Air-time

[airair]

What does it mean to obliterate the plane line?
How is it done?
Why is it important?

......

From O.B.Left :


My take on it:

To trace the Plane Line is golf's geometry given the circular like club head orbit and the inclined plane.

To "obliterate" the Plane Line is to add force , physics to the geometry.

But the direction of Thrust and the Line of Flight of the club head are not similarly aligned.

I don't have my book with me right now, but somewhere in the 1-Ls Homer discusses how the thrust is down and out towards the plane line prior to impact, after impact up to and including both arms straight. This is a geometric riddle in a way. The thrust is cross line towards the plane line even though the club head (post low point) is travelling UP and IN.

This cross line thrust is readily apparent to those who employ the Aiming Point Procedure and/or an Active Right Arm Right Throw but it is equally important if less apparent or intuitive for the Swinger who Homer regarded as having a similar thrust a similar right arm throwing motion though a product of CF rather than active right arm muscle. This is why Homer thought all Swingers should experiment with Hitting I believe. To sense this cross line direction of thrust.

So swingers and hitters alike Thrust cross line towards the Plane Line both prior to and after impact. I'm referring here to a square plane line procedure of course. The Hitter's Angle of Approach procedure being a slightly different deal in terms of the direction of the plane line.


So for me anyways to destroy the plane line is the physics of thrusting at the Plane Line. If hitting a cross line throwing motion, swinging a similar but passive right arm extension. See the Aiming Point procedure (the alternate to the Tracing Procedure) as it seems to be related and makes this direction of this thing more intuitive.

I can't remember who said this but I've always liked it. The idiot's guide to TGM : "Keeping swinging out until your divots point at the target. " (although the divots themselves are really slightly curved).

It could be rewritten to be "keep thrusting out until you can see the club heads blur cover the arc of approach and trace the straight line plane line." But only a few would understand that one.

Again I'm writing quickly and have probably made some errors or typos . Let me know if this makes sense.

PS - it'd be interesting to hear what others had to say about this. I'm also wondering what the context was when Homer made this statement. It might shed some light on his thinking.

[O.B.Left]

I've edited my Post #3 here to correct an error and for consistency of presentation.

This lead me to your wonderful post #2. Which covers an often overlooked aspect of TGM's Basic Motion........and reminds me of the Wild Bill Melhourne and Bill MacDonald drills.

[airair]

SNARE THERAPY
LYNN BLAKE

In a geometrically sound Stroke (1-L #4, #6, and #16), the player insures the
correct Club head Line of Flight (2-N-0) -- the arc inscribed on the face of the
Inclined Plane by the orbiting Club head through Impact -- by Tracing (with the
Lag Loaded [7-19] Right Forefinger #3 Pressure Point) the Straight Plane Line
established at Impact Fix. He then insures the correct Clubface alignment
through Impact by executing (with the Flat Left Wrist) one of the three Hinge
Actions (2-G) so essential for Ball Control.

Unfortunately, players have discovered four magnificent ways to destroy this
essential geometry. These Four Snares (3-F-7-A/B/C/D) are Steering, Quitting,
Bobbing and Swaying. Each Snare disrupts the true downward-and-outward arc
of both the Club head and Clubface and is symptomatic of a malfunctioning
Golfing Machine. The first two are particularly destructive, and this post will
discuss their cause and cure.

Steering (3-F-7-A) is the applied misconception that (1) the Club head should
move through the Ball along the Target Line; (2) on a level or even upward path;
and that (3) the Clubface should stay Square to that Line. Each individual's Golf
Stroke tends to reflect his conception of the Basic Motion (Preface), and if the
player doesn't know that the Club head should be swung down-and-out
through Impact and Low Point or that the Clubface will normally be Square to
the Target Line only at the Point of Separation of Ball and Clubface, then it is a
virtual certainty that the correct Impact Alignments (2-J-1) will not happen.

Quitting (3-F-7-B) is how Steering does its 'dirty work.' In the subconscious
attempt to divert the Club head from its true down-and-out orbit through Low
Point -- and also in the misguided attempt to increase Club head Velocity by
Flattening the Right Wrist (4-D-1)-- the player slows or even stops altogether
his Hands during Release. This unintentional and improperly executed Pause
Minor Basic Stroke (10-3-J) forces the Club to be swung up and in (below Plane)
from the Wrists. The Upward Club head motion leads to Topping the Ball -- an
embarrassing problem the player easily solves by hitting more 'under' the Ball -
- Scooping! Which sad circumstance seems to be a bit more socially acceptable
than Topping. Unless of course, it is perfected into its Art Form: A Mighty (but
Powerless) Heave that causes about a foot of sod to simply flop over the still
motionless Ball. After that jewel, nobody in the group will even make eye
contact! ops:

The above 'Seems As Ifs' (Preface) are the major misconceptions in golf. That is,
they are perfectly logical ways that should make the Ball behave as you intend
but that are also perfectly wrong and will therefore never work. Interestingly,
these misconceptions (individually and collectively) cause the Clubface to Close
in relation to the Target Line. To avoid the inevitable Pulled Shot, the player
begins to habitually aim well to the right of the intended Target Line. Then,
when the Clubface dutifully arrives Closed at Impact, the Ball does not go to the
right (as it should because that is where he is aiming) but instead is diverted --
more or less -- toward the Target Line. Not exactly a procedure you want to bet
tomorrow's lunch money on.

