Golf Instruction: How to Pivot & Uncoil

The term "pivot" refers to a series of motions that make up the beginning of a golf swing. These motions wind, or "coil," the body. The overall motion creates resistance between the upper body and the lower body in a way that gives the swing its potential energy. "Uncoiling" is the motion that transfers energy to the ball. Although the process is often discussed in a step-by-step manner, it's important that the athlete unite the phases of the swing into a single fluid motion without pausing or stuttering.

Things You'll Need

  • Golf club
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Lean your torso slightly forward; gently flex your knees; and put your weight on the balls of your feet. Leave a hand's width between your body and the club. Fully extend your left arm, but leave your right arm slightly bent. This causes your right shoulder to drop.

    • 2

      Turn the right hip away from the ball, which is the swing's initial motion. Do not initiate the swing with the hands. Continue the turn until your upper body is as far to the right as it can go. Keep your eyes on the ball for the entirety of the swing.

    • 3

      Cock the wrists when your hands are about waist high. According to the website Golf Medic, this will strengthen the coil. At this point, most of your weight should be on your right leg.

    • 4

      Turn your shoulders so they are perpendicular to the ball's intended trajectory with your back facing the target. Here, the center of your chest should be over your right knee. Turn your lower body only half as far as your shoulders so that your hips are almost, but not entirely, perpendicular to the intended trajectory.

    • 5

      Slowly unwind. Keep your head and spine steady and avoid jerky motions. At this point your right knee moves toward your left foot; your waist turns in the direction you intend to hit the ball; your chest unwinds; and the left hip opens. This opening of the hip creates the space that allows your arms to pass through and finish the swing.

    • 6

      Shift your weight from your right to your left. Turn the right knee inward. Straighten the left leg. Coordinate your body's unwinding, or "uncoiling," with your arm motion so that on impact your hips are starting to open to the left and your shoulders are parallel to the ball. Do not allow your hips to twist fully to the left before you hit the ball and don't hit the ball with your hips lagging behind.

    • 7

      Un-cock the wrists the instant before hitting the ball. This creates a whipping motion that gives the swing more speed. Follow through after making contact with the ball. After the swing, most of your weight should be on your left leg and your hips should be turned to the left, facing the direction the ball is traveling. Your right heel should be raised with your toe pointing into the ground. The right hip should be passed the ball's starting point.