Welcome to the Live View Golf instructional series with Patrick Parrish. In this guide, we're diving deep into two fundamental positions in the golf swing: the setup (or address position) and the impact (or impact fixed position). While these positions are related, they are distinctly different, and understanding them is crucial for improving your golf game.
Why Setup and Impact Are Essential
Before we get started, it's important to recognize that the setup and impact positions are foundational to a successful golf swing. The setup is your starting position, setting the stage for everything that follows. The impact position, on the other hand, is where the magic happens—where the club meets the ball. Mastering both positions will help you achieve consistency and power in your swing.
Front View Analysis: Setup and Impact
Let's begin by analyzing these positions from the front view.
Setup Position
In the setup position, imagine two triangles stacked on top of each other, forming an hourglass shape. Your arms align with the lines of your legs, creating this structure. Notice how your stance width is roughly the same as your shoulder width. Additionally, ball placement is crucial—position it just inside your left armpit. This ensures that the ball is struck before the bottom of the swing arc, optimizing distance and control.
Impact Position
Transitioning to the impact position, you'll notice a significant forward lean of the shaft. This position is dramatically different from the setup. One key point is that your left leg should be perpendicular to the ground, with your left hip socket directly over the ankle, forming a solid base. The concept of the "magical diamond" is introduced here, where reciprocal angles on both sides of the body create this unique shape. This position is the goal—where power and precision converge.
Downline View: Fine-Tuning Your Posture
Next, we move to the downline view, which provides a different perspective on your posture and alignment.
Setup Position
In the setup position, your posture should form clean, straight lines. A red line drawn through the shaft represents the basic plane, passing through your belt buckle. Another line in green follows your spine, down through your thigh and shin, ensuring proper alignment. Your head should stay within a circle, maintaining stability. The bends in your knees and hips, along with a slight tilt to the right, set the stage for a powerful swing.
Impact Position
At impact, your shoulders remain square to the target line while your hips rotate to the left. The left pocket of your pants becomes visible, indicating proper hip rotation. Despite the torque between your shoulders and hips, you maintain your posture, showcasing the difference between setup and impact.
Behind View: The Capital I Alignment
Finally, we take a look from the behind view, a perspective that offers insight into the rotational mechanics of your swing.
Setup Position
In the setup position, you'll want to visualize a tilted capital "I" formed by lines drawn across your hips and shoulders. The right shoulder and hip are lower due to the right hand's position on the club, and this alignment prevents impingement on your vertebrae, allowing for maximum rotation. Your left shoulder and hip should be higher than the right, creating the ideal setup.
Impact Position
As you transition to impact, your center of gravity shifts forward. The left hip moves directly over the left ankle, a stark contrast from the setup position. The goal here is to get on top of the left post, which, along with the spine angle, serves as one of the two primary axes of rotation in the golf swing.
Conclusion: Practice Makes Perfect
Understanding the differences between the setup and impact positions is crucial for any golfer aiming to improve their swing. By using tools like the Live View Golf camera, you can record and analyze your swing from multiple angles, just as we've done in this guide. Practice these positions, and soon, you'll notice a significant improvement in your consistency and power.
Stay tuned for the next video in our series, where we'll cover the startup phase of the golf swing. Thanks for joining us, and happy golfing!
About Patrick Parrish
Patrick Parrish was named the 2016 Northern California PGA Instructor of the Year. Patrick has coached dozens of juniors to Division 1 scholarships. If you are interested in contacting Patrick for questions, he can be reached at www.pparrishgolf.com