The concept of “loading” in the backswing is misunderstood by most golfers, who feel as if they have to pressure the ground with their trail leg all the way to the top. I’ve spent a lot of time with students using Swing Catalyst’s pressure and ground force plates and the players who hit it the farthest don’t really do this.
Here’s what happens: As good players start the club back, they indeed shift weight and apply pressure to the ground with their trail leg (above left). But once they reach midway back, the pressure eases, as if they’re getting “lighter” over their back foot (right).
Makes sense: If you don’t overload your trail side at the top, you’re in a better position to shift to your front side as you start down. Having too much pressure on your trail side at the top puts you in danger of hanging back on the way down. Which is not good.
So start with pressure, then ease up. It’s subtle, but the key to powerful strikes.
Joe Plecker is a GOLF Top 100 Teacher and the director of instruction at The Landings Club in Savannah, Ga.