Get More Consistent with your Iron Play with Guidance from GOLFTEC’s Connie Chen
By Ryan Gager
Are you struggling with inconsistent strikes, distance control, or club path issues in your golf swing? If so, you’re not alone. Many golfers face these challenges, but the solution might be simpler than you think. In the latest edition of Fix My Fault with Connie Chen, we highlight the importance of the trail knee in your golf swing. In this article, we’ll delve into the key takeaways from Connie’s video and explore how proper trail knee flex can significantly enhance your golf game.
Analyzing the Impact Position
To begin, let’s take a closer look at the impact position. In the video, Connie uses a yellow line to represent the starting position of the trail knee at address. However, at impact, her trail knee is significantly forward of that yellow line. This excessive trail knee flex, indicated by a measurement of 57 degrees, can lead to issues with hip sway and shoulder tilt.
- Hip Sway: Connie points out that excessive trail knee flex causes the hips to sway towards the target. Ideally, the hips should be tilted slightly away from the target at impact, allowing for a more stable and powerful strike. Connie is measured at one inch towards the target, which is far less than optimal for a good strike.
- Shoulder Tilt: Another issue caused by excessive trail knee flex is limited shoulder tilt. Connie compares her shoulder tilt to that of Cameron Champ, a professional golfer known for his powerful swing. It is evident that Champ’s shoulders are much more tilted compared to Connie’s. This difference in shoulder tilt can greatly affect the angle of attack and the ability to strike the ball consistently.
If you missed Connie’s video on how lead knee flex can help you generate more power, check it out here!
Fixing the Trail Knee Flex
Now that we understand the impact of excessive trail knee flex, let’s discuss how to fix it. Connie provides two drills that can help improve trail knee flex and ultimately enhance your ball striking.
Drill 1: Small Practice Swings: Start by taking small practice swings, focusing on taking the club back just past hip height. From here, initiate the downswing by straightening the trail knee into impact and continuing into the follow-through. Stop the swing when the trail arm is parallel to the ground. This drill helps train the body to maintain proper right knee flex throughout the swing.
Drill 2: Club on Shoulders: Another helpful drill involves placing a club on your shoulders. Take the club back halfway and then focus on straightening the right knee into impact. At impact, the butt end of the club should point towards the ground. This drill not only improves trail knee flex but also helps lower the trail shoulder through impact, leading to better ball striking.
To ensure that you are making progress with your trail knee flex, utilize the GOLFTEC App. Our app allows you to video record your swing, then draw lines on your recorded swing to monitor the position of your trail knee throughout the swing. By comparing your trail knee position at address, impact, and follow-through, you can ensure that you are maintaining the correct trail knee flex.
Improving your trail knee flex during the golf swing is crucial for achieving better ball striking. By addressing issues such as excessive trail knee flex, hip sway, and limited shoulder tilt, you can enhance your swing mechanics and ultimately improve your overall performance on the course. Utilize Connie’s suggested drills along with the help of the GOLFTEC app to monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments. With practice and dedication, you can develop a more consistent and powerful golf swing.
Of course working on these swing mechanics is always easier with an experienced Coach. We encourage everyone to find your local GOLFTEC and start working with a Coach today. Being able to see your swing on video and the improvements you make in real time is the best way to start playing better golf!
For more tips and drills on solid iron contact, check out the videos below from GOLFTEC, including more pure contact with hip sway, and analyzing Dustin Johnson’s swing for solid iron contact.
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