In the second video of this series, the focus is on aligning the grip and shoulders to improve John Lang’s swing mechanics, consistency, and ball-striking ability. By addressing foundational elements such as how the club is held, how posture affects the swing plane, and how the shoulders move during the takeaway, John learns to create a more efficient and repeatable motion. These adjustments aim to give him better control and confidence in his swing.
The session begins with an analysis of John’s grip. It is immediately clear that the club is being held too much in the palm, with the grip cap incorrectly positioned against his hand. This creates tension and reduces control. Adjustments are made to reposition the club more in his fingers, which allows for improved wrist alignment and a stronger, more natural connection to the club.
Particular attention is paid to the role of the right hand. The two lower fingers are emphasized as key points for pulling the palm down onto the left thumb, which creates proper pressure and stability. This grip correction ensures that both hands work together effectively, with the right palm facing the target. John is also instructed to choke down slightly on the club rather than gripping the very end, which helps with control and prevents the club from moving around during the swing.
Next, the lesson shifts to posture and stance. John is standing too close to the ball and not bending over enough, which throws off his dynamic swing plane. Corrections are made to widen his stance slightly and to push his hips back while ensuring he stands at a comfortable distance from the ball. Dropping the right foot back slightly is also introduced as a way to improve balance and comfort. Weight distribution is adjusted, favoring the left side for shots where the ball is on the ground and shifting slightly to the right for drivers. This allows for a shallower angle of approach and helps catch the ball on the upswing for more effective drives.
Shoulder movement is the next critical focus of the lesson. It’s observed that during John’s takeaway, his left shoulder is rotating outward rather than moving downward and around. This outward rotation causes the club to move inside and off-plane, resulting in an inconsistent swing path. Mike demonstrates the correct shoulder motion, where the left shoulder moves downward and around, maintaining a 90-degree angle relative to the spine. This adjustment not only keeps the swing on-plane but also prevents the shoulders from blocking John’s view of the ball during the swing.
To help John internalize this correction, drills are introduced. One drill involves placing the club across the shoulders and practicing rotational movements to ensure the shoulders stay aligned with the spine angle. As John practices, he begins to feel the difference between the outward motion he had been using and the correct downward motion that keeps the club on-plane.
The lesson concludes with John putting these adjustments into practice. After setting up with his corrected grip, stance, and shoulder motion, he makes several swings. The improvements are evident as his ball striking becomes more consistent and controlled. Mike emphasizes the importance of repetition and deliberate practice to reinforce these changes and build muscle memory.
By the end of the session, John demonstrates noticeable progress. Aligning his grip, improving his posture, and refining his shoulder mechanics have created a stronger foundation for his swing. These adjustments not only enhance his ability to control the ball but also provide a roadmap for continued improvement in his overall game.