And that brings us to the Inside-Out Cut Shot. This procedure is Anti-Steering
Therapy -- and hence, Anti- 'Seems As If' Therapy -- because it educates the
Hands to disregard the Flight Line with respect to both the Club head Line-of-
Flight and the Clubface Alignment through Impact.

Let's go back to our player who has learned to compensate for his Pulled Shots
-- the inevitable consequence of his Closed Clubface and Bent Left Wrist at
Impact -- by habitually aiming to the right. He doesn't know he is aiming to the
right, of course, and will in fact swear he is aiming straight at the Target! His
Computer is playing a major league trick on him: Given a Faulty Procedure that
can only send the Ball way left, aiming way right was the only way it could get
the Ball flying anywhere close to the Target Line!

Note this well: In this 'Aim to the right' Alignment of the entire Machine, we are
not talking about the Square Plane Line-Closed Stance Line combination of 10-
5-C. Instead, it is the Closed Plane Line-Square Stance Line combination of 10-
5-E. In other words, the player has unintentionally established a Club head Line
of Flight (2-N-0) that will actually cross the Target Line in a true In-to-Out
Stroke. This is not simply the normal Inside-Out Impact (from Impact Point to
Low Point) of the normal Down Plane orbit produced by the Square Plane Line of
10-5-A.

What to do?

Enter the Instructor-Therapist and the Anti-Steering Therapy of the Inside-Out
Cut Shot. Seeking to repair --- or more accurately, rebuild -- this
malfunctioning Golfing Machine, the Therapist insists that the player hit Chip
Shots to the right of where he thinks he is aiming. He also insists that the
player keep his Left Wrist Flat and his Right Wrist Bent as he hits those Shots to
the right.

Under the vigilant eye of the Therapist, the player is trained to Trace the Closed
Plane Line (with his Right Forefinger #3 Pressure Point) that he has inadvertently
erected during his Address Procedure (8-1/2/3). No fair Steering the Club head
back to the Target Line! No fair Quitting with the Hands so that the Club head
can be cowtailed into Impact ahead of a Bending Left Wrist and a Flattening
Right Wrist! No sirree. The player has accidentally incorporated this Closed
Plane Line into his procedure and, by golly, he now has to Trace it!

Furthermore, the Therapist -- better yet, The Exorcist -- insists that the
Clubface not align itself in any way with the Target Line. To accomplish this, he
demands that the Flat Left Wrist execute the 'Reverse Roll' Feel (7-10) of a
proper Dual Vertical Hinge Motion (10-10-E). This keeps the Clubface Square to
the Baseline of the Closed 10-5-E Plane (and nowhere near Square to the
Target Line).

Despite the apparent simplicity of the instruction -- "Hit this Chip Shot to the
right of where you think you are aiming." -- the player's overwhelming
preoccupation with the Target Line at first causes his Shots to continue to be
Pulled back toward it. This is because his Ignorant Hands (5-0) and faulty
Computer Programming (Chapter 14) continue to exercise their Habits.
Undaunted, the Therapist continues to insist that the player totally disregard
the Target Line and instead Trace the Closed Plane Line -- all the while keeping
the Clubface Square to its Baseline through Impact. Gradually, the player's
Hands become educated enough to do this. The Target Line is still there, of
course, but he no longer attempts to keep the Club head on it or the Clubface
Square to it. He finally has become totally (and correctly) preoccupied with his
Plane Line and not his Target Line (3-F-7-A). Let's listen in…

Player: "Okay, I've learned to ignore the Target Line during my Stroke. I don't
attempt to keep my Club head on it or my Clubface Square to it. Instead, I focus
on the Plane Line. I feel like we've made some progress here, but if I keep doing
this Inside-Out Cut Shot stuff, the Ball will keep going to the Right of the
Target."

Therapist: "Correct. And when the Ball no longer goes to the left and when you
have grown tired of seeing it go to the right, you are permitted to reposition
your entire Machine to the left . Then you may begin Tracing the Square Plane
Line of 10-5-A. Remember, though, you must keep your Flat Left Wrist and
Right Wrist Bent through Impact just as you did while Tracing the Closed Plane
Line (10-5-E). If you do this, you will find your Shots flying Straight toward the
Target and your Pulled Shots will merely be a memory. If you don't do this, then
the Ball will fly to the left, and your Computer will once again react by making
you aim to the right. And that will bring about Plane Line confusion and the
silent sabotage of the correct Impact Alignments."

Player: "Been there, done that. Let's see now…Left Wrist Flat, Right Wrist Bent.
Move smoothly through the Ball -- no Quitting and hacking at the Ball -- while
Tracing the Square and Straight Plane Line with my #3 Pressure Point…Hey! It
went straight at the hole!"

