Is there a consensus on what movements are easiest on a bad back?

[trapsmv15]

Hey guys,

 

Try not to start threads too much, but I got some very helpful answers last go around and figured I'd try once more.

 

As the cold rolls around here in northern NY, I'm doing more reading than playing. I have a T11/T12/L1/L2 left (lead) side nerve issue, an L5/S1 annular tear, and a weak left (lead) leg from an illness. Like everything in the golf instruction world, there are so many different methods I'm unsure of myself on how to proceed in the future.

 

Jim Hardy and some others claim the one plane swing is good for the back; Stack and Tilt the same. But the more I bend over in a stance, even done "correctly", the more I hurt. Some such as Jimmy Ballard say to set up tall and don't "turn" and "fire the right side"; others such as Monte like secondary tilt, shoulders turning parallel to spine, etc.

 

I swing right-handed. Though I'm only 5'5, I have long forearms and arms for my height, have trouble with forearm rotation (for anyone who knows EA Tischler's stuff, more on-top/side-on), and a thick chest as well, so I'm like Craig Stadler in that it's uncomfortable to swing my arms if I don't go fairly vertical with them. But of course, like most, I struggle with steep and over the top, early right shoulder rotation, etc.

 

Jim Suttie's book Your Perfect Swing has modifications in it for seniors and those with bad backs, and the bad back swing is all about standing tall, bending knees, narrow closed stance, and turning everything (including head if need be) together with low arms. But I just honestly have no idea if that's what I should be doing. Any of the teachers here have some sort of basic patterns you would consider for a golfer who came to you with pretty severe back issues? Because with the trouble I have with arm rotation, I have no idea how I'll be able to shallow a vertical arm swing enough to hit the center of the club face (main miss in this manner is toe if I OTT, heel if I do what I feel is right and just hit with a quiet body with my right arm).

 

Sorry that I'm all over the place with this to an extent. I don't need to create pro level speed to enjoy the game (85-90mph), but I do want to have center contact most of the time. All I really need is just a framework I'm confident in to experiment with, and I know this board has many respected minds on the golf swing. I can't do video with hitting a golf ball where I currently live now, so I didn't bother adding any "practice swings" from my apartment to this post.

 

Thanks,

-Ryan

[Petethreeput]

I am not a PGA pro, nor am I good golfer. In fact, am the worst 2.8 on the world, but I have had two back surgeries on my L5 and have had to completely revamp my swing. As I get closer to my 3rd surgery it gets more and more exaggerated.

I cannot stand square to the ball. I absolutely cannot close my stance and hit anything but a low hooking runner. If I try to extend I hit a high block. That left one option for me.

I open my stance and aim with my shoulders. I focus on swinging right with an extremely right arm dominant swing. My miss, not surprisingly is a huge pull, but it is what it is. My ball flight is a 5 yard right to left ball flight.

I am pain free, so this may work for you. Of course everyone is different but this is my cross.

[birly-shirly]

I'm only aware of 1 example of a swing method being "independently" endorsed in terms of back health, as opposed to the author/teacher/seller making claims on their own behalf. [url="http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Golf-Swing-Is-Easiest-on-the-Body&id=5261391"]http://ezinearticles...Body&id=5261391[/url]

[stryper]

Don Trahan?

[trapsmv15]

[quote name='Petethreeput' timestamp='1448758677' post='12657378']
I am not a PGA pro, nor am I good golfer. In fact, am the worst 2.8 on the world, but I have had two back surgeries on my L5 and have had to completely revamp my swing. As I get closer to my 3rd surgery it gets more and more exaggerated.

I cannot stand square to the ball. I absolutely cannot close my stance and hit anything but a low hooking runner. If I try to extend I hit a high block. That left one option for me.

I open my stance and aim with my shoulders. I focus on swinging right with an extremely right arm dominant swing. My miss, not surprisingly is a huge pull, but it is what it is. My ball flight is a 5 yard right to left ball flight.

I am pain free, so this may work for you. Of course everyone is different but this is my cross.
[/quote]
You may not be a PGA pro or [i]think[/i] you're a good golfer (that cap shows otherwise!), but your experience is very appreciated. I may be headed down the road to surgery myself - first round of steroid injections lasted just under three months, so there's little chance my insurance will clear injections at that rate - but it won't be anytime in the next few months.

I have trouble with the low hooking runner too (or a block fade OB if ball is too far back) from a closed stance. If I could learn that pattern and get the ball higher and stop hitting the toe on those swings, I'd stick to it. It only hurts my back and leg to turn to a full finish on those swings, which I could live with. Just no sense of how to perform that time in and time out. I will definitely see how your tips feel; thanks.

