Hip Turn: How to Add Distance With Proper Hip Turn

on August 24, 2022
When it comes to the golf swing, new players tend to have different views when it comes to golf swing hip turn. This methodology in golf is what many amateur golfers commonly have misconceptions of which leads to poor swing performance and overall play.
Others might tell you to keep everything centered so that you can eliminate the weight shifts and prevent other swing issues. This is FALSE. Many amateur players fall into these swing traps that lead them to a lot of swing inconsistencies. 
Truth is, the best golf players will tell you that a golf swing hip turn is necessary to create consistent and powerful golf swings.  In this article, you will learn the proper golf swing hip turn to turn around your golf play. 

 

What is the role of hip turn in a golf swing?

 

Two of the most crucial elements in a golf swing are the shoulder turn and the hip turn. Both of which must be executed properly and in sequence to effectively control swing movements.  
 
One thing you need to understand in the backswing is that the body moves as a reaction to the different parts of your body moving.  The proper sequence goes firstly from the hands for the takeaway, then the shoulders, torso, the hip, and lastly our legs, knees, and feet.  
 
One of the reasons why golfers lose their distance is because they don’t turn their hips enough. Experienced golfers will tell you that the better you turn your hips, the more distance you send your ball flying.  

 

 

Should you turn your hips in a swing?

 

Experienced and seasoned golfers know that you should turn your hips. But how do you do that? How do you know that you are turning your hips correctly?
 
When we turn your hips, we create rotation. And when we rotate, and properly at that, that allows you to turn your shoulder which in turn gives you better length in your backswing to develop lag and gather up power and speed. 
 
On the other hand, if you don’t turn your hips, it restricts the movement of your entire body which affects the entire swing sequence. It results in incomplete shoulder turn which also leads to early extensions and shorter backswing.  Not to mention, that it might cause you back injury. 
 
Reasons to turn your hips:
 
  • Better length in the backswing
  • Better distance
  • Improves your rhythm and tempo 
  • Stable weight distribution 
  • Stable lower body position
  • Unrestricted swing movement from backswing to follow through
  • Improves your range of motion 

 

 

How do you know that you are turning your hips correctly?

 

#1. 45 Degrees Hip Turn
Hip turn in the backswing should be between 44° and 45°, ideally. This angle will keep your spine straight, preventing you from standing up or extending early in the swing. When you turn your hips efficiently, you'll be able to rotate your shoulders easier, stay in your swing plane, and make weight transfer smoother. 
#2. Knee Flex 
Rotate your upper body, keeping your chin up, and keep your knees bent as you swing back. Keeping your right knee flexed ensures that you don't overshift into your right leg. Flexing the knee will also help you create a tighter body coil at the top, allowing you to fire faster into the ball.
#3. Trail Leg Release 
The reason hockey players become successful golfers is that they know how to create movement by pushing the ground away from them. The trail leg pushes away from the target and behind you about 30-45 degrees. Keeping the foot on the ground, if you feel the same push, you will create rotation without early extension.

 

Want to achieve greater distance? 

Watch this video to see how Swing Pro Plus can help you fix your hip rotation issues and eliminate slice in just one week. Gain that extra 30 yards distance and cut 8-10 shots off your scorecard.

 

 

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