Therapist: "Imagine that."

Moving the Head backwards during the Down stroke is a Sway (the Fourth Snare
3-F-7-D), and it is the product of a malfunctioning Pivot. Before diving into
work on that problem, though, make sure your head is set properly to begin
with.

Do you set your Head position first at Impact Fix, and then attempt to keep it
Stationary? Or do you, like most people, start with your Head in an Adjusted
Address position that ignores a proper Impact Fix position (and therefore
cannot possibly be maintained through Impact)? My guess is the latter.
So, what is a good Head position at Impact Fix?

First, a plumb line from your chin to the ground should fall precisely between
your Feet. Your Head should form the tip of an isosceles triangle whose base is
the Feet. Most people hang back -- probably in response to instruction that
emphasizes that the Head should be 'behind the Ball' and even 'over the right
knee.' Consequently, their Head and Feet form a right triangle.

Second, the Head should be located a good deal lower than most people's
'normal' Address position. The exact position will be dictated by the amount of
Knee Bend and Waist Bend. In turn, these are determined by the distance the
Hips must move to enable the Right Forearm to return precisely to its preselected
Impact Fix Angle of Approach (pointing at the Plane Line well in front
of the Ball).

Bottom Line: Most people -- even good players -- move their Head entirely too
much during the Stroke. And one of the primary reasons is that they have failed
to set it properly in the first place. As nearly as your current skill allows, assume a static
position replicating your precise Impact position and alignments:

1) Body position (comparatively squared away with the Head between the
Feet).

2) Arms position (the Flying Wedges with the amount of Knee and Waist
Bend necessary to allow the Right Forearm to point at the Plane Line).

3) Hands position (Impact Hand Location with the Left Wrist Flat, Level and
Vertical).

Wherever your Head is located now...

That is where it should remain until the end of the Follow-Through (Both Arms
Straight position).

[airair]

http://www.lynnblakegolf.com/forum/thread2670.html

[airair]

http://www.lynnblakegolf.com/forum/thread2801.html

[airair]

http://www.lynnblakegolf.com/forum/thread2767.html

[airair]

http://www.lynnblakegolf.com/forum/thread4510.html

[airair]

ANTI SLICE CURRICULUM

LYNN BLAKE

There are two things you must learn to do. First, you must learn to keep your

Left Wrist Flat. You say you are doing that. Look, look LOOK to make sure.

Second, you must learn to swing through the Ball and not at the Ball. Swinging

at the Ball is 'Hacking the Ball' and that produces only Hackers.

Here's how to get started. Take your normal grip -- hopefully it is a Strong

Single Action per 10-2-B -- and a Square Stance. Be sure that the Stance is

actually parallel to the Target Line. Put a Club down and check it out. There's a

very good chance you are aimed to the right.



Now start the Club swinging continuously over the top of the Ball as if you were

going to hit a short Chip Shot. No more than three feet back and three feet

through. Back and through and back and through and back and through.

Continuous motion. Don't Cock your Wrists. Instead, just Turn and Roll your

Left Forearm as you swing your Flat Left Wrist back and through and back and

through. Turn and Roll and Turn and Roll and Turn and Roll and Turn and Roll.

It is the Rolling of the Flat Left Wrist that gets the Club through Impact, not the

Flattening of the Right Wrist. Please read that last sentence again. And one

more time. Thank you.



As you continue this motion, be aware of the pressure created in the right

forefinger as you swing down and through and down and though and down and

through. Continue to be aware of that pressure and keep it 'pointed' at the

Straight Target Line as you swing back and through and back and through.

Turning and Rolling and Turning and Rolling. Keep pointing at the Line,

'Tracing' it with the Pressure in your Right Forefinger as you Turn and Roll and

Turn and Roll the Flat Left Wrist. On each Downstroke, be very aware of

theRight Hand Tracing and the Left Hand Rolling.



Now lower the Club behind the Ball and make the exact same Motion away from

the Ball and through it. The Ball will go straight. If it did not, first make sure

that you properly 'Traced' the Line. If you did not, try again. If you did and the

Ball went to the right, Roll more. If it went to the left, Roll less.

Moving the Head backwards during the Downstroke is a Sway (the Fourth Snare

3-F-7-D), and it is the product of a malfunctioning Pivot. Before diving into

work on that problem, though, make sure your head is set properly to begin

with.



Do you set your Head position first at Impact Fix, and then attempt to keep it

Stationary? Or do you, like most people, start with your Head in an Adjusted

Address position that ignores a proper Impact Fix position (and therefore

cannot possibly be maintained through Impact)? My guess is the latter.

So, what is a good Head position at Impact Fix?



First, a plumb line from your chin to the ground should fall precisely between

your Feet. Your Head should form the tip of an isosceles triangle whose base is

the Feet. Most people hang back -- probably in response to instruction that

emphasizes that the Head should be 'behind the Ball' and even 'over the right

knee.' Consequently, their Head and Feet form a right triangle.



