golf down swing

Question
have a question about the down swing related to feel not necessarily fact.   Once in a blue moon I get this feeling that the club head releases very early ( opposite of cocked wrist, keeping the angle). The club head is tossed freely in the opposite direction of the target. The club head feels like it's 20 yards behind me, almost like a you-yo on a string. It finally runs out of string and makes a U-turn back towards the ball, coming in at a very shallow angle(  much like an airplane landing). My arms feel extended, my wrist feel flat and tension free. The impact is tremendous and the ball fly's a long ways.

I have no idea how to perfect that feeling because it comes and goes, mostly goes..ha ha. Can you explain to me what has happend in my swing to create such an odd feeling. Is there an exercise i can do to learn that feeling better?  

Answer
Hi Paul, and thanks for your question.  Believe me, I know the feeling of the "dis-connection"!

When the arms and the body are not moving together (or in sync), that is when you feel this.  When your arms get way behind you, the club gets very flat, in relation to your swing plane.  It is when the club is "on" plane that you get that effortless feeling.  

Sounds like you need to work on your timing.....getting your body and arms working as a team.  I always tell my students that the body swings the arms, so here is a drill:

"Pump and Go":  Swing the club into a "L" position.  This is when the left forearm is extended back, the right arm is beginning to fold a little, and the left forearm and club shaft form an "L".  You want to feel your "core" (abdominals) make a slight turn towards the target as your arms "pump" down.  Do this slowly and feel how the body will begin to unwind your torso.  As you do this, you will notice that the arms and club stay in front of your chest, and as the club comes down to paralle to your hips, you will notice that you retain the "lag" angle of your arms and wrists.........otherwise known as "keeping it in the slot".

Much better to show you this than try to explain, but I hope this helps.  It is a great drill for developing the feeling you are looking for!

Good luck, and let me know if you have more questions.

Sincerely,

Rick Williams
PGA Head Professional
Bucks County Country Club
www.golfbucks.com