Do you have enough shoulder tilt?
The proper fundamentals of shoulder tilt are a key component of a solid set up and swing. This is something that is grossly overlooked by amateurs today.
Most amateurs at address position have their shoulders too level. This creates a poor set up position. When the shoulders are too level at address position the center of your body is in front of the ball causing the majority of you weight on the left foot. This set up can cause multiple problems in the swing. It basically turns the swing into a pure arm swing instead of a complete arm and body swing, thus reducing power and consistency.
The main reason most of us struggle with this is because our shoulders are typically level from the time we get up until we go to bed. So when we set up to hit a golf ball the proper shoulder tilt feels uncomfortable. Level shoulders feel natural to most players instead of allowing the tilt. The reason we should allow a tilt is simply because the right hand is positioned lower on the club than the left hand creating a natural tilt of the shoulders.
Research indicates that 40 handicap and above have the least amount of tilt at address, and as the handicap improves so does the tilt. In fact the tour professionals have the most tilt of all players at address position. Interesting huh?
To achieve the proper tilt at address we must pay attention to two things:
- Make sure the right shoulder is lower than the left shoulder thus creating the tilt.
- Check to see if your nose and buttons on your shirt are behind the ball at address.
When you try this it might feel like you have more weight on your right side. This is normal don’t fight it. If you work on these two elements you should see longer straighter shots.
The Lesson Tee……
By Director of Instruction, Andy Scott School of Golf
Until next time……see you on the lesson tee!
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