Swing Sequences

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1. X-FACTOR STRETCH

Triple-X Factor: Continued

By Jim McLean with Pete McDaniel
Illustrations By Jim Luft And Jason Lee
Photos By Stephen Szurlej

One of the biggest misconceptions about the X-Factor is that it maxes out at the top of the backswing. The truth is, 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: When you coil into your right side during the backswing (above left), energy is transferred and stored into that side. You release it properly through the correct sequence of body motion at the transition, starting with a substantial lateral move of the hips toward the target. Your shoulders and arms follow. That's right: The upper body and lower body should work independently. The hips and legs separate from the upper body and start forward (above right). That's when the X-Factor peaks.

To maximize your stretch, learn to start the downswing with your lower body. Place your left hand on your left-front pocket and simulate a backswing with your right arm. Then shift your hips toward the target, feeling your front-left pocket move forward before you start your right arm down. That's the X-Factor stretch -- the primary reason an average-size tour player can drive the ball so far.

DRILL: TURN YOUR HIPS: Cross your arms on your chest and simulate your golf swing, back and through. As you turn through, create as much separation as you can between your shoulder turn and hip turn. Rotate your hips to the left as you hold your shoulders back.

Drill: KEEP YOUR COIL: Swing to the top and have a friend push against your lead shoulder as you shift your lower body forward. You'll feel resistance in the X-Factor stretch. That's power. If the average player increased his stretch 5 degrees, he could gain 20 yards.

: Sergio Garcia has an amazing 20 degrees of X-Factor stretch. The clubhead lag it produces translates into massive power.; View Sergio's swing in motion>>

THE RESEARCH: How much 75 tour pros increased their X-Factor at transition compared to 150 amateurs (average handicap of 17.2):

TOUR PROS
17.4 DEGREES

AMATEURS
5.9 DEGREES; Research by Golf BioDynamics, Inc.