There has been some discussion in the Payne Stewart posting regarding a part of the back swing of which some people may have been unaware.
As I said myself in the comments section, the challenge in conveying something is at times knowing what people already know vs taking for granted what people have to know but don’t.
This latest issue pertains to “loading the scapula,” to use Brandon’s terminology, in the later part of the back swing. The issue came up when I made reference to this action in my own back swing for the first time, which was a revelation to some not so familiar with the Mike Austin theory of swing.
Reverse Angle – The Right Scapula Loading At the Top
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I have referred to this action in both the original MCS and the 2.0 Videos, however I was using the term “lifting to the top” with the right hand or arm for right-handers. So, let’s explore this a little further…
“Loading the scapula” means contracting the muscles in the back of the shoulder that control the movement of the scapula or shoulder blade (scapular muscles or trapezoid) so that the shoulder blades slides toward the spine. If you hold your arms in front of you horizontally or even bend upwards at the elbows, and press your elbows back as far as you can (reverse butterfly), you are loading your scapula(s).
If you do it with the right arm only, that’s loading the right scapula. And this is what I refer to in the later part of the back swing when I talk about “lifting” to the top with the right hand.
Here’s an online article I found on scapular motion.
This is another reason to make sure of your proper Fundamentals Trifecta component three (Address Stance), because the proper stance, with the bending from the hips, with the legs not in the squatting position, as well as the right spine tilt (for right-handers) – all of these facilitate the scapula loading when maintaining the pure pivot of the shoulders around the 7th cervical vertebra (the base of the neck) during the back swing.
Since the comments are closed in MCS 2.0…
I bought MCS 1.0 and in all honest got lost in the detail and really never worked through it.
MCS 2.0 captured my attention and thoroughly impressed me with DJ’s ability to clearly and SIMPLY convey what is an endlessly complex subject. Anyone wondering “if” they should get this should stop wondering. This is one of the best, and in ways is the best, video tutorials on Mike Austin’s swing… which is the best swing in golf.
After just one viewing… many things became “clear”… and I was able to go to the course with a COMPLETELY improved and enpowered swing.
DJ, thank you!
John, Thanks very much for the comment and endorsement! I’m glad you were able to improve and add power to your swing – it makes golf a great deal more enjoyable than spending ten hours chipping and pitching, doesn’t it?
DJ, you are welcome. You have certainly earned it and more.
Taking the complicated and teaching it in a manner that can be internalized by the student is a powerful skill.
While a short game is essential and garners respect in its own right… there is NOTHING like crushing the ball ON command and IN control…
DJ that pic that you drew the lines on is a very good view of not only the right scapula sliding to the middle but if you know what you are looking at you can also see the left scapula slide away from the spine. That is the real X-factor because that degree of extra slide in the shoulders just gives extra turn that can be unloaded in the down swing. Sometimes i imagine that my left shoulder points at the ball and i just slide the shoulder blades and get 90 degrees of shoulder rotation.
Also whenever you throw, people always talk about the elbow leading but that action starts from the shoulder blade.
The x-factor mclean likely ruined more backs than anything in history.
I wouldnt overdo the scapula pull as it should happen automatically once you hit the top or loaded.
If it does not happen it might be with how mobile and flexible you are in the shoulder area.
Once the turn of the body is made to the top, the scapula is loaded for the trow. one reason its important to trow from the top as that action also loads the scapula. You dont trow with the left arm/shoulder, you trow from the right shoulder/scapula.
If one want to laod the scapula, make sure you trow from the top.
Exactly, whatever you take away you have to put back
Good stuff! Actually had to look up “scapula” as I thought it was something to do with an implement used to flip pancakes.
Lol! Nice one chief.