One of the reasons hybrid clubs have become so popular is because the average golfer doesn't generate enough club head speed to compress the ball with their 3 or 4 iron. Lack of strength and flexibility is usually suspected as the culprit, so off to the gym you go to strengthen your core, lift weights and stretch to increase your athleticism. However, the most common reason golfers can't hit a golf ball as far as they should is because they simply grab the club through impact, slowing it down. Ironically, when a golfer adds muscular effort to control the club face hoping to add power and accuracy, they create tension and the exact opposite happens. Too much tension in the hands and the arms is a form of manipulation and not only slams the brakes on your swing speed – it makes it difficult to achieve a repetitive golf swing.
If you're not hitting it as far as you know you can, you are probably losing speed where it counts the most, through impact. If you are losing speed, you can bet that you have tension in the hands, arms and shoulders on the down swing, as you approach the ball, and through impact. This tension typically originates for two reasons. One being "hit anxiety", which is more psychological and deals with anticipating the strike. The other is tension, which can be caused by the arm and hand manipulation necessary to compensate for bad technique. When you are out of position early in the swing sequence you can intuitively sense that you are in a less powerful position, which subsequently forces you to add muscular effort for power and control.
Because most golfers have never actually felt the proper technique to generate greater swing speed, they instinctively substitute muscular effort, which creates muscular tension. Although the arms feel like they are moving fast, club head lag is lost early which slows club head speed through impact. Many of my students initially say that the changes we have made don't feel as powerful even though they have picked up distance. I explain that they have always equated power with effort and we have now taken the effort out of the swing. What they are now feeling is the speed that results from tension free movement vs. the tension that muscular effort creates.
Remember, regardless of how much strength you possess, when effort is added in the absence of proper technique, you are interrupting the arms' natural ability to swing, rotate and extend, which creates maximum speed through impact. Instead of adding muscular effort, release the tension in your hands, arms, chest and shoulders and resist grabbing and controlling the club through and past impact and you will see that distance comes from speed and not effort.
Jon Manack is the Director of Instruction for Leap Golf at SilverRock Resort in La Quinta and Shadow Hills Golf Club in Indio, CA. This article contains excerpts from Jon's forthcoming book The Anatomy of an Efficient Golf Swing. For more information please visit www.jonmanack.com to set up an appointment.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
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Director of Instruction for LEAP Golf™
Currently teaching at two facilities in the California desert, SilverRock Resort in La Quinta and Shadow Hills Golf Club in Indio.
Began competitive golf at the age of nine
Turned professional in 1992
Competed on more than a dozen professional tours including the PGA and Nike Tour
Affiliated with and Consultant to LEAP Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Centers nationwide
Co Author to the book “The Anatomy of an Efficient Golf Swing”
Sports medicine, rehabilitation and golf specific physical conditioning training since 1997
Authored published articles in west coast golf magazines
Golf instructor to more than 20 Professional golfers, PGA Professionals, LPGA Professionals, Instructors and nationally ranked amateur golfers
Sponsored by Cleveland Golf since 2000
Sponsored by Tommy Bahama since 2011
Worked with:
Jack Burke Jr., PGA – Former PGA Tour multiple winner and major champion, Champions C.C., Houston, TX
Dr. Craig Farnsworth - PGA Tour Instructor and Sports Vision Specialist,The Palms G.C., La Quinta, CA
Mike Shannon, PGA - PGA Tour Instructor,Sea Island,
Dr. David Wright, PGA – PGA Tour Instructor
Arroyo Trabuco, Mission Veijo, CA
John Anselmo, PGA – Tiger Woods childhood instructor,Huntington Beach, CA
Kevin Kirk, PGA – PGA/LPGA Tour Instructor
Tad Weeks, PGA – Head Professional Champions C.C.,Houston, TX
Hal Underwood, PGA – Former PGA Tour Member of 13 years,Chambers County G.C., Anahuac, TX.
Educated in Anatomy and Kinesiology by:
David Tiberio - Ph.D., PT, OCS
Charlie Wolf – PT
Barry Carlstedt – PT
Paul Callaway’s Body Balance For Performance, 1998-2002
Educated in Sports Psychology by:
Dr. Karen Sandburg – Top Performance Coaching
Dr. David Wright – PGA Tour Sports PsychologistFounder of the Mind Under Par Golf Schools
Testimonials from other PGA Professionals:
"As a PGA professional, I have been exposed to a lot of different philosophies concerning the golf swing. After having met and worked personally with Jon and his concept of a tension free swing, I have been able to learn more about how proper fundamentals and technique can have a long-lasting impact on how to play the game. I have incorporated Jon's teachings into my own golf game and have been consistently hitting the ball with greater accuracy and greater distance. I've always been a long hitter of the ball, and was taught in the past that to gain accuracy I would be forced to give up distance. Under Jon's guidance I am now averaging 320-330 yards off the tee with my driver (up from 300), but more importantly I'm hitting more fairways than ever before! I've been able to do all of this with a swing that feels easier and puts significantly less strain on my body. Students can learn a lot from Jon in a very short amount of time without feeling overwhelmed because Jon presents the information in such a way that it's extremely easy to understand. And oh by the way, he's one heck of a ball striker; it's truly rare to see someone that can practice what he teaches as well as Jon."
