Below we will show pictures and provide descriptions of the 4 biomechanical features related to Power. 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. |
Power Golf
As we study the biomechanics of the body's involvement in the golf stroke it is essential to discuss the body's
balance point in the hip girdle and how it influences the basic pivot action. Since there are three categories of golf
strokes (Hitting, Throwing, & Swinging) there are three basic ways of utilizing swing anchor balance points. In
general the Swinging version is the most recommended stroke pattern, therefore we will be discussing swing anchors
in relations to the swinging type of stroke action. You can review the basic concepts of Hitting, Throwing, and
Swinging elsewhere in this website as well as in a variety of the New Horizons Golf Approach books. For now simply
realize that golf stroke built around a swinging style are very rotary in nature. Thus, isolating your best anchor point
and learning to rotate around it will be an integral part of developing an anchored swinging action. The following
section is an excerpt from one of Ed Tischler's books. It provides the basic concepts related to swing anchor
biomechanics.
What is a Swing Anchor – The Anchoring Process
Being anchored keeps your body motion from swaying or drifting during your swing. Just like a boat uses an anchor
to keep from drifting away, using a swing anchor will minimize drifting in your golf swing. This means swing anchor
techniques facilitate centeredness and repeatability in your golf swing. Swing Anchor techniques will also assist in
stacking your power components more efficiently. If you have studied my book, “Stacking For Powerful Golf,” you
may already understand how stacking techniques relate to anchoring. For those of you that are familiar with Power
Stacking techniques, anchoring will help tighten up your stacking techniques. For those of you that are unfamiliar
with power stacking techniques, feel confident that beginning with anchoring biomechanics is a sound place to start.
As a matter of fact, Anchoring is an actual biomechanical feature of the golf swing while Power Stacking is an
application.
Anchoring in golf is a means of coordinating your weight shift and rotation in as centered a manner as possible.
Golfers often drift, slide, or sway in their swings. This is mainly because they are told to shift their weight laterally.
Too much lateral motion will slide the swing’s center of rotation, causing the bottom of the swing arc to drift and this
leads to inconsistency with your ball striking techniques.
Proponents of such lateral motion in the golf action are actually promoting a throwing action as compared to a
swinging action. Since this book is concerned with understanding how to develop a SWINGING action through sound
biomechanics, I will refrain from discussing the shortcomings of throwing actions and focus more on the benefits of
swinging actions. Remember the primary concern with regard to the biomechanics of SWINGING is that of Rotating In
Posture. The more lateral motion the swing encounters the less likely the golfer will rotate in posture. Therefore,
drifting, sliding, and swaying are problematic for the golfer concerned with SWINGING with good biomechanics.
One of the greatest benefits of using an ANCHORED SWINGING action is its’ ability to reproduce a consistent bottom
of the swing arc location; thus encouraging consistently sound impact conditions. This is because anchoring the
swing keeps the swing action as centered as possible.
The main premise of anchoring is establishing a pedestal that supports your center of rotation, followed by rotating in
posture so to sustain the integrity of the pedestal and rotational center. Simply put it means isolating a point of
rotation and keeping that point as centered as possible as your body rotates during the swing. In sports, we call this
rotary action a pivot, a pivot being an activity that isolates a central point for the activity to revolve around.
Therefore when we say that the primary principle of anchoring is rotating in posture we are also saying that
anchoring involves developing a centered pivot action, or once again a pedestal pivot action.
To help anchor your swing properly, you will learn to synchronize your weight shift with your pivoting body.
Synchronizing your weight shift with your pivot will involve establishing a rotary type weight shift. This means that
swingers learn to torque their weight shift instead of drive it laterally. This is a relatively novel concept for most
golfers. It is novel because so many golfers have been convinced that they MUST drive their weight shift laterally.
Though it is a relatively novel concept, you can be certain that biomechanics requires the weight shift to move in a
rotary manner when SWINGING is the desired technique. In general, SWINGERS begin with the body’s weight evenly
distributed across the feet from the heels to the balls of the feet. Once in the address position the golfer is able to
roll his or her toes up off the ground while the weight remains evenly distributed between the heels and the balls of
the feet. As the swing moves into action the golfers weight shift torques about the feet. As the weight shift torques it
moves from the ball of the foot to heel to ball of the foot to heel, and it does so in a rotary fashion. As we continue to
study anchoring techniques we will define exactly how this rotary weight shift moves for each of the three anchor
options.
Beyond synchronizing your weight shift with your rotation you will also learn how to counter balance the process.
Maintaining a counter balance helps tighten up the pivoting action. It also helps sustain the integrity of the pedestal.
It does so by helping stabilize and maintain a constant point of rotation. To counter balance the action the golfer
learns to maintain a stationary head position from the start of the swing until the posture is released up toward the
finish. Though this is a simplistic view of counter balancing the pivot it will suffice for now. Simply realize that by
establishing a constant pivot point along with a rotary weight shift and a counter balance you will be able to maintain
a truly anchored swing action; and in doing so you will create a sound platform for rotating in posture. In the end, this
process will be understood as one of the secrets to great ball striking.
As you learn to rotate around your center of gravity while counter balancing the pivot with a stationary head and
synchronizing your weight shift you are actually learning to synchronize multiple centers of rotation. You are building
a pivot with the concept of a tripod center or pedestal action. Being that we take a stance with two legs, our legs
support our center of gravity much like a tripod supports a camera. You can also view it as if our legs are creating a
triangular pedestal designed to hold our center of gravity in place as we rotate around it. Being that Power of 3 Golf
strives to introduce you to the biomechanics of swinging in as user friendly a process as possible I will again refrain
from a detailed discussion of the math, geometry, and physics of pivoting with this pedestal concept. Instead I will
introduce you to what I call the A-Frame System. This system uses a simple triangle to view the precision of your
pivoting action. Simply keep in mind that a centered pivot loads while rotating around your body’s best pivot point
and at the same time aligns your center of gravity with your axis of rotation. Your axis of rotation can be described
as your anchor line as far as your lower body is concerned, or your axis of symmetry as far as your upper body is
concerned. From the transition until the point of delivery our swings store energy, and then accumulate energy. As
the swing begins delivery energy is dynamically transferred while unwinding around the forward support of the
pedestal, and we do so while maintaining the structure of the pedestal. Simply put this means the rotary action
releases around the forward leg. In doing so a true swinger will continue to do so in as rotary a process as possible.
With this said, even this discussion is too technical and will be over looked by most readers. The point is, there
exists math, geometry, and physics that explain why this type of pivot action seemingly moves from one axis of
rotation to another while actually maintaining a centered pivot action. In general terms, the centeredness of a two-
legged pedestal action can be viewed as rotating in posture. And one way of viewing whether you are rotating in
posture is to notice whether the triangular relationship established between your feet and your swing’s counter
balance point is maintained throughout the pivot, or at least up until the swing has delivered its’ stored energy. OK,
enough of that for now, the process will become clear in the A-Frame System section of this book.
To begin the anchoring process we will discover which point of rotation best fits your unique body type. There are
three possible points of rotation for pivoting your hip girdle. They are the left hip joint, the right hip joint and your
center of gravity. Biomechanically only one of these options is ideal for each golfer. This is because your body is
either balanced symmetrically about the centerline of your body, or your body has more weight on one side or the
other of the centerline.
Your body’s weight distribution is organized into physiological factors and anatomical factors. For example, some
people have more muscle mass on one side of the body than the either. This is a physiological concern. Though we
are encouraged to condition our bodies in such a way to keep them symmetrically balanced, most people are unable
to spend the time and energy necessary to accomplish this goal. Some golfers have more bone mass on one side
of the body or the other. For example, your pelvis may be structured with more mass on one side or the other. This
is an anatomical concern. As you may have already noticed, we can more easily change the physiological factors
then we can the anatomical ones. However, golfer’s anatomical factors can be changed. For example, if a golfer has
a hip replacement there certainly will be anatomical changes.
By the way, many professionals drift as compared to being anchored. When playing well they either remain
sufficiently anchored, or simply time the drifting action well that week. When playing poorly they drift in and out of
their swing anchor and fail to time the drifting action. Some players are unaware of this drift while others actually
focus on creating it. The point to remember here is, drifting in the middle of the swing is problematic for swinging
type actions. It is problematic because the swinging action becomes unstable while drifting. While drifting from one
point to another, the pivot action loses stability and requires a re-stabilization action before delivering the power.
This is very hard to manage consistently. It is much easier to maintain a central pivot action while anchoring it with a
synchronized weight shift and a counter balance. So, although many professionals do so, they simply get away with
drifting.
I’ve often been asked whether these concerns are too advanced for the average golfer. People often think these
concerns are more suited for the professional golfer. In reality, the professional golfer can get away with cheating on
his or her biomechanics. The reason being that athleticism can often compensate for a deficiency in biomechanics.
Additionally, professional golfers train and play on daily basis giving them more opportunity to adjust for these
deficiencies. Professional athletes are much more in tune to their bodies than recreational golfers. Being in tune
produces heightened awareness, which is used to adjust the feel needed to compensate for biomechanical
deficiencies.
