I'd say balance has much to do with the fundamental alignments of the pivot. You have multiple centers in the pivot working with the ultimate goal to keep the hands as close as possible to the selected plane and strike the ball with the proper relation to low point. Where the "multiple centers" are aligned at impact has implications on the path of the club and the face and the shaft location (face, head, shaft) . . . . so balance I'd say is way more than just staying "erect" (uh huh huhh uh huhh) . .. . there's an "axis" theoretically that were trying to pivot and move the move the club in relation to . .. . but with that hula hula motion of the hips, spine and shoulders there's a lot of stuff going on to make that happen and still hit the ball precisely while remaining "erect".

Dynamic Balance
 

I have a "Dynamic Balance System" similar to the one at PGA Learning Center.
It is very interesting to see the wide variety of patterns that appear using this system.
Everyone starts out with what is identified as their signature and depending on what changes might need to be made can begin to see a change or improvement to their dynamic balance. These changes come about as their awareness of what is causing the imbalance is dealt with and observed on the screen.
I have a library of some tour players patterns and some of them appear to be out of balance but are able somehow to repeat.

Signatures?
 

Sounds very interesting...care to share a bit more about individual signatures?

I'm with you on the multiple centers etc. Bucket o' Dead Poultry. How do we monitor balance or is that exclusive to the realm of feel?

Signatures:Re
 

When a student first swings on the Dynamic Balance System (DBS) they produce a signature which is actually a tracing type diagram of what their balance (core) did between their base. It shows directional movement - either to the toes or heels as well as any lateral movement. This signature will pretty much be repeated over and over unless they change it as per what they see or what they're told by the instructor. Most of the time they may not be aware of what is causing the imbalance without input from the instructor.

This system is an excellent way to monitor balance because small changes can produce instant feedback. It has a Practice Mode screen that allows the student to hit and then view the diagram for 10 - 15 seconds and then resets for the next swing, in this instance the student can begin to relate what they see to what they feel or vice versa.
www.sportsbalance.com

Please send me one of those balance monitors but please send the bill to Mr. Bucket. (please pronounce as bouquet so as not to annoy him).

Remember balance is not an Imperative . . . . Alignments come first . . . . So I'd say you could have a wacky swing and perfect "balance". Bottom line you have to "align" your pivot motion in such away that you can locate low point consistently in the proper spot. I'd say the Hula Hula basically is "balance" in relation to where the head or center of the pivot/shoulder turn is . . . so if you are "hangy backy" or Bob . . . you may be in balance but you may be sacrificing alignments and low point for perfect balance.

Mikey . . . I thought you were going to handle this one??? I know there are a lot of strip joints, goat ranches and old folks homes on 1-20 but you have to execute the mission. Mission first . . . perversions second.

A.G. If a strange indvidual shows up at your house in a rubber suit smelling like dandruff shampoo and monkey turds let him in . . . . he is not an Acorn representive. He has a "package" for you.

Mr. Bouquet, I can't help but laugh every time you post! I'm not sure which comedian is writing your jokes but please tell him to start using the funny stuff. Now that was just wrong wasn't it?!

In almost all seriousness, I heard Mikey was looking for investors to build a goat stripping retirement community. Sounds a bit odd to me but what you guys do in your time off is your business ;)

When Mikey does show up I have some "associates" who will be glad to help him.

Balance cont.
 

Thank you for taking the time to share your expertise. In your opinion do you think that a person's signature is simply a starting point, or an indication of innate athletic ability? Can we improve our sense of balance in a general sense? I have found especially gifted athletes to be minimalists in that they do just enough to get the job done, and care little for the positions of style golf. I think there is mental lesson in there somewhere!

Bucket - The primacy of alignment is HUGE. The better the alignments the better the balance? Things like setting your head at impact height...between your feet...right forearm take away eliminates superflous motion. So balance could be defined as the absence of irrelevant motion? Apt Yodism: "The idea is to take the bucking broncos and turn them into Tennesse walking horses."

I've seen enough perfect finishes with horrible impacts that I have to disagree. Fall over with a flat left wrist, straight plane line and clubhead lag and you can get a good shot. I agree with where Homer listed balance.