Second, the Head should be located a good deal lower than most people's

'normal' Address position. The exact position will be dictated by the amount of

Knee Bend and Waist Bend. In turn, these are determined by the distance the

Hips must move to enable the Right Forearm to return precisely to its preselected

Impact Fix Angle of Approach (pointing at the Plane Line well in front

of the Ball).



Bottom Line: Most people -- even good players -- move their Head entirely too

much during the Stroke. And one of the primary reasons is that they have failed

to set it properly in the first place.



As nearly as your current skill allows, assume a static position replicating your

precise Impact position and alignments:



1. Body position (comparatively squared away with the Head between the Feet).

2. Arms position (the Flying Wedges with the amount of Knee and Waist Bend

necessary to allow the Right Forearm to point at the Plane Line).

3. Hands position (Impact Hand Location with the Left Wrist Flat, Level and

Vertical).



Wherever your Head is located now...

That is where it should remain until the end of the Follow-Through (Both Arms

Straight position).

[airair]

STUDY OF THE BASIC MOTION (STAGE ONE)

LYNN BLAKE

DEMONSTRATION AND EXPLANATION

I like what I see in this Basic Motion Stroke (12-5-1 / Hitting Pattern).

http://www.lynnblakegolf.com/index.p...urriculum.html

The Basic Motion (Stage One) involves a miniaturized Stroke (12-0) --

approximately two feet back and two feet through. It puts in place the Basic

Body Position and the Power Package alignments. It is a One-Accumulator

Stroke, and that one Accumulator may be either the Right Arm (Accumulator #1

/ Hitting) or the Left (Accumulator #4 / Swinging).

I have elected to begin the Stroke from the Half-and-Half Fix (10-8-C). Here,

the Body is in Standard Address Position, and the Hands are in their Impact

Location and Position. This is the second of four Address Position alternatives

listed in 10-9-0; namely, "Both at selected Impact" (10-9-0-2).

Let's examine this Selected Impact Address Position (10-9-B) and its Power

Package alignments and then the Basic Stroke itself.

THE BODY

1. Square Stance and Plane Line.

2. Feet close together with Weight slightly toward heels.

3. Appropriate Knee and Waist Bend.

4. Hips Square.

5. Head centered.

THE ARMS

1. In Normal Position, i.e., Left Arm Straight and Right Arm Bent (6-A-4).

2. Right Forearm On Plane (2-F).

3. Left Arm and Right Forearm Flying Wedges established and properly aligned

(6-B-3-0-1).

THE HANDS

1. Strong Single-Action Grip (10-2-B).

2. In Impact Location.

3. Left Wrist Flat.

THE CLUB

1. Forward-Leaning Clubshaft.

2. Clubface Square.

THE STROKE

1. Only one of the Arm Accumulators (Right Arm or Left) is active in this Stage

One. The Hand Action Accumulators (Left Wrist Cock and Uncock and Left Hand

Turn and Roll) are introduced in Stage Two (Acquired Motion). I have chosen to

use the Right Arm and the bending and straightening of the Right Elbow to lift

and lower the Left Arm (7-3) and to provide the Basic Thrust of the Stroke.

Thus, this is a Hitting Stroke. Had I elected to Swing, I would have used my Left

Arm to Pull the Club through Impact (Pull Minor Basic Stroke / 10-3-D). Also, I

may have used the Standard Address Position with an Extensor Action Takeaway

(6-B-1-D) to Flatten the Left Wrist (and Bend the Right) in Start-Up. Had that

been the case, Backstroke Arm Motion would have been minimal. Down stroke

action and alignments would have remained the same.

2. Note that my Right Shoulder moves little, if at all, throughout the Stroke.

That's because I am using my bending Right Arm -- and not my rocking Body -

- to move the Club away from the Ball. In Start Up, I apply Extensor Action

against Pressure Point #1 (heel of the Right Hand against the Left Hand thumb),

and I use my Right Forearm and bending Right Elbow to "Carry" (7-9) the Left

Arm and Club (Primary Lever Assembly) to the Top (Up, Back and In in a true

Three-Dimensional Start-Up). The Right Forearm Fans (about the Elbow) and

Traces the Straight Plane Line. Had this been a Swing, I would have used a

"Swing-Back" Motion instead of the Hitter's "Carry-Back" Motion. Also, when

using Standard Address position of the Hands, I would initiate Extensor Action

using Pressure Point #3 [Right Hand index finger] to pull the Left Arm and Club

shaft In-Line. But no matter which Motion is employed, the geometry of the

Right Arm and Elbow Action -- how they 'look' to an observer -- is identical. All

this is in stark contrast to most golfers whose Basic Motion is to freeze their

Right Arm and Elbow and then to rock their Body back-and-forth to move the

Club (Paw Minor Basic Stroke / 10-3-H).

3. During the Start Down, I Load my bent Right Elbow against Pressure Point #3

(Drive Loading / 10-19-A). From the Top, I simply Push radially (sidewise) the

entire Left Arm and Club Assembly through Impact (Right Arm Throw / 10-20-

B). When Swinging, I Load my Level Left Wrist against Pressure Point #2, the last

three fingers of the Left Hand (Drag Loading / 10-19-C). I then simply Pull

longitudinally (lengthwise) only the Club itself through Impact (Left Wrist Throw

/ 10-20-E).

