Ways to Find Power

[GolfDash]

Has anyone had success with any "alternative" methods to find power in the golf swing? I catch glimpses of this power every now and again but it is very fleeting. The one thing that seemed to make a huge difference was practicing chi-gong which is not unlike tai-chi but less movement. One of the postures I practiced was a very simple posture that looks like you are standing but with slightly bent knees and arms out front (like you are holding a beach ball) - Initially I could only do this for a few minutes but as I practiced I could stand longer. The more you stand the more your "chi" sinks into your center (or power source) and you get this trmendous feeling of rootedness to the ground. It really became a totally different swing in that the power came from the ground up. I only "caught" this for a few rounds but it was truly magical as I probably hit each club about 40% farther.

Doug

[bdcrowe]

I have a feeling it had little to do with chi. Coming from an aikido/Tai Chi/jiujitsu background, I understand the intent and could see how it may transcrend to golf.

But, I'd say what you actually experienced was a more stable base, therefor less sway and locking out of the right hip (for R handed golfer), and thus more power.

If you want more power, look for it in a stable base, a wide arc and relaxed swing.

[tsiguy96]

hah im not gonna lie, the first post made me laugh

[dave.]

Originally Posted by tsiguy96

hah im not gonna lie, the first post made me laugh

and me,although i'm not against experimenting,but I haven't a clue what thats all about

more power=faster handspeed

[dave.]

and 40%?

so a 150yrd 7 iron now goes 210 yards?

and a 250 yrd drive now goes 350,all thanks to this new technique?

[Rockford35]

Or his 5 iron was around 110 yards and now it's 155.

I will agree, faster hands make more power. And you don't have to be super strong to generate fast hands.

Get the hands fast and transfer that to the clubhead. And remaining solid (see: BD's thoughts on a "stable base".) Then you'll see a distance increase.

But then again, if the yoga thing works, then by all means, use it.

R35

[dave.]

If you hit a 5 iron only 110 yards playing I find it hard to believe that with the same swing this new technique he has discovered worked to that extent.Why did the ball only go 110 in the first place? it doesn't commute

Anyway,if it works it works.

A stable bass isn't hard,and its interesting to note that many of the guys in the long driving comps see it as a must,if not the major thing,to the point they deliberately bow their legs out

[GolfDash]

dave,

sorry on the 40% - that was wrong, more like 20%.

Are you at all familiar with Eastern thought/philosphy, Yin/Yang, acupuncture, chi, ki, etc.? That is really what this is all about. It is facinating stuff and as I practice Aikido almost daily I can really "feel" the energy working or not working.

Any questions fire away!

[DaveE]

It's easy to over complicate things. I read an interview with Fred Couples a few years back and his technique was pretty simple.

When he was learning, he said the only thing he knew was that the faster he got his hands over his left shoulder, the farther the ball went. Simple and effective.

That's not to say that the details of the swing aren't important, just that sometimes we, (and by this I mean me) can make things more difficult than they are.

[dave.]

Golf dash

I am familiar with a form of 'tapping out',using pressure points to tap with your finger to rid yourself of mental demons,thats it I'm afraid.I've used the tapping out method and its an excellent way of visualising your own course,you tsp out the bad shots that cause you anxiety

[Loop]

Tai Chi, qi gong are great way to tap in one's vast potential power.
Most westerners don't believe in this, sadly.

[SilverUberXeno]

French fries make me invincable

[GolfDash]

Just found this article which attempts to shed light on this discussion:

http://www.jumpusa.com/taoofgolf2.htm

[golfer1]

NOW wait a minute guys!


Maybe this is how Tiger Woods has become so successful. As Robin Williams said in his standup at Carneigie Hall on HBO, " the golfing world is all in lather. It's because of someone named Tiger Woods. Think about it, he has the athletisism of a black man and the concentration of an Asian!" Oh my gosh, what have we created!

Robin Williams standup about golf in this special is riot! I highly recommend watching it while having a few beers!