R,

The weight distribution and ball position inputs are important, and I would add:

Extensor Action.... Extensor Action..... Extensor Action!

If your primary lever assembly is allowed to lengthen during the downstroke (because it wasn't "stretched" to full length during the setup) then even if your weight is forward and the ball position is correct, there's a chance that you're going to bottom out too soon.

CG

Ea
 

It is not a stretch to say that it is a good point!

CG,

Could you describe that a little further...

I'm still a bit TGM wet behind the ears :(

Stretched out?

I'll take a stab a left arm loose/flexed, straightens on the way down and big ball gets hit before little ball?

Pivot, when I deliberately pivot on downswing, feeling my body open, no fat shots. On pitches especially, it is easy to run out of right arm due to the shortness of the stroke. Feeling like the backswing begins with the feet, really helps me avoid chili.

Go to zone #1(pivot). Any slow down or speeding up? Then check for steering. If pitches are low(ball position or face hooded or closed) tendancy is to get ball up (angle or verticle hingeing) and low point changes. Drill is to just hit the ball about 10 or 15 feet with one hand. First the righthand. Manipulate the right forearm, then find low point and face angle you prefer. Repeat with left hand only. Then both hands while monitoring mone #1. If you show improvement I can give you a brutal drill Mr Revolta tortured me with.

sawblade,

I have a slow tempo and feel i may well be speeding up

Feel free to impart your nasty drill :confused1

R,

Sort of. As you get further into TGM (you're on a great site to help with your understanding), you'll hear and read a lot about "extensor action". It's a very important concept. Essentially it's your right arm (if you're right handed) always trying to "stretch or lengthen" your left arm and it provides a certain "structure" to your power package. I suggest you do a search on the topic of extensor action..... it will give you a number of ways to think about it and how to best execute it.

When I apply EA to a chip or pitch shot I feel like my right arm is trying to "lengthen" the left arm and I "feel" it thru the #1 pressure point or that area where the cup of my right hand is pressing against the left thumb. The right tricep is "engaged" but I'm certainly not trying to dislocate the left arm either. It's enough force to ensure the left arm is fully extended and isn't going to change in length during the stroke.

You should now be able to bend/straighten your right elbow and apply the correct amount of thrust for the particular shot at hand, all the while knowing that the primary lever is a constant length.

EA can be a "hot topic" and I don't claim that my explanation is the best. Its just how I apply it.

CG

6-b-1-d
 

Do you have the book? Study 6-B-1-D. It's a beauty! The left arm is stretched (but not moved) by a below plane pulling action of the right arm through # 1 PP, or #3 PP. This provides structure to the power package made up of the arms and club. Another benefit is that it helps you measure yourself correctly in relation to the ball i.e. helps establish the correct radius

Extensor Action provides.

1. Full extention of the left arm
2. full extention of the right forearm for follow through
3. correct rate of clubhead closing

Happy Hunting

Yep, have to book.

I know a lot more than I did this time last year that's for sure....

Thanks again for all the input

O,

Good reference. I always struggled with the right arm "pulling or pushing" part of it. I feel like I "push" on #1 PP and it provides a "pulling" of the left arm straight. All I know is that it provides that structure.

R,

DO spend some time in 6-B-1-D. You'll be glad you did.

CG