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Manuel De La Torre Swing Focus

NickSal88

By NickSal88
in Instruction & Academy

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juststeve
juststeve

Very long ago I played two rounds in one day with Manny and Moe Norman at Milwaukee Country Club.  If Norman had applied himself to putting that day he would have broken 60.  Never have I seen anyone

BMC
BMC

MDLT theory changed my game. I was a single digit that floated up to a 12. My problem was too many thoughts and manipulating the club with my hands. I was flipping and hitting weak fades. Manuel's

juststeve
juststeve

Sean:   Actually you can practice without a golf course, a range or even a golf ball if necessary. At its most fundamental what you need to do is swing the club from one side to the other brushing th

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chipa

chipa

Posted
Posted

MDLT recommends starting the swing with both hands and it has helped me in the past. However, I would say the left hand should dominate (it is fairly standard teaching) because as I have found out the right hand can easily start dominating the swing which won't allow the left hand and arm to stretch across the right side as it should.

"Shirtsleeve" swing technique:

1. Setup: Elbows bent forearms pressed together against shaft slightly forward of center with "Hogan" "active/flexed" leg tension left foot turned out slightly and the right leg slightly farther to the right - weight mostly on balls of feet butt of left hands sits on the top of the grip with very light grip.

2. Swing - W/o disturbing weight distribution of legs and feet lower hands while doing a forward press "swing trigger" then the left upper arm takes over on the backswing, it needs to go out in front of the body then back in front of the chest as the hands trace down initially then up to over the right shoulder "Torres". The goal is to not disturb the pressure of the feet during the initial takeaway.

 

Notes:

1. Only swing thought after swing trigger - extend left arm at shirt sleeve when reaching left hand over right shoulder "Shirtsleeve technique".

2. The upper left arm move "Shirtsleeve technique" can be practiced independently without a club, sitting down for instance

3. The correct feet tension can be felt by doing very short hops on the balls of the feet then holding the same feeling of pressure on the front of the feet and then taking three practice swings with the grip very loose in order to not disturb the same pressure on the feet and on the 3rd swing actively do the "Shirtsleeve" move. From there the swing should be done within a matter of seconds to not lose the feel of the legs resisting, this way this is not a learned technique as much as it is a setup technique.

 

 

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juststeve

juststeve

Posted
Posted

Left hand domination is a fairly standard teaching but not one Manny followed. He believed left hand dominance resulted in the club getting inside and under immediately when the swing began. That is true unless you add some manipulation to prevent the club from going inside and under.

For myself I find that my coil depends on using both hands equally, mostly left hand doesn't do it. Other teachers disagree but most of them advocate some form of deliberate as opposed reactive body movement.

Steve

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chipa

chipa

Posted
Posted

I actually started out with no hand rotation as when I started playing golf the one piece takeaway with no hand rotation was all the range. I think that has contributed to untold slices and suffering, haha. Then I started to a wholly left hand takeaway but as I found out the right side was not getting involved. Well then I tried to use my right hand and of course that was disastrous too.

The goal of course is to get both hands involved but still it seems apparent that the left side has to stretch over the right so maybe there is a slight imbalance. At any rate the degree of usage of the hands should only be when one is learnig the swing or possibly warming up. Ater than it should become more of less automatic as the body adjusts as needed to load everything and position everything where is should be. I also think an especially light grip pressure is important with regard to the involvement of the hands.

"Shirtsleeve" swing technique:

1. Setup: Elbows bent forearms pressed together against shaft slightly forward of center with "Hogan" "active/flexed" leg tension left foot turned out slightly and the right leg slightly farther to the right - weight mostly on balls of feet butt of left hands sits on the top of the grip with very light grip.

2. Swing - W/o disturbing weight distribution of legs and feet lower hands while doing a forward press "swing trigger" then the left upper arm takes over on the backswing, it needs to go out in front of the body then back in front of the chest as the hands trace down initially then up to over the right shoulder "Torres". The goal is to not disturb the pressure of the feet during the initial takeaway.

