The ballad of Jimmy Ballard...

[golfer07840]

Would also be interested in people's progress with this methodology....

 

I love it. It's very simple. I feel compact and powerful, esp with the irons.

 

My ONLY issue with this method, is driving the ball. I don't know if I'm not flat enough, but I can't seem to find the right angle of attack.

[teezoid]

I really like the Jimmy Ballard methodology. as others have said, it seems to be simpler to do and simpler to fix when you get out of sync. I have also noted that having a bad lower back, this swing is easier on my back.

I do have one issue that I would like to see how others feel that use this swing, that is... I find I just do not get the distance with my driver that I had with my old, more mechanical swing. My irons are very similar for distance and if anything, I feel like I am getting a little more distance with my irons. I just cannot seem to get my driver to the level I had previously.

Any thoughts, ideas?

[Fireballer]

I really like the Jimmy Ballard methodology. as others have said, it seems to be simpler to do and simpler to fix when you get out of sync. I have also noted that having a bad lower back, this swing is easier on my back.

I do have one issue that I would like to see how others feel that use this swing, that is... I find I just do not get the distance with my driver that I had with my old, more mechanical swing. My irons are very similar for distance and if anything, I feel like I am getting a little more distance with my irons. I just cannot seem to get my driver to the level I had previously.

Any thoughts, ideas?

 

I had the same problem. I didnt stick with it for too long since it started bothering my upper back. I think the bottom of swing is a little harder to manage with the lateral move. I never got on a launch monitor, but I think I probably had a significant negative AoA. But the CH speed is definitely there. I too was about a club longer

[garyt]

On the downswing is the right arm/elbow above or below the left? Never been sure of this.

[DonRSD]

Awesome thread!!!

[JDFish]

I've had 3 lessons since January with Brian Kelly at tOSU Golf Club learning the Ballard method. I've been able to play pain free in my lower back/hips since I started the transition to this swing. My main problem/flaw is keeping the hips level in getting to the left side on the downswing - I still have the age-old tendency to hang back and flip my hands. When I do it correctly, it's like buttah. When I don't, it's a hook or push-fade of varying degrees. But it's coming around nicely though hard to be patient with the glimmers of success I've seen with my ball striking.

[DonRSD]

What does "spring the shaft with the right hand" mean and how is it done to start the downswing without the club face pointing left at impact?

[danattherock]

I've had 3 lessons since January with Brian Kelly at tOSU Golf Club learning the Ballard method. I've been able to play pain free in my lower back/hips since I started the transition to this swing. My main problem/flaw is keeping the hips level in getting to the left side on the downswing - I still have the age-old tendency to hang back and flip my hands. When I do it correctly, it's like buttah. When I don't, it's a hook or push-fade of varying degrees. But it's coming around nicely though hard to be patient with the glimmers of success I've seen with my ball striking.

 

Sounds very similar to me, had great success with Jimmy Ballards methods six years back. Had back injury from car crash and took six year hiatus from golf. Just started back this past week. With back injury, hoping this swing method will allow me to play again. I have fond memories of this connected swing, and the effortless power it created. Eager to get back after it. Will have to watch the dvd a few times first, been a while. Lol.

[Ayersjj]

> @JDFish said:

> I've had 3 lessons since January with Brian Kelly at tOSU Golf Club learning the Ballard method. I've been able to play pain free in my lower back/hips since I started the transition to this swing. My main problem/flaw is keeping the hips level in getting to the left side on the downswing - I still have the age-old tendency to hang back and flip my hands. When I do it correctly, it's like buttah. When I don't, it's a hook or push-fade of varying degrees. But it's coming around nicely though hard to be patient with the glimmers of success I've seen with my ball striking.

 

Grew up @OSU scarlet and gray GC. Great memories. Regarding Kelly, does he have a website or something ? I have worked with JB since 1987 and find some of these guys around the country not tuned into too well. Glad he’s helping u but I have a buddy from Muirfield sent me his swing video and he rolled the clubface dead open. He goes to Kelly and it made me wonder why isnt he working on backswing angles. Just sent JB a video and my local guy that claims Ballard could NOT pick up a simple reverse pivot. Thats pretty basic Ballard and very concerning so I wont be back to my local guy most likely.

 

JB is the only guy I trust now

[JDFish]

> @Ayersjj said:

> > @JDFish said:

> > I've had 3 lessons since January with Brian Kelly at tOSU Golf Club learning the Ballard method. I've been able to play pain free in my lower back/hips since I started the transition to this swing. My main problem/flaw is keeping the hips level in getting to the left side on the downswing - I still have the age-old tendency to hang back and flip my hands. When I do it correctly, it's like buttah. When I don't, it's a hook or push-fade of varying degrees. But it's coming around nicely though hard to be patient with the glimmers of success I've seen with my ball striking.