4. At Impact, I have returned precisely to my Half-and-Half Fix Address Position

alignments. The Body -- including the Head -- has remained Motionless and

the Power Package (Arms, Hands and Club) has returned to its Impact

alignments. Compare Photos #1 and #14. They are identical.

5. Through Impact, my Right Elbow Drive-Out against Pressure Point #3 (and

possibly #1) has automatically produced Angled Hinge Action (10-10-C). That

is, the Flat Left Wrist has remained perpendicular (Vertical) to the Angled Plane

of the Stroke. This Action is executed as a 'No Roll' Feel and produces a 'Half-

Roll' of the Clubface at the end of the Follow-Through. In contrast, the

Swinger's Centrifugal Force Throw-Out will automatically produce Horizontal

Hinge Action (10-10-D). That is, the Flat Left Wrist will remain perpendicular

(Vertical) to the Horizontal Plane. This Action is executed as a 'Roll' Feel and

produces a 'Full-Roll' of the Clubface. All Hinge Actions MUST be executed on

the Straight Line Delivery Line. This is the essential requirement for all Golf

Strokes and why only Items #22 and #39 are capitalized in the Mechanical

Checklist For All Strokes (12-3-0).

6. My bent Right Elbow at Impact continues its Drive toward the Plane Line (NOT

toward the Target!) during the Follow-Through (1-L-10 and -15). The Angled

Hinge Action has insured that the Left Arm and Club shaft have remained In-

Line and that there is perfect Rhythm (RPM).

7. The Stroke concludes when my Right Arm has fully-straightened (6-G-0-C).

This is the end of the Follow-Through (Section 11), and because it is also the

end of the Stroke, it constitutes the Finish (Section 12). Since the Thrust has

continued Down Plane until the Right Elbow has fully-straightened, there

properly has been no 'Upstroke.' This despite the fact that the Club itself has

passed Low Point (opposite the Left Shoulder) and has begun its own Upward,

Inward and Forward journey to the Finish.

Work on your Basic Motion. Pay attention to each Component and its

alignments. This is the foundation of your Stroke and of your Game.

IT IS NO LESS THAN THE GATEWAY TO YOUR BEST GOLF.



BASIC MOTION CURRICULUM I

LYNN BLAKE

12-5-0 BASIC REQUIREMENTS

Use a slow, smooth motion up-and-back, down-and-out and up-and-in the

same distance in both directions and as continuously as possible.

Make no adjustments during the Stroke, for – or because of – Impact. NEVER

EVER. That is “Hacking at the Ball” and produces only “Hackers.”

Attach the items listed in the Three Stages, in sequence, without unnecessarily

interrupting the Motion. Carefully develop the Address Routine (3-F-5).

Execute the items, single or in short series, first without a Ball and then with a

Ball. Comply with 3-B, 5-0 and 12-3 – including The Triad.

Observe the special instructions at the head of each Stage list.

Where applicable, interpret the items per the basic Stroke Pattern, that is,

Hitting or Swinging. Either 12-1 OR 12-2 – not both at the same time.

The Strong Single Action Grip (10-2-B) is mandatory throughout.

A lesson begins where the last one left off.

Asterisks in list indicate items for an abbreviated version.

This Curriculum can stand alone for many students but may also serve as

preparation for a Basic Certificate course. But most importantly, MUST be used

in conjunction with all other G.O.L.F. curriculums.


BASIC MOTION CURRICULUM II

LYNN BLAKE

Yes. Most players wait far too long to get the Bending Right Elbow into action.

They have been led astray by the instruction to "Take the Club away with your

Shoulder Turn" and, by all means, "Preserve the Triangle."

This procedure is nothing more than a Paw Minor Basic Stroke Start Up (10-3-

H) with both arms frozen (Bent or Straight) and a Shoulder Turn Takeaway.

Though the Power Package is usually later assembled, the damage has been

done: The true Orbit of the Club head has been disrupted and, with it, the

required On Plane Loading of the Club head Lag. Without substantial realignment

at the Top, a true Three-Dimensional Impact with its maximum

compression has become impossible.

Instead, integrate the Magic of the Right Forearm into your Stroke by

practicing the Bending and Straightening of the Right Elbow. To do this, use the

Continuous Motion procedure of 12-5-1 (with Zero Pivot) and 12-5-2 (with

Minimal Pivot). Also, per 7-3, practice the Right Forearm Takeaway from Fix

(with Zero or Minimal Pivot) making sure to preserve the all-important

alignments of the Flying Wedges Assembly (6-B-3-0-1).

You are wise to use the Basic Motion Curriculum (12-5-0) to assemble your

G.O.L.F. Stroke. Homer Kelley was very proud of it and felt it would one day

become, in his words, "more popular than the book itself."