 

Notes:

1. Only swing thought after swing trigger - extend left arm at shirt sleeve when reaching left hand over right shoulder "Shirtsleeve technique".

2. The upper left arm move "Shirtsleeve technique" can be practiced independently without a club, sitting down for instance

3. The correct feet tension can be felt by doing very short hops on the balls of the feet then holding the same feeling of pressure on the front of the feet and then taking three practice swings with the grip very loose in order to not disturb the same pressure on the feet and on the 3rd swing actively do the "Shirtsleeve" move. From there the swing should be done within a matter of seconds to not lose the feel of the legs resisting, this way this is not a learned technique as much as it is a setup technique.

 

 

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Nels55

Nels55

Posted
Posted

Regarding which hand to use on the takeaway and downswing etc. I happen to be a person who cannot use the same swing thought all the time. I have to change them up in order to play well so in my case there is no correct way to do this. I can and do use the lead arm, trail arm, hands only and swing the clubhead only ideas with good success. I have also used target focus at times which is actually a higher level of focus but I find that to be unsustainable just like anything else and it tends to cause some anxiety after using it for a while LOL. I find it useful to practice different ideas like lead arm dominant or trail arm dominant swinging motions. Then I simply find what resonates on any particular day and go with it while it works!

The best way to golf is to get into the zone where there is no thinking but that does not happen very often for me. I seem to need swing keys of one sort or another to hit the ball well.

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chipa

chipa

Posted
Posted

I think it's common to change up swing thoughts, its like field maintenance haha.

I agree that the goal should be to think as little as possible and get in the zone, however, what I had found out over time is that when I was in the zone(not too frequently) I had no real understanding of how to get there so I embarked on a mission to identify the essential components of my swing that can get me into the "zone". To that end I've come up with a setup methodology and using the left hand as a trigger as well as having as loose a grip as possible and still hold onto the club. However, when I am swinging well I only think about my setup and nothing more really.

"Shirtsleeve" swing technique:

1. Setup: Elbows bent forearms pressed together against shaft slightly forward of center with "Hogan" "active/flexed" leg tension left foot turned out slightly and the right leg slightly farther to the right - weight mostly on balls of feet butt of left hands sits on the top of the grip with very light grip.

2. Swing - W/o disturbing weight distribution of legs and feet lower hands while doing a forward press "swing trigger" then the left upper arm takes over on the backswing, it needs to go out in front of the body then back in front of the chest as the hands trace down initially then up to over the right shoulder "Torres". The goal is to not disturb the pressure of the feet during the initial takeaway.

 

Notes:

1. Only swing thought after swing trigger - extend left arm at shirt sleeve when reaching left hand over right shoulder "Shirtsleeve technique".

2. The upper left arm move "Shirtsleeve technique" can be practiced independently without a club, sitting down for instance

3. The correct feet tension can be felt by doing very short hops on the balls of the feet then holding the same feeling of pressure on the front of the feet and then taking three practice swings with the grip very loose in order to not disturb the same pressure on the feet and on the 3rd swing actively do the "Shirtsleeve" move. From there the swing should be done within a matter of seconds to not lose the feel of the legs resisting, this way this is not a learned technique as much as it is a setup technique.

 

 

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chipa

chipa

Posted
Posted

Speaking of the right hand during the takeaway, now that you guys got me thinking about it I realize that I like to feel the right hand supporting the weight of the club (from the point that palm is facing forward) even though I feel the left hand is turning in with the arm to get it lined up. So I use both hands with distinct movements.

"Shirtsleeve" swing technique:

1. Setup: Elbows bent forearms pressed together against shaft slightly forward of center with "Hogan" "active/flexed" leg tension left foot turned out slightly and the right leg slightly farther to the right - weight mostly on balls of feet butt of left hands sits on the top of the grip with very light grip.

