'Angular Momentum'= 'POWER!'
We've used the phrase 'angular momentum' for years, but when we put it in writing we wanted to make sure we were on track, not making something up. Sure enough, it's in Webster's. Not only is 'angular momentum' in there but 'angular velocity' as well (all you engineers probably knew that!). Are you ready for this...check it out (not that you necessarily need to understand it of course!).
angular momentum n : a vector quantity that is the measure of the intensity of rotational motion, that is equal in classical physics to the product of the angular velocity of a rotating body or system and its moment of inertia with respect to the rotation axis, and that is directed along the rotation axis
angular velocity n : the time rate of change of angular position that has direction and sense such that the motion appears clockwise to one looking in the direction of the vector
(so...how's your 'angularity'...which is also in Webster's... doing?)
Good Set at the Top!! Angle = Power!! Yep!...That's what we want!
TGM 's Path- All kidding aside, 'the angle' is one of your 'Have-To's' as far a creating power in your golfswing. You create 'the angle' in the backswing and it (the angle) becomes more acute (or smaller, 'angular momentum') in the transition from backswing to downswing and then 'releases' thru the impact area where the ball is.
We refer to the 'angle-set' as position #2 (#1 being the set-up and #3 the release action). Here's how 'the angle' is set in the swing, give it a try, you don't even need a club. Stand up from your computer, right now, and follow these simple steps...do it!
Setting 'The Angle'
1- From a 'good athletic set-up' position, rotate your shoulders, lead or front shoulder moving toward the ball and trailing or back shoulder moving away from the ball (vertical shoulder turn).
2- As your turning shoulders move your arms back and up you will feel a slight 'cocking' of your wrists as your arms reach about waist high.
3- Just about the time your arms and the club (or simply just your wrists) form a 90 degree angle (at about waist high) you will stop your backswing action and transition into your downswing action.
4- As your arms change direction and start back down toward the ball the club's backward momentum will continue a bit creating a little 'whipping effect' (sometimes called 'lag').
5- As your arms race back down toward the ball the club will 'lag' behind as you prepare to start your 'release action'. This is how your angle is formed and it is packed full of power!
Use the 'Ready/Set/Go' Drill to Help develop your ability to 'set-the-angle'.
Position #1- 'Ready' Position #2- 'Set'
Speaking of 'Angles'...'How about the 'angle' of the clubface at the top'?
Square...Good! Open...Not Good! Closed...Not Good!
As we look to build a 'mechanically sound' swing it's a real good idea to know where the clubface should be positioned at the top of the swing (or the spot where you have stopped the backswing motion and are ready to transition into the downswing).
1- When we set the club 'square' at the top we will be better able to create a good 'release action' at the bottom...and this is a very good thing!
2- When we set the club 'open' at the top there will be a tendancy for the clubface to be left open at the bottom which will require us to get too 'handsy or flippy' in order to square the clubface through impact.
3- When we set the club 'closed' at the top there will be a tendancy for the clubface to be closed at the bottom which requires us to 'hold off' the release-action (to keep from hooking the ball).
(Please visit or email us to discuss more about 'angular momentum' in the swing.)