[rebel11]

I'm so glad you posted this question. I'm 6'4" and have had 2 lower back surgeries. I've tried every swing method imaginable to try and get through a round without major back pain or fatigue. An arms driven swing seems to be the only thing that makes a difference. I've tried to commit to stack and tilt in the past but the major issue was once my back got stiff or tired my swing completely fell apart and it was hook city. Being tall, I've just tried to stand up with better posture and let my arms take over. I'm a high handicapper so I want to improve and have a fundamentally sound swing but it just doesn't seem realistic for someone like me. To me being tall is just as much of a hindrance as the low back issue.

[Tanner25]

[quote name='Petethreeput' timestamp='1448758677' post='12657378']
I am not a PGA pro, nor am I good golfer. In fact, am the worst 2.8 on the world, but I have had two back surgeries on my L5 and have had to completely revamp my swing. As I get closer to my 3rd surgery it gets more and more exaggerated.

I cannot stand square to the ball. I absolutely cannot close my stance and hit anything but a low hooking runner. If I try to extend I hit a high block. That left one option for me.

I open my stance and aim with my shoulders. I focus on swinging right with an extremely right arm dominant swing. My miss, not surprisingly is a huge pull, but it is what it is. My ball flight is a 5 yard right to left ball flight.

I am pain free, so this may work for you. Of course everyone is different but this is my cross.
[/quote]

Pete,

When you say you use the shoulders to aim and swing right. Do you open the stance, aim the shoulders straight and swing right?

Tanner

[Tanner25]

[quote name='trapsmv15' timestamp='1448753743' post='12657122']
Hey guys,

Try not to start threads too much, but I got some very helpful answers last go around and figured I'd try once more.

As the cold rolls around here in northern NY, I'm doing more reading than playing. I have a T11/T12/L1/L2 left (lead) side nerve issue, an L5/S1 annular tear, and a weak left (lead) leg from an illness. Like everything in the golf instruction world, there are so many different methods I'm unsure of myself on how to proceed in the future.

Jim Hardy and some others claim the one plane swing is good for the back; Stack and Tilt the same. But the more I bend over in a stance, even done "correctly", the more I hurt. Some such as Jimmy Ballard say to set up tall and don't "turn" and "fire the right side"; others such as Monte like secondary tilt, shoulders turning parallel to spine, etc.

I swing right-handed. Though I'm only 5'5, I have long forearms and arms for my height, have trouble with forearm rotation (for anyone who knows EA Tischler's stuff, more on-top/side-on), and a thick chest as well, so I'm like Craig Stadler in that it's uncomfortable to swing my arms if I don't go fairly vertical with them. But of course, like most, I struggle with steep and over the top, early right shoulder rotation, etc.

Jim Suttie's book [i]Your Perfect Swing[/i] has modifications in it for seniors and those with bad backs, and the bad back swing is all about standing tall, bending knees, narrow closed stance, and turning everything (including head if need be) together with low arms. But I just honestly have no idea if that's what I should be doing. [b][i]Any of the teachers here have some sort of basic patterns you would consider for a golfer who came to you with pretty severe back issues?[/i][/b] Because with the trouble I have with arm rotation, I have no idea how I'll be able to shallow a vertical arm swing enough to hit the center of the club face (main miss in this manner is toe if I OTT, heel if I do what I [i]feel[/i] is right and just hit with a quiet body with my right arm).

Sorry that I'm all over the place with this to an extent. I don't need to create pro level speed to enjoy the game (85-90mph), but I do want to have center contact most of the time. All I really need is just a framework I'm confident in to experiment with, and I know this board has many respected minds on the golf swing. I can't do video with hitting a golf ball where I currently live now, so I didn't bother adding any "practice swings" from my apartment to this post.

Thanks,
-Ryan
[/quote]

Hi Ryan,

Thanks, for the post. One that is important to me as well. We all want to score better. But, maintaining or improving our back health is as important as a low score. Hoping there will be more replies.

I have a bad back as well and during my lessons last summer I was shown that I can make a proper turn. But, there is a big difference doing it, compared to being forced into the position physically by a pro.

There is lots of great advice here. But, rarely do we speak of a person's lack of flexibility, illness etc to make the suggested movements.

Feel better man!

