Hands Controlled Pivot-- 2 Schools

[slicer mcgolf]

I have always learned and taught a hands controlled pivot. The first person to talk to me on this gave me 2 examples: a pivot will not bring the hands to the top of the backswing but the hands moving to the top will create a pivot (maybe not a great one)

It all comes down to the player and if the player has uneducated hands. I find that the hands can get started on a good path if the pivot starts the backswing, but I feel that once the hands start to work properly, they should be able to control the pivot and everything else in the swing.

From my playing experience, if my pivot controls the arms and hands, I can flush it, but flight varies. If my hands control it and then work towards an aiming point, then I can knock down a flag or 2. This is my feel as a player and may not always link with my ideals as an instructor.

[Yoda]

Hey KOC - no worries. I used alternative and equivalent interchangeably. Probably not a good idea and if it helps, just substitute the word "equivalent" in my post above as I probably took some liberties.

You are right that the golf swing is a very wholistic action through all of the zones; Its an athletic endeavour. What is in control is your intent. Beyond that it is directing the most efficient and productive tool at your disposal towards that intent.

Because I aim, my intent is to compress the golf ball with a square clubface on the third inside dimple from the back center, what is the best tool to accomplish that goal? I've learned that the aiming point for my pitching wedge is about 3 inches in front of the ball so I pick the spot on the ground along the baseline of the plane and from the top of my swing, I drag the #3 pressure point as far down to that location as I possibly can, all the while monitoring lag pressure so I don't release it too early and have the right amount of pressure for the distance I have chosen.

whew...thats a lot to think about! Good thing I don't have to think at all because my job is to look at the baseline spot and aim my #3 pressure point at it. In my mind all I'm thinking about is distance to the pin. Its as easy as throwing a stone.

What if I want to hit my pitching wedge 100 yards instead of 120 yards? My aiming point doesn't change but my pivot must accomodate these demands based on lag pressure felt in my right hand.

Thats all it is. An awareness of lag pressure and where it is being directed.

I really don't want to bash pivot controlled hands because I believe their are teachers who can teach it well, players who find it very effective and player athletes who earn millions on the PGA TOUR using it.

I played today and will play again tomorrow, and even though I attempted an awareness of my hands to their aiming point, there were plenty of shots when my pivot was boss and a few minor pushes and pulls as a result. Oh well, Its all good.

On-the-money insights, Bagger. They are the product of much ball crunching, book reading and mind searching, and it shows. You pursue Golfing Perfection because you love it, and that shows, too.

Thanks for all you do for our members . . .

For LBG and its mission . . .

And for me.