SQUEEZE THE BALL
The first step is to put yourself in position to side tilt. That means making a good backswing where the arms have structure. At the top, your elbows should point towards the ground like mine are here ( left ). A great way to rehearse this is to grab a softball and wedge it between your forearms at address. Now swing to the top, gently applying pressure to the softball to prevent it from falling. You’ll need to keep your right elbow relatively tight to your body to do it. If it flares and the ball drops, you are no longer in position to transition properly and maintain side tilt. Keep practising your backswing with the ball until this elbows-down position at the top becomes a habit. Then you’re ready for my second drill.
TOSS A FRISBEE
Take note of my halfway- down position here ( right ). See how my right elbow is tucked in close to my body? That can only happen if my right shoulder is moving towards the ground, not out towards the ball. A great way to groove this elbow- in position is to take a Frisbee in your trail hand and toss it sidearm, like you’re skipping stones across a pond. To do this, you must keep your right elbow tight to your body while shifting your lower body forward ( far right ). If you can recreate this action in the downswing, you’ll be in better position to hit your iron shots flush. And there’s nothing like the feeling of pure contact.
GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA 33
MAY 2025
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator