We continue to work on a cleaner take away and transition into the backswing. I have to go slower after my take away to make certain my turn is not lifting with my arms. We are starting to get better and better with 60% of the weight on the front foot and turning into the right side. My transition from the top is also improving as Patrick wants me to feel the crease on the right side and turn into it. From there, I should allow my right side to do the work while relaxing the left shoulder.
Being able to relax my left shoulder is difficult. There is a lot of stress and tension in it as it wants to pull. The more I can relax my left shoulder the more I can relax my left arm and elbow. This allows me to come much more from the inside. After each three quarters swing in which I hit the ball, Patrick wants me to check my left elbow, soften in, then drive under with the right side rather than standing up. It is getting better with each swing.
While I am not all that concerned with the outcome of the shot, I am definitely making better contact and hitting the ball better. Once again, if I miss hit the ball, I know that the straight right shot means I pulled from the top of the backswing. If I hit it a little fat I am pulling half way down and if I hit it well but a little left of the target, I pull very close to impact.
There are many more lessons that will be needed to get a nice slow and smooth rhythm but we are starting to feel the speed at the bottom rather than at the top of the backswing. I still have no interest in going out and playing quite yet. I know Patrick will want me to play with Reny soon but that will have to wait. Maybe when I get back from my Tampa trip next week.