Tanner

[vman]

In the past I've been offered a Lumbar Fusion and a Microdiscectomy.Up to now,since 2010,I'm surgery free but have had 2 epidiural steroid injections and a root nerve block.The nerve block was ineffective but the epidurals helped a great deal.They got me back on the road to PT.My lumbar spine is not in good shape per my 3 MRI's but with my stretching routine and core work I remain in the game and play to a pretty decent regional competitive level.
Anyway I've had to make some technical changes and have found that the most spine friendly move would be something similar to Bryson Dechambeau's swing.Jimmy Ballard and Rocco Mediate have worked together to create a back friendly move which I would also recommend.Ron Del Barrio's stuff is also helpful.

[Sweetdraw]

Good perspectives in the posts. I have L5S1 issue. I'm 6'3 with long arms and legs. 42 years old. 5 handicap.

I have been working on the following to play pain free:

1) Swing: Focus on more arm driven swing principles. Personally, I like teachings from MDLT and Jim Flick. YMMV.

2) Fitness / Flexiblity: Working on strengthening my core and increasing flexibilty. Seems to be an on-going challenge. Hamstrings are very tight. I spend too much time behind the desk.

Hope this is helpful. Will keep reading this thread.

[Petethreeput]

[quote name='Tanner25' timestamp='1448807713' post='12658776']
[quote name='Petethreeput' timestamp='1448758677' post='12657378']
I am not a PGA pro, nor am I good golfer. In fact, am the worst 2.8 on the world, but I have had two back surgeries on my L5 and have had to completely revamp my swing. As I get closer to my 3rd surgery it gets more and more exaggerated.

I cannot stand square to the ball. I absolutely cannot close my stance and hit anything but a low hooking runner. If I try to extend I hit a high block. That left one option for me.

I open my stance and aim with my shoulders. I focus on swinging right with an extremely right arm dominant swing. My miss, not surprisingly is a huge pull, but it is what it is. My ball flight is a 5 yard right to left ball flight.

I am pain free, so this may work for you. Of course everyone is different but this is my cross.
[/quote]

Pete,

When you say you use the shoulders to aim and swing right. Do you open the stance, aim the shoulders straight and swing right?

Tanner
[/quote]

Tanner,

When I am standing over the ball before address, I would bet I am 20* open, sometimes less sometimes more, depends on how my back is feeling. Obviously, I can't create that "line" to aim using my feet, so I then aim my shoulders and hips down the aim "line" and maybe a little closed. I then manipulate my swing to go over 2nd base, at least that's how I try to visualize it.

It permits me to get to my left post leg without much torque on my lower back. It falls apart when my shoulders follow my feet and I pull it.

I can't play 4 days in a row without pain, but 3 day tourneys are doable. My backswing is fairly abbreviated as you might imagine, but if I can continue my swing through the ball I think it is a fair trade-off.

Again though, I am self taught, I have been goofing around with this for about 20 yrs trying to get to a pain free swing. Like the OP though, if I am sore before I even start the round (50%), I thin and toe a lot of shots.

In March I have tentative dates to see Monte so he can "fix" me, and I hope to have better answers and understanding then.

[trapsmv15]

[quote name='Petethreeput' timestamp='1448813808' post='12659062']
[quote name='Tanner25' timestamp='1448807713' post='12658776']
[quote name='Petethreeput' timestamp='1448758677' post='12657378']
I am not a PGA pro, nor am I good golfer. In fact, am the worst 2.8 on the world, but I have had two back surgeries on my L5 and have had to completely revamp my swing. As I get closer to my 3rd surgery it gets more and more exaggerated.

I cannot stand square to the ball. I absolutely cannot close my stance and hit anything but a low hooking runner. If I try to extend I hit a high block. That left one option for me.

I open my stance and aim with my shoulders. I focus on swinging right with an extremely right arm dominant swing. My miss, not surprisingly is a huge pull, but it is what it is. My ball flight is a 5 yard right to left ball flight.

I am pain free, so this may work for you. Of course everyone is different but this is my cross.
[/quote]

Pete,

When you say you use the shoulders to aim and swing right. Do you open the stance, aim the shoulders straight and swing right?

Tanner
[/quote]

Tanner,

When I am standing over the ball before address, I would bet I am 20* open, sometimes less sometimes more, depends on how my back is feeling. Obviously, I can't create that "line" to aim using my feet, so I then aim my shoulders and hips down the aim "line" and maybe a little closed. I then manipulate my swing to go over 2nd base, at least that's how I try to visualize it.

It permits me to get to my left post leg without much torque on my lower back. It falls apart when my shoulders follow my feet and I pull it.

