Well, I got over my apprehension about bringing my video camera out to the range with me. I was hoping to be able to share some stills and some of the video so we could analyze them together, but I’m having some technical issues. When I step frame by frame using my camera hooked up to my TV, the position of the club is apparent through the entire swing, but when I transfer the video to my PC, it’s much harder to make out the club near impact. I’m going to try again this week with the recording quality set to the highest setting and see if that helps.

Anyway, I’m really glad I went through with it. I was able to learn a lot about where my swing is at right now. I also learned that either the camera adds a few dozen pounds or I need to stay committed to my weight loss goals. Hey, it’s in my to-do list but it’s going to take time.

Here’s a breakdown of what I saw (I really wish I had some decent images to share):

• Last week, I said I suspected the “chicken wing”. Well, it’s confirmed. But, on the bright side, it’s not as severe as it’s been in the past. While I was taking the shots on the camera, I was trying the two techniques I discussed previously. Surprisingly, there were shots where the problem was almost gone. I’m thinking those techniques are working for me and it’s just a matter of time until it’s all resolved.
• I’m not thrilled with my takeaway. It almost seems as if I’m trying to “guide” my hands along the plane where the club head should be. I didn’t film any shots from behind the ball, but it looks as if my hands come out and away from my body. I think this is getting me out of whack early and adding to my consistency problems. I notice that I employ a one-piece takeaway and it stays that way for a loooooooong time. It looks kind of ridiculous. I’m thinking it’s a symptom of trying to guide my hands down the plane (subconsciously).
• I notice that when I finish my back swing with the driver, the club is perfectly parallel with the ground. But my swings with my irons (I filmed driver, 2, 5, 7 and PW) are all abbreviated. This isn’t necessarily a problem, but my perception was that I was making full back swings.
• I’m extremely happy with the amount of lag I generate in the downswing. No casting here. Definitely one of the sources for my power.
• At times, my head slides a little toward the target on the downswing. This causes me to get steep on the ball. I was consciously working on this and in some shots, it’s definitely improved over others.
• I start my swing with a little forward press that I was totally unaware of. I also fan open the club face right from the get-go. At the top of my swing, the club face looks closed. That could contribute to my tendency to hook the ball.

All in all, most of these are things that I’ve seen before. It’s funny how we revert to old habits. It’s almost like we’re made to do certain things and building a good swing hinges on leaving those things behind. But they’re never really gone.

I’m happy to have confirmed these things with video. I’ll be working on them in my upcoming practice sessions. I’ll also be going over them with my pro at my next lesson which I’m planning on scheduling in the next few weeks. I’m going to hold off for a bit and see if I can improve these things because they’re all problems we’ve worked on before. I know what I need to do. I just need to do it.

I’m going to try hard to get some usable video next week so it’s easier to demonstrate these issues.

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