Remember, the purpose of the Curriculum is best served if the Motion is kept

continuous, i.e., back-and-through and back-and-through and back-andthrough,

as you integrate each Component. Use 'breaks' in the process to

rehearse the Address Routines of 3-F-5 and 2-J-1.

You have observed that Pressure Point #1 is not listed in the Curriculum. Nor is

Pressure Point #4. However, you will find Accumulator #1 (the Right Arm) and

Accumulator #4 (the Left Arm) as Items #12 and #9 respectively in Stage One

(the Basic Motion per 12-5-1). The Accumulators are normally actuated by their

"same numbered" Pressure Points (7-11). So, when the Study References are

given to 6-B-1 (Power Accumulator #1) and 6-B-4 (Power Accumulator #4), the

references to Pressure Points #1 (10-11-0-1) and #4 (10-11-0-4) are implied.

As stated in 12-5-0, the items in each of the Three Stages are meant to be

interpreted per the Stroke Patterns of 12-1-0 (Hitting) and 12-2-0 (Swinging).

In other words, if you are learning to Hit, then the Right Arm becomes active,

and Pressure Point #1 becomes its Direct Drive. If you are learning to Swing,

then the Left Arm becomes Active, and Pressure Point #4 becomes the Direct

Drive.

Pressure Points #2 and #3 are listed (as Items #14 and #15 in 12-5-1). Their

associated Power Accumulators (#2 and #3) are not introduced into the

Curriculum until Stage 2 (the Acquired Motion per 12-5-2). The Swinger uses

Pressure Point #2 to drive the #2 Accumulator -- the Wrist cock – but normally

only as actuated by Centrifugal Force. The Hitter drives the #2 Accumulator

with Right Arm Thrust (2-P) using either Pressure Points #1 or #3. Finally, the

Club head Lag must be assigned to one of the employed Pressure Points, and

this is almost always #3. For both Hitters and Swingers, this constitutes the

Indirect Drive of the Club through Impact.

Zero Out Pivot means don't move your Body -- Shoulders included -- and keep

the Left Arm and Club shaft in a straight line -- either by Gripping the Club in

the Cup of the Left Hand or by using a Reverse Wrist Cock (FVU) per 6-B-3-B,

as you move the Club back and through the Ball continuously, two feet in both

directions.

This first stage of the Basic Motion Curriculum can indeed serve "as a syllabus

for an exercise lesson." But it is so much more. In fact, it is no exaggeration to

state that it is the Foundation of the Golf Stroke.

Finally, Homer's notes for a revised 7th Edition added a new first sentence for

each of the three stages, and I suggest you write them into your book:

12-5-1.

"This stage concerns mainly the Basic Body Positions and Basic Power Package

Component Alignments and Arm Motion Power Accumulators."

12-5-2.

"This stage introduces Body Motion and the Alignments and relations of the

Hand Action Power Accumulators of the Power Package."

12-5-3.

"This stage should move slowly toward unrestricted motion but not to Full

Power even with Long Irons and Woods. This stage is for the perfection of

execution prior to Full Power."

Do not underestimate the benefit of each of these three stages and the skill

that their progressive mastery will produce. They are your keys to a lifetime of

Better Golf!

The 'Two feet past the Ball' of Stage One of the Basic Motion Curriculum is the

Follow-Through of Stroke Section 11. So, make sure you reach this point. If you

can't, it's because you have not 'pre-positioned' your Right Shoulder (down On

Plane) to allow a Follow-Through of this length. If not, then do so.

I also suggest 'Arms separate' practice. Focus on your Flat Left Wrist with the

Left Arm motion and the Bent Right Wrist with your Right Arm motion. Then,

put them together, and as you go through the Ball, make sure there is

absolutely zero interruption in your Rhythmic Motion through Impact.

Remember, you swing through the Ball, not at the Ball. The Basic Drill is without

a Ball and with continuous 'back and through' and 'back and through' and 'back

and through' motion. Periodically, stop at the end of the Stroke, and Look, Look

LOOK to verify that your Wrist Alignments have been maintained. Then, resume

the 'back and through' continuous motion. This is the only Train out of

Hackerville.

Finally, as you are learning, the 'sound' of Impact is diagnostic. A true 'Three

Dimensional' Impact will sound like hitting a stone -- especially with these

Basic Motion Chips and even with Putts. The more 'mushy' the sound, the

greater the Compression Leakage.

1. Use Angled Hinging for the Right Arm Only Stroke. Feel the On Plane

Paddlewheel nature of the Right Forearm action from Release(8-9) to Both Arms

Straight (8-11). The is the 'Underhand Pitch, Motion and Feel' (2-N-0) that

keeps the Club shaft On Plane.

2. There is no 'dual' Angled Hinge Action because the one Angled Hinge

governs both Club shaft and Clubface. For all practical purposes, Horizontal

and Vertical Hinging will always be 'dual.' That's because you need two hinges:

one to control the Club shaft and another to control the Clubface.

