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How to Shift Your Weight


Published: March 01, 2008

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The Old Way
Shift your weight to your right side on your backswing.

The New Way
Shift nothing.

Why It's Better
Weight shift happens by itself. In fact, if you try to shift you'll more than likely slide your hips away from the target and throw your whole backswing out of whack. Instead, simply turn your hips to the right. Try and get your right pants pocket behind you but keep the edge of your right hip in the same position it held at address. The key is to pair your hip turn with a shoulder turn that sets your left shoulder above your right foot. That automatically takes care of your weight shift and loads you up powerfully behind the ball.

How to Practice It
Take your left hand off the club and set it against the middle of your chest [left]. Without any thoughts of "shifting," turn your right hip behind you and your left shoulder away from the target. Check that your left hand is now behind the ball. If it is, your weight — indicated by the center of your chest — is in the right place.