Right Leg Lock

         One of the common maladies that I observe throughout the year is a condition that I call right leg lock.  (right handed golfers)  During the back swing the right leg straightens.  When this happens the left hip will get significantly lower than the right hip and a reverse weight shift will ensue.   The golfer on the left has also overrated his backswing.   The golf club has crossed the line.  There is a  lot going on here.

     If you’ve got any sort of athletic background you know that keeping your hips level is a really important part of performance.   In this case the the locked leg has raised the right hip and the left one has gotten low.   The cure?   The right leg should remain flexed during the backswing, and the weight will flow to the right rather than hanging left.  By doing this,  the overrotation will take care of itself.  He’ll experience a better coil.  There will be fewer moving parts. 

    Right leg lock is a tough fault to lose.  Most people don’t have a lot of awareness about there legs within the swing.  I will  often put a trianing aid like the “M” brace or a the “Load and Fire.” on the players right leg to help keep the leg flexed.  While the brace is on the player, it is imperative that  attention be paid to the sensations  that the brace gives.   When it comes off, they must attempt to replicate the feelings and practice the skill on a regular basis.  Shadow boxing the correct movement in the winter time will give golfers a head start in the spring.