I can't play 4 days in a row without pain, but 3 day tourneys are doable. My backswing is fairly abbreviated as you might imagine, but if I can continue my swing through the ball I think it is a fair trade-off.

Again though, I am self taught, I have been goofing around with this for about 20 yrs trying to get to a pain free swing. Like the OP though, if I am sore before I even start the round (50%), I thin and toe a lot of shots.

In March I have tentative dates to see Monte so he can "fix" me, and I hope to have better answers and understanding then.
[/quote]
Very helpful details here - I tend to prefer a closed stance due to not wanting to post much on my bad left leg, [i][b]but[/b][/i] I'm definitely going to experiment with this. Glad you've found something that works decently for you!
-Ryan

[trapsmv15]

[quote name='vman' timestamp='1448808399' post='12658810']
In the past I've been offered a Lumbar Fusion and a Microdiscectomy.Up to now,since 2010,I'm surgery free but have had 2 epidiural steroid injections and a root nerve block.The nerve block was ineffective but the epidurals helped a great deal.They got me back on the road to PT.My lumbar spine is not in good shape per my 3 MRI's but with my stretching routine and core work I remain in the game and play to a pretty decent regional competitive level.
Anyway I've had to make some technical changes and have found that the most spine friendly move would be something similar to Bryson Dechambeau's swing.Jimmy Ballard and Rocco Mediate have worked together to create a back friendly move which I would also recommend.Ron Del Barrio's stuff is also helpful.
[/quote]
I loved the relief I got from my epidurals (the L5/S1 was a lot more effective than the T-L one), but at a period of every three months, I need to look at changing anything I can. I've never heard of Bryson, but I'll read up. My back has extra curve to it in the lumbar spine to naturally support my kyphotic curve in the thoracic (genetic Schuermann's disease), so I'm predisposed to great pain anyway. Wasn't until my autoimmune disorder, that combined nerve and leg pain to the back pain, that I couldn't just "suck it up" without medication.

My "normal" swing of the past few years has been a Rocco/Ballard swing. It's just hard to lateral shift when subconsciously I try to avoid putting weight on my lead leg.

Thanks for the post, and hope you stay surgery free!

[solarbear88]

There is a guy called Lee Comeaux who has developed an amzingly powerful swing based on the princpals of spine and back health. Deciphering him is a little difficult though. He used to be a contributer on secret in the dirt, before that place really imploded.

[alfriday]

Check out "Positive Impact golf". Here's a video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eURbeXGkeCU&list=PL6gM-KmhWcob4IL_9eK7w33XJvKqjaaP_

[PreppySlapCut]

Ballard.

[Tanner25]

[quote name='alfriday' timestamp='1448849151' post='12661318']
Check out "Positive Impact golf". Here's a video:

[url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eURbeXGkeCU&list=PL6gM-KmhWcob4IL_9eK7w33XJvKqjaaP_"]https://www.youtube....K7w33XJvKqjaaP_[/url]
[/quote]

Have you played this method?

[iteachgolf]

A centered pivot done correctly will be best on your back assuming you can do the motions required to make a centered pivot

[cardoustie]

Pete three putt

Sounds like you're my doppelgänger

6'2" and two microdikectomy's on l4-l5 ... and a laminectomy back in 2004

I'm an awful 3.6 but learned a lot this season

I've moved off the ball and have gone to more of an arm swing. I now believe for me the body plays a supporting role and doesn't need to drive targetwards .. A la Flick

I basically make a Venturi like swing, hit the inside of the ball and fully realease the arms towards "first base". It's hard to hook it now and I play a push draw on most all shots. I had gotten too steep / vertical and that was hard on my back .. It was a hold off move vs firing rotationally

[jerebear21]

herniated disc L5-S1 with major sciatic pain down right leg... amazingly ever since I learned to use my hips properly and speed up my arms from dan, I have not had a "flair up" in months..... (probably just jinxed myself)

get some tingling here and there but the flair ups are completely gone. i do lots and I mean lots of hamstrings/quads/groin stretches every morning btw.

i didn't realize it but I became dependent on tramadol throughout spring and parts of summer of 2015. not a way to go through life for sure.

not an expert on the golf swing but i don't believe our backs should have any stress if we used our hips properly.

[PJ1120]

I've have an extruded disc on my left side that has been bothering me for about 4 months. I've had one epidural but the pain relief only lasted for about a week. Now considering a microdiscectomy but an
orthopedic surgeon friend of mine advices against it. Has anyone had a bad experience with the procedure? I'm so tired of trying to manufacture a swing on the course that I've been experimenting with just anchoring
left and staying there.....eliminates the expectation of pain when I shift from trail to front leg.

