In the third video of John Lang’s player lesson series with Mike Malaska, the focus shifts to refining John’s grip, posture, and swing path to create a more efficient and repeatable motion. This lesson highlights the importance of maintaining a proper spine angle, using a correct grip, and ensuring the shoulders rotate on the proper plane for consistent ball striking. Through posture drills and adjustments, John begins to improve his setup and swing mechanics, laying the foundation for better control and consistency.
The lesson begins with an evaluation of John’s swing path. Previously, excessive hand rotation at impact was causing inconsistent ball flights and too much spin, particularly with the driver. Mike emphasizes the role of the grip in stabilizing the clubface and starts by addressing John’s hand placement. The club is adjusted to sit more in the fingers rather than the palms, with attention given to the right hand's role in pulling the palm down onto the left thumb. This creates a critical pressure point for better wrist hinge and control during the swing. Mike humorously suggests that players need a “shock device” to avoid letting the grip cap touch their hands, underscoring the importance of this adjustment.
Posture becomes the next area of focus. Mike explains that John’s stance is too upright, with insufficient hip bend, causing the shoulders to rotate flat instead of on-plane. To correct this, Mike demonstrates how pushing the hips back creates the necessary spine angle and allows the arms to swing upward rather than around the body. He compares this movement to the bowing posture common in Japanese culture, where the hips naturally push back for balance. Mike instructs John to start upright, set his grip, and then push his hips back until the club reaches the ground without excessive knee bending or back rounding.
Drills are introduced to help reinforce these adjustments. One drill focuses on pushing the handle of the club downward during the takeaway, which naturally raises the clubhead and keeps the swing on plane. Another drill uses a ball on the ground as a visual cue, training John to swing the clubhead over the ball on the backswing and return inside it on the downswing. These drills provide immediate feedback, helping John internalize the proper movements and build muscle memory.
As John practices, Mike emphasizes that the correct posture and grip are non-negotiable elements of a good swing. He points out that starting from an improper setup leads to compensations, such as sliding hips or flat shoulder rotation, which disrupt the swing plane. By starting from a proper setup, John can achieve a dynamic and effective swing.
The session concludes with John hitting several shots while applying the new adjustments. His improved posture and grip result in more consistent and controlled swings. Mike encourages John to continue practicing these changes, emphasizing the importance of repetition and deliberate effort in building a reliable and efficient swing.
Through a combination of clear explanations, practical drills, and immediate feedback, this lesson equips John with the tools to improve his swing mechanics and develop a more confident and consistent game.