It’s good for your game

How to shift your weight

By T.J. Tomasi

Golfers often make too much of an effort to load up their right side (left for lefties) during the backswing. Thus they get out of position at the top of the swing, producing timing problems during the downswing. In other words, when it comes to transferring weight, real and feel aren't the same.

Here's a drill using scales that can give you a digital readout of how and when to shift your weight: Stand up straight with each foot on a scale, your arms hanging at your sides and your weight evenly distributed between your legs. Now, without moving your lower body, simply rotate your chest to the right and note that a certain amount of weight automatically shifts to your right side. You'll transfer a bit more with your actual swing because of the club and your extended arms, but this drill will give you the concept of a natural pivot.

Now assume your golf posture and repeat the move ― turn your chest and arms, but keep your lower body still. This will produce your perfect balance point at the top of your swing.

To quantify what numbers are best for you, use a 5-iron and arrange your weight 50/50 at address, so that if you weigh 180 pounds, that's 90 pounds in each foot. Now make a normal swing and stop at the top to get a reading. Do this at least five times and average the readings. The distribution should be about 40/60 ― in our example, your back leg scale reading would be about 108 pounds.

Now comes the tough part: Swing and stop half way down. Your front leg scale should read about 80 percent of your total weight, or 145 pounds. At impact it will be about 90 percent to 95 percent loaded on your front leg.

Of course, tracking your weight shift using a scale is not an exact science, but it can give you a ballpark estimate of when and how much to transfer.