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Triple-X Factor

Three moves today's tour players use to drive the ball super-long, and how to make them work for you

By Jim McLean
With Pete McDaniel
Photos By Stephen Szurlej

I've been studying what the body does in the golf swing for 30 years. In 1992, when I first wrote about the X-Factor, I began quantifying body movement. But today there seems to be more confusion than ever about the body's role in the swing.

The original X-Factor measures the difference between the shoulder turn and the hip turn at the top of the backswing. Here we take a quantum leap forward with the Triple X-Factor, a series of three downswing moves -- the X-Factor stretch, hip rise and head swivel -- that today's top players use to maximize power.

Like the original X, the Triple-X focuses on two of the swing's four power sources: weight shift and rotation (the other two are the arms and wrists). I developed the Triple-X in working with 15,000 students in our schools, plus analysis of PGA Tour players' swings and research by Dr. Robert J. Neal of Golf BioDynamics Inc., in Miami. I'm certain these concepts will unlock the secret to a powerful swing.

1. X-FACTOR STRETCH: The gap between your shoulder turn and hip turn should increase during the early part of the downswing. Because the X-Factor measures the amount of coil between the shoulders and the hips, the X-Factor stretch is how much that coil increases from the top to the first move down.; Here's how it works >>

2. HIP RISE: Most people think the only connection in golf is the hands to the club. Of equal importance, however, is the feet to the ground -- a huge power source. This dynamic connection is the key to understanding the lower body's role in the swing.; Here's how it works >>

3. HEAD SWIVEL: Most tour pros rotate their heads toward the target before impact, yet the single swing thought for many amateurs is to keep the head down. Head swivel, or "looking off the ball," as I call it, is undoubtedly the most controversial part of the Triple-X.; Here's how it works >>

McLean's Videos tips: Here are some of Jim McLean's favorite power tips and drills:; 1. Build power with the "in the slot" drill; 2. Develop the x-factor power coil; 3. Forward tee drill for more distance; 4. Swing extension drill for more distance

JIM McLEAN
Ranked No. 4 by his peers among Golf Digest's 50 Greatest Teachers, McLean is based at Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami. Read more tips from Jim.