[trapsmv15]

[quote name='jerebear21' timestamp='1448940373' post='12665706']
herniated disc L5-S1 with major sciatic pain down right leg... amazingly ever since I learned to use my hips properly and speed up my arms from dan, I have not had a "flair up" in months..... (probably just jinxed myself)

get some tingling here and there but the flair ups are completely gone. i do lots and I mean lots of hamstrings/quads/groin stretches every morning btw.

i didn't realize it but I became dependent on tramadol throughout spring and parts of summer of 2015. not a way to go through life for sure.

not an expert on the golf swing but i don't believe our backs should have any stress if we used our hips properly.
[/quote]
I've been on max Tramadol for over a year now, so I totally get what you're saying, and you're right. I don't expect to ever come off it because the pain is more than just back pain, but I [i]really[/i] don't want to go to a stronger drug, thus the desire to overhaul my swing.

[trapsmv15]

[quote name='iteachgolf' timestamp='1448932532' post='12665072']
A centered pivot done correctly will be best on your back assuming you can do the motions required to make a centered pivot
[/quote]
Okay, thank you iteach. I have wanted to get away from how lateral I currently am.

[jerebear21]

[quote name='trapsmv15' timestamp='1448991265' post='12667468']
[quote name='jerebear21' timestamp='1448940373' post='12665706']
herniated disc L5-S1 with major sciatic pain down right leg... amazingly ever since I learned to use my hips properly and speed up my arms from dan, I have not had a "flair up" in months..... (probably just jinxed myself)

get some tingling here and there but the flair ups are completely gone. i do lots and I mean lots of hamstrings/quads/groin stretches every morning btw.

i didn't realize it but I became dependent on tramadol throughout spring and parts of summer of 2015. not a way to go through life for sure.

not an expert on the golf swing but i don't believe our backs should have any stress if we used our hips properly.
[/quote]
I've been on max Tramadol for over a year now, so I totally get what you're saying, and you're right. I don't expect to ever come off it because the pain is more than just back pain, but I [i]really[/i] don't want to go to a stronger drug, thus the desire to overhaul my swing.
[/quote]

yeah buddy, not here to tell you to get off your meds, but my surgeon brother swore that tramadol wasn't addictive. I went cold turkey after months of being on it and I had flu like symptoms for 2-3 weeks. From body aches, cold chills, nauseus. I actually fell into a slight depression because I didn't want to wake up during my cold spell. Definitely some serious stuff that you should watch out for. Tramadol acts exactly like those heavy opioid medication. Nothing but sympathy for those who are on it for low back pain bouts.

My main cause for low back pain was turning my lower back into my right leg to create depth. As a result I had a very flat swing plane because of it. One of the many reasons why I eventually went to get lessons from Dan. The previous coach didn't show me how to use my hips at all. Add a reverse pivot to the flat swing path for almost 10 years and you can see why I developed low back pain.

[trapsmv15]

[quote name='jerebear21' timestamp='1448998131' post='12667964']
[quote name='trapsmv15' timestamp='1448991265' post='12667468']
[quote name='jerebear21' timestamp='1448940373' post='12665706']
herniated disc L5-S1 with major sciatic pain down right leg... amazingly ever since I learned to use my hips properly and speed up my arms from dan, I have not had a "flair up" in months..... (probably just jinxed myself)

get some tingling here and there but the flair ups are completely gone. i do lots and I mean lots of hamstrings/quads/groin stretches every morning btw.

i didn't realize it but I became dependent on tramadol throughout spring and parts of summer of 2015. not a way to go through life for sure.

not an expert on the golf swing but i don't believe our backs should have any stress if we used our hips properly.
[/quote]
I've been on max Tramadol for over a year now, so I totally get what you're saying, and you're right. I don't expect to ever come off it because the pain is more than just back pain, but I [i]really[/i] don't want to go to a stronger drug, thus the desire to overhaul my swing.
[/quote]

yeah buddy, not here to tell you to get off your meds, but my surgeon brother swore that tramadol wasn't addictive. I went cold turkey after months of being on it and I had flu like symptoms for 2-3 weeks. From body aches, cold chills, nauseus. I actually fell into a slight depression because I didn't want to wake up during my cold spell. Definitely some serious stuff that you should watch out for. Tramadol acts exactly like those heavy opioid medication. Nothing but sympathy for those who are on it for low back pain bouts.

