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Early Extension

Curious if there are any videos or tips on early extension? I don’t remember seeing any. I have never heard you talk about sitting back in a swing either but more so moving the hips forward. I think for me since I’ve always struggle with early extension I need to think of my hips going back behind me as well as forward to the target. Anyone else have this Issue and any tips or thoughts on the subject?

Cheers,

Bryan

7 comments

7 Comments

bobmeeks01

Nov 30, 2022

This is my #1 swing problem, though I'm not sure if the terminology is the same. From the videos Tom posted it looks like he's concerned about lateral movement (to/from target). I've always heard of "early extension" referring to standing up during the swing, or moving the hips more toward the ball. I've tried drills like "the chair drill" where you keep your butt resting on the back of a chair behind you through the swing, but I can never seem to break this habit. It causes issues with getting closer to the ball during the downswing, then having to stand up to not hit it fat, then flipping, etc. so it's something I wish I could address. I can't find the feeling of staying "seated" during the swing. Is this what you're experiencing?

Tom Saguto

Dec 01, 2022

Replying to

Hi Bob,

The "early extension" referred to here is a downswing condition also known as "casting". This is when we throw away our lag and thereby lose much of our stored power potential.

When golfers are standing up through the zone, it's usually because there's not enough lateral hip slide and too much rotation in the downswing. This shifts the low point backwards and causes the brain to sense that the club is going to crash into the ground, thereby causing the body to straighten up.

Here is a drill from the Downswing section of Fixing Common Swing Problems specific to building in more lateral hip slide. You may also wish to have a look at the Tailbone-to-Target Drill referenced in my previous reply to Bryan. Beyond these, feel free to arrange for a V1 Swing Video Analysis Lesson if you'd like me to put my eyes on your swing and offer you a more specific diagnosis and plan of attack.

Tom

bobmeeks01

Dec 01, 2022

Replying to

Thanks, Tom! Apologize for the confusion and mixing topics. I'll take a look.

Tom Saguto

Dec 01, 2022

Replying to

No worries, Bob. What you are referring to is early extension of the spine, so by definition it certainly falls into that category!

Tom Saguto

Sep 22, 2022

Here's the diagnostic video for early extension in the Fixing Common Swing Problems section, Bryan. It's followed by a couple of drill videos specific to this issue.

And the Tailbone to Target Drill trains the hips to work exactly as you describe.

bryangwin

Sep 22, 2022

Replying to

Thanks Tom!

Tom Saguto

Sep 23, 2022

Replying to

My pleasure! I hope they help!