A "One-Piece" Takeaway Is Essential
By Rob Knights
As published in Flagstick Magazine

The golf swing is a smooth, flowing motion controlled by the body but if the swing is started improperly the rhythm and flow of the swing will be interrupted resulting in poor results.

To ensure the body controls the motion and the swing lows smoothly from start to finish a "one-piece" takeaway is essential. This occurs when all the moving parts in the swing (shoulders, arms, hands, torso, hips, golf club) begin the motion in unison.

The following drill will encourage a "one-piece" takeaway with emphasis on the body to initiate the motion. If the body initiates the swing motion and the arms, hands, shoulders and golf club move with the body a smooth, flowing swing will result.

To begin, place the butt of golf club in stomach, place hands in grip formation approximately halfway down the shaft and assume starting posture. Rotate body slowly and smoothly towards back foot until head of club is a few inches beyond this foot and butt of club remains in stomach.

Make sure the body initiates the motion and the hands a arms are passive and merely move with the body. If the hands move independently of the body the butt of the club will pop out or move in the stomach and the rhythm of the motion will be disturbed.

Practicing this drill properly will instill the feeling of the body controlling the motion and promote a proper start to the swing. If the moving parts of the swing start together they have a better chance of working together throughout the motion.

Remember this is just one aspect of the golf swing and if you continue to have problems consult a qualified CPGA golf instructor for further instruction.