The average golfer is less likely to make up for biomechanical deficiencies with athleticism. Average golfers are also
much less “golf-fit” than professional golfers. Studies have shown that even professional golfers that appear to be
less fit are actually stronger and more flexible than the average golfer. Being more fit also gives the professional an
added advantage when it comes to making compensations. Now some average golfers would argue that they
exercise regularly and therefore are very fit. General fitness is great for maintaining good health; however it is
insufficient for the specific needs of sports. Professional athletes use sport specific training techniques specially
designed to address the needs of their particular sports. Therefore, it should be clear that professional golfers are
much more equipped to compensate for biomechanical deficiencies than the average golfer. This being the case,
the average golfer needs to be aware of his or her unique biomechanical needs. This gives the average golfer the
best chance of maintaining a consistent swing. With this in mind, each golfer is encouraged to identify the pivot point
that best fits his or her body type.
In summary, the process of anchoring involves defining the best point of rotation in your hips, establishing a pedestal
to support your best point of rotation while synchronizing your weight shift in a rotary manner, and then
counterbalancing the pivot with a stationary head location. Keep in mind that only one of the three pivot point
options fits your specific biomechanical needs perfectly, and the one that fits perfectly is the one recommended to
build your swing around. Now let’s find your anchor. On the next page you will view the picture and descriptions
identifying the three pivot point options, and then we will learn how to test each pivot point.
balance point in the hip girdle and how it influences the basic pivot action. Since there are three categories of golf
strokes (Hitting, Throwing, & Swinging) there are three basic ways of utilizing swing anchor balance points. In
general the Swinging version is the most recommended stroke pattern, therefore we will be discussing swing anchors
in relations to the swinging type of stroke action. You can review the basic concepts of Hitting, Throwing, and
Swinging elsewhere in this website as well as in a variety of the New Horizons Golf Approach books. For now simply
realize that golf stroke built around a swinging style are very rotary in nature. Thus, isolating your best anchor point
and learning to rotate around it will be an integral part of developing an anchored swinging action. The following
section is an excerpt from one of Ed Tischler's books. It provides the basic concepts related to swing anchor
biomechanics.
What is a Swing Anchor – The Anchoring Process
Being anchored keeps your body motion from swaying or drifting during your swing. Just like a boat uses an anchor
to keep from drifting away, using a swing anchor will minimize drifting in your golf swing. This means swing anchor
techniques facilitate centeredness and repeatability in your golf swing. Swing Anchor techniques will also assist in
stacking your power components more efficiently. If you have studied my book, “Stacking For Powerful Golf,” you
may already understand how stacking techniques relate to anchoring. For those of you that are familiar with Power
Stacking techniques, anchoring will help tighten up your stacking techniques. For those of you that are unfamiliar
with power stacking techniques, feel confident that beginning with anchoring biomechanics is a sound place to start.
As a matter of fact, Anchoring is an actual biomechanical feature of the golf swing while Power Stacking is an
application.
Anchoring in golf is a means of coordinating your weight shift and rotation in as centered a manner as possible.
Golfers often drift, slide, or sway in their swings. This is mainly because they are told to shift their weight laterally.
Too much lateral motion will slide the swing’s center of rotation, causing the bottom of the swing arc to drift and this
leads to inconsistency with your ball striking techniques.
Proponents of such lateral motion in the golf action are actually promoting a throwing action as compared to a
swinging action. Since this book is concerned with understanding how to develop a SWINGING action through sound
biomechanics, I will refrain from discussing the shortcomings of throwing actions and focus more on the benefits of
swinging actions. Remember the primary concern with regard to the biomechanics of SWINGING is that of Rotating In
Posture. The more lateral motion the swing encounters the less likely the golfer will rotate in posture. Therefore,
drifting, sliding, and swaying are problematic for the golfer concerned with SWINGING with good biomechanics.
One of the greatest benefits of using an ANCHORED SWINGING action is its’ ability to reproduce a consistent bottom
of the swing arc location; thus encouraging consistently sound impact conditions. This is because anchoring the
swing keeps the swing action as centered as possible.
The main premise of anchoring is establishing a pedestal that supports your center of rotation, followed by rotating in
posture so to sustain the integrity of the pedestal and rotational center. Simply put it means isolating a point of
rotation and keeping that point as centered as possible as your body rotates during the swing. In sports, we call this
rotary action a pivot, a pivot being an activity that isolates a central point for the activity to revolve around.
Therefore when we say that the primary principle of anchoring is rotating in posture we are also saying that
anchoring involves developing a centered pivot action, or once again a pedestal pivot action.
To help anchor your swing properly, you will learn to synchronize your weight shift with your pivoting body.
Synchronizing your weight shift with your pivot will involve establishing a rotary type weight shift. This means that
swingers learn to torque their weight shift instead of drive it laterally. This is a relatively novel concept for most
golfers. It is novel because so many golfers have been convinced that they MUST drive their weight shift laterally.
Though it is a relatively novel concept, you can be certain that biomechanics requires the weight shift to move in a
rotary manner when SWINGING is the desired technique. In general, SWINGERS begin with the body’s weight evenly
distributed across the feet from the heels to the balls of the feet. Once in the address position the golfer is able to
roll his or her toes up off the ground while the weight remains evenly distributed between the heels and the balls of
the feet. As the swing moves into action the golfers weight shift torques about the feet. As the weight shift torques it
moves from the ball of the foot to heel to ball of the foot to heel, and it does so in a rotary fashion. As we continue to
study anchoring techniques we will define exactly how this rotary weight shift moves for each of the three anchor
options.
Beyond synchronizing your weight shift with your rotation you will also learn how to counter balance the process.
Maintaining a counter balance helps tighten up the pivoting action. It also helps sustain the integrity of the pedestal.
It does so by helping stabilize and maintain a constant point of rotation. To counter balance the action the golfer
learns to maintain a stationary head position from the start of the swing until the posture is released up toward the
finish. Though this is a simplistic view of counter balancing the pivot it will suffice for now. Simply realize that by
establishing a constant pivot point along with a rotary weight shift and a counter balance you will be able to maintain
a truly anchored swing action; and in doing so you will create a sound platform for rotating in posture. In the end, this
process will be understood as one of the secrets to great ball striking.
As you learn to rotate around your center of gravity while counter balancing the pivot with a stationary head and
synchronizing your weight shift you are actually learning to synchronize multiple centers of rotation. You are building
a pivot with the concept of a tripod center or pedestal action. Being that we take a stance with two legs, our legs
support our center of gravity much like a tripod supports a camera. You can also view it as if our legs are creating a
triangular pedestal designed to hold our center of gravity in place as we rotate around it. Being that Power of 3 Golf
strives to introduce you to the biomechanics of swinging in as user friendly a process as possible I will again refrain
from a detailed discussion of the math, geometry, and physics of pivoting with this pedestal concept. Instead I will
introduce you to what I call the A-Frame System. This system uses a simple triangle to view the precision of your
pivoting action. Simply keep in mind that a centered pivot loads while rotating around your body’s best pivot point
and at the same time aligns your center of gravity with your axis of rotation. Your axis of rotation can be described
as your anchor line as far as your lower body is concerned, or your axis of symmetry as far as your upper body is
concerned. From the transition until the point of delivery our swings store energy, and then accumulate energy. As
the swing begins delivery energy is dynamically transferred while unwinding around the forward support of the
pedestal, and we do so while maintaining the structure of the pedestal. Simply put this means the rotary action
releases around the forward leg. In doing so a true swinger will continue to do so in as rotary a process as possible.
With this said, even this discussion is too technical and will be over looked by most readers. The point is, there
exists math, geometry, and physics that explain why this type of pivot action seemingly moves from one axis of
rotation to another while actually maintaining a centered pivot action. In general terms, the centeredness of a two-
legged pedestal action can be viewed as rotating in posture. And one way of viewing whether you are rotating in
posture is to notice whether the triangular relationship established between your feet and your swing’s counter
balance point is maintained throughout the pivot, or at least up until the swing has delivered its’ stored energy. OK,
enough of that for now, the process will become clear in the A-Frame System section of this book.
To begin the anchoring process we will discover which point of rotation best fits your unique body type. There are
three possible points of rotation for pivoting your hip girdle. They are the left hip joint, the right hip joint and your
center of gravity. Biomechanically only one of these options is ideal for each golfer. This is because your body is
either balanced symmetrically about the centerline of your body, or your body has more weight on one side or the
other of the centerline.
Your body’s weight distribution is organized into physiological factors and anatomical factors. For example, some
people have more muscle mass on one side of the body than the either. This is a physiological concern. Though we
are encouraged to condition our bodies in such a way to keep them symmetrically balanced, most people are unable
to spend the time and energy necessary to accomplish this goal. Some golfers have more bone mass on one side
of the body or the other. For example, your pelvis may be structured with more mass on one side or the other. This
is an anatomical concern. As you may have already noticed, we can more easily change the physiological factors
then we can the anatomical ones. However, golfer’s anatomical factors can be changed. For example, if a golfer has
a hip replacement there certainly will be anatomical changes.
By the way, many professionals drift as compared to being anchored. When playing well they either remain
sufficiently anchored, or simply time the drifting action well that week. When playing poorly they drift in and out of
their swing anchor and fail to time the drifting action. Some players are unaware of this drift while others actually
focus on creating it. The point to remember here is, drifting in the middle of the swing is problematic for swinging
type actions. It is problematic because the swinging action becomes unstable while drifting. While drifting from one
point to another, the pivot action loses stability and requires a re-stabilization action before delivering the power.
This is very hard to manage consistently. It is much easier to maintain a central pivot action while anchoring it with a
synchronized weight shift and a counter balance. So, although many professionals do so, they simply get away with
drifting.
