Lifting my left heel

[iwtuk]

Just back from a lesson, and the Pro pointed out that I have a tendency to lift my left heel on my backswing. He got me loading up the inside of the left foot correctly, but it feels so wierd; I really want to lift the heel instead. Any tips / drills on how I can start to grain this in, other than "just keep bl**dy practising"?

Thanks,
Ian

 

[JustOne]

Just back from a lesson, and the Pro pointed out that I have a tendency to lift my left heel on my backswing.

Understandable, Jack Nicklaus used to do this and it didn't work out for him either

 

[iwtuk]

Just back from a lesson, and the Pro pointed out that I have a tendency to lift my left heel on my backswing.

Understandable, Jack Nicklaus used to do this and it didn't work out for him either

Indeed....however I think that he had a small modicum of natural talent whereas I am just simply crap!

 

[Smiffy]

I'd like to think that Bobmac will be along in a minute to offer some advice.
But he only knows about "heals" not "heels"
That's a bummer

 

[bobmac]

I'm going to give myself a right good flogging tonight.
It's just as well I don't work in journalism

 

[Smiffy]

I'm going to give myself a right good flogging tonight.
It's just as well I don't work in journalism

Have a nice cup of tee whilst you're at it.
But don't park too far away will you?

 

[brendy]

I'm going to give myself a right good flogging tonight.
It's just as well I don't work in journalism

Or Todays golfer!

 

[bobmac]

Sir! Sir!

 

[The_LHC]

I believe MA Jiminez does this as well, as an older gentleman it allows him more shoulder turn on his backswing.

 

[iwtuk]

I believe MA Jiminez does this as well, as an older gentleman it allows him more shoulder turn on his backswing.

I was told that lifting the heel lessens the amount of coil you produce, as keeping the foot level and loading the inside on the back-swing provides more of a resistance to the shoulder turn, which makes sense I suppose. However, as "an older gentleman" of 46 perhaps I should plead my case to the Pro!

 

[bobmac]

Just don't sway, turn

 

[iwtuk]

Indeed Bob....it just feels really restrictive at the moment when keeping the foot flat, although in all fairness, he did actually say that would be the case. Just seems totally unnatural, but hey, what do I know!

 

[JustOne]

I can only GUESS that your pro is trying to keep you more centered over the ball, lifting the left heel can lead to too much weight moving backwards on the backswing, too much side-to-side movement and inconsistency. I'd stick with it and see where you get in 3 or 4 weeks.

 

[sawtooth]

I read that lifting the left heel is a good thing provided you do it for the right reason and that you dont over do it.

My understanding is that most people are not supple enough to complete a full backswing (where your back is facing down the fairway). To eek that last bit of turn it is sometimes necessary to lift the heel of the left foot.

Your pro might have spotted you lifting your left heel early and not for the reason above.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I'd stick with it. He's obviously told you for a reason. If you are finding it too restrictive try turning bouth feet outwards at address to give yourself room to turn back and through

 

[JustOne]

My understanding is that most people are not supple enough to complete a full backswing (where your back is facing down the fairway). To eek that last bit of turn it is sometimes necessary to lift the heel of the left foot.

Your pro might have spotted you lifting your left heel early and not for the reason above.

Yep, there's lots of reasons, some people use 'planting' the heel as a trigger for the downswing so I can only make assumptions and advise that he runs with his pros suggestions... or ASK him why the heel shouldn't come up! More communication 'tween player and pro methinks.

 

[CrapHacker]

It's to do with coil and creating resistance between the upper and lower body.

Fine if you're young and supple, but .....

It's the way some pros teach. Irrespective of whether it's the best thing for you.

I wouldn't take it as gospel myself. If you don't like it talk to another pro. Some pros teach what their pupil needs. Some pros expect all their pupils to learn what they teach.

Make sure your guy is one of the former.

Look at this : Woods vs Vijay

 

[JustOne]

It's to do with coil and creating resistance between the upper and lower body.

Fine if you're young and supple, but .....

It's the way some pros teach. Irrespective of whether it's the best thing for you.

I wouldn't take it as gospel myself. If you don't like it talk to another pro. Some pros teach what their pupil needs. Some pros expect all their pupils to learn what they teach.

Make sure your guy is one of the former.

Look at this : Woods vs Vijay

As a believer in getting a decent hip turn I think the best way is to lift the heel if necessary, provided you stay over the ball and it's not a result of a huge slide to the right.

Interesting in that video that Vijay one minute is saving himself by opening his hips and the next minute he's nearly folded himself in half!

 

[CrapHacker]

It's to do with coil and creating resistance between the upper and lower body.

Fine if you're young and supple, but .....

It's the way some pros teach. Irrespective of whether it's the best thing for you.

I wouldn't take it as gospel myself. If you don't like it talk to another pro. Some pros teach what their pupil needs. Some pros expect all their pupils to learn what they teach.

Make sure your guy is one of the former.

Look at this : Woods vs Vijay

As a believer in getting a decent hip turn I think the best way is to lift the heel if necessary, provided you stay over the ball and it's not a result of a huge slide to the right.

Interesting in that video that Vijay one minute is saving himself by opening his hips and the next minute he's nearly folded himself in half!

I'm not saying either is right, but last year I spoke to a pro who taught EVERYONE to keep their left heel down, irrespective of age, experience, talent, suppleness etc.

I didn't trust him for more than 1 lesson.

 

[JustOne]

I'd rather see the heel stay down but like I said IF NECESSARY then I wouldn't have a problem with it raising to aid the hip turn. All that 'resist with the hips' is rubbish to me I'm afraid