I was one that wouldn't tilt much in my set up. I also wasn't turning my butt enough in my swing. Now as I am working with your system, the tilt "feels" excessive as you said it would. The proper tilt pulls a lot on my lower back (it aches when trying to hold that position prior to swinging). When I swing I find that I am pulling the club head in by almost 1/2 to 3/4 of the club head when it hits the ball.
First question is: What are good easy exercises (I have respiratory issues)(I can only only swing club 4-5 times in a row and out of breath) to strengthen the lower back?
Second question is: Even when I move a little closer to the ball in my stance (trying to eliminate pulling arms in during the swing) I still pull the arms in. Any suggestions? (Am unable to video swing at this time.)
Thanks to Tom and all SG members!
Hi Ken,
Per your other comment, hopefully the post by @Buford T Ogletree will help you. Beyond that please check your setup and ensure that it is as prescribed, because this swing method should not place any stress on your lower back if properly executed. I've included below a couple of photos from the S&T book pertaining to the setup. In addition to the descriptions provided, it is very important to have both feet flared outward 10-20 degrees ("penguin feet", as I call it), with the knees similarly flared outward. The knees should only work up and down in this preset orientation during the swing, and not kick towards each other as that would represent some type of shifting/swaying move.
Also, as referenced in Buford's post, let's be sure we don't go beyond our body's natural stopping point - that's where the tilting, turning, and extending motions are complete and the lead arm has crossed the chest 45 degrees - and then, the most difficult part: train yourself to stop there! If you try to go further any or all of the following will occur:
1) the lead arm will bend and/or lift
2) the wrists will break down
3) the lead knee will kick inward towards the trail side
4) the lead shoulder will level out and lose its orientation towards the ball
5) weight will shift into the trail side and bring the low point back with it, resulting in inconsistent contact.
6) you'll "chicken wing" and/or flip through impact
7) pain, discomfort, and/or possible injury
Let's begin with these considerations for now, and then if possible at some point in the near future we really should see video of your swing.
Tom