I’ve often been asked whether these concerns are too advanced for the average golfer. People often think these
concerns are more suited for the professional golfer. In reality, the professional golfer can get away with cheating on
his or her biomechanics. The reason being that athleticism can often compensate for a deficiency in biomechanics.
Additionally, professional golfers train and play on daily basis giving them more opportunity to adjust for these
deficiencies. Professional athletes are much more in tune to their bodies than recreational golfers. Being in tune
produces heightened awareness, which is used to adjust the feel needed to compensate for biomechanical
deficiencies.
The average golfer is less likely to make up for biomechanical deficiencies with athleticism. Average golfers are also
much less “golf-fit” than professional golfers. Studies have shown that even professional golfers that appear to be
less fit are actually stronger and more flexible than the average golfer. Being more fit also gives the professional an
added advantage when it comes to making compensations. Now some average golfers would argue that they
exercise regularly and therefore are very fit. General fitness is great for maintaining good health; however it is
insufficient for the specific needs of sports. Professional athletes use sport specific training techniques specially
designed to address the needs of their particular sports. Therefore, it should be clear that professional golfers are
much more equipped to compensate for biomechanical deficiencies than the average golfer. This being the case,
the average golfer needs to be aware of his or her unique biomechanical needs. This gives the average golfer the
best chance of maintaining a consistent swing. With this in mind, each golfer is encouraged to identify the pivot point
that best fits his or her body type.
In summary, the process of anchoring involves defining the best point of rotation in your hips, establishing a pedestal
to support your best point of rotation while synchronizing your weight shift in a rotary manner, and then
counterbalancing the pivot with a stationary head location. Keep in mind that only one of the three pivot point
options fits your specific biomechanical needs perfectly, and the one that fits perfectly is the one recommended to
build your swing around. Now let’s find your anchor. On the next page you will view the picture and descriptions
identifying the three pivot point options, and then we will learn how to test each pivot point.
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
This page was last updated 05-22-09
3
B I O M E C H A N I C S
Related To The Fundamentals of Power
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
Power. 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.
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
Power. 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.
 | |  | |  |
As a reminder, the Power of 3 Golf Biomechanics related to Power:
Swing Anchor – there are 3 possible ways of centering the pivot action in the hips.
Torque System – there are 3 possible means of multiplying power with torque in the pivot action.
Clearing Action – there are 3 possible ways of restoring postural alignments during the transition.
Axis of Symmetry – there are 3 possible axises of upper body (torso) rotation.
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 Anchor – Front Hip, Center of Gravity, & Rear Hip
Torque System – Lower Body, Full Body, & Upper Body
Clearing Action – Front Hip, Tailbone, & Rear Hip
Axis of Symmetry – Sternum Line, Center Line, & Spine Line
Swing Anchor – there are 3 possible ways of centering the pivot action in the hips.
Torque System – there are 3 possible means of multiplying power with torque in the pivot action.
Clearing Action – there are 3 possible ways of restoring postural alignments during the transition.
Axis of Symmetry – there are 3 possible axises of upper body (torso) rotation.
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 Anchor – Front Hip, Center of Gravity, & Rear Hip
Torque System – Lower Body, Full Body, & Upper Body
Clearing Action – Front Hip, Tailbone, & Rear Hip
Axis of Symmetry – Sternum Line, Center Line, & Spine Line
| Swing Anchor Biomechanics: Front Hip, Center of Gravity, & Rear Hip options |
(Left) Imagine the three basic pivot points, their
locations, and how you might rotate around them in a
centered manner. In the next few sections you will learn
how to isolate each pivot point. Then you’ll learn to
anchor your pivot action around that location. The Red
Dot marks the Center of Gravity as the Center Anchor
Pivot Point, the Orange Dot marks the Rear Anchor Pivot
Point, and the Blue Dot marks the Front Anchor Pivot
Point.
(Below) In the three pictures below each picture has a
triangular overlay that helps identify which anchor point
the golfer has establish at address. (Below-Left) The the
front anchor address position. Notice how the triangle is
leaning forward. (Below-Middle) The center anchor
address postion. Notice how the triangle is isosceles.
(Below-Right) The rear anchor address position. Notice
how the triangle is leaning rearward. Notice how in each
set-up both sides of the A-frame triangle are aligned
through their respective hip joints. This is an important
feature of identifying the proper anchor address
alignments for a golfer employing a swinging style of golf
stroke. Also notice how the head is positioned to the
rear side of the top of each triangle. This is a sign the
golfer has the proper secondary spine tilt angle, a key
ingredient for establishing proper postural alignments.
locations, and how you might rotate around them in a
centered manner. In the next few sections you will learn
how to isolate each pivot point. Then you’ll learn to
anchor your pivot action around that location. The Red
Dot marks the Center of Gravity as the Center Anchor
Pivot Point, the Orange Dot marks the Rear Anchor Pivot
Point, and the Blue Dot marks the Front Anchor Pivot
Point.
(Below) In the three pictures below each picture has a
triangular overlay that helps identify which anchor point
the golfer has establish at address. (Below-Left) The the
front anchor address position. Notice how the triangle is
leaning forward. (Below-Middle) The center anchor
address postion. Notice how the triangle is isosceles.
(Below-Right) The rear anchor address position. Notice
how the triangle is leaning rearward. Notice how in each
set-up both sides of the A-frame triangle are aligned
through their respective hip joints. This is an important
feature of identifying the proper anchor address
alignments for a golfer employing a swinging style of golf
stroke. Also notice how the head is positioned to the
rear side of the top of each triangle. This is a sign the
golfer has the proper secondary spine tilt angle, a key
ingredient for establishing proper postural alignments.
Below we have provided three swing sequences. One is a front anchor swing pattern, another is a center
anchor swing pattern, and the third is a rear anchor swing pattern. As you view each of these patterns you will
notice a triangular overlay to help identify what pattern is being employed. We call this the A-Frame System.
Using the A-Frames to help view what anchor patterns are being used are very helpful in developing a truly
anchored swing technique. You will notice that front anchor swings have an overlaying triangle that leans
toward the golfers front side. You will notice that center anchor swings have an overlaying triangle that is an
isosceles triangle. And, you will notice that rear anchor swings have an overlaying triangle that leans rearward.
anchor swing pattern, and the third is a rear anchor swing pattern. As you view each of these patterns you will
notice a triangular overlay to help identify what pattern is being employed. We call this the A-Frame System.
Using the A-Frames to help view what anchor patterns are being used are very helpful in developing a truly
anchored swing technique. You will notice that front anchor swings have an overlaying triangle that leans
toward the golfers front side. You will notice that center anchor swings have an overlaying triangle that is an
isosceles triangle. And, you will notice that rear anchor swings have an overlaying triangle that leans rearward.
The swing pattern above is an example of a training swing used to internalize the front anchor swing
pattern. Once the training swing has been performed long enough to develop a strong habit the players
actual swing begins to display the same alignments seen in the training swing. 1) The Front Anchor
address is established. 2) Next preset the wrist lever action that fits your biomechanics. 3) Then twist
around the front anchor pivot point until you’ve turned fully and my front knee is positioned directly under my
front hip pivot point. 4) Transition and restore into the preset position; still front anchor. Notice how both
sides of the A-frame triangle are aligned directly thru both hip joints; a true sign of maintaining a pedestal
pivot. 5) From the restore position you are ready to deliver the swing’s energy. During delivery, your
weight pushes down on the front foot as you squeeze your knees and continue to rotate inside the A-frame
triangle; still rotating around the front hip joint. 6) As the swing releases into the full extension your body
continues to rotate around the front hip joint, and your rear hip joint rotates through to align with the front hip
joint on the front side of the A-frame triangle. This is a sign that you have transferred energy with a pedestal
pivot action. Your head continues to counter balance the motion through the full extension. 7) From here
fully release your posture up to the full follow-through. 8) Next finish off the action in a vertical posture.
pattern. Once the training swing has been performed long enough to develop a strong habit the players
actual swing begins to display the same alignments seen in the training swing. 1) The Front Anchor
address is established. 2) Next preset the wrist lever action that fits your biomechanics. 3) Then twist
around the front anchor pivot point until you’ve turned fully and my front knee is positioned directly under my
front hip pivot point. 4) Transition and restore into the preset position; still front anchor. Notice how both
sides of the A-frame triangle are aligned directly thru both hip joints; a true sign of maintaining a pedestal
pivot. 5) From the restore position you are ready to deliver the swing’s energy. During delivery, your
weight pushes down on the front foot as you squeeze your knees and continue to rotate inside the A-frame
triangle; still rotating around the front hip joint. 6) As the swing releases into the full extension your body
continues to rotate around the front hip joint, and your rear hip joint rotates through to align with the front hip
joint on the front side of the A-frame triangle. This is a sign that you have transferred energy with a pedestal
pivot action. Your head continues to counter balance the motion through the full extension. 7) From here
fully release your posture up to the full follow-through. 8) Next finish off the action in a vertical posture.
