Lack of Rotation in Senior Golf: Joël Bernard's Test
Are your shots not traveling as far as they used to? Joël Bernard, from Mon Coach de Golf, explains the six physical changes to keep in mind after age 60, then demonstrates—using the “cross” test—how two small adjustments to your right foot can free up your rotation.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
Joël Bernard answers a common question: Can you still improve after age 60? Yes, as long as you don’t stick to conventional techniques derived from elite-level training. He begins by listing Six Inevitable Physical Changes: loss of flexibility (rotation, arm elevation, wrist extension), loss of muscle tone, decreased balance, and then, according to Cyril Genre’s research, a tendency to become more “grounded,” more coordinated (with the hips and shoulders rotating together), and more compact, with a narrower swing.
The Cross Test This is best done in front of a mirror: arms parallel to the floor, shoulder blades pulled together until they touch, a slight tilt as if at address, then rotate until they touch. He starts again after two adjustments: Move your right foot back about 5 cm and open it a few degrees. The rotation gains significantly in range, effortlessly, as the hips open. According to him, alignment isn't compromised, since it depends mainly on the clubface and the shoulders, but overdoing it limits the other side of the swing. The second half of the video showcases his paid training program.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Stand in front of a full-length mirror or a large window.
- Hold your arms parallel to the floor and move them back, bringing your shoulder blades together as far as they'll go.
- Keep your shoulder blades tucked in, bend forward as if at address, and rotate through the full range of motion, using your usual stance.
- Record the amplitude obtained.
- Move your right foot back about 5 cm, then turn it a few degrees to the right.
- Repeat the same rotation and compare: you should be able to go further without any effort.
- Keep your face and shoulders aligned with the target.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Use a conventional technique and push hard to maintain the range of motion.
- Use your body more and more when striking to compensate for the loss of muscle tone.
- Aim for a pronounced weight shift as balance decreases.
- Believing that moving your right foot back aligns you to the right.
- Overdoing the adjustment to the point of locking up the other side of the swing.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Cross-step test in front of a mirror: start in a normal stance, then step your right foot back and out to the side
- Comparison of the Two Rotation Amplitudes
- Checking the face and shoulders on the line of play
Your Questions
Can you still improve your golf game after age 60?
Yes, according to Joël Bernard, as long as you don't stick to a conventional technique. Small adjustments tailored to your physical limitations are enough—you don't have to relearn your entire swing.
What physical changes should be taken into account?
He lists six: loss of flexibility, loss of muscle tone, decreased balance, and a tendency to become more grounded, more connected, and more compact, according to the work of Cyril Genre.
How is the cross test performed?
Arms parallel to the floor, shoulder blades pulled together until they touch, a slight tilt, then rotation until they reach the limit. Next, compare this with the right foot moved back about 5 cm and turned out a few degrees.
Doesn't moving your right foot back throw off your alignment?
"No," he explains, "direction depends mainly on the clubface and the shoulders. Foot position has little effect on direction, but it greatly affects the ability to turn.".
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Joël Bernard). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.