About this Video

• Video Title: ESTABLISHING CORRECT STANCE AND POSTURE | Paddy's Golf Tip #10 | Padraig Harrington
• Channel: Padraig Harrington
• Speakers: Padraig Harrington
• Duration: 00:09:55

Introduction

This video, part of Padraig Harrington's golf tip series, focuses on establishing the correct stance and posture for a golf swing. Harrington emphasizes relaxation and natural movement over rigidity, detailing optimal foot position, stance width, knee flex, hip and back alignment, and arm and hand positioning. He contrasts modern and old-school posture techniques, highlighting the importance of head position and natural head movement during the swing.

Key Takeaways

• Relaxation is Key: Maintaining a relaxed and comfortable posture is crucial; avoid tension and rigidity.
• Foot Position and Stance Width: Feet should be slightly turned out to allow hip movement. Stance width should be adjusted depending on the club used (slightly wider than shoulders for irons, wider for driver).
• Movement Before Swinging: Keep moving your feet before and during the swing to maintain flexibility and avoid stiffness.
• Proper Knee Flex: Avoid over-bending or straightening the knees; a slight flex is sufficient. Don't bend your knees to compensate for poor posture; instead, move your feet.
• Hip and Back Alignment: Maintain a comfortable and relaxed back; avoid sticking the backside out.
• Arm and Hand Positioning: Let your arms hang naturally, without stretching or excessive tension.
• Head Position: Maintain a relaxed head position; avoid keeping your head down. Allow for natural head movement during the swing to generate power.

According to Padraig Harrington, maintaining a relaxed head position is crucial. He emphasizes avoiding the tendency to keep the head down, stating that this creates tension, looks unathletic, and hinders the ability to generate power and make a proper turn. He advocates for allowing natural head movement during the swing, describing it as a slight turn and drop in the backswing followed by an upward explosion, all while maintaining visual contact with the golf ball. This natural movement allows for hip and shoulder rotation, crucial for a powerful swing. Keeping the head still is described as the worst thing one can do for their golf swing.