The swing pattern above is an example of a training swing used to internalize the center anchor swing
pattern. Once the training swing has been performed long enough to develop a strong habit the players
actual swing begins to display the same alignments seen in the training swing. 1) The center anchor
address position is established. 2) Next preset your wrist lever action that fits your biomechanics. 3) Turn
to the top in a center anchor pivot action. As you turn your arms, hands, and club simply move away as a
unit connected to my pivot. Continue to turn until your back is facing the target. 4) Transition and restore
back into the preset position; still center anchor. 5) From the restored preset position you are ready to
deliver the swing’s energy. During delivery, your weight pushes down on your front foot as you squeeze your
knees and continue to rotate inside the A-frame triangle. 6) As the swing fully releases into the full extension
your center moves in-line with the front side of the A-frame triangle. This is a sign that you have completed
the transfer of energy with a pedestal pivot action. Your head is still counter balancing the pivot action. 7)
Once the release is complete you allow your posture to release up to the full follow-throw. Notice how the
golfer's posture has release out of the triangle. 8) To finish off the motion your arms return in front of your
body with the club pointing at the target. Though center anchor golfers release their posture to the full finish,
they often finish while leaning slightly away from the target. In the picture far right notice how the posture is
straight, yet it slightly leans rearward. This is proper finish posturing. If you arch back it would be a Reverse-
C finish and the postural release would be incomplete.
pattern. Once the training swing has been performed long enough to develop a strong habit the players
actual swing begins to display the same alignments seen in the training swing. 1) The center anchor
address position is established. 2) Next preset your wrist lever action that fits your biomechanics. 3) Turn
to the top in a center anchor pivot action. As you turn your arms, hands, and club simply move away as a
unit connected to my pivot. Continue to turn until your back is facing the target. 4) Transition and restore
back into the preset position; still center anchor. 5) From the restored preset position you are ready to
deliver the swing’s energy. During delivery, your weight pushes down on your front foot as you squeeze your
knees and continue to rotate inside the A-frame triangle. 6) As the swing fully releases into the full extension
your center moves in-line with the front side of the A-frame triangle. This is a sign that you have completed
the transfer of energy with a pedestal pivot action. Your head is still counter balancing the pivot action. 7)
Once the release is complete you allow your posture to release up to the full follow-throw. Notice how the
golfer's posture has release out of the triangle. 8) To finish off the motion your arms return in front of your
body with the club pointing at the target. Though center anchor golfers release their posture to the full finish,
they often finish while leaning slightly away from the target. In the picture far right notice how the posture is
straight, yet it slightly leans rearward. This is proper finish posturing. If you arch back it would be a Reverse-
C finish and the postural release would be incomplete.
The swing pattern above is an example of a training swing used to internalize the rear anchor swing
pattern. Once the training swing has been performed long enough to develop a strong habit the players
actual swing begins to display the same alignments seen in the training swing. 1) The Rear Anchor
address is established. 2) Next preset the wrist lever action that fits your biomechanics. 3) Then turn
around your rear anchor pivot point until you’ve turned fully and your front shoulder is positioned over my
rear foot. 4) Transition and restore into the preset position; still rear anchor. 5) From the restored preset
position you are ready to deliver the swing’s energy. During delivery, your weight pushes down on your
front foot as you squeeze your knees and continue to rotate inside the A-frame triangle. 6) As the swing
fully releases into the full extension your rear hip moves in-line with the front side of the A-frame triangle.
This is a sign that you have completed the transfer of energy with a pedestal pivot action. Your head is still
counter balancing the pivot action. 7) Once the release is complete allow your posture to release up to the
full follow-throw. Notice how the golfer's postural alignments have released out of the triangle. 8) To finish
off the motion your arms return in front of your body with the club pointing at the target. In the picture far
right notice how the posture is vertical. This is proper finish posturing. If you arch back it would be a
Reverse-C finish and the postural release would be incomplete.
pattern. Once the training swing has been performed long enough to develop a strong habit the players
actual swing begins to display the same alignments seen in the training swing. 1) The Rear Anchor
address is established. 2) Next preset the wrist lever action that fits your biomechanics. 3) Then turn
around your rear anchor pivot point until you’ve turned fully and your front shoulder is positioned over my
rear foot. 4) Transition and restore into the preset position; still rear anchor. 5) From the restored preset
position you are ready to deliver the swing’s energy. During delivery, your weight pushes down on your
front foot as you squeeze your knees and continue to rotate inside the A-frame triangle. 6) As the swing
fully releases into the full extension your rear hip moves in-line with the front side of the A-frame triangle.
This is a sign that you have completed the transfer of energy with a pedestal pivot action. Your head is still
counter balancing the pivot action. 7) Once the release is complete allow your posture to release up to the
full follow-throw. Notice how the golfer's postural alignments have released out of the triangle. 8) To finish
off the motion your arms return in front of your body with the club pointing at the target. In the picture far
right notice how the posture is vertical. This is proper finish posturing. If you arch back it would be a
Reverse-C finish and the postural release would be incomplete.
| Torque System Biomechanics: Lower Body, Full Body, & Upper Body options |
Copyright 2009 Ed Tischler / New Horizons Golf Approach. All rights reserved.
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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 newhorizonsgolfer@yahoo.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 |
As we continue our study of the biomechanics related to Power we need to discuss the concept of how torque is
developed in the golf stroke. In general, torque has been taught as a concept of "Coil" in the backstroke. This
concept was largely popularized by Jim McLean's "X-Factor." The basic idea is to keep the lower body quiet and
then coil the shoulders above the relatively stationary hips, then creating a differential angle between the hips and
shoulders. When viewed from above the line through the hips crosses over the line across the shoulders and the
two lines create an X. Though this basic theory is to create the differential in the backstroke, many accomplished
golfers have created it during the transition and/or downswing. Ed Tischler has taught this concept, one he calls
"transitional separation" for over 20 years, and Jim McLean touched on this concept in his study the "Y-Factor."
These two concepts generally comprise the traditional views of how torque is developed in the golf stroke, and
though they may appear to be two different options, they are simply applications of the same option. Whether
torque is developed in the backstroke, during the transition, during the downswing, or any combination of the three
is simply an application of the same principle or option. The application is simply the individual’s best means of
utilizing the principle. Once again, the three principle options for torque are: Lower Body, Full Body, Upper Body.
Below we will provide a sequence of each along with descriptions to clarify the difference between the three
options. Once again, all three are valid options, and all three have a variety of applications that make them
available for the golfer to use. The question becomes which one fits your particular biomechanical needs.
developed in the golf stroke. In general, torque has been taught as a concept of "Coil" in the backstroke. This
concept was largely popularized by Jim McLean's "X-Factor." The basic idea is to keep the lower body quiet and
then coil the shoulders above the relatively stationary hips, then creating a differential angle between the hips and
shoulders. When viewed from above the line through the hips crosses over the line across the shoulders and the
two lines create an X. Though this basic theory is to create the differential in the backstroke, many accomplished
golfers have created it during the transition and/or downswing. Ed Tischler has taught this concept, one he calls
"transitional separation" for over 20 years, and Jim McLean touched on this concept in his study the "Y-Factor."
These two concepts generally comprise the traditional views of how torque is developed in the golf stroke, and
though they may appear to be two different options, they are simply applications of the same option. Whether
torque is developed in the backstroke, during the transition, during the downswing, or any combination of the three
is simply an application of the same principle or option. The application is simply the individual’s best means of
utilizing the principle. Once again, the three principle options for torque are: Lower Body, Full Body, Upper Body.
Below we will provide a sequence of each along with descriptions to clarify the difference between the three
options. Once again, all three are valid options, and all three have a variety of applications that make them
available for the golfer to use. The question becomes which one fits your particular biomechanical needs.
The above sequence shows the lower torque option as it is applied during the backswing. Notice how the
stomach and chest seem to turn away from the address position at nearly the same rate and degree. The hands
and club strive to move away in one piece as well. The golfer's feet remain securely planted so that a significant
amount of torque can develop in the lower body. As the hips turn, the legs develop torque. As the golfer
completes the backswing the hips and chest have turned to nearly the same degree. In the pictures above Ed
Tischler is flexible enough that his shoulders turn a little more than his hips. Even so he performed the action as
a lower torque action. The additional upper body windup was do to flexibility. Most lower torque golfers are less
flexible between the hips and shoulders and therefore do best to maximize torque with the lower body action. By
the top of the backswing the lower torque golfer's legs will feel tremendous resistance through significant torque.
stomach and chest seem to turn away from the address position at nearly the same rate and degree. The hands
and club strive to move away in one piece as well. The golfer's feet remain securely planted so that a significant
amount of torque can develop in the lower body. As the hips turn, the legs develop torque. As the golfer
completes the backswing the hips and chest have turned to nearly the same degree. In the pictures above Ed
Tischler is flexible enough that his shoulders turn a little more than his hips. Even so he performed the action as
a lower torque action. The additional upper body windup was do to flexibility. Most lower torque golfers are less
flexible between the hips and shoulders and therefore do best to maximize torque with the lower body action. By
the top of the backswing the lower torque golfer's legs will feel tremendous resistance through significant torque.
