I have this idea that starts out on most of my technique posts, that I want to share the specific things that are improving my form. Then I start typing... deleting... editing... more typing... and eventually I think I've struck a balance in communicating the message and the overall idea - but with body mechanics, it's simply a very difficult thing to explain in text.
It's like trying to explain how to do the fox-trot. Just step step, twist, swing, step! Easy, right? Now grab your tuxedo and head down to the ballroom! So I figured I'd try a video - and of course the wind noise is a big pain in the butt, but it's only bad for a bit.
The crux of a backhand is that there's multiple components to it that have to work together. I've seen countless videos, and some are pretty good about showing how to do an individual movement - but sometimes that practice motion is easy to do slow, but hard to do faster. I wish there was a gold standard for form, that we could practice specific drills to improve.
If you fix one issue, you can often times see a big improvement to jump from 300 to 400'. It seems that beyond 400', the whole system has to be done smoothly and efficiently to start multiplying out your efforts.
In the video below, I realize that I exaggerated how long to hold onto the disc - I know you don't actually end up with your arm dead straight in front of you, but I was trying to make the point that I am trying tp hold the disc late into the arc.
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| Avery holding to the last second, then the disc levers out between thumb and fore-finger knuckle. |
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| Stand still driving mastery. |
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| The latest version of the x-step backhand. Still a work in progress. |
Thanks for the pointer about rotating the non-plant foot so that you can unlock the hips better. I had been thinking about driving the knee inward more than downward, and this gives me something new to think about and try.
ReplyDeleteReally finding the reach-out instead of reach back helping a lot. New p.b. today of 425', and my technique still sucks!
~C
Right on Chris - getting out to 425' means you're definitely doing something right! Keep after man!
DeleteThanks. I feel like we're in a similar stage of realization (that something isn't working technically), exploration/analysis, rebuild technique, re-try, repeat... I'm glad you're blogging about it. It's been very helpful.
ReplyDeleteI'm seeing clearly, from some practice cross-steps I did last night that the tweak to the non-plant foot position will allow for a lot more hip movement, and I'm looking forward to see what develops. I only throw for distance once a week to keep the wear and tear down on my body, but throw approaches several times per week so I can work on this detail there for the time being.
Yep, certainly sounds like we're in the same distance range... and I don't really throw drivers in my fieldwork almost ever - which I think I should probably start doing at some point. Mostly I don't want to slip back into any bad habits with off-axis issues and my putters will show that issue immediately.
DeleteRain in the forecast for the next few days, so I will probably be chilling.
That little Shusterick animated gif: looks easy what he does but it sure isn't easy to mimic!
ReplyDelete~C
The tips on improving technique are so valuable. I’m excited to put them into practice. The tiger exchange id feature is a great way to find and share tips with fellow enthusiasts.
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