Miles Bennett
The hip bump is a technique used in golf to improve swing power and stability. It involves initiating the downswing with a lateral shift of the hips towards the target, allowing for a more efficient transfer of energy from the hips to the arms and ultimately improving the consistency and distance of shots. While some golfers and instructors advocate for bumping the hips before the downswing, others suggest doing so during the downswing to achieve the desired body position at impact. The hip bump is particularly useful for golfers with limited shoulder mobility, helping them avoid across-the-line positioning of the club shaft, which can lead to inaccurate shots.
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What You'll Learn
The Jackson 5 drill
To execute the Jackson 5 drill, place a club or alignment stick across your hips, just like in the "find your hips" drill. Then, practice bumping your hips laterally toward the target, using a mirror to ensure that you are not rotating or doing it from the upper body. You want to avoid common errors like moving toward the golf ball as you bump; instead, let your chest drop down during this move. Once you can do the basic move, make a backswing pivot and try to recreate the same bump feeling. You will then have to get used to the upper body being further behind the golf ball and the feeling of hitting up on the ball.
The Jackson 5 Progression adds layers of complexity to this critical movement.
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Hip bump before or during?
There are differing opinions on whether to initiate the hip bump before or during the golf swing. Some sources advise that golfers initiate a slight hip bump/shift as the first step in their downswing, helping to shift their weight onto their left side and achieving a straight front leg with less knee bend. This approach can be particularly useful for golfers with poor shoulder mobility, allowing them to improve their contact and avoid last-second adjustments.
On the other hand, some golfers and instructors suggest performing the hip bump before starting the backswing. This approach may simplify the swing by making the hip shift part of addressing the ball, potentially reducing the risk of errors during the swing.
Ultimately, the decision of when to initiate the hip bump depends on individual preferences and the specific method or system being followed. Golfers are encouraged to experiment with both techniques to determine which works best for them. Additionally, it's important to recognize that different instructors may offer varying advice, and it's not a matter of right or wrong but rather finding the technique that suits one's swing.
To execute the hip bump effectively, golfers can try drills such as the Jackson 5 move. This involves placing a club or alignment stick across the hips and practicing bumping the hips laterally toward the target while avoiding common errors like moving toward the golf ball. The Motown dance move, where backup singers slide to the left and push their right hand down, can also help golfers visualize the hip bump action. Additionally, golfers can try drills such as lifting the left heel slightly in the backswing or visualizing the left knee and hands connected by a string, which can help initiate the hip bump during the downswing.
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The power behind the hip bump
The "hip bump" in your golf swing is a powerful move that can significantly enhance your performance. It refers to the transfer of energy as you transition from the backswing to the downswing. While it may seem intuitive to rely on your shoulders and arms for power during this phase, the true source of power lies in your hips.
The hip bump is a two-part process, encompassing both golf instruction and specific golf workouts. During the backswing, proper rotation and loading of the hips and torso occur, storing energy until the golf club reaches the top of its arc. At this point, the hip bump triggers the downswing, allowing the stored energy to transfer through your arms and into the golf ball, resulting in a more powerful and accurate shot.
The hip bump is particularly beneficial for golfers with poor shoulder mobility. By initiating the downswing with a hip bump, you can improve your contact and shot consistency. This move helps the club drop into a slot inside the target line, correcting issues such as being across the line at the top of your swing.
To master the hip bump, seek guidance from a golf coach who can provide personalized instruction and help you integrate this move into your swing effectively and safely. Additionally, strengthening and stretching your hips through targeted golf workouts will enhance your mobility and overall performance on the course.
The Jackson 5 drill is a popular exercise to improve your hip bump technique. It involves placing a club or alignment stick across your hips and practicing bumping your hips laterally toward the target while avoiding common errors like moving toward the golf ball. This drill helps you develop a solid golf swing with a shallow angle of attack and a path that isn't too far to the left.
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Hip bump to slot the club
Sean Foley, a Golf Digest Teaching Professional, advises golfers to bump their hips to slot the club. This technique is particularly useful for golfers with poor shoulder mobility.
When you swing to the top, the golf shaft might be pointing to the right of your target. This is known as being "across the line". To correct this, you can let your lead hip move laterally toward the target as you start the downswing. Keep driving your body in that direction for as long as you can. This will allow the club to drop into a slot inside the target line, improving your contact and impact.
Some golfers find it challenging to rotate their hips independently of their shoulders. A drill to improve this is to put your hands across your chest, turn your shoulders, and then try to turn your hips. Keep doing this until it feels natural. Another drill is to lift your left heel slightly during the backswing, which can help initiate the downswing and naturally start the rotation of the hips.
The goal of bumping your hips is to feel the club "drop" into the slot. This is the path from the top of the backswing to impact. By understanding how to make the bump and the slot work together, you can improve your swing and achieve better results.
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Hip bump to start the downswing
The "hip bump" in your golf swing is a transfer of energy as you begin your downswing. It is a common misconception that your power comes from your shoulders and arms when transitioning. However, the power and stability are generated from the hips and torso. During the backswing, the hips and torso rotate and load until the golf club is set at the top, storing power.
The "hip bump" triggers your downswing, allowing the energy to transfer through your arms to the golf ball. When you bump your hips to start the downswing, you are helping the energy transfer efficiently, and you will feel consistent power.
To execute the hip bump, you can try a drill where you put your hands across your chest, turn your shoulder, and then try to turn your hips independently. You can also try lifting your left heel slightly during the backswing, which will initiate the downswing and naturally start the rotation of the hips.
Some golfers prefer to initiate the hip bump before the backswing, while others prefer to do it during the downswing. The end result is generally the same, but it is a matter of personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the individual golfer.
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Frequently asked questions
The hip bump in golf is a transfer of energy as you begin your downswing. It is triggered by bumping your hip, which allows the energy to transfer through your arms to the golf ball.
The hip bump is important because it helps to stabilise and power the golf swing. It also helps to prevent injury.
To do the hip bump, you can practice bumping your hips laterally towards the target using a mirror to avoid common errors. You can also try the Jackson 5 drill, which involves placing a club or alignment stick across your hips and then bumping your hips.