>

> Grew up @OSU scarlet and gray GC. Great memories. Regarding Kelly, does he have a website or something ? I have worked with JB since 1987 and find some of these guys around the country not tuned into too well. Glad he’s helping u but I have a buddy from Muirfield sent me his swing video and he rolled the clubface dead open. He goes to Kelly and it made me wonder why isnt he working on backswing angles. Just sent JB a video and my local guy that claims Ballard could NOT pick up a simple reverse pivot. Thats pretty basic Ballard and very concerning so I wont be back to my local guy most likely.

>

> JB is the only guy I trust now

 

Brian Kelly doesn't have a website - he is just listed on tOSU golf course website. I can tell you he has never given any instruction to me to roll the club face open. I had a lesson with him last week and we spent most of the time on my set up and takeaway (from full shots to pitches to chipping). In my experience with him, Brian has been all about the connection with the left arm, soft elbows, and the right arm folding/right shoulder going up, keeping hips level/right hip high, and maintaining the triangle throughout the swing. Maybe your buddy is misunderstanding or over-doing the "thumb hitchhiking" move on the takeaway? If he is opening the club out of the gate he clearly isn't maintaining the triangle, so I'm sure Brian would pick this up immediately (in two swings he corrected my swing faults). I was doing that for a period of time after I first started, along with a few other tenants of the Ballard method and had to be reeled back in. Brian said he visits JB once a year or so - thinks he is a genius and the best swing instructor ever. He was unaware of these JB threads until I mentioned them to him, along with your handle and he said he recalled/knew of you @Ayersjj :)

[Joe Hill]

Great thread. I owe Jimmy Ballard and Jim Grant volumes for getting me headed in the right direction in the mid 80's. I found it to be a very difficult concept to learn; totally different from anything else I'd been taught or did, but the hard work well worth it. The results and freedom of swing simply can't be put into words. At 70 yrs of age, I'd definitely want to learn this concept as a youngster if I had it to do over again.

My 2 cents on a few questions:

> @teezoid said:

>I find I just do not get the distance with my driver that I had with my old, more mechanical swing. My irons are very similar for distance and if anything, I feel like I am getting a little more distance with my irons. I just cannot seem to get my driver to the level I had previously. Any thoughts, ideas?

I had the same problem and choking down on the driver really made the difference. Choking down on the irons too I found made the swing easier, and distance still was far more than anything else I ever tried.

 

> @garyt said:

> On the downswing is the right arm/elbow above or below the left? Never been sure of this.

The lead elbow will be lower from a face on view with a "connected" lead arm.

 

> @DonRSD said:

> What does "spring the shaft with the right hand" mean and how is it done to start the downswing without the club face pointing left at impact?

My interpretation is it's a feel, not something you "do". All the work is being done with the core muscles, and the outer part of the chain is merely reacting. I can feel the right side exploding into the ball, but I'm not doing anything other than just changing direction with core muscles of both sides, if that makes sense.

[Ayersjj]

I meant to say my Bud came to me with a lot of angle. when I mentiined it he said he knew about that but didn't seem to be a priority. To me many Ballard teachers allow the left atm to rotate to get on plane angle. Jimmy sees it all the time. Anyway, dont know Kelly but when a bud comes to me from Kelly it just made me wonder whatzup. Glad hes helping you!!

> @JDFish said:

> > @Ayersjj said:

> > > @JDFish said:

> > > I've had 3 lessons since January with Brian Kelly at tOSU Golf Club learning the Ballard method. I've been able to play pain free in my lower back/hips since I started the transition to this swing. My main problem/flaw is keeping the hips level in getting to the left side on the downswing - I still have the age-old tendency to hang back and flip my hands. When I do it correctly, it's like buttah. When I don't, it's a hook or push-fade of varying degrees. But it's coming around nicely though hard to be patient with the glimmers of success I've seen with my ball striking.

> >

> > Grew up @OSU scarlet and gray GC. Great memories. Regarding Kelly, does he have a website or something ? I have worked with JB since 1987 and find some of these guys around the country not tuned into too well. Glad he’s helping u but I have a buddy from Muirfield sent me his swing video and he rolled the clubface dead open. He goes to Kelly and it made me wonder why isnt he working on backswing angles. Just sent JB a video and my local guy that claims Ballard could NOT pick up a simple reverse pivot. Thats pretty basic Ballard and very concerning so I wont be back to my local guy most likely.

