Hanging Back on Right Side

Question
Hi John
The website is making me start a new question for the hanging question.  I took a lesson and ball contact is great but the pro tells me the hanging back is coming from my hips not firing thru the ball.  I start my down swing with the leg but the left leg is straightening before the hips clear.  This is causing me not get thru the ball and forces my head back and away from the ball at impact.  Kinda of reverse C looking but without a good clearing the hips.   When in the swing should the left leg full straighten?  Any drills to help the hip shift as the pro called it?


Answer
Brian:  The left leg should not straighten until contact is made.  Otherwise, the straightening will cause you to raise up and prevent a divot.  You might try to initiate the forward swing by pushing off your right foot or pushing forward with your left hip.  

If this doesn't help, have someone check to see if the weight on your right foot shifts to the outside at the top of the back swing.  Or, it could be just moving off the ball of the right foot.  You see Brian, the down swing takes only a fraction of a second to get beyond impact.  If the weight on the back foot has moved off the ball of the foot, it must get back to the ball of the foot before it can move forward.  While that is happening, your upper body is delivering the club to the ball which makes you look like you're hanging back.

Of course the best way to remain on the balls of your feet during the swing is to start there at address.  I believe I outlined the way to achieve that in my last answer.  If you don't still have it, let me know and I'll resend it.  Or you can see it on my website.

Fairways and Greens,

John
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