Hogan's right leg - his real secret?

[chipa]

I remember reading an article somewhere many years ago(maybe 20) where Hogan was at the practice range and a friend asked Hogan to reveal the "real" secret whereupon supposedly Hogan said "I never move my --- right leg".

I have tried this over the years but honestly it is not easy because it changed all my swing dynamics, grip, takeaway, turn etc. and so after not being able to master it I would give up on it. Nonetheless, thinking back about the relatively few times over the years when I was swinging well and hitting it some 40 yards more than normal with the driver and 1 and a half club longer I remember my right side felt like it was nailed to the ground on the backswing so I could swing from the top without having to wait.

Anyone else out there heard about this secret and/or have tried to use it?

[juststeve]

Hogan's right leg does move.

Steve

[chipa]

Yes it does in fact, I should have mentioned that.

However, to him the perception was it didn't move which means it was resisting the turn probably with the right hip and lower back as well and so it acted as something relatively firm he could base his swing on.

[BeCu_Ping]

Yes I have heard/read about this years ago. I mean we have all heard many "secrets". But this is one I often think about. Because IF there really was a secret then I just think its something not visible to the eye, kinda like a feeling or two that sets in motion a sequence--trick is where does it start or feel like it started?

So I say all that to say IMO most likely the right leg not moving is a perception regarding a desired "feel". There is many Youtube videos that visibly show his right leg move (a good one that can be searched is entitled: "Ben Hogan 1965 Shell Swing Compilation - Regular speed and Slow Motion Training Guide").

Over the years I have read about how important it is to turn around a "braced" right knee/leg from many instructors. Then I think about the extra spike(s) in his shoes. I don't know maybe a correlation to right leg feel/attempt to not move, etc?

[powerfade66]

His leg was definitely braced inward and led to him transferring lower body left mid backswing. That wouldn’t have happened as smoothly without it being braced inward.

You’re thinking of a book by his shag caddy. Jody Vasquez. He’s mentioned the right leg to many people and it is right through modern fundamentals.https://www.torontogolfnuts.com/forum/golf-discussion-forum/golf-instruction/103773-my-time-with-mr-hogan

[chipa]

I should have added that Hogan's knee does move.

The point I wanted to make is that to Hogan his knee did not move, which if one compares that feeling with their own swing probably cannot say the same. This to me implies the relation the leg had with the hip and the lower back and the more or less maintained knee angle demonstrate that all these were loaded and purposely "held connected" by Hogan to add a relatively fixed point about which to swing.

[BeCu_Ping]

Understood. I agree the knee to him was not moving, rather braced.

Kinda sub topic if I may, I have read Moe Norman praised Mr. Hogan and from the videos, pictures online Moe also braced his trail/right knee. Have to wonder if he got that from Mr. Hogan?

I know people compare them regarding ball striking. I am careful with context when comparing golfers, their golf swings, technique, etc but I do believe they mush have shared similar feelings regarding getting loaded/set in their back swings.

[Jeselnik]

It's a right anchor, everybody knows.  If you can't make a good shoulder turn, then everything is a secret.

 

JNIK

[chipa]

On 8/19/2020 at 6:16 AM, Jeselnik said:

It's a right anchor, everybody knows.  If you can't make a good shoulder turn, then everything is a secret.

 

JNIK

 

With all due respect a lot of well respected golf teacher apparently don't know about the importance of swinging around a stable right leg. Some tell us that the legs don't (or hardly) contribute to the swing and that it's just the hands and arms and certain geometric positions/movements. BTW, there are lots of people that I've seen that have a decent shoulder turn but their right leg isn't braced, in fact its a lot easier to do if the right leg doesn't resist.

Edited August 22, 2020 by chipa

[alansmithdc]

I think in Five Lessons Hogan says the right leg at address is more to the left leg than the left leg is to the right leg.  Don't remember the exact quote from the book.  Gives a clue that Hogan was planning to rotate around his right leg, vice making the left leg do work.  Just a thought. 

[Soloman1]

After all these years, I guess it's time for me to reveal this - I know the real secret.

 

Unfortunately, I was told that I'd be whacked if I ever revealed it. Jimmy Hoffa knew the secret, and look what happened to him.

I think enough time has passed, and they can't find me on the internet. Well, unless GolfWRX has made a deal with the Hogan mob to ID people from their IP address and User information in cooperation with the NSA? I don't think so, so here goes:

 

Okay, Hogan's real secret is easy to see. If you loo

[chipa]

Even if we knew his secret that doesn't mean we could actually duplicate it - the swing is a complex sequential motion of interconnected parts that the brain keeps track of consciously and subconsciously in order to work. Plus Hogan had what every other great sportsman has or had - a burning drive to win. 

[SwagGolf6112]

Hogan secret had nothing to do with his right leg at all. He never told anyone not even Ken Venturi his real secret. But he gave enough good info to his close friends so that they too can have a great golf swing. His secret he took to the grave. And rightly so.

[SwagGolf6112]

On 8/23/2020 at 6:13 AM, Soloman1 said:

Jimmy Hoffa knew the secret, and look what happened to him...

 

I watched "The Irishman" several times and still didn't come any closer to cracking the code ?