> >

> > JB is the only guy I trust now

>

> Brian Kelly doesn't have a website - he is just listed on tOSU golf course website. I can tell you he has never given any instruction to me to roll the club face open. I had a lesson with him last week and we spent most of the time on my set up and takeaway (from full shots to pitches to chipping). In my experience with him, Brian has been all about the connection with the left arm, soft elbows, and the right arm folding/right shoulder going up, keeping hips level/right hip high, and maintaining the triangle throughout the swing. Maybe your buddy is misunderstanding or over-doing the "thumb hitchhiking" move on the takeaway? If he is opening the club out of the gate he clearly isn't maintaining the triangle, so I'm sure Brian would pick this up immediately (in two swings he corrected my swing faults). I was doing that for a period of time after I first started, along with a few other tenants of the Ballard method and had to be reeled back in. Brian said he visits JB once a year or so - thinks he is a genius and the best swing instructor ever. He was unaware of these JB threads until I mentioned them to him, along with your handle and he said he recalled/knew of you @Ayersjj :)

 

 

[JDFish]

> @Ayersjj said:

> I meant to say my Bud came to me with a lot of angle. when I mentiined it he said he knew about that but didn't seem to be a priority. To me many Ballard teachers allow the left atm to rotate to get on plane angle. Jimmy sees it all the time. Anyway, dont know Kelly but when a bud comes to me from Kelly it just made me wonder whatzup. Glad hes helping you!!

> > @JDFish said:

> > > @Ayersjj said:

> > > > @JDFish said:

> > > > I've had 3 lessons since January with Brian Kelly at tOSU Golf Club learning the Ballard method. I've been able to play pain free in my lower back/hips since I started the transition to this swing. My main problem/flaw is keeping the hips level in getting to the left side on the downswing - I still have the age-old tendency to hang back and flip my hands. When I do it correctly, it's like buttah. When I don't, it's a hook or push-fade of varying degrees. But it's coming around nicely though hard to be patient with the glimmers of success I've seen with my ball striking.

> > >

> > > Grew up @OSU scarlet and gray GC. Great memories. Regarding Kelly, does he have a website or something ? I have worked with JB since 1987 and find some of these guys around the country not tuned into too well. Glad he’s helping u but I have a buddy from Muirfield sent me his swing video and he rolled the clubface dead open. He goes to Kelly and it made me wonder why isnt he working on backswing angles. Just sent JB a video and my local guy that claims Ballard could NOT pick up a simple reverse pivot. Thats pretty basic Ballard and very concerning so I wont be back to my local guy most likely.

> > >

> > > JB is the only guy I trust now

> >

> > Brian Kelly doesn't have a website - he is just listed on tOSU golf course website. I can tell you he has never given any instruction to me to roll the club face open. I had a lesson with him last week and we spent most of the time on my set up and takeaway (from full shots to pitches to chipping). In my experience with him, Brian has been all about the connection with the left arm, soft elbows, and the right arm folding/right shoulder going up, keeping hips level/right hip high, and maintaining the triangle throughout the swing. Maybe your buddy is misunderstanding or over-doing the "thumb hitchhiking" move on the takeaway? If he is opening the club out of the gate he clearly isn't maintaining the triangle, so I'm sure Brian would pick this up immediately (in two swings he corrected my swing faults). I was doing that for a period of time after I first started, along with a few other tenants of the Ballard method and had to be reeled back in. Brian said he visits JB once a year or so - thinks he is a genius and the best swing instructor ever. He was unaware of these JB threads until I mentioned them to him, along with your handle and he said he recalled/knew of you @Ayersjj :)

>

>

 

Sounds like your buddy may need to book a refresher lesson pronto with Brian :)

[Ayersjj]

My bud shot 89 in a tournament and said forget Ballard method. Thats why it bothered me. Hes a low 70s shooter, so it was disconcerting to see all the angle in his backswing

 

> @JDFish said:

> > @Ayersjj said:

> > I meant to say my Bud came to me with a lot of angle. when I mentiined it he said he knew about that but didn't seem to be a priority. To me many Ballard teachers allow the left atm to rotate to get on plane angle. Jimmy sees it all the time. Anyway, dont know Kelly but when a bud comes to me from Kelly it just made me wonder whatzup. Glad hes helping you!!

> > > @JDFish said:

> > > > @Ayersjj said:

> > > > > @JDFish said:

> > > > > I've had 3 lessons since January with Brian Kelly at tOSU Golf Club learning the Ballard method. I've been able to play pain free in my lower back/hips since I started the transition to this swing. My main problem/flaw is keeping the hips level in getting to the left side on the downswing - I still have the age-old tendency to hang back and flip my hands. When I do it correctly, it's like buttah. When I don't, it's a hook or push-fade of varying degrees. But it's coming around nicely though hard to be patient with the glimmers of success I've seen with my ball striking.

