One of the main goals of training for golf specific functionality is to create an effective and accurate swing. The more control you have over the swing itself, the more control you have over the golf ball. The more control over the ball, the lower your scores will be. The cleaner your mechanics are, the less you will have to rely on timing. In our blogs, we discuss how to set the torso and lower body to have a powerful swing. Today, we talk about the problem with compensation and your golf swing.
A massive misconception is that you need to pull down on the shaft to create power. This pull down action can be detrimental; Your body will compensate for the change of focus in your power alignment. Compensation is generally not a good thing in motion. In fact, the definition of compensation is “something that counterbalances or makes up for an undesirable state of affairs.” When asking for a powerful motion, we do not want a part of the kinetic chain having to change roles in the middle of the action to counterbalance something else. Instead, we want the foundation to be able to stay steady as the peripherals complete their actions.
To learn how not to do this action, Zach Parker demonstrates the Anti-Pull Down drill. Usually, in band fitness training, we use drills that ask the participant to stretch or work against the band. In this exercise, Zach Parker teaches us how to use the band in the opposite method.
Band work can be a powerful method of teaching the body how NOT to do a particular movement. In this case, this drill helps the golfer understand the necessity of the body movement over pulling the club itself. If you have your lower body set, yet you pull down on the shaft during the swing, you will discredit the power generated by the lower body. While you may think you are creating more power by forcing the club down and forward, you are actually fighting against the body’s natural uncoiling force.
Practicing the movement with the band first allows for the body to “learn” and acknowledge the position that you are requesting. This is why you should practice the motion with the band and immediately with your club.
