Does anyone else try to create a stretch at the start of the downswing?

I don't know that I have come across this concept watching Tom's videos but I would not doubt that he has covered in the past. I believe it is called the X-Factor Stretch by some (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cwgq1fLt61k)

What I mean by stretch, and I have mentioned it several times in other posts, is the fealing that your trail shoulder and palm are continuing to move back while you start the downswing with a bump of the lower body toward the target. The bump can be moving your lead hip moving toward the target, shifting the trail knee toward the target (which is working very well for me right now) or probably several other moves I am not familiar with.

It is very hard for me to do this every time because the tendency for me is to start the downswing with my trail arm and shoulder (beautiful over the top move!) But if I can start the downswing with a slow, methodical shift of my trail knee toward the target while I feel like I am still pulling back with my trail palm and shoulder, I get tremendous club head speed that feels effortless.

Has anyone out there had success with this method?

Thanks!

8 comments

8 Comments

rcissell56

Jun 05, 2023

Thanks Tom, that makes me feel much better and I appreciate the additional material! So an update on what I am focusing on now:

- Instead of looking at the inside back of the ball until after impact I am looking at a spot a few inches in front of the ball. I have used this method in that past with great success. Got away from it for a while, but it really does help with swing path and compression of the ball.

- I really want to make sure my trail elbow is pointing toward my body and that the bicept feels connected to the front of my rib cage (another Top 10 Tip from Tom!)

- To pull back the trail arm and shoulder at the start of backswing I use the tight connection between my thumb and forefinger of the trail hand to pull and continue to pull even at the start of the downswing.

- My downswing thought is to continue to look at the spot ahead of the ball and move my trail knee toward the target as if I am trying to touch my lead knee. This helps ensure a smooth and complete movement of the lower body toward the target.

I'm very happy with my swing now, but need to make sure I do not get sloppy on my setup or else it is very easy to turn crispy contact into the feeling of wading through the muck and mire.

Tom Holt

Jun 03, 2023

I warm up before I play. I do the basic calisthenics that are good for me and my golf game. I don't want training aids or the latest thing that will fix my slice, make me hit farther or anything that takes me away from my plan. I watch no one else but Saguto for learning. I lied. I kind of like watching the girls online like Paige, what's he face and a few others but I think my routine is the best one for me. I incorporate what I am doing with the club to haw i warm up.

Dale

Jun 02, 2023

I did try this once but found it rather complicated and difficult to repeat so gave it up as a bad job. It’s about as easy to replicate as separating the lower half…all unnecessary twists, turns, lower back and knee pain and swing thoughts I am really happy to have said goodbye to.

Each to their own though and if it works for you, great but the rest of my golfing life will be dedicated to keeping it simple and following Tom’s process, which, for me is proving to be a series of very welcome revelations.

All the best.

rcissell56

Jun 02, 2023

Replying to

Thanks for responding and giving me your thoughts. One thing to note is that my swing is completely built around Tom's methods. The only thing different is trying to keep my arms up when I first start the downswing. If I don't do that then I consistently come over the top. I'm willing to try other methods if they produce the same results.

rcissell56

Jun 01, 2023

Well I am 66 years old... hopefully I'll get 20 good years out of the swing!

Tom Saguto

Jun 01, 2023

Hi Bob,

"X-Factor" conjures up notions of creating resistance, torque, and consequently stress on the lower back, knees, and hips. Think in terms of Tiger's swing in his early days followed by the numerous surgeries after his body broke down from countless violent reps.

That type of action is not a component of the S&T system. We simply load all elements - i.e.: power accumulators - at equal rates to their natural stopping point, and then sequentially unload them in the downswing. Very body-friendly and very powerful (and seemingly effortlessly so, at that).

Rather than trying to create that opposing forces "crunch", I'd much prefer that you build in your feel for that fully loaded stopping point and the subsequent change of direction.

On a side note, going forward all swing-specific questions should now be posted to the Community in the online school platform.

rcissell56

Jun 02, 2023

Replying to

As I mentiond in response dalerichardsesquire above, my entire swing is built around your methods. I do not restrict my hip turn like they suggest in the orignal X-Factor swing. The only thing I try to do differently from your swing is to try to keep my arms up in the air when I move my knee to the target. If I don't do this I hit shanks, skull shots, slices, etc. If you can suggest another technique to use to keep me from coming over the top I am all ears!

Thanks again for all of your great advice!

Tom Saguto

Jun 05, 2023

Replying to

I have regularly taught that the lateral targetward action of the lower body leads the downswing, Bob, so as long as you're not creating that restrictive "X-effect", then it sounds like what you're doing is fine. It was your mention of that X thing that had me concerned.

Have a look at Allen Doyle's lead knee and Charlie Wi's drill in the excerpts below from the S&T book, for example.