The Road to Repeatability
We all strive for that marvelous feeling of the machine- like repeatability available to us as players and teachers, when the golf swing is working as designed. We, as teachers, are trying to sell this possibility to our students that we possess the keys to that magical, almost mystical exclusive goal of a truly repeatable golf swing. We know it exists, yet few have been its master.
Why is a truly repeating swing so difficult to achieve? Is it mechanical or psychological? In my opinion, it is both. Let’s start with the mechanical. To save time, we will assume that the address position is correct and sound. This is a huge assumption, but a necessary one for the scope of this article. So, after the address is dealt with, what is our point of attention? I believe the backswing, or takeaway, is “The Key” to a truly repeating swing.
History has shown us that the position at the top of the backswing isn’t as critical as imagined, in terms of this position being picture-perfect. What is important is the “sameness” of the position at the top.
The greatest players – Jones, Hogan, Nelson, Snead, Nicklaus, and Trevino, to mention a few– all had different positions at the top. But, they were capable of achieving their own signature position on top with remarkable regularity!
The modern breed of players’ top-of-swing positions tend to be more similar than their predecessors’. I believe this to be due to the extensive use of video equipment during the developmental states of the modern players’ swings. Even though the appearance of the “slots” is very similar, there are minor differences noticeable to trained eyes. What remains the same during any golfing era is the ability of great players to put the club into their own “signature” slot with remarkable consistency.
So, how does a takeaway or backswing lend itself to creating superior repeatability? First, a great takeaway doesn’t disturb a great setup. The posture level and balance are maintained while the club is eased into the slot – all elements necessary and vital for repeatable shotmaking.
Second, a great takeaway promotes and produces a great coil, setting the body in position to REACT into the downswing, creating a motion that seems to trigger and propel itself through impact into a solid finish with great inertia and authority – motions that are the benchmark of great swings.
A great takeaway allows the arms and hands to seek their own pathway, which will set the club into that vital slotted position that can only be had when the takeaway is glassy-smooth and tension-free – again, the mark of great swings.
Great players know and understand their backswings in great detail, having an intimate knowledge of all the sequences necessary to repeat. This applies whether the handle drags the head, the one-piece concept is used, or some amount of “preset” is used. Do the hands move the arms, or do the shoulders or hips start the backward move? There are many possibilities and great players find what works for them using a variety of techniques, but one thing is for sure, take it back the same way and you will start hitting it the same way. Learn “your” takeaway, finding one that works for you, and let smoothness be the guide.
Enjoy a truly repeatable swing!