2. Swing - W/o disturbing weight distribution of legs and feet lower hands while doing a forward press "swing trigger" then the left upper arm takes over on the backswing, it needs to go out in front of the body then back in front of the chest as the hands trace down initially then up to over the right shoulder "Torres". The goal is to not disturb the pressure of the feet during the initial takeaway.

 

Notes:

1. Only swing thought after swing trigger - extend left arm at shirt sleeve when reaching left hand over right shoulder "Shirtsleeve technique".

2. The upper left arm move "Shirtsleeve technique" can be practiced independently without a club, sitting down for instance

3. The correct feet tension can be felt by doing very short hops on the balls of the feet then holding the same feeling of pressure on the front of the feet and then taking three practice swings with the grip very loose in order to not disturb the same pressure on the feet and on the 3rd swing actively do the "Shirtsleeve" move. From there the swing should be done within a matter of seconds to not lose the feel of the legs resisting, this way this is not a learned technique as much as it is a setup technique.

 

 

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BigEx44

BigEx44

Posted
Posted

I think this was a big "ah ha" moment for me at the range today.

I had been struggling with my MDLT swing a bit, especially with my driver, when I realized I was starting my backswing with the one piece, no hand rotation, ingrained from my pre-MDLT days.

As soon as I embraced a "toe up to toe up" swing with my forearms rotating away from and then back through the ball on my forward swing - voila! - I started striping everything including my driver.

Best thing is the swing felt easy and smooth.

Going back to the range tomorrow to see if this holds up. Certainly felt great today!!

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chipa

chipa

Posted
Posted

Way to go. I went to the range today and struggled a little bit getting the left arm into position. I've been doing a lot of short swings like I see MDLT do to groove the takeaway.

"Shirtsleeve" swing technique:

1. Setup: Elbows bent forearms pressed together against shaft slightly forward of center with "Hogan" "active/flexed" leg tension left foot turned out slightly and the right leg slightly farther to the right - weight mostly on balls of feet butt of left hands sits on the top of the grip with very light grip.

2. Swing - W/o disturbing weight distribution of legs and feet lower hands while doing a forward press "swing trigger" then the left upper arm takes over on the backswing, it needs to go out in front of the body then back in front of the chest as the hands trace down initially then up to over the right shoulder "Torres". The goal is to not disturb the pressure of the feet during the initial takeaway.

 

Notes:

1. Only swing thought after swing trigger - extend left arm at shirt sleeve when reaching left hand over right shoulder "Shirtsleeve technique".

2. The upper left arm move "Shirtsleeve technique" can be practiced independently without a club, sitting down for instance

3. The correct feet tension can be felt by doing very short hops on the balls of the feet then holding the same feeling of pressure on the front of the feet and then taking three practice swings with the grip very loose in order to not disturb the same pressure on the feet and on the 3rd swing actively do the "Shirtsleeve" move. From there the swing should be done within a matter of seconds to not lose the feel of the legs resisting, this way this is not a learned technique as much as it is a setup technique.

 

 

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chipa

chipa

Posted
Posted

Regarding the use of the hands, it is clear the left hand has an active part in the takeaway from a picture Rory Mcilroy posted on his twitter. When I am swinging well I never think about this but when I'm not - it's something to remember. There is no way to get to the toe up position at 3 o'clock as MDLT recommended w/o the proper hand rotation (assuming)one doesn't have a very strong grip).

img-0872-191449364.png

 

"Shirtsleeve" swing technique:

1. Setup: Elbows bent forearms pressed together against shaft slightly forward of center with "Hogan" "active/flexed" leg tension left foot turned out slightly and the right leg slightly farther to the right - weight mostly on balls of feet butt of left hands sits on the top of the grip with very light grip.

2. Swing - W/o disturbing weight distribution of legs and feet lower hands while doing a forward press "swing trigger" then the left upper arm takes over on the backswing, it needs to go out in front of the body then back in front of the chest as the hands trace down initially then up to over the right shoulder "Torres". The goal is to not disturb the pressure of the feet during the initial takeaway.