The above sequence shows the lower torque option as it is applied during the backswing. Notice how the stomach
and chest seem to turn away from the address position at nearly the same rate and degree. The hands and club
strive to move away in one piece as well. The golfer's feet remain securely planted so that a significant amount of
torque can develop in the lower body. As the hips turn, the legs develop torque. As the golfer completes the
backswing the hips and chest have turned to nearly the same degree. In the pictures above Ed Tischler is flexible
enough that his shoulders turn a little more than his hips. Even so he performed the action as a lower torque
action. The additional upper body windup was do to flexibility. Most lower torque golfers are less flexible between
the hips and shoulders and therefore do best to maximize torque with the lower body action. By the top of the
backswing the lower torque golfer's legs will feel tremendous resistance through significant torque.
and chest seem to turn away from the address position at nearly the same rate and degree. The hands and club
strive to move away in one piece as well. The golfer's feet remain securely planted so that a significant amount of
torque can develop in the lower body. As the hips turn, the legs develop torque. As the golfer completes the
backswing the hips and chest have turned to nearly the same degree. In the pictures above Ed Tischler is flexible
enough that his shoulders turn a little more than his hips. Even so he performed the action as a lower torque
action. The additional upper body windup was do to flexibility. Most lower torque golfers are less flexible between
the hips and shoulders and therefore do best to maximize torque with the lower body action. By the top of the
backswing the lower torque golfer's legs will feel tremendous resistance through significant torque.
The above sequence shows the upper torque option as it is applied during the backswing. The backswing is
performed with a relatively quiet lower body. From the address position the shoulders begin to coil above the
stationary hips. As the shoulder continue to coil they will pull the hips into action as soon as the golfer reaches
the natural differential between the hips and shoulder as provided by the golfer's unique level of flexibility. In the
middle picture the hips have only moved slightly while the shoulders have already turned 45 degrees. At the top
of the backswing the shoulders have turned significantly more than 90 degrees and the hips have only been
pulled into a 45 degree angle. In upper torque golfers the will turn a maximum of 45 degrees while the shoulders
will turn a minimum of 90 degrees. This option requires extreme conditioning. The golfer must be both flexible
enough and strong enough in the core to perform the procedure. It also helps if you have fast twitch muscles to
start the transition and forward swing. Since the lower body remains relatively in active, the forward motion must
be jump started, for lack of a better phrase. However, if upper body torque fits you needs you will find it a
powerful and effective action.
performed with a relatively quiet lower body. From the address position the shoulders begin to coil above the
stationary hips. As the shoulder continue to coil they will pull the hips into action as soon as the golfer reaches
the natural differential between the hips and shoulder as provided by the golfer's unique level of flexibility. In the
middle picture the hips have only moved slightly while the shoulders have already turned 45 degrees. At the top
of the backswing the shoulders have turned significantly more than 90 degrees and the hips have only been
pulled into a 45 degree angle. In upper torque golfers the will turn a maximum of 45 degrees while the shoulders
will turn a minimum of 90 degrees. This option requires extreme conditioning. The golfer must be both flexible
enough and strong enough in the core to perform the procedure. It also helps if you have fast twitch muscles to
start the transition and forward swing. Since the lower body remains relatively in active, the forward motion must
be jump started, for lack of a better phrase. However, if upper body torque fits you needs you will find it a
powerful and effective action.
The above sequence shows the upper torque option as it is applied during the backswing. The backswing is
performed with a relatively quiet lower body. From the address position the shoulders begin to coil above the
stationary hips. As the shoulder continue to coil they will pull the hips into action as soon as the golfer reaches the
natural differential between the hips and shoulder as provided by the golfer's unique level of flexibility. In the middle
picture the hips have only moved slightly while the shoulders have already turned 45 degrees. At the top of the
backswing the shoulders have turned significantly more than 90 degrees and the hips have only been pulled into a
45 degree angle. In upper torque golfers the will turn a maximum of 45 degrees while the shoulders will turn a
minimum of 90 degrees. This option requires extreme conditioning. The golfer must be both flexible enough and
strong enough in the core to perform the procedure. It also helps if you have fast twitch muscles to start the
transition and forward swing. Since the lower body remains relatively in active, the forward motion must be jump
started, for lack of a better phrase. However, if upper body torque fits you needs you will find it a powerful and
effective action.
performed with a relatively quiet lower body. From the address position the shoulders begin to coil above the
stationary hips. As the shoulder continue to coil they will pull the hips into action as soon as the golfer reaches the
natural differential between the hips and shoulder as provided by the golfer's unique level of flexibility. In the middle
picture the hips have only moved slightly while the shoulders have already turned 45 degrees. At the top of the
backswing the shoulders have turned significantly more than 90 degrees and the hips have only been pulled into a
45 degree angle. In upper torque golfers the will turn a maximum of 45 degrees while the shoulders will turn a
minimum of 90 degrees. This option requires extreme conditioning. The golfer must be both flexible enough and
strong enough in the core to perform the procedure. It also helps if you have fast twitch muscles to start the
transition and forward swing. Since the lower body remains relatively in active, the forward motion must be jump
started, for lack of a better phrase. However, if upper body torque fits you needs you will find it a powerful and
effective action.
The above sequence shows the full torque option as it is applied in the backswing. This options combines the two
previous options. The feet feel very anchored to the ground. The shoulders turn generously during the takeaway
and the hips are allowed to turn generously until they reach a natural, yet resisted, full turn. When the hips reach
their natural range of motion the lower body develops significant torque. The shoulders continue to turn until they
reach their full range of motion and there is a significant separation between the angles of the hips and shoulders
at the top of the backswing. At the top of the backswing the hips will turn at least 45 degrees and the shoulders will
turn at least an additional 45 degrees. Notice how you can see Ed's back at the top of the swing. You can also
see his hips have turned generously. His legs also feel very tight from being wound up. Using the full torque option
gives the golfer the best opportunity of maximum effortless power. However it is only recommended if it fits your
biomechanical needs. This option, as with the upper body option, requires tremendous strength and flexibility with
regard to the core muscles. Keep in mind that only one of the options fits your needs. If you have short torso, or
are lacking either flexibility or strength in the core area, then the lower body torque option is probably fit for your
needs. The upper body torque option requires strength, flexibility and fast twitch muscles. The full body torque
option requires strength and flexibility and can be utilized without fast twitch muscles. Once again the key is to
discover which one fits your unique biomechanical needs.
previous options. The feet feel very anchored to the ground. The shoulders turn generously during the takeaway
and the hips are allowed to turn generously until they reach a natural, yet resisted, full turn. When the hips reach
their natural range of motion the lower body develops significant torque. The shoulders continue to turn until they
reach their full range of motion and there is a significant separation between the angles of the hips and shoulders
at the top of the backswing. At the top of the backswing the hips will turn at least 45 degrees and the shoulders will
turn at least an additional 45 degrees. Notice how you can see Ed's back at the top of the swing. You can also
see his hips have turned generously. His legs also feel very tight from being wound up. Using the full torque option
gives the golfer the best opportunity of maximum effortless power. However it is only recommended if it fits your
biomechanical needs. This option, as with the upper body option, requires tremendous strength and flexibility with
regard to the core muscles. Keep in mind that only one of the options fits your needs. If you have short torso, or
are lacking either flexibility or strength in the core area, then the lower body torque option is probably fit for your
needs. The upper body torque option requires strength, flexibility and fast twitch muscles. The full body torque
option requires strength and flexibility and can be utilized without fast twitch muscles. Once again the key is to
discover which one fits your unique biomechanical needs.
The above sequence shows the full torque option as it is applied in the backswing. This options combines the two
previous options. The feet feel very anchored to the ground. The shoulders turn generously during the takeaway
and the hips are allowed to turn generously until they reach a natural, yet resisted, full turn. When the hips reach
their natural range of motion the lower body develops significant torque. The shoulders continue to turn until they
reach their full range of motion and there is a significant separation between the angles of the hips and shoulders
at the top of the backswing. At the top of the backswing the hips will turn at least 45 degrees and the shoulders
will turn at least an additional 45 degrees. Notice how you can see Ed's back at the top of the swing. You can also
see his hips have turned generously. His legs also feel very tight from being wound up. Using the full torque
option gives the golfer the best opportunity of maximum effortless power. However it is only recommended if it fits
your biomechanical needs. This option, as with the upper body option, requires tremendous strength and flexibility
with regard to the core muscles. Keep in mind that only one of the options fits your needs. If you have short torso,
or are lacking either flexibility or strength in the core area, then the lower body torque option is probably fit for your
needs. The upper body torque option requires strength, flexibility and fast twitch muscles. The full body torque
option requires strength and flexibility and can be utilized without fast twitch muscles. Once again the key is to
discover which one fits your unique biomechanical needs.
previous options. The feet feel very anchored to the ground. The shoulders turn generously during the takeaway
and the hips are allowed to turn generously until they reach a natural, yet resisted, full turn. When the hips reach
their natural range of motion the lower body develops significant torque. The shoulders continue to turn until they
reach their full range of motion and there is a significant separation between the angles of the hips and shoulders
at the top of the backswing. At the top of the backswing the hips will turn at least 45 degrees and the shoulders
will turn at least an additional 45 degrees. Notice how you can see Ed's back at the top of the swing. You can also
see his hips have turned generously. His legs also feel very tight from being wound up. Using the full torque
option gives the golfer the best opportunity of maximum effortless power. However it is only recommended if it fits
your biomechanical needs. This option, as with the upper body option, requires tremendous strength and flexibility
with regard to the core muscles. Keep in mind that only one of the options fits your needs. If you have short torso,
or are lacking either flexibility or strength in the core area, then the lower body torque option is probably fit for your
needs. The upper body torque option requires strength, flexibility and fast twitch muscles. The full body torque
option requires strength and flexibility and can be utilized without fast twitch muscles. Once again the key is to
discover which one fits your unique biomechanical needs.
| Clearing Action Biomechanics: Front Hip, Tailbone, & Rear Hip options |
As we begin to discuss the topic of clearing it seems appropriate to point out the it is a largely misunderstood concept.
