Steady Sternum with the Driver: Still Head, Fast Arms
On his channel, Heo Seok emphasizes a point he considers a priority for amateur golfers using a driver: keeping the head and solar plexus in place. According to him, this is the foundation for hitting the ball straight and, at the same time, for getting the clubhead moving faster.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
For Heo Seok, the amateur misses his drives because his head moves and his upper body straightens up. He asks them to keep some tension in their abdominals and to Keep your solar plexus facing the ball, with the sensation that your head is looking toward your right foot until impact. Your arms then do the work to strike the target with precision. To help with this, he suggests placing a tee in front of your head as a reference point and swinging as straight as possible.
The second benefit is speed: The distance depends on the speed at which the clubhead travels, not the speed of the hands. If the body rotates with the arms, the clubhead can't move quickly. By keeping the head and upper body slightly coiled to stabilize them, The arms move quickly, and the chin doesn't lift. Engaging your core also prevents changes in direction and your hands from drifting forward. He recommends repeating this exercise before heading out on the course.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- At the address, slightly tighten your abs and curl your upper body up a little.
- Focus your solar plexus on the ball and keep it there.
- Hold a tee in front of your head as a reference point.
- Swing while keeping your head facing your right foot until impact.
- Let your arms move quickly while keeping your head and torso steady.
- Practice the exercise before you go out to play.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Keep your upper body and head upright in the downswing.
- Let your body rotate with your arms: the clubhead cannot accelerate.
- To believe that fast fingers are enough to type from a distance.
- Relax your abdomen, which changes the trajectory.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Drives with a marker tee in front of the clubhead
- Swing with the solar plexus facing the ball
- Keep your core engaged throughout the entire set
Your Questions
Why should you keep your head still when hitting a driver?
According to Heo Seok, a moving head prevents you from hitting the ball straight. By holding your head with your solar plexus facing the ball, your arms can aim at the target with precision.
How does this exercise help you hit the ball farther?
The distance depends on the clubhead speed. If the upper body remains stable, the arms move faster instead of rotating with the body.
Why should you wear an abdominal binder?
To prevent the upper body from rising and the chin from lifting. Heo Seok explains that this also prevents changes in trajectory and the hands from moving forward.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Heo Seok). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.