> > > >

> > > > Grew up @OSU scarlet and gray GC. Great memories. Regarding Kelly, does he have a website or something ? I have worked with JB since 1987 and find some of these guys around the country not tuned into too well. Glad he’s helping u but I have a buddy from Muirfield sent me his swing video and he rolled the clubface dead open. He goes to Kelly and it made me wonder why isnt he working on backswing angles. Just sent JB a video and my local guy that claims Ballard could NOT pick up a simple reverse pivot. Thats pretty basic Ballard and very concerning so I wont be back to my local guy most likely.

> > > >

> > > > JB is the only guy I trust now

> > >

> > > Brian Kelly doesn't have a website - he is just listed on tOSU golf course website. I can tell you he has never given any instruction to me to roll the club face open. I had a lesson with him last week and we spent most of the time on my set up and takeaway (from full shots to pitches to chipping). In my experience with him, Brian has been all about the connection with the left arm, soft elbows, and the right arm folding/right shoulder going up, keeping hips level/right hip high, and maintaining the triangle throughout the swing. Maybe your buddy is misunderstanding or over-doing the "thumb hitchhiking" move on the takeaway? If he is opening the club out of the gate he clearly isn't maintaining the triangle, so I'm sure Brian would pick this up immediately (in two swings he corrected my swing faults). I was doing that for a period of time after I first started, along with a few other tenants of the Ballard method and had to be reeled back in. Brian said he visits JB once a year or so - thinks he is a genius and the best swing instructor ever. He was unaware of these JB threads until I mentioned them to him, along with your handle and he said he recalled/knew of you @Ayersjj :)

> >

> >

>

> Sounds like your buddy may need to book a refresher lesson pronto with Brian :)

 

 

[JDFish]

> @Ayersjj said:

> My bud shot 89 in a tournament and said forget Ballard method. Thats why it bothered me. Hes a low 70s shooter, so it was disconcerting to see all the angle in his backswing

>

> > @JDFish said:

> > > @Ayersjj said:

> > > I meant to say my Bud came to me with a lot of angle. when I mentiined it he said he knew about that but didn't seem to be a priority. To me many Ballard teachers allow the left atm to rotate to get on plane angle. Jimmy sees it all the time. Anyway, dont know Kelly but when a bud comes to me from Kelly it just made me wonder whatzup. Glad hes helping you!!

> > > > @JDFish said:

> > > > > @Ayersjj said:

> > > > > > @JDFish said:

> > > > > > I've had 3 lessons since January with Brian Kelly at tOSU Golf Club learning the Ballard method. I've been able to play pain free in my lower back/hips since I started the transition to this swing. My main problem/flaw is keeping the hips level in getting to the left side on the downswing - I still have the age-old tendency to hang back and flip my hands. When I do it correctly, it's like buttah. When I don't, it's a hook or push-fade of varying degrees. But it's coming around nicely though hard to be patient with the glimmers of success I've seen with my ball striking.

> > > > >

> > > > > Grew up @OSU scarlet and gray GC. Great memories. Regarding Kelly, does he have a website or something ? I have worked with JB since 1987 and find some of these guys around the country not tuned into too well. Glad he’s helping u but I have a buddy from Muirfield sent me his swing video and he rolled the clubface dead open. He goes to Kelly and it made me wonder why isnt he working on backswing angles. Just sent JB a video and my local guy that claims Ballard could NOT pick up a simple reverse pivot. Thats pretty basic Ballard and very concerning so I wont be back to my local guy most likely.

> > > > >

> > > > > JB is the only guy I trust now

> > > >

> > > > Brian Kelly doesn't have a website - he is just listed on tOSU golf course website. I can tell you he has never given any instruction to me to roll the club face open. I had a lesson with him last week and we spent most of the time on my set up and takeaway (from full shots to pitches to chipping). In my experience with him, Brian has been all about the connection with the left arm, soft elbows, and the right arm folding/right shoulder going up, keeping hips level/right hip high, and maintaining the triangle throughout the swing. Maybe your buddy is misunderstanding or over-doing the "thumb hitchhiking" move on the takeaway? If he is opening the club out of the gate he clearly isn't maintaining the triangle, so I'm sure Brian would pick this up immediately (in two swings he corrected my swing faults). I was doing that for a period of time after I first started, along with a few other tenants of the Ballard method and had to be reeled back in. Brian said he visits JB once a year or so - thinks he is a genius and the best swing instructor ever. He was unaware of these JB threads until I mentioned them to him, along with your handle and he said he recalled/knew of you @Ayersjj :)

