Ava Romero
Stack and tilt is a golf swing construction that enables golfers to control the low point, power, and control of the ball in flight. It is designed for the weight to be on the lead side, with the 'stack' referring to the upper half of the body sitting on top of the lead leg, and the 'tilt' referring to the left shoulder pointing downwards in the backswing. This swing technique was introduced in 2007 and has been praised for its ability to improve consistency, but criticized for its potential impact on artistic elements of the golf swing.
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What You'll Learn
The 'stack' and 'tilt' setup
Stack and tilt is a golf swing construction that enables golfers to control three things: the low point, which will improve the quality and consistency of your ball striking; power, so the delivery is more efficient; and control itself, so the curvature of the ball in flight. The stack and tilt setup is as follows:
Firstly, the stack and tilt setup is designed for the weight to be on the lead side. The 'stack' comes from the upper half of the body, sitting on top of the lead leg, and the 'tilt' comes from the left shoulder pointing downwards in the backswing. This is the opposite of what is seen in most golf swings, where the weight is transferred away from the lead side in the backswing.
Secondly, at the address, golfers should feel that 60% of their weight is on their lead side and their hands should be ahead of the ball. The angles in the setup don't have to be too pronounced, and golfers can introduce a little more roll in the back without compromising their ability to hit good shots.
Thirdly, the left knee should flex and the right knee should straighten in the backswing, allowing the hips and shoulders to turn more. In the downswing, the knees return to their original flex, and after impact, the left knee straightens.
Finally, golfers should keep their arms straight as the club swings downward to the ball, as this preserves the radius of the swing and prevents inconsistent ball contact.
Some golfers have reported that the stack and tilt method has improved their game, making their swing more consistent and improving their distance. However, others have criticised the method, arguing that it reduces power and distance, and can lead to pain and injury.
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How it differs from traditional swings
Stack and tilt is a golf swing construction that enables golfers to control three things: the low point, power, and control. It is designed for the golfer's weight to be on their lead side, which is usually the left for right-handed golfers. This is the opposite of what is seen in most golf swings, where the weight transfers away from the lead side during the backswing.
In a traditional swing, a golfer's weight shifts from front to back during the backswing and then forward on the downswing. This weight transfer is a fundamental aspect of athletic throwing actions and has been a golfing fundamental for as long as the game has been played. The stack and tilt method, on the other hand, involves little to no weight transfer during the backswing, which can make it more difficult to synchronise everything in the downswing.
The stack and tilt method also differs from the traditional swing in terms of lateral movement. The traditional swing has much more lateral movement in the hips and shoulders, whereas the stack and tilt method aims to minimise this lateral movement by keeping the spine at a consistent inclination while adjusting its tilt during the swing.
Additionally, the stack and tilt method focuses on the side-bending aspect of the swing, which had not been previously discussed in golf instruction. This aspect caused concern among coaches about potential back injuries.
The stack and tilt method also differs in the setup of the swing. In a traditional swing, the golfer's weight is evenly distributed between both feet, while in the stack and tilt method, the golfer imagines two points, or "swing centres", one between the shoulders and one between the hips, which should be on a vertical line perpendicular to the ground. This puts the spine in a neutral or vertical position, with the weight biased towards the lead foot.
In conclusion, the stack and tilt golf swing method differs from traditional swings in terms of weight distribution, lateral movement, spinal inclination, swing setup, and emphasis on side-bending. These differences aim to improve consistency, stability, and power in the golfer's swing.
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The benefits of stack and tilt
Stack and tilt is a golf swing construction that enables golfers to control three things: the low point, power, and control. The low point will improve the quality and consistency of your ball striking. The power will make the delivery more efficient, and control will allow you to manipulate the curvature of the ball in flight.
The stack and tilt method is designed for the weight to be on your lead side. This is achieved by having the upper half of your body sit on top of the lead leg, with the tilt being a result of the left shoulder pointing downwards in the backswing. This is the opposite of what is seen in most golf swings, where the weight is transferred away from the lead side in the backswing.
- Stack and tilt teaches golfers to swing in-to-out and hit powerful draws. This technique helps golfers make solid contact with the ball and the ground, promoting a draw.
- The stack and tilt method can help golfers improve their consistency. By focusing on keeping the weight on the lead side, golfers can improve the consistency of their swings and their ball striking. This is especially beneficial for beginners who may struggle with the athletic aspects of traditional golf swings.
- Stack and tilt can be adapted to suit the individual golfer. Golfers can take portions of the philosophy and still benefit from improved power and consistency. For example, a golfer can choose to put less than 60% of their weight on their lead side at address, as long as they keep the weight moving forward throughout the swing.