My main cause for low back pain was turning my lower back into my right leg to create depth. As a result I had a very flat swing plane because of it. One of the many reasons why I eventually went to get lessons from Dan. The previous coach didn't show me how to use my hips at all. Add a reverse pivot to the flat swing path for almost 10 years and you can see why I developed low back pain.
[/quote]
Addiction is a tricky term, and one that often gets misused/misinterpreted with relation to dependency. Tramadol likewise also has SSRI effects, so withdrawals can be even worse than just standard opioid withdrawals. I'd never suggest anyone go off cold turkey, but some would rather get it over with than to taper the drug, which I get. I don't intend to ever come off the drug because it hits both the pain and the SSRI stuff at once, but I do appreciate your concern. I would have the same symptoms as you did, I am sure.

As far as the back pain goes, I think similar issues are what caused a lot of my back pain with regard to golf in my teens and early twenties. Proper motion of the hips is going to be something I really start to focus on over the winter, as it certainly can't hurt.

[trapsmv15]

If I could ask another question if people are still interested in the thread:

I know that nearly all the weight is supposed to be on the left/lead leg at impact. If I can't do that (and don't want to), is the simple 'answer' that I should play the ball middle-back in my stance, even with the driver, with weight rearward and some secondary tilt, and then just turn and turn hips and shoulders together (no twists! ouch) while staying there?

I really appreciate the responses so far. I had a sparse but fairly good golf season this year (average rounds on normal courses at about 85) but I do that almost all on accurate driving, excellent putting, and course management. I would love to get to the high 70's and stay there. To do that, though, center contact is the thing I most need to learn how to ensure, followed by increasing distance via clubhead speed. I believe I can learn both once I have a swing framework that is right for my unique disabilities. It's hard to commit to the lateral-type swing I've used for the past few years when my lead leg just keeps getting worse.

Thanks!
Ryan

[Tanner25]

[quote name='trapsmv15' timestamp='1449102122' post='12673478']
If I could ask another question if people are still interested in the thread:

I know that nearly all the weight is supposed to be on the left/lead leg at impact. If I can't do that (and don't want to), is the simple 'answer' that I should play the ball middle-back in my stance, even with the driver, with weight rearward and some secondary tilt, and then just turn and turn hips and shoulders together (no twists! ouch) while staying there?

I really appreciate the responses so far. I had a sparse but fairly good golf season this year (average rounds on normal courses at about 85) but I do that almost all on accurate driving, excellent putting, and course management. I would love to get to the high 70's and stay there. To do that, though, center contact is the thing I most need to learn how to ensure, followed by increasing distance via clubhead speed. I believe I can learn both once I have a swing framework that is right for my unique disabilities. It's hard to commit to the lateral-type swing I've used for the past few years when my lead leg just keeps getting worse.

Thanks!
Ryan
[/quote]

Ryan,

Doesn't DJ Trahan's dad advocate staying on the rear leg with a vertical swing? The guy who teaches on his deck and backyard. You said, you don't want to go forward, that might be a good one.

Good luck

Tanner

[trapsmv15]

[quote name='Tanner25' timestamp='1449148129' post='12675082']
[quote name='trapsmv15' timestamp='1449102122' post='12673478']
If I could ask another question if people are still interested in the thread:

I know that nearly all the weight is supposed to be on the left/lead leg at impact. If I can't do that (and don't want to), is the simple 'answer' that I should play the ball middle-back in my stance, even with the driver, with weight rearward and some secondary tilt, and then just turn and turn hips and shoulders together (no twists! ouch) while staying there?

I really appreciate the responses so far. I had a sparse but fairly good golf season this year (average rounds on normal courses at about 85) but I do that almost all on accurate driving, excellent putting, and course management. I would love to get to the high 70's and stay there. To do that, though, center contact is the thing I most need to learn how to ensure, followed by increasing distance via clubhead speed. I believe I can learn both once I have a swing framework that is right for my unique disabilities. It's hard to commit to the lateral-type swing I've used for the past few years when my lead leg just keeps getting worse.

Thanks!
Ryan
[/quote]

Ryan,

Doesn't DJ Trahan's dad advocate staying on the rear leg with a vertical swing? The guy who teaches on his deck and backyard. You said, you don't want to go forward, that might be a good one.

Good luck

Tanner
[/quote]
I'll have to YouTube more of his videos - I'm uncertain on the rear leg weight part. If his videos go on discount on his site I may buy some.

Thanks for jogging up my memory bank Tanner!

[thekru]

Answer to the OP: No!