The hips serve very specific needs in a fundamentally sound golf swing. They are key to the movement and rotation that will not only put the club in the proper place, but also generate the desired power. If you can remember a few essential rules about the hips, it will make a productive, repeatable golf swing much easier to attain.
Importance
Because the arms and shoulders are such active elements in the golf swing, it can be easy to forget the hips are every bit as important. The upper body rotates significantly during the swing and the feet remain planted on the ground. The hips---residing between the two--- are crucial to the process. Keeping the hips in the proper place during the entire swing will allow you to keep the club on the proper plane and help to maintain balance.
Hips in the Backswing
The hips should be aligned parallel to the target at set up. The feet and hips are the two most important pieces of being properly lined up to where we want to hit the ball. As the backswing begins and the club is taken back, the hips have a tendency to drift along with the club. This is known as a hip slide and is detrimental to your swing. The hip slide is likely to keep your club off the proper swing plane and compromise your balance. Remember: Rotate your hips, don't slide them.
Hips in the Downswing
Once the club is at the top of the backswing, the transition into downswing is triggered by the hips. It is essential that the sequence of movements in the downswing are in the correct order to maintain the proper swing plane, generate power and finish in a balanced position. Before the arms, hands or shoulders unwind, the hips need to begin their move toward the target, unwinding as they go. The hips should finish with the belt buckle pointing directly at the target.
Hips Generate Power
The hips also play an important part in generating power in the golf swing. When the hips are prevented from sliding in the backswing, they are part of creating considerable torque in concert with the shoulders. The shoulders rotate farther than the hips, building a coil type of tension that is anchored in the hips. As the hips begin their move in the downswing, the coil is released, increasing club head speed through contact.
Weight Shift
The hips also represent a key part of shifting weight through the swing. Because the hips have the effect of helping to release both the upper and lower body, they are necessary to getting the body weight onto the left side (for right-handers) rather than leaving the weight on the right side. This positive weight shift is essential in keeping the golf club moving forward through the ball, into the follow through, on the proper swing path.
References
- Ben Hogan's Five Lessons; Ben Hogan with Herbert Warren Wind; 1957
- Golf For Dummies; Gary McCord; 2006
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