Jordan Kenter, PGAHead Golf Professional
Old Edwards Inn- Highlands, NC
"Jon Manack has been a true inspiration for me in my professional golf this year!
As an LPGA Golf Professional who has won the 2003 LPGA Club Professional Championship and have played in (4) LPGA major championships, this is the best ball striking I have had in years and I owe it to Jon Manack.
I have worked with some of the Top 100 Instructors in my career, but it is Jon Manack’s communication skills, knowledge and teaching techniques that have helped me to understand my swing better and hit more consistent shots. I now have more confidence in my golf game without working hard at it.
Since working with Jon, I came in 2nd place in the 2007 Women’s Colorado Open, 3rd place in the LPGA Club Professional Championship and 2nd place in the LPGA Southeast Section Championship.
Thanks Jon!! I am proud to have you as my golf coach."
Dede Cusimano, LPGA Instructor/Golf Professional
Fort Myers, Florida
"Jon arrived with a flawless golf swing and an ability to strike the ball from a variety of set up positions. I can take it a bit further and say that of all the PGA and mini tour players I instruct, Jon's ball striking ability is beyond any I have seen…"
David F. Wright, PhD., PGAMind Under Par Golf Schools
A Golf Magazine Top 25 Golf School
"As a PGA Professional, I am continually looking for ways to enhance my knowledge of the swing to better instruct my students and improve my own game. Before taking a lesson from Jon my swing was quite mechanical, and very fundamentally set. Meaning my swing looked good, but I felt stiff, rigid, and unable to properly release the club. After spending some time with Jon my ball striking improved rapidly and my swing began to feel effortless and free. Jon was able to communicate and help me implement key fundamentals and techniques in a very short period of time. Jon is able to explain and communicate the golf swing in very simple terms.
I would recommend Jon Manack to a Tour Player and to a beginning golfer. The information that Jon presents is easy to understand and the fundamentals are solid. Jon has helped me not only with my game, but has improved my understanding and instruction to my students."
Shane G. Ponchot, Head Golf Professional
Hideaway Golf Club- La Quinta, California
"I have been playing golf for the past thirty years. I played on the LPGA Tour for six years. I have won the Texas State Amateur five times, and was runner-up of the USGA Mid-Amateur and the Texas Women's Open Champion.
Due to recent injuries, I have been unable to play until I met Jon. His method and technique have helped me to return to the game that I love. His teaching technique is easy to understand and easy to incorporate into my swing.
I believe that Jon is really onto something that not only benefits injured players, but players in general. I believe Jon to be one of the best teachers I have ever been associated with. I am most pleased to have heard about and met Jon!"
Mina HardinFormer LPGA Tour Member
2010 Senior Womens U.S. Amateur Champion
Mira Vista-Fort Worth, TX
Currently teaching at two facilities in the California desert, SilverRock Resort in La Quinta and Shadow Hills Golf Club in Indio.
Began competitive golf at the age of nine
Turned professional in 1992
Competed on more than a dozen professional tours including the PGA and Nike Tour
Affiliated with and Consultant to LEAP Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Centers nationwide
Co Author to the book “The Anatomy of an Efficient Golf Swing”
Sports medicine, rehabilitation and golf specific physical conditioning training since 1997
Authored published articles in west coast golf magazines
Golf instructor to more than 20 Professional golfers, PGA Professionals, LPGA Professionals, Instructors and nationally ranked amateur golfers
Sponsored by Cleveland Golf since 2000
Sponsored by Tommy Bahama since 2011
Worked with:
Jack Burke Jr., PGA – Former PGA Tour multiple winner and major champion, Champions C.C., Houston, TX
Dr. Craig Farnsworth - PGA Tour Instructor and Sports Vision Specialist,The Palms G.C., La Quinta, CA
Mike Shannon, PGA - PGA Tour Instructor,Sea Island,
Dr. David Wright, PGA – PGA Tour Instructor
Arroyo Trabuco, Mission Veijo, CA
John Anselmo, PGA – Tiger Woods childhood instructor,Huntington Beach, CA
Kevin Kirk, PGA – PGA/LPGA Tour Instructor
Tad Weeks, PGA – Head Professional Champions C.C.,Houston, TX
Hal Underwood, PGA – Former PGA Tour Member of 13 years,Chambers County G.C., Anahuac, TX.