3. In the shorter Non-Pivot Strokes, Swingers should use the Magical Right

Forearm Takeaway (7-3) on the Backstroke; then, on the Down stroke, use the

Minor Basic Left Arm Pull Stroke (10-3-D) to Pull the Club through Impact. In

the longer Strokes -- from the Top -- they should emphasize the Right

Shoulder Turn thrust of the #4 Accumulator (6-B-4-0/A/B/C) to 'crank up the

gyroscope' of Centrifugal Force.

Hitters -- with or without Shoulder Turn Thrust -- should use the Right Arm

Throw (10-20-B) to Trigger the Release, and then use Right Elbow Drive (6-B-

1-0/A/B/C) to Push the Club through Impact. If you are more comfortable with

this latter action, then use it and learn The Joy of Hitting. A technique that

emphasizes Right Arm Power is more natural to most of us, and because of the

active sensing of Muscular Thrust -- as opposed to the passive sensing of

Centrifugal Force --it is the best way to learn to use the Right Forefinger #3

Pressure Point. The key to the effective use of the Right Arm is learning to

straighten it without Flattening the Bent Right Wrist. Experiment and see which

way works best for you.


BASIC MOTION CURRICULUM QUESTIONS

LYNN BLAKE

Left Wrist Action (7-18 ) is independent of Plane Angle (7-6). For Swingers

using Standard Left Wrist Action, the Start Up Swivel places the Left Palm On

Plane almost immediately.

That said, I did not necessarily advocate Standard Wrist Action. I simply said

'Turn and Roll.' Even with Single Wrist Action, there is a degree of Turn and Roll.

Only with Zero Wrist Action would there be none.

Remember, too, the problem I'm trying to solve here: Failure to allow the

Clubface to properly close through Impact. This is Steering (3-F-7-A), the

Game's #1 Snare. And if the Left Wrist (Clubface) doesn't Turn going back, it

won't Roll going through.

Remember...

LEFT HAND: CLUBFACE.

RIGHT HAND: CLUBHEAD.

Also, for all Hitters and 'Manipulated Hands' Swingers (which is almost

everybody else), a Ball Positioned forward of the Straightaway Position tends to

produce Fades and Slices. That fact, combined with the lack of proper Left Hand

Roll during Release and Impact, causes an Off-Center Impact -- the Clubface

contacts the Inside-Aft Quadrant (2-B) of the Ball instead of directly in the Back,

i.e., through its Centerline. Similarly, a 'back of Straightaway' Ball position tends

to produce Draws and Hooks.

So, if you're fighting a Fade or Slice, make sure the Ball is Back in your Stance

rather than Forward. And, keeping your Left Wrist Flat, Level and Vertical (4-

A/B/C-1) in Fix, align the Clubface more Closed (which will tend to make it

contact the Center or Outside-Aft Quadrant of the Ball). Properly executed, this

will produce Clubface Alignment-Club head Path divergence and the Draw you

are looking for.

Most players wait far too long to get the Bending Right Elbow into action. They

have been led astray by the instruction to "Take the Club away with your

Shoulder Turn" and, by all means, "Preserve the Triangle."

This procedure is nothing more than a Paw Minor Basic Stroke Start Up (10-3-

H) with both arms frozen (Bent or Straight) and a Shoulder Turn Takeaway.

Though the Power Package is usually later assembled, the damage has been

done: The true Orbit of the Club head has been disrupted and, with it, the

required On Plane Loading of the Club head Lag. Without substantial realignment

at the Top, a true Three-Dimensional Impact with its maximum

compression has become impossible.

Instead, integrate the Magic of the Right Forearm into your Stroke by

practicing the Bending and Straightening of the Right Elbow. To do this, use the

Continuous Motion procedure of 12-5-1 (with Zero Pivot) and 12-5-2 (with

Minimal Pivot). Also, per 7-3, practice the Right Forearm Takeaway from Fix

(with Zero or Minimal Pivot) making sure to preserve the all-important

alignments of the Flying Wedges Assembly (6-B-3-0-1).

You are wise to use the Basic Motion Curriculum (12-5-0) to assemble your

G.O.L.F. Stroke. Homer Kelley was very proud of it and felt it would one day

become, in his words, "more popular than the book itself."

Remember, the purpose of the Curriculum is best served if the Motion is kept

continuous, i.e., back-and-through and back-and-through and back-andthrough,

as you integrate each Component. Use 'breaks' in the process to

rehearse the Address Routines of 3-F-5 and 2-J-1.

You have observed that Pressure Point #1 is not listed in the Curriculum. Nor is

Pressure Point #4. However, you will find Accumulator #1 (the Right Arm) and

Accumulator #4 (the Left Arm) as Items #12 and #9 respectively in Stage One

(the Basic Motion per 12-5-1). The Accumulators are normally actuated by their

"same numbered" Pressure Points (7-11). So, when the Study References are

given to 6-B-1 (Power Accumulator #1) and 6-B-4 (Power Accumulator #4), the

references to Pressure Points #1 (10-11-0-1) and #4 (10-11-0-4) are implied.

As stated in 12-5-0, the items in each of the Three Stages are meant to be

interpreted per the Stroke Patterns of 12-1-0 (Hitting) and 12-2-0 (Swinging).