Simply put, clearing is the ability to transition in such a way to restore the postural alignments you maintained in the
backswing, granted that the proper postural alignments were maintained in the backswing. I like to call the process of
clearing, "restoring." This is because the body strives to restore its' address alignments before the swing reaches the
delivery point. We will discuss this concept in detail throughout the series of Power of 3 Golf books dedicated to the
Secrets of Owning Your Swing. For now we will study the general concept of clearing as it relates to the 3 basic
options of Front Hip, Tailbone, and Rear Hip clearing actions.
Simply put, clearing is the ability to transition in such a way to restore the postural alignments you maintained in the
backswing, granted that the proper postural alignments were maintained in the backswing. I like to call the process of
clearing, "restoring." This is because the body strives to restore its' address alignments before the swing reaches the
delivery point. We will discuss this concept in detail throughout the series of Power of 3 Golf books dedicated to the
Secrets of Owning Your Swing. For now we will study the general concept of clearing as it relates to the 3 basic
options of Front Hip, Tailbone, and Rear Hip clearing actions.
Above we can view the Front Hip clearing option from the rear view. Notice how there is an orange stick marking the
position of the front hip at address. As the golfer performs the backstroke the hips turn in the manner that fits his
biomechanics, then during, the transition from backstroke to down stroke the front hip rotates in such a way to push
back onto the stick "restoring" very close to its' initial alignment at address. As the stroke continues through impact
the front hip continues to stay pinned against the stick. We often talk about the golfer's rear end being up against a
wall at address, then it rotates off the wall in the backstroke, followed by "restoring" onto the wall during the
transition, and finally the front hip continues to push up against, or in some cases through the wall, during the impact
interval. The main thing for front hip clear golfers to remember is that the front hip is doing the work of clearing.
position of the front hip at address. As the golfer performs the backstroke the hips turn in the manner that fits his
biomechanics, then during, the transition from backstroke to down stroke the front hip rotates in such a way to push
back onto the stick "restoring" very close to its' initial alignment at address. As the stroke continues through impact
the front hip continues to stay pinned against the stick. We often talk about the golfer's rear end being up against a
wall at address, then it rotates off the wall in the backstroke, followed by "restoring" onto the wall during the
transition, and finally the front hip continues to push up against, or in some cases through the wall, during the impact
interval. The main thing for front hip clear golfers to remember is that the front hip is doing the work of clearing.
Above we can view the Front Hip clearing option from the down the line view. Notice how there is an orange stick
marking the position of the front hip at address. As the golfer performs the backstroke the hips turn in the manner
that fits his biomechanics, then during, the transition from backstroke to down stroke the front hip rotates in such a
way to push back onto the stick "restoring" very close to its' initial alignment at address. As the stroke continues
through impact the front hip continues to stay pinned against the stick. We often talk about the golfer's rear end
being up against a wall at address, then it rotates off the wall in the backstroke, followed by "restoring" onto the wall
during the transition, and finally the front hip continues to push up against, or in some cases through the wall, during
the impact interval. The main thing for front hip clear golfers to remember is that the front hip is doing the work of
clearing. From this view we have added blue line in the 2nd and 4th pictures. The line in the 2nd picture marks
where the front hip has rotated to during the backstroke. In picture 4 you can see that the clearing of the front hip
up against the stick, or imaginary wall, has made room for the rear hip to rotate inside the same mark during the
impact interval. If the rear hip moves outside the mark, and closer to the ball, the stroke path will need to
compensate. The path will either push out to the ball causing a block, or the dreaded "shank," or the hands will flip
the club in an effort to save the shot. This last option causes hooks and pulls unless it is timed with split second
manipulation. Keep in mind, since the rear end rotates off the wall during the backstroke it is very common for
golfers to leave it off the wall during the transition; thus failing to restore the proper postural alignments. Failing to
restore is a lazy move, however it is also an easy move. Guard against it!
marking the position of the front hip at address. As the golfer performs the backstroke the hips turn in the manner
that fits his biomechanics, then during, the transition from backstroke to down stroke the front hip rotates in such a
way to push back onto the stick "restoring" very close to its' initial alignment at address. As the stroke continues
through impact the front hip continues to stay pinned against the stick. We often talk about the golfer's rear end
being up against a wall at address, then it rotates off the wall in the backstroke, followed by "restoring" onto the wall
during the transition, and finally the front hip continues to push up against, or in some cases through the wall, during
the impact interval. The main thing for front hip clear golfers to remember is that the front hip is doing the work of
clearing. From this view we have added blue line in the 2nd and 4th pictures. The line in the 2nd picture marks
where the front hip has rotated to during the backstroke. In picture 4 you can see that the clearing of the front hip
up against the stick, or imaginary wall, has made room for the rear hip to rotate inside the same mark during the
impact interval. If the rear hip moves outside the mark, and closer to the ball, the stroke path will need to
compensate. The path will either push out to the ball causing a block, or the dreaded "shank," or the hands will flip
the club in an effort to save the shot. This last option causes hooks and pulls unless it is timed with split second
manipulation. Keep in mind, since the rear end rotates off the wall during the backstroke it is very common for
golfers to leave it off the wall during the transition; thus failing to restore the proper postural alignments. Failing to
restore is a lazy move, however it is also an easy move. Guard against it!
Above we can view the Tailbone clearing option from the rear view. Notice how there is an orange stick marking the
position of the tailbone at address. As the golfer performs the backstroke the hips turn in the manner that fits his
biomechanics, then during, the transition from backstroke to down stroke the tailbone rotates in such a way to push
back onto the stick "restoring" very close to its' initial alignment at address. As the stroke continues through impact
the tailbone continues to stay pinned against the stick. We often talk about the golfer's rear end being up against a
wall at address, then it rotates off the wall in the backstroke, followed by "restoring" onto the wall during the
transition, and finally the tailbone continues to push up against wall during the impact interval. The main thing for
tailbone clear golfers to remember is that the hips are restoring the tailbone in a centered manner.
position of the tailbone at address. As the golfer performs the backstroke the hips turn in the manner that fits his
biomechanics, then during, the transition from backstroke to down stroke the tailbone rotates in such a way to push
back onto the stick "restoring" very close to its' initial alignment at address. As the stroke continues through impact
the tailbone continues to stay pinned against the stick. We often talk about the golfer's rear end being up against a
wall at address, then it rotates off the wall in the backstroke, followed by "restoring" onto the wall during the
transition, and finally the tailbone continues to push up against wall during the impact interval. The main thing for
tailbone clear golfers to remember is that the hips are restoring the tailbone in a centered manner.
Above we can view the Tailbone clearing option from the down the line view. Notice how there is a orange stick
marking the position of the tailbone at address. As the golfer performs the backstroke the hips turn in the manner
that fits his biomechanics, then during, the transition from backstroke to down stroke the tailbone rotates in such a
way to push back onto the stick "restoring" very close to its' initial alignment at address. As the stroke continues
through impact the tailbone continues to stay pinned against the stick. We often talk about the golfer's rear end
being up against a wall at address, then it rotates off the wall in the backstroke, followed by "restoring" onto the wall
during the transition, and finally the tailbone continues to push up against the wall during the impact interval. The
main thing for tailbone clear golfers to remember is that the tailbone is doing the work of clearing. From view we
have added a blue line in the 2nd and 4th pictures. The line in the 2nd picture marks where the front hip has rotated
to during the backstroke. In picture 4 you can see that the clearing of the tailbone up against the stick, or imaginary
wall, has made room for the rear hip to rotate inside the same mark during the impact interval. If the rear hip moves
outside the mark, and closer to the ball, the swing path will need to compensate. The swing path will either push out
to the ball causing a block, or the dreaded "shank," or the hands will flip the club in an effort to save the shot. This
last option causes hooks and pulls unless it is timed with split second manipulation. Keep in mind, since the rear
end rotates off the wall during the backstroke it is very common for golfers to leave it off the wall during the
transition; thus failing to restore the proper postural alignments. Failing to restore is a lazy move, however it is also
an easy move. So golfers often do so without knowing.
marking the position of the tailbone at address. As the golfer performs the backstroke the hips turn in the manner
that fits his biomechanics, then during, the transition from backstroke to down stroke the tailbone rotates in such a
way to push back onto the stick "restoring" very close to its' initial alignment at address. As the stroke continues
through impact the tailbone continues to stay pinned against the stick. We often talk about the golfer's rear end
being up against a wall at address, then it rotates off the wall in the backstroke, followed by "restoring" onto the wall
during the transition, and finally the tailbone continues to push up against the wall during the impact interval. The
main thing for tailbone clear golfers to remember is that the tailbone is doing the work of clearing. From view we
have added a blue line in the 2nd and 4th pictures. The line in the 2nd picture marks where the front hip has rotated
to during the backstroke. In picture 4 you can see that the clearing of the tailbone up against the stick, or imaginary
wall, has made room for the rear hip to rotate inside the same mark during the impact interval. If the rear hip moves
outside the mark, and closer to the ball, the swing path will need to compensate. The swing path will either push out
to the ball causing a block, or the dreaded "shank," or the hands will flip the club in an effort to save the shot. This
last option causes hooks and pulls unless it is timed with split second manipulation. Keep in mind, since the rear
end rotates off the wall during the backstroke it is very common for golfers to leave it off the wall during the
transition; thus failing to restore the proper postural alignments. Failing to restore is a lazy move, however it is also
an easy move. So golfers often do so without knowing.
