First Aid The Lever System and the Release The secret is to learn correct hinging Dr. Gary Wiren, PGA Master Instructor When the golf club is swung, the ensuing mechanical action can be viewed as that of a series of levers. For example, when addressing the ball, a single lever is established by the extended left arm and the club. If one were to swing using only this lever, it would be very difficult to achieve much clubhead speed. If, however, the wrists are cocked or hinged during the backswing, a second lever is created, and the resulting transfer of energy from the rotating body can be increased tremendously, as the second lever is set and then "released" through impact. A number of potential problems can be created by the hinging and unhinging of the wrists in this lever system. For one thing, the hinging of the second lever can be done on a plane that is different from the plane of the first lever. We often see this in someone who "lays the club off" on the backswing. In order to hit consistent shots with this action, the planes must be adjusted during the downswing so that maximum leverage can be applied down the proper line. An additional adjustment of this type can of course be made (viz., Jim Furyk), but eliminating the need for such a move makes it much easier to repeat the swing action consistently. Don't forget, this "out of plane" hinging can occur on the through swing also, contributing to potential changes in face angle which can move a ball dramatically off line. Another problem in the lever system can be seen when a third lever is added by bending the wrist in a second direction on the backswing (e.g., bending the back of the left hand back toward the left forearm instead of keeping it relatively flat). While this third lever can contribute to an increase in clubhead speed, it can also contribute to directional problems and inconsistency.   Learning Correct Hinging All of these problems involving the lever system can be addressed with teaching and training aids which are currently available. One of the best of these is the Swingyde. This simple little device is attached to your club as shown (Fig. 1), and can be used for practice swings or when actually hitting balls. As the club is set on the backswing creating the second lever (Fig. 2), the cupped section of the Swingyde arm will come into contact with your left forearm (for right-handed golfers). This contact is maintained all the way to the top of the backswing and on into the downswing (until the club shaft is vertical (Fig. 3). At that time the lever begins to release, and the Swingyde regains contact with the left forearm in the through swing, as the left arm starts to bend, and maintains contact all the way to the finish (Fig. 4). Any deviation in the plane of the hinging, either on the backswing or the follow through, or any creation of a third lever with the wrist, will force the Swingyde to miss its contact with the left forearm. Practice drills can help improve the mechanics of the hinging action, while hitting balls with the Swingyde on can help to ingrain those changes. So, whether you are a teaching professional or a hard-working amateur trying to improve, regular use of the Swingyde can help you improve both your consistency and power. Gary Wiren is a PGA Master Instructor and a Ph.D. He operates "Golf Around the World" in Lake Park, Florida. The company conducts golf seminars, schools and personal visits, and sells golf teaching aids, books and videotapes. Visit his website at www.golfaroundtheworld.com or for more information, call 561-848-8896 or 800-824-4279.