In other words, if you are learning to Hit, then the Right Arm becomes active,

and Pressure Point #1 becomes its Direct Drive. If you are learning to Swing,

then the Left Arm becomes Active, and Pressure Point #4 becomes the Direct

Drive.

Pressure Points #2 and #3 are listed (as Items #14 and #15 in 12-5-1). Their

associated Power Accumulators (#2 and #3) are not introduced into the

Curriculum until Stage 2 (the Acquired Motion per 12-5-2). The Swinger uses

Pressure Point #2 to drive the #2 Accumulator -- the Wrist cock – but normally

only as actuated by Centrifugal Force. The Hitter drives the #2 Accumulator

with Right Arm Thrust (2-P) using either Pressure Points #1 or #3. Finally, the

Club head Lag must be assigned to one of the employed Pressure Points, and

this is almost always #3. For both Hitters and Swingers, this constitutes the

Indirect Drive of the Club through Impact.

I've been trying 12-5-1 Basic Motion for a while. I decided to take it to the

range and hit balls with it. I would take a short swing back and through the ball,

about two feet on each end. All the while trying to feel pressure points #2 and

3, watching my hands, watching and feeling for a flat left wrist all with very

little lower body motion. After a while, I could hear a nice sharp crack and the

ball would fly. I then seemed to want to add the follow through ( like 8-11). I

was using my 9 iron and occasionally my 7 iron.

My questions: Am I doing it correctly? How long should I do it? And I'm

assuming 12-5-2 Acquired Motion is next?

The 'Two feet past the Ball' of Stage One of the Basic Motion Curriculum is the

Follow-Through of Stroke Section 11. So, make sure you reach this point. If you

can't, it's because you have not 'pre-positioned' your Right Shoulder (down On

Plane) to allow a Follow-Through of this length. If not, then do so.

I also suggest 'Arms separate' practice. Focus on your Flat Left Wrist with the

Left Arm motion and the Bent Right Wrist with your Right Arm motion. Then,

put them together, and as you go through the Ball, make sure there is

absolutely zero interruption in your Rhythmic Motion through Impact.

Remember, you swing through the Ball, not at the Ball. The Basic Drill is without

a Ball and with continuous 'back and through' and 'back and through' and 'back

and through' motion. Periodically, stop at the end of the Stroke, and Look, Look

LOOK to verify that your Wrist Alignments have been maintained. Then, resume

the 'back and through' continuous motion. This is the only Train out of

Hackerville.

Finally, as you are learning, the 'sound' of Impact is diagnostic. A true 'Three

Dimensional' Impact will sound like hitting a stone -- especially with these

Basic Motion Chips and even with Putts. The more 'mushy' the sound, the

greater the Compression Leakage.

You're on the right track now. Stay with it.

[airair]

THOUGHTS ON HITTING & SWINGING
LYNN BLAKE
10-19 SWING OR HIT? DO YOU FEEL WHAT I FEEL?

The Computer requires Five Programming Routines to do its best work (Chapter
14). The first of these is the Feel of your Total Motion -- your Basic Procedure.
This 'one' Feel is actually a composite of the many Feels you have learned and
mastered separately during your G.O.L.F. journey. Each of these Feels maintains
their separate identity and yet always relate harmoniously to the whole.
What I will describe are my Primary Feels -- themselves also a composite --
that govern my Stroke and that I can depend upon to reliably reproduce the
Mechanics patiently and deliberately acquired through the Star System Process
of 1-J and 3-B.

Swinging:

My Lower Body leads and my Upper Body and Power Package lags.
This Start Down Motion causes my Wrists to Cock a bit more and the Club head
Lag to Load against my #3 Pressure Point (Right Forefinger). Since Start Up, I
have been aware of a definite Extensor Action (against the #1 Pressure Point --
heel of the Right Hand against the Left Hand thumb). The Lead-and-Lag Start
Down Motion accentuates that Feel. I sense a Gyroscopic Motion as I Pull the
Club Down Plane until it is automatically Thrown-Out by Centrifugal Force in
Release. I am very aware of the Left Wrist Throw through the #2 Pressure Point
(the last three fingers of the Left Hand sensing the Centrifugal Left Wrist Uncock
per 10-20-E). And -- from The Top (Station Two) to The Finish (Station
Three) -- I Trace the Straight Plane Line with my Right Forearm and #3 Pressure
Point.

Hitting:

Except for the Lag Loading (Drive versus Drag) , the Feel is essentially
the same as above until Release. Then, the Club is Driven-Out by Right Arm
Muscle Power. I am very aware of the Right Elbow's Drive against the #1
Pressure Point per 10-20-B and my Right Shoulder acting as a Launching Pad
for that Drive. As with Swinging, I Trace the Straight Plane Line with my Right
Forearm and #3 Pressure Point. However, because I am Actively Thrusting, I Feel
the Pressure Point Combination (the Active Muscular Drive against #1 and #3)
much more strongly than when Swinging (with its Passive Centrifugal Drive
against #2 and #3).