 

Notes:

1. Only swing thought after swing trigger - extend left arm at shirt sleeve when reaching left hand over right shoulder "Shirtsleeve technique".

2. The upper left arm move "Shirtsleeve technique" can be practiced independently without a club, sitting down for instance

3. The correct feet tension can be felt by doing very short hops on the balls of the feet then holding the same feeling of pressure on the front of the feet and then taking three practice swings with the grip very loose in order to not disturb the same pressure on the feet and on the 3rd swing actively do the "Shirtsleeve" move. From there the swing should be done within a matter of seconds to not lose the feel of the legs resisting, this way this is not a learned technique as much as it is a setup technique.

 

 

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Chazb

Chazb

Posted
Posted

I can honestly say after using the MDLT method my golf has improved.Even though it’s still new to me and hitting into a net with a couple of nine holes in between my ball striking has really improved and I shot one over today.

I know now what to do in my swing and it works the majority of the time.I still need more reps to really get comfortable.I just wish I would have started this years ago.

 

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chipa

chipa

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Posted

What I have noticed from watching videos is that Manuel belived in a "hands on" approach to to showing his students the proper takeaway sequence. Since I have no access to any MDLT teachers can anyone tell me if any MLDT books or videos discussed or demonstrated in detail the setup and takeaway sequence?

"Shirtsleeve" swing technique:

1. Setup: Elbows bent forearms pressed together against shaft slightly forward of center with "Hogan" "active/flexed" leg tension left foot turned out slightly and the right leg slightly farther to the right - weight mostly on balls of feet butt of left hands sits on the top of the grip with very light grip.

2. Swing - W/o disturbing weight distribution of legs and feet lower hands while doing a forward press "swing trigger" then the left upper arm takes over on the backswing, it needs to go out in front of the body then back in front of the chest as the hands trace down initially then up to over the right shoulder "Torres". The goal is to not disturb the pressure of the feet during the initial takeaway.

 

Notes:

1. Only swing thought after swing trigger - extend left arm at shirt sleeve when reaching left hand over right shoulder "Shirtsleeve technique".

2. The upper left arm move "Shirtsleeve technique" can be practiced independently without a club, sitting down for instance

3. The correct feet tension can be felt by doing very short hops on the balls of the feet then holding the same feeling of pressure on the front of the feet and then taking three practice swings with the grip very loose in order to not disturb the same pressure on the feet and on the 3rd swing actively do the "Shirtsleeve" move. From there the swing should be done within a matter of seconds to not lose the feel of the legs resisting, this way this is not a learned technique as much as it is a setup technique.

 

 

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bortass

bortass

Posted
Posted

I am still just swinging the club without putting much time into the details and the results are getting better as I keep playing. I now feel okay with my driver being in the middle of my stance with a ball up near my left foot. It's worked it's way back into my bag and the overall results are pretty good, for me. Things are not perfect and I think it's mostly my ball position. Too far forward, I can top it or hit a nice pull draw into the left trees. Too far back and I can hit the other kind of top or a weak push fade. I figure that I will learn the best ball position for my swing through trial and error over time. It's just a matter of paying attention to the feedback that I at contact and watching where the ball goes relative to where I wanted it to go.

 

This is still, by far, the most uncluttered my mind has been when playing. It's nice to not worry about 'make sure to get your weight left' or 'release the club'.

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Papawatt

Papawatt

Posted
Posted

I recently took two lessons from Brett Freeman (freebirdgolf.com). He teaches out of Forest Ridge Golf Club which is in Broken Arrow, OK (a suburb of Tulsa). I highly recommend him. He had me figured out after two swings. He learned from Manuel De La Torre and it shows not only in his knowledge of the golf swing but also in his approach to the swing and how to teach it. Not only is my swing better it is simpler and easier to repeat as well.

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