Educated in Anatomy and Kinesiology by:
David Tiberio - Ph.D., PT, OCS
Charlie Wolf – PT
Barry Carlstedt – PT
Paul Callaway’s Body Balance For Performance, 1998-2002
Educated in Sports Psychology by:
Dr. Karen Sandburg – Top Performance Coaching
Dr. David Wright – PGA Tour Sports PsychologistFounder of the Mind Under Par Golf Schools
Testimonials from other PGA Professionals:
"As a PGA professional, I have been exposed to a lot of different philosophies concerning the golf swing. After having met and worked personally with Jon and his concept of a tension free swing, I have been able to learn more about how proper fundamentals and technique can have a long-lasting impact on how to play the game. I have incorporated Jon's teachings into my own golf game and have been consistently hitting the ball with greater accuracy and greater distance. I've always been a long hitter of the ball, and was taught in the past that to gain accuracy I would be forced to give up distance. Under Jon's guidance I am now averaging 320-330 yards off the tee with my driver (up from 300), but more importantly I'm hitting more fairways than ever before! I've been able to do all of this with a swing that feels easier and puts significantly less strain on my body. Students can learn a lot from Jon in a very short amount of time without feeling overwhelmed because Jon presents the information in such a way that it's extremely easy to understand. And oh by the way, he's one heck of a ball striker; it's truly rare to see someone that can practice what he teaches as well as Jon."
Jordan Kenter, PGAHead Golf Professional
Old Edwards Inn- Highlands, NC
"Jon Manack has been a true inspiration for me in my professional golf this year!
As an LPGA Golf Professional who has won the 2003 LPGA Club Professional Championship and have played in (4) LPGA major championships, this is the best ball striking I have had in years and I owe it to Jon Manack.
I have worked with some of the Top 100 Instructors in my career, but it is Jon Manack’s communication skills, knowledge and teaching techniques that have helped me to understand my swing better and hit more consistent shots. I now have more confidence in my golf game without working hard at it.
Since working with Jon, I came in 2nd place in the 2007 Women’s Colorado Open, 3rd place in the LPGA Club Professional Championship and 2nd place in the LPGA Southeast Section Championship.
Thanks Jon!! I am proud to have you as my golf coach."
Dede Cusimano, LPGA Instructor/Golf Professional
Fort Myers, Florida
"Jon arrived with a flawless golf swing and an ability to strike the ball from a variety of set up positions. I can take it a bit further and say that of all the PGA and mini tour players I instruct, Jon's ball striking ability is beyond any I have seen…"
David F. Wright, PhD., PGAMind Under Par Golf Schools
A Golf Magazine Top 25 Golf School
"As a PGA Professional, I am continually looking for ways to enhance my knowledge of the swing to better instruct my students and improve my own game. Before taking a lesson from Jon my swing was quite mechanical, and very fundamentally set. Meaning my swing looked good, but I felt stiff, rigid, and unable to properly release the club. After spending some time with Jon my ball striking improved rapidly and my swing began to feel effortless and free. Jon was able to communicate and help me implement key fundamentals and techniques in a very short period of time. Jon is able to explain and communicate the golf swing in very simple terms.
I would recommend Jon Manack to a Tour Player and to a beginning golfer. The information that Jon presents is easy to understand and the fundamentals are solid. Jon has helped me not only with my game, but has improved my understanding and instruction to my students."
Shane G. Ponchot, Head Golf Professional
Hideaway Golf Club- La Quinta, California
"I have been playing golf for the past thirty years. I played on the LPGA Tour for six years. I have won the Texas State Amateur five times, and was runner-up of the USGA Mid-Amateur and the Texas Women's Open Champion.
Due to recent injuries, I have been unable to play until I met Jon. His method and technique have helped me to return to the game that I love. His teaching technique is easy to understand and easy to incorporate into my swing.
I believe that Jon is really onto something that not only benefits injured players, but players in general. I believe Jon to be one of the best teachers I have ever been associated with. I am most pleased to have heard about and met Jon!"
Mina HardinFormer LPGA Tour Member
2010 Senior Womens U.S. Amateur Champion
Mira Vista-Fort Worth, TX
LEAP Ahead to the Next Level…
WHAT IS LEAP GOLF™?
Leap Golf™ is a unique approach that blends traditional golf instruction with athletic performance enhancement and movement learning techniques to accelerate the average golfer’s ability to learn and perform the fundamental movements that make up and efficient, powerful and repeatable golf swing.