Above we can view the Rear Hip clearing option from the rear view. Notice how there is an orange stick marking the
position of the rear hip at address. As the golfer performs the backstroke the hips turn in the manner that fits his
biomechanics, then during, the transition from backstroke to down stroke the rear hip rotates in such a way to drive
straight through to where the front hip was at the top of the backstroke. Notice how the rear hip is on the wall at the
top of the backstroke. Therefore it only needs to stay on the wall briefly before driving through toward the front hip
location. As the stroke continues through impact the rear hip rotates through in such a way to pin the front hip back
against the stick. We often talk about the golfer's rear end being up against a wall at address, then it rotates off the
wall in the backstroke, followed by "restoring" onto the wall during the transition, and finally the rear hip continues to
drive through pushing the front hip up against wall during the impact interval. The main thing for rear hip clear
golfers to remember is that the rear hip does all the work during the clearing action.
position of the rear hip at address. As the golfer performs the backstroke the hips turn in the manner that fits his
biomechanics, then during, the transition from backstroke to down stroke the rear hip rotates in such a way to drive
straight through to where the front hip was at the top of the backstroke. Notice how the rear hip is on the wall at the
top of the backstroke. Therefore it only needs to stay on the wall briefly before driving through toward the front hip
location. As the stroke continues through impact the rear hip rotates through in such a way to pin the front hip back
against the stick. We often talk about the golfer's rear end being up against a wall at address, then it rotates off the
wall in the backstroke, followed by "restoring" onto the wall during the transition, and finally the rear hip continues to
drive through pushing the front hip up against wall during the impact interval. The main thing for rear hip clear
golfers to remember is that the rear hip does all the work during the clearing action.
Above we can view the Rear Hip clearing option from the rear view. Notice how there is a orange stick marking the
position of the rear hip at address. As the golfer performs the backstroke the hips turn in the manner that fits his
biomechanics, then during, the transition from backstroke to down stroke the rear hip rotates in such a way to drive
straight through to where the front hip was at the top of the backstroke. Notice how the rear hip is on the wall at the
top of the backstroke. Therefore it only need to stay on the wall briefly before driving through toward the front hip
location. As the stroke continues through impact the rear hip rotates through in such a way to pin the front hip back
against the stick. We often talk about the golfer's rear end being up against a wall at address, then it rotates off the
wall in the backstroke, followed by "restoring" onto the wall during the transition, and finally the rear hip continues to
drive through pushing the front hip up against wall during the impact interval. The main thing for rear hip clear
golfers to remember is that the rear hip does all the work during the clearing action. From view we have added a
blue line in the 2nd and 4th pictures. The line in the 2nd picture marks where the front hip has rotated to during the
backstroke. In picture 4 you can see that the clearing of the rear hip drives through in such a way to move straight
toward where the front hip was in picture 2. We can see the rear hip up against the stick, or imaginary wall, in
picture 2. The rear hip clearing action has pushed the rear end back up against the wall in picture 3, and the rear
hip is moving into position to replace the front hip in picture 4. This clearing action has made room for the rear hip
to rotate inside the mark during the impact interval. If the rear hip moves outside the mark and closer to the ball, the
stroke path will need to compensate. The path will either push out to the ball causing a block or the dreaded
"shank," or the hands will flip the club in an effort to save the shot. This last option causes hooks and pulls unless it
is timed with split second manipulation. Keep in mind, since the rear end rotates off the wall during the backstroke it
is very common for golfers to leave it off the wall during the transition; thus failing to restore the proper postural
alignments. Failing to restore is a lazy move, however it is also an easy move. So golfers often do so without
knowing.
position of the rear hip at address. As the golfer performs the backstroke the hips turn in the manner that fits his
biomechanics, then during, the transition from backstroke to down stroke the rear hip rotates in such a way to drive
straight through to where the front hip was at the top of the backstroke. Notice how the rear hip is on the wall at the
top of the backstroke. Therefore it only need to stay on the wall briefly before driving through toward the front hip
location. As the stroke continues through impact the rear hip rotates through in such a way to pin the front hip back
against the stick. We often talk about the golfer's rear end being up against a wall at address, then it rotates off the
wall in the backstroke, followed by "restoring" onto the wall during the transition, and finally the rear hip continues to
drive through pushing the front hip up against wall during the impact interval. The main thing for rear hip clear
golfers to remember is that the rear hip does all the work during the clearing action. From view we have added a
blue line in the 2nd and 4th pictures. The line in the 2nd picture marks where the front hip has rotated to during the
backstroke. In picture 4 you can see that the clearing of the rear hip drives through in such a way to move straight
toward where the front hip was in picture 2. We can see the rear hip up against the stick, or imaginary wall, in
picture 2. The rear hip clearing action has pushed the rear end back up against the wall in picture 3, and the rear
hip is moving into position to replace the front hip in picture 4. This clearing action has made room for the rear hip
to rotate inside the mark during the impact interval. If the rear hip moves outside the mark and closer to the ball, the
stroke path will need to compensate. The path will either push out to the ball causing a block or the dreaded
"shank," or the hands will flip the club in an effort to save the shot. This last option causes hooks and pulls unless it
is timed with split second manipulation. Keep in mind, since the rear end rotates off the wall during the backstroke it
is very common for golfers to leave it off the wall during the transition; thus failing to restore the proper postural
alignments. Failing to restore is a lazy move, however it is also an easy move. So golfers often do so without
knowing.
| Axis of Symmetry Biomechanics: Sternum Line, Center Line, & Spine Line options |
As with clearing options, axis of symmetry options are also very misunderstood. In traditional teaching the spine is
the only axis of symmetry considered as an axis to rotate around. In reality there are 3 different options for the
upper body's axis of symmetry. We call these three options the spine line, the center line, and the spine line. With
the proper primary and secondary tilt alignments established and maintained all three axis' can be used with proper
posturing being maintained.
the only axis of symmetry considered as an axis to rotate around. In reality there are 3 different options for the
upper body's axis of symmetry. We call these three options the spine line, the center line, and the spine line. With
the proper primary and secondary tilt alignments established and maintained all three axis' can be used with proper
posturing being maintained.
Above we can see the Sternum Line option from the front view. This option is largely misunderstood because it is
mistaken as a reverse pivot action. However, as you can see the golfer sets up with sufficient secondary spine
tilt and maintains that tilt while rotating precisely in posture around the sternum line. Another physical issue that
makes the illusion of a reverse pivot is the manner in which the spine twists. The lower vertebrae only bend side
to side of front to back without significant torque. The upper vertebrae however are designed to bend and twist.
So, as the upper vertebrae twist the top of the spine often torques rearward making the illusion of a reverse
pivot. In the pictures above we can see that with proper postural alignments the golfer can still use the sternum
as the axis of symmetry. The orange line shows a relatively vertical axis marking the where the axis line would be
without secondary spine tilt. Once secondary spine tilt is established the sternum line becomes the axis of
symmetry at setup. The black line shows the spine angle at address, as marked from the sternum to the center
of the hips. As the torso rotates it pivots around that line. The yellow line designates the spine line at the top of
the backstroke. Notice how the black line and yellow line are parallel to each other showing that the proper
postural angles are maintained. The blue line marks the actual outside of the hip line showing that the hips
rotate in posture without reverse pivoting or swaying.
mistaken as a reverse pivot action. However, as you can see the golfer sets up with sufficient secondary spine
tilt and maintains that tilt while rotating precisely in posture around the sternum line. Another physical issue that
makes the illusion of a reverse pivot is the manner in which the spine twists. The lower vertebrae only bend side
to side of front to back without significant torque. The upper vertebrae however are designed to bend and twist.
So, as the upper vertebrae twist the top of the spine often torques rearward making the illusion of a reverse
pivot. In the pictures above we can see that with proper postural alignments the golfer can still use the sternum
as the axis of symmetry. The orange line shows a relatively vertical axis marking the where the axis line would be
without secondary spine tilt. Once secondary spine tilt is established the sternum line becomes the axis of
symmetry at setup. The black line shows the spine angle at address, as marked from the sternum to the center
of the hips. As the torso rotates it pivots around that line. The yellow line designates the spine line at the top of
the backstroke. Notice how the black line and yellow line are parallel to each other showing that the proper
postural angles are maintained. The blue line marks the actual outside of the hip line showing that the hips
rotate in posture without reverse pivoting or swaying.
Above we can see the Sternum Line option from the rear view. This option is largely misunderstood because it is
mistaken as a reverse pivot action. However, as you can see the golfer sets up with sufficient secondary spine
tilt and maintains that tilt while rotating precisely in posture around the sternum line. Another physical issue that
makes the illusion of a reverse pivot is the manner in which the spine twists. The lower vertebrae only bend side
to side of front to back without significant torque. The upper vertebrae however are designed to bend and twist.
