Lack of extension after impact: the Marchildon exercise
Are your arms not extending fully after impact? Charles Marchildon, a PGA of Canada professional, demonstrates what he considers to be one of the best exercises—if not the best: start from the desired position and return to it with slow back-and-forth movements to show your body what it needs to do.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
Charles Marchildon addresses a widespread problem: the lack of expansion during the crossing, the part of the swing where the hands are parallel to the ground behind the body and parallel to the ground in front of the body. A variation on an exercise already presented, this one, according to him, addresses most common flaws: arm extension, weight transfer, hip rotation, club path, top of the swing, and wrist action. We begin in the desired position: Body facing the target, weight on the left leg, arms extended, club pointing at the target. Take the time to demonstrate this to your body, because “the brain understands, but the body is more stubborn.”.
From this position, one We sway backward, then come back to stand still there a few seconds, in a deliberate and relaxed manner. Each back-and-forth motion coordinates the sequence of weight transfer, hip rotation, and club whipping, and hones the skill of brushing the ground in the right spot; the last few are done with a little more acceleration. Then you strike: The goal isn't to make the shot, but to make the move. He describes five steps: moving, finding your footing, aiming the club slightly to the right of the target, striking the ball, and, later, synchronizing the clubface.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Get into the desired stance: face the target, shift your weight to your left leg, extend your arms, and point the club toward the target.
- Check your posture—for example, make sure your weight is really on your left leg.
- Swing the club back, then return to exactly that position.
- Hold it for a few seconds each time you return to the starting position, in a deliberate yet relaxed manner.
- Perform a series of back-and-forth movements, focusing on weight transfer, hip rotation, and a whipping motion.
- Do the last few with a little more speed.
- Step up to the ball and swing with the goal of executing the motion correctly, not just making contact.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Standing there, thinking about the movement instead of letting your body do it.
- Trying to make the shot during practice, which triggers the already conditioned reflex.
- Move back and forth quickly without pausing in the final position.
- Do not put your weight on your left leg.
- Losing arm extension during the stroke.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Desired final position held for a few seconds
- A series of slow back-and-forth movements that scrape the floor
- The latest comings and goings have picked up a bit
- A hit based on the swing, not the result
Your Questions
What is a "traversée" in golf?
For Charles Marchildon, this is the most important part of the run-up: what happens between the hands parallel to the ground behind and the hands parallel to the ground in front.
Why start from the final position?
To show the body the desired position before asking it to find it. He repeats that the brain understands, but the body is more stubborn.
What problems can this exercise help correct?
He mentions arm extension, weight transfer, hip rotation, the club path, the top of the swing, and the wrist action.
Do you have to make the shot when you're at bat?
No. The goal is to perform the movement correctly. Wanting to make the shot triggers the already conditioned reflex, which is counterproductive during practice.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Charles Marchildon). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.