LEAP Golf™:
- Incorporates neuromuscular training to reprogram movement.
- Makes performing the golf swinging motion more natural and repeatable.
- Creates immediate results in both ball striking and “the look” of your golf swing.
- Allows you to finally experience what “effortless power” feels like.
- Reduces stress on your spine and body.
Leap Golf™ is not a new theory or opinion about the golf swing. There is no new information about the golf swing, only better ways to communicate and apply it correctly.
It doesn’t do you any good to continue seeking golf instruction unless your body can perform the movement – that’s what LEAP Golf™ helps you accomplish.
Lessons include state-of-the-art video analysis with JC Video System.
HOW LEAP GOLF™ CAN BENEFIT YOU
Leap Golf™ recognizes that each individual has uniquely organized their movement patterns and therefore, each student will learn differently. We specialize in systematically diagnosing each student and identifying the barriers to moving properly.
Our approach is designed to minimize lost time or energy spent working on swing concepts that are not related to the root cause of your poor ball striking and may actually inhibit your ability to move properly and cause undue stress on your back and joints.
One-on-one instruction to maximize the efficiency of your learning.
You owe it to yourself to experience this remarkable system of accelerated learning. We truly believe you will finally be able to Learn, Experience, Apply and Perform the golf swing with the fundamental movements used by great ball strikers…and pure it!
JON MANACK
Director of Instruction
LEAP Golf™
Beginning golf at a very early age and having successfully competed at every level from junior golf to professional tours, I have spent my life learning and applying the fundamentals of efficient ball striking.
For the majority of my career I have concentrated my efforts on what I call “staying in the shot”. This refers to maintaining the body’s angles to properly and aggressively strike the ball in a manner which compresses it for maximum efficiency at impact.
In my pursuit of perfecting the golf swing, I used unconventional tactics in order to maneuver my body into positions that would allow proper movement without thought or manipulation. This process allowed me to more rapidly change what I wanted to accomplish in my swing.
Having worked closely with top Physical Therapists and Sports Medicine Specialists in the development of Leap Golf, we have taken those tactics and applied the scientific and anatomical principals behind them in order to develop a formula that when applied correctly, shortens the learning curve to improvement.
Jon Manack
Leap Golf™ is a unique approach that blends traditional golf instruction with athletic performance enhancement and movement learning techniques to accelerate the average golfer’s ability to learn and perform the fundamental movements that make up and efficient, powerful and repeatable golf swing.
LEAP Golf™:
- Incorporates neuromuscular training to reprogram movement.
- Makes performing the golf swinging motion more natural and repeatable.
- Creates immediate results in both ball striking and “the look” of your golf swing.
- Allows you to finally experience what “effortless power” feels like.
- Reduces stress on your spine and body.
Leap Golf™ is not a new theory or opinion about the golf swing. There is no new information about the golf swing, only better ways to communicate and apply it correctly.
It doesn’t do you any good to continue seeking golf instruction unless your body can perform the movement – that’s what LEAP Golf™ helps you accomplish.
Lessons include state-of-the-art video analysis with JC Video System.
HOW LEAP GOLF™ CAN BENEFIT YOU
Leap Golf™ recognizes that each individual has uniquely organized their movement patterns and therefore, each student will learn differently. We specialize in systematically diagnosing each student and identifying the barriers to moving properly.
Our approach is designed to minimize lost time or energy spent working on swing concepts that are not related to the root cause of your poor ball striking and may actually inhibit your ability to move properly and cause undue stress on your back and joints.
One-on-one instruction to maximize the efficiency of your learning.
You owe it to yourself to experience this remarkable system of accelerated learning. We truly believe you will finally be able to Learn, Experience, Apply and Perform the golf swing with the fundamental movements used by great ball strikers…and pure it!
JON MANACK
Director of Instruction
LEAP Golf™
Beginning golf at a very early age and having successfully competed at every level from junior golf to professional tours, I have spent my life learning and applying the fundamentals of efficient ball striking.
For the majority of my career I have concentrated my efforts on what I call “staying in the shot”. This refers to maintaining the body’s angles to properly and aggressively strike the ball in a manner which compresses it for maximum efficiency at impact.
In my pursuit of perfecting the golf swing, I used unconventional tactics in order to maneuver my body into positions that would allow proper movement without thought or manipulation. This process allowed me to more rapidly change what I wanted to accomplish in my swing.
Having worked closely with top Physical Therapists and Sports Medicine Specialists in the development of Leap Golf, we have taken those tactics and applied the scientific and anatomical principals behind them in order to develop a formula that when applied correctly, shortens the learning curve to improvement.
Jon Manack