So, as the upper vertebrae twist the top of the spine often torques rearward making the illusion of a reverse
pivot. In the pictures above we can see that with proper postural alignments the golfer can still use the sternum
as the axis of symmetry. The orange line shows a relatively vertical axis marking the where the axis line would be
without secondary spine tilt. Once secondary spine tilt is established the sternum line becomes the axis of
symmetry at setup. The black line shows the spine angle at address, as marked from the top of the spine
through the center of the hips. As the torso rotates it pivots around that line. The yellow line designates the spine
line at the top of the backstroke. Notice how the spine line is the black line at address and moves to the yellow
line at the top of the backstroke. You can see that action has been performed around the sternum line. Also,
notice how the black line and yellow line are parallel to each other showing that the proper postural angles are
maintained. The blue line marks the actual outside of the hip line showing that the hips rotate in posture without
reverse pivoting or swaying.
mistaken as a reverse pivot action. However, as you can see the golfer sets up with sufficient secondary spine
tilt and maintains that tilt while rotating precisely in posture around the sternum line. Another physical issue that
makes the illusion of a reverse pivot is the manner in which the spine twists. The lower vertebrae only bend side
to side of front to back without significant torque. The upper vertebrae however are designed to bend and twist.
So, as the upper vertebrae twist the top of the spine often torques rearward making the illusion of a reverse
pivot. In the pictures above we can see that with proper postural alignments the golfer can still use the sternum
as the axis of symmetry. The orange line shows a relatively vertical axis marking the where the axis line would be
without secondary spine tilt. Once secondary spine tilt is established the sternum line becomes the axis of
symmetry at setup. The black line shows the spine angle at address, as marked from the top of the spine
through the center of the hips. As the torso rotates it pivots around that line. The yellow line designates the spine
line at the top of the backstroke. Notice how the spine line is the black line at address and moves to the yellow
line at the top of the backstroke. You can see that action has been performed around the sternum line. Also,
notice how the black line and yellow line are parallel to each other showing that the proper postural angles are
maintained. The blue line marks the actual outside of the hip line showing that the hips rotate in posture without
reverse pivoting or swaying.
Above we can view the Center Line as the Axis of Symmetry. This time we are viewing it from the face on view.
The pictures above are of a center anchor center line axis of symmetry pattern. With this in mind there is less
secondary tilt than in other patterns. Even so, there is still enough secondary tilt to satisfy proper posturing.
The black line marks the actual axis of symmetry. Notice how the stroke rotates around this axis up to the top
of the backstroke. As the action is performed to the top of the backstroke we can see that the spine line (the
orange line) moves to the right of the black line and the sternum line (the blue line) moves to the left of the
black line. Therefore, the only axis line that remains constant as this action is performed is the center line.
Golfers performing the center line option often have a moderate amount of secondary tilt. Because of that they
are told they have insufficient secondary spine tilt. In reality, as long as you have secondary spine tilt and it is
maintained then you are performing with sufficient postural alignments. Even so, I would recommend you
establish a little more secondary tilt to be on the safe side. Nevertheless, if you find that only a moderate
amount of secondary tilt works for your needs, then stick with it.
The pictures above are of a center anchor center line axis of symmetry pattern. With this in mind there is less
secondary tilt than in other patterns. Even so, there is still enough secondary tilt to satisfy proper posturing.
The black line marks the actual axis of symmetry. Notice how the stroke rotates around this axis up to the top
of the backstroke. As the action is performed to the top of the backstroke we can see that the spine line (the
orange line) moves to the right of the black line and the sternum line (the blue line) moves to the left of the
black line. Therefore, the only axis line that remains constant as this action is performed is the center line.
Golfers performing the center line option often have a moderate amount of secondary tilt. Because of that they
are told they have insufficient secondary spine tilt. In reality, as long as you have secondary spine tilt and it is
maintained then you are performing with sufficient postural alignments. Even so, I would recommend you
establish a little more secondary tilt to be on the safe side. Nevertheless, if you find that only a moderate
amount of secondary tilt works for your needs, then stick with it.
Above we can view the Center Line as the Axis of Symmetry. This time we are viewing it from the rear view.
The pictures above are of a center anchor center line axis of symmetry pattern. With this in mind there is
less secondary tilt than in other patterns. Even so, there is still enough secondary tilt to satisfy proper
posturing. The black line marks the actual axis of symmetry. Notice how the stroke rotates around this axis
up to the top of the backstroke. As the action is performed to the top of the backstroke we can see that the
spine line (the orange line) moves to the right of the black line and the sternum line (the blue line) moves to
the left of the black line. Therefore, the only axis line that remains constant as this action is performed is the
center line. Golfers performing the center line option often have a moderate amount of secondary tilt.
Because of that they are told they have insufficient secondary spine tilt. In reality, as long as you have
secondary spine tilt and it is maintained then you are performing with sufficient postural alignments. Even
so, I would recommend you establish a little more secondary tilt to be on the safe side. Nevertheless, if you
find that only a moderate amount of secondary tilt works for your needs, then stick with it.
The pictures above are of a center anchor center line axis of symmetry pattern. With this in mind there is
less secondary tilt than in other patterns. Even so, there is still enough secondary tilt to satisfy proper
posturing. The black line marks the actual axis of symmetry. Notice how the stroke rotates around this axis
up to the top of the backstroke. As the action is performed to the top of the backstroke we can see that the
spine line (the orange line) moves to the right of the black line and the sternum line (the blue line) moves to
the left of the black line. Therefore, the only axis line that remains constant as this action is performed is the
center line. Golfers performing the center line option often have a moderate amount of secondary tilt.
Because of that they are told they have insufficient secondary spine tilt. In reality, as long as you have
secondary spine tilt and it is maintained then you are performing with sufficient postural alignments. Even
so, I would recommend you establish a little more secondary tilt to be on the safe side. Nevertheless, if you
find that only a moderate amount of secondary tilt works for your needs, then stick with it.
The last option is the Spine Line options. This is the more traditional view of the axis of symmetry. Above we
are viewing it from the face on view. Once again notice how the black line marks the axis of symmetry. As the
stroke moves to the top of the backstroke the torso turns around this axis. We can see at the top of the
backstroke that the black line matches the spine line showing that it truly was performed as a spine line axis
of symmetry stroke. We can also see the though the overlay matches the sternum line at address, the
sternum line (yellow line) shifts as the stroke moves to the top of the backstroke. In all three options we can
see that the torso rotated around the black line as the axis of symmetry. In the sternum line option the black
line starts on and is still aligned on the sternum at the top of the backstroke. In the center line option the
black line starts on and stays on the center line of the torso. In the spine line option the black line starts on
and stays on the spine line to the top of the backstroke. The sternum line option is easily viewed and
understood from the face on view, the spine line option is easily viewed and understood from the rear view,
and the center line option is easily viewed from either the face on or the rear view.
are viewing it from the face on view. Once again notice how the black line marks the axis of symmetry. As the
stroke moves to the top of the backstroke the torso turns around this axis. We can see at the top of the
backstroke that the black line matches the spine line showing that it truly was performed as a spine line axis
of symmetry stroke. We can also see the though the overlay matches the sternum line at address, the
sternum line (yellow line) shifts as the stroke moves to the top of the backstroke. In all three options we can
see that the torso rotated around the black line as the axis of symmetry. In the sternum line option the black
line starts on and is still aligned on the sternum at the top of the backstroke. In the center line option the
black line starts on and stays on the center line of the torso. In the spine line option the black line starts on
and stays on the spine line to the top of the backstroke. The sternum line option is easily viewed and
understood from the face on view, the spine line option is easily viewed and understood from the rear view,
and the center line option is easily viewed from either the face on or the rear view.
The last option is the Spine Line options. This is the more traditional view of the axis of symmetry. Above we are
viewing it from the rear view. Once again notice how the black line marks the axis of symmetry. As the stroke
moves to the top of the backstroke the torso turns around this axis. We can see at the top of the backstroke
that the black line matches the spine line showing that it truly was performed as a spine line axis of symmetry
stroke. We can also see that the sternum line (yellow line) shifts as the stroke moves to the top of the
backstroke. In all three options we can see that the torso rotated around the black line as the axis of symmetry.
In the sternum line option the black line starts on and is still aligned on the sternum at the top of the backstroke.
In the center line option the black line starts on and stays on the center line of the torso. In the spine line option
the black line starts on and stays on the spine line to the top of the backstroke. The sternum line option is
easily viewed and understood from the face on view, the spine line option is easily viewed and understood from
the rear view, and the center line option is easily viewed from either the face on or the rear view.
viewing it from the rear view. Once again notice how the black line marks the axis of symmetry. As the stroke
moves to the top of the backstroke the torso turns around this axis. We can see at the top of the backstroke
that the black line matches the spine line showing that it truly was performed as a spine line axis of symmetry
stroke. We can also see that the sternum line (yellow line) shifts as the stroke moves to the top of the
backstroke. In all three options we can see that the torso rotated around the black line as the axis of symmetry.
In the sternum line option the black line starts on and is still aligned on the sternum at the top of the backstroke.
In the center line option the black line starts on and stays on the center line of the torso. In the spine line option
the black line starts on and stays on the spine line to the top of the backstroke. The sternum line option is
easily viewed and understood from the face on view, the spine line option is easily viewed and understood from
the rear view, and the center line option is easily viewed from either the face on or the rear view.
Sternum Line Axis of Symmetry Option:
Center Line Axis of Symmetry Option:
Spine Line Axis of Symmetry Option:
Rear Hip Clear Option:
Tailbone Clear Option:
Front Hip Clear Option:
Full Torque Option:
Upper Torque Option:
Lower Torque Option:
Front Anchor Option:
Center Anchor Option:
Rear Anchor Option:
