Posing With Purpose

By T.J. Tomasi

Universal Press Syndicate

When I teach a junior class, I expose them to three basic positions: (1) address; (2) the top of the swing; (3) the finish. I have them pose in each position in sequence.

Posing allows them to check out the fundamentals of each position and then adjust their own pose to fit the model before they go on to the next position ― all while looking in the mirror. First they pose and check it out, then they adjust, then they go to the next pose.

This procedure allows me to adjust their model pose as necessary. Once they have enough repetitions to match the model accurately, I ask them to make some unposed practice swings with no stopping, but still matching the model.

Last, I introduce the ball. But if I spot a junior struggling, I'll send him back to the pose routine for a brush-up.

The reason I'm outlining this technique is that it's a great tool for adults to use, too, especially if you're stuck inside during the winter.

Notice that there is no pose at impact ― just address, the top and the follow-through. This is done on purpose to decrease club manipulation, aka, the hit impulse. If you're a hit-man or a hit-woman, this approach teaches you to swing through impact rather than TO impact.

Basically, this is the secret of the pros: They know that if they are correct at address and the top is geometrically correct, they can simply swing to the finish with no manipulation. In this scenario, impact takes care of itself.

Note: Impact, of course, is very important, and I use another pose/drill to teach it, but I keep this phase of the swing separate.