IT'S GOOD FOR YOUR GAME

The great Ernie Els generates mega-power by bracing his right side against the ground while coiling the top of his body against his core.

Long-hitting Carlos Franco screws himself into the ground, creating a power crouch like a swimmer waiting for the starting gun.

Feel your swing with feet

By T.J. Tomasi

We live in a matrix of gravity, and over thousands of years our bodies have developed intricate systems that allow us to react to the G-force exerted on us. Thus, we have an entire system that tells us where we are in space vs. the world. If you weigh 180 pounds, you push on the Earth with 180 lbs. of force, and it pushes back with 180 lbs. Given this force equilibrium, you remain connected to the Earth using sensors in your feet that send information to your brain ― the circuit being Earth-to-feet-to-brain and back again. “Jumping in feet first” is not just an adage ― it’s a million years’ worth of wiring.

In Greek mythology, Hercules fought the giant Antaeus, who gained all his power from his connection to the Earth. Hercules lifted the giant off the ground and held him aloft until Antaeus’ power drained away. Disconnected as he was, Antaeus was helpless, and so are golfers whose swing techniques unplug them from their ground.

Basically, good golfers feel the swing with their feet, and it would behoove you to conceptualize and feel the swing with your feet first, rather than worrying about the clubhead or what your shoulders are doing or how your hands are working. Once you satisfy your ground connection, then integrate other keys into your golfing portfolio.

Dr. T.J. Tomasi is a teaching professional in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Visit his website at tomasigolf.com.