide arc in the backstroke and a much more narrow one in the
downstroke. And, there are golfer such as Peter Jabobsen who currently use a more inside and deep arc in the
backstroke, matched by and inside and deep arc in the downstroke. They are all valid and they have a lot to do with
the golfer's internal rhythm. The way the arc transitions allows us to load , store, and release the dynamics of the
golf shaft with our own particular rhythmic frequency at work. Thus, when fitting shafts to a golfer's stroke we look for
shafts that fit their arc management patterns.

Narrow-Wide Arc Management Option:

In the above sequence we see a golfer performing a backstroke that used an early set with a quite vertical
takeaway. This produced a narrow arc in the backstroke. In the downstroke the arc has widened. This is evident
in the fact that the orange arc line appears wider and the blue line, marking the distance from the sternum to the
hands is wider in the downstroke (far right picture) than it is in the backstroke (far left picture).

Deep-Deep Arc Management Option:

Wide-Narrow Arc Management Option:

In the above sequence we see a golfer performing a backstroke that moves very wide with little hinging in the
takeaway. In the downstroke the arc narrows as the hands move in closer to the body. We can see all three arcs
narrowing in the downstroke. The clubhead arc marked by the black line, the hands arc marked by the orange
line, and the blue line marking how far away form the sternum the hands are moving have all shortened in the
downstroke.

In the above sequence we see a golfer performing a backstroke that moves deep (inside the line or around the
golfer) with a moderate hinging of the wrists in the takeaway. This produced a deep arc in the backstroke. In the
downstroke the arc is very similar. It is approaching form the inside and the blue line, marking the distance from
the sternum to the hands is nearly the same in the both downstroke (far right picture) than it is in the backstroke
(far left picture). If the pictures were both taken with the left arm at exactly the same angle to the ground all three
lines would have approximately the same dimensions. We have added an additional black line to show that the
arcs of the clubhead paths are relatively the same.