Bobby Clampett 5 Key Dynamics

Which of the five dynamics is most important?

The Impact Zone by Bobby Clampett identifies the five key dynamics in the swing:  flat left wrist at impact, a 4 inch forward swing bottom, loading, lag while sustaining it through the body pivot, and a straight plane line.  Last week, a student having just finished reading the book asked, Which of the five dynamics is most important?  I pointed out that Bobby listed the flat left wrist as the master dynamic however I wanted him to look at the book from a broader perspective.  I knew he was an amateur gourmet cook so I asked him to tell me his favorite recipe.   After he told me I asked him, which ingredient was the most important?   We enjoying a huge laugh as he grasped my point.  Each ingredient brings itís own needed flavor to the completed recipe.   In relation to the golf swing, each dynamic brings itís own necessary component to the shot being played.  Ranking them in terms of importance isnít really necessary nor recommended.  As a student of your game, you should know that dynamics applied in the short game are the same as the full swing.  Good habits learned in the short game will provide good habits in your full swing shots.  That is why I highly recommend applying the Impact Zone fundamentals to your game in the order that Clampett has laid them out in the book.
    In this first installment, weíll look at Dynamic #1.  Keep checking back into the Impact Zone website to read more about all five dynamics and other interesting Impact Zone related articles.

Dynamic #1:  Flat Left Wrist
The quickest way to understand the importance of a flat left wrist at impact, (and itís partner, a bent right wrist!), is for you to apply this dynamic directly into your putting game.  As you begin your putting stroke, keep in mind that wherever the clubface is pointed when the ball leaves the face (separation), that is the direction that the ball will go.  When it comes to pure direction, the clubface is the dominant factor where the ball goes, not the clubhead path!  Because impact is easier to comprehend at your slowest stroke, putting is the perfect place to grasp the importance of Dynamic #1. 
Keeping your face square to your intended target line is always easier when you have a flat left wrist to help you control your impact alignments.   Remember that your best golf lies in your ability to deliver the clubhead into and through impact on a consistently correct basis.  Being able to repeat your impact alignments on the golf course will immediately make you a much better player.   So, if you are interested in becoming a better golf player, then start by paying attention to your flat left wrist at impact.
A left wrist that is changing itís angle into impact and separation will be much more difficult to control during game conditions and will lead to inconsistent contact along with variable results.   A left wrist that is changing angles through impact will surely make your golf shot like a box of Cracker Jacks, (each box has an unknown surprise!).   If your left wrist is flat, (rather than cupping or bent), it will be easier to deliver the same dynamic loft of your clubface at impact, it will be easier to have a consistent angle of approach into impact, it will greatly improve your rhythmic delivery of the clubhead because your rate of speed will match up with your left arm, and it will help deliver your clubhead on plane into impact.   Learn to do it right, while keeping it simple (one key focus point at a time!) is the fastest way to become the best you can be.  Once you acquire the ability to have a flat left wrist at impact while putting, then apply that skill to your chipping stroke, then pitching stroke, etc. etc. etc.
Above all remember that the game of Golf is a journey.  Allow yourself the luxury of learning it slowly - one practice session at a time.  The process of learning new golf skills combines mental AND physical exercise.  Enjoy the wonderful process involved in your mind and body learning new golfing skills.   Be positive with yourself during the journey.  Realize that golf is a game of misses, (and the golfer that misses it the best usually wins!) therefore don't let a bad shot ruin your confidence that you can learn the skill or allow you to lose your energy and enthusiasm for acquiring the skill.   I'll say it again, be positive with your self!  At the same time be disciplined enough to find the necessary time to understand what you are trying to accomplish, to repeatedly apply the correct movements necessary to execute the technique, and eventually to learn how to let the good shots happen while playing the game on a golf course.   There isn't a better game on the planet so start improving today and enjoy the ride!
Ed Ibarguen