- Stack and tilt can help golfers improve their understanding of the physiology of the game. By focusing on the weight transfer and arm positioning, golfers can develop a three-dimensional understanding of how their body moves during the swing.
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The drawbacks of stack and tilt
Stack and tilt is a golf swing construction that enables golfers to control the low point, power, and control. The stack is set up at address, with the golfer's weight biased toward the lead foot. The tilt is formed during the backswing when more weight is retained on the lead foot, creating a steep shoulder turn.
However, there are several drawbacks to the stack and tilt method. Here are some of the key disadvantages:
- Power Loss: Stack and tilt can result in a loss of power for some golfers. By retaining weight on the lead foot during the backswing, golfers may lose the power generated by the weight transfer from the trail leg and glutes. This can lead to a decrease in the distance of shots.
- Balance and Stability: The additional movements required by the stack and tilt method can make it challenging to maintain balance and stability. The steep shoulder turn and reverse pivot at the top of the backswing may also contribute to instability during the swing.
- Difficulty with Longer Clubs: The stack and tilt method can make it challenging to get the ball sufficiently airborne with longer clubs, such as drivers and mid-irons. This is due to the very steep angle of the clubhead path required by this method.
- Restricted Mobility: Stack and tilt may present challenges for golfers with restricted mobility or reduced athleticism, especially seniors. The method requires a significant range of motion in the hips, shoulders, and spine, which may be difficult for some individuals.
- Learning Curve: Stack and tilt involves a unique set of movements and weight distribution that differs from traditional golf swings. This can make it challenging for some golfers to learn and master, especially if they have already established a different swing technique.
- Inconsistency with Some Golfers: While stack and tilt aims to improve consistency, it may not work for all golfers. Some individuals may find that it leads to inconsistent ball contact, unstable shots, or a tendency to create a slice or hook in their swing.
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Stack and tilt in practice
Stack and tilt is a golf swing construction that enables golfers to control three things: the low point, which improves the quality and consistency of ball striking; power, so the delivery is more efficient; and control, so the curvature of the ball in flight.
The stack and tilt swing is designed to maximise how straight and how far the ball flies. The swing is more central in the weight shift with a more impact position preset at address. The golfer's weight remains "stacked" on the front foot throughout the swing while their back "tilts" forward to keep the spine and shoulders over the ball. This is the opposite of what is seen in most golf swings, where weight is transferred away from the lead side during the backswing.
To set up the stack, the golfer imagines two points (the “swing centres”), one midway between the shoulders, and the other midway between the hips. These two points should be on a notional vertical line, perpendicular to the ground, which puts the spine in a neutral or vertical position. The player’s weight, however, is biased towards the lead (left for a right-hander) foot – perhaps 60:40 when hitting a mid-iron. Depending on the club, the ball position will vary between the centre of the stance and the left heel.
The tilt is formed during the backswing when more weight is retained on the lead foot than in more traditional methods and the spine is leaned (tilted) slightly towards the target. This creates a steep shoulder turn, which in turn causes the right hip to move upwards and backwards, creating a reverse pivot at the top of the backswing.
The aim of the downswing is to get the swing centres ahead of the ball at impact. The unwinding movement begins with the lead foot being pressed hard into the ground to transfer all remaining weight. The resulting upward thrust of the hips releases all the stored spinal torque in a powerful rotation through the ball.
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Frequently asked questions
Stack and tilt golf is a swing construction that enables golfers to control three things: the low point, power, and control. The stack is set up at address, with the golfer's weight biased towards the lead foot, and the tilt is formed during the backswing when more weight is retained on the lead foot.
In traditional golf, a golfer's weight shifts from front to back during the backswing and then forward on the downswing. Stack and tilt golf involves little or no weight transfer during the backswing, with the golfer's weight remaining stacked on the front foot throughout the swing.
Stack and tilt golf can help to improve consistency and control, as well as increase power and distance. It also helps golfers to hit the ground after the ball, promoting a draw and eliminating a slice.
Some golfers have reported that stack and tilt golf can lead to a loss of power and distance. It can also make balance more difficult and may place undue stress on muscles and joints. Additionally, it can be challenging for seniors and golfers with restricted mobility or athleticism.
To get started with stack and tilt golf, it is important to understand the fundamentals and correct setup. At address, work on feeling 60% of your weight on your lead side and your hands ahead of the ball. As you begin your backswing, swing your hands inward and turn your shoulders in a circle, tilting your spine toward the target.