> > >

> > >

> >

> > Sounds like your buddy may need to book a refresher lesson pronto with Brian :)

>

>

 

Sorry to hear of his bad tournament. But from your description it doesn't sound like he is swinging the Ballard method. It is possible he is not understanding what Brian was trying to teach him or not yet getting how to execute - I had some problems grasping and executing at first last year (and still do at times, but when you do it right it feels effortless). I've had rounds ranging from the mid 70s to mid 80s since I started my transition to this swing last February. But to each his own. Hopefully your friend will return to his prior form of shooting in the low 70s. We all know that it can be an incredibly frustrating game. My primary goal was to learn a swing that would help me avoid back pain and give me longevity, being able to score well was secondary but seems to be attainable from my experience so far.

[Ayersjj]

Glad its working for u wKelly. If i were still in Dublin I would go as well. Nothing replaces face on lessons. My bud will b fine hes a good player but I believe not that committed to change or he would have stuck it out.

> @JDFish said:

> > @Ayersjj said:

> > My bud shot 89 in a tournament and said forget Ballard method. Thats why it bothered me. Hes a low 70s shooter, so it was disconcerting to see all the angle in his backswing

> >

> > > @JDFish said:

> > > > @Ayersjj said:

> > > > I meant to say my Bud came to me with a lot of angle. when I mentiined it he said he knew about that but didn't seem to be a priority. To me many Ballard teachers allow the left atm to rotate to get on plane angle. Jimmy sees it all the time. Anyway, dont know Kelly but when a bud comes to me from Kelly it just made me wonder whatzup. Glad hes helping you!!

> > > > > @JDFish said:

> > > > > > @Ayersjj said:

> > > > > > > @JDFish said:

> > > > > > > I've had 3 lessons since January with Brian Kelly at tOSU Golf Club learning the Ballard method. I've been able to play pain free in my lower back/hips since I started the transition to this swing. My main problem/flaw is keeping the hips level in getting to the left side on the downswing - I still have the age-old tendency to hang back and flip my hands. When I do it correctly, it's like buttah. When I don't, it's a hook or push-fade of varying degrees. But it's coming around nicely though hard to be patient with the glimmers of success I've seen with my ball striking.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Grew up @OSU scarlet and gray GC. Great memories. Regarding Kelly, does he have a website or something ? I have worked with JB since 1987 and find some of these guys around the country not tuned into too well. Glad he’s helping u but I have a buddy from Muirfield sent me his swing video and he rolled the clubface dead open. He goes to Kelly and it made me wonder why isnt he working on backswing angles. Just sent JB a video and my local guy that claims Ballard could NOT pick up a simple reverse pivot. Thats pretty basic Ballard and very concerning so I wont be back to my local guy most likely.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > JB is the only guy I trust now

> > > > >

> > > > > Brian Kelly doesn't have a website - he is just listed on tOSU golf course website. I can tell you he has never given any instruction to me to roll the club face open. I had a lesson with him last week and we spent most of the time on my set up and takeaway (from full shots to pitches to chipping). In my experience with him, Brian has been all about the connection with the left arm, soft elbows, and the right arm folding/right shoulder going up, keeping hips level/right hip high, and maintaining the triangle throughout the swing. Maybe your buddy is misunderstanding or over-doing the "thumb hitchhiking" move on the takeaway? If he is opening the club out of the gate he clearly isn't maintaining the triangle, so I'm sure Brian would pick this up immediately (in two swings he corrected my swing faults). I was doing that for a period of time after I first started, along with a few other tenants of the Ballard method and had to be reeled back in. Brian said he visits JB once a year or so - thinks he is a genius and the best swing instructor ever. He was unaware of these JB threads until I mentioned them to him, along with your handle and he said he recalled/knew of you @Ayersjj :)

> > > >

> > > >

> > >

> > > Sounds like your buddy may need to book a refresher lesson pronto with Brian :)

> >

> >

>

> Sorry to hear of his bad tournament. But from your description it doesn't sound like he is swinging the Ballard method. It is possible he is not understanding what Brian was trying to teach him or not yet getting how to execute - I had some problems grasping and executing at first last year (and still do at times, but when you do it right it feels effortless). I've had rounds ranging from the mid 70s to mid 80s since I started my transition to this swing last February. But to each his own. Hopefully your friend will return to his prior form of shooting in the low 70s. We all know that it can be an incredibly frustrating game. My primary goal was to learn a swing that would help me avoid back pain and give me longevity, being able to score well was secondary but seems to be attainable from my experience so far.

 

 

[Ayersjj]

.