So I’ve been a member for just over a month or so and I’ve been having a nightmare. Straight away I got the dreaded “s” shot. So bad I haven’t been able to play for 4 weeks. I’ve been going to the range and working on everything possible. I eventually focused on lesson 2.8 and the 90% weight forward with straight arms drill and bang. Crispy goodness with a lovely draw. it’s still a work in progress but tonight I managed 18 holes and had no “s” shots. This post is for anyone else just starting out and struggling with the change, keep going as it’s definitely worth it when you get it right and you here that crisp contact. 👍🏻
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Well done, @Ritchie Morrison!! Thanks for the fantastic progress update. Keep it Krispy!!!
I have written in the forum about having this affliction in the past. It is demoralizing, but I have been cured. If that shot ever shows it's ugly self now, I know the cause and can immediately fix. In the past it would get me tight as a drum and I was finished. As they say, the toughest shot in golf is the one right after that 's' shot.
I have found that stability and focus is the key. Keeping that head and butt against the imaginary wall, keeping the hands soft and quiet, and tilting like there is no tomorrow cures it. I have to really focus on my right shoulder tilting down towards my right foot and keeping it under my chin all the way through the downswing. Once you get the tension out of your hands, arms, and chest that shot causes, it will be cured forever.
I know this next part will sound like telling someone who is dreadfully afraid of flying that it is 100x safer than driving a car, so take it for what it's worth. I had to make a mental shift before going to practice when I was afflicted with the laterals. I had to tell myself that it was an incurable disease, and today was the first step to being cured forever. I did stop playing for awhile until I could confidently hit irons crispy 100 yards. NO FULL SWINGS. As I have said in this forum, you must master the 2.8 drill first. MUST. It is not something you are going to do once on the range. It must become a routine. I use it as my warm up before playing. If you have been afflicted with the 's' shot, then hit 10-20 7-irons clean with 2.8, then try to go to full swings, chances are they will come right back. You must commit practice sessions doing nothing by 2.8 drill with PW, 8i, 6i, then a hybrid, then stop. Leave the practice session with a positive mindset and reinforce it. Maybe go practice putting before you leave. Then go back the next time and do it again. It took me 3 week of range practice with 2.8 to cure. Then my next few rounds were all 2.8 drill swings. I hit my irons about 70% of normal, so I would just club up. Didn't focus on score, just consistency. Ball stays straight and it will sharpen your short game.
Good luck!
Congrats, and thanks for sharing as I'm in a similar spot. Haven't had the nerve to try the course yet. Soon.