GOLF: How To Start The Downswing - Lower Body

[@bruzaca]

One bid doubt, in transition i should be more down and flexed knee and in impact/follow through more up, extendend. Down and UP?

[@CogornoGolf]

Yes.....the timing important. Down early then up through to follow through

[@tomeldridge2915]

Halfway into the downswing with the demonstrated “squat position” is the weight approximately 50/50 before straightening the lead leg?

[@CogornoGolf]

Hey Tom! If we were to put a number on it, I'd say you'd be more like 70/30 favoring your lead side at lead arm parallel in the downswing (P5). 60/40 favoring your lead side at the top (P4) would be a great thought/feel👍

[@williamlei1660]

Hi Eric, v good explanation. But my question is by reflex the knees on downswing, u hv change your height and u have change the distance between ball and hand compare to at address? To me I feel that I will hit the ground before the ball. 😅 thanks

[@CogornoGolf]

Hey William! You need to do that Because your right arm should be more bent than setup and your right wrist should also be more bent so you need to lower to make up that distance That gives you shaft lean I explain that more here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWK5lGiEdqd1mq8 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpPPppZmjqiqoqc

[@TimPaugh-k1d]

Fantastic video! Worked on this and its really improved not standing up / early extension. Cheers to you and Milo on this one.

[@CogornoGolf]

Thank you!!

[@jackwilliamson1929]

Most people upon trying this will blast the ground or stand up to avoid blasting the ground why not start in that position so your brain doesn't have to recalculate your changing height relative to the ground on the fly?

[@CogornoGolf]

You can do whatever you please :)

[@jeff05989]

i feel like when i start bringing my arm down my lead leg rotate outwards. i have trouble starting with the lead leg

[@CogornoGolf]

hope you get it sorted

[@dondasher58]

Thank you guys so much. I have spent the entire Winter working on shallowing out my swing. These series of videos with Milo just reinforces my feels and I need to hit some balls now! Thanks again brother you do some great work!👍🏻👍🏻

[@CogornoGolf]

Appreciate it, Don! Fun day with Milo....we could have probably done 100 videos :)

[@gheng7253]

I have watched more than 10000 hours of KZbin instructional golf and you are up there with clarity, passion and game changing instructions. Question on the transition, would the shift to the front foot happen before the end of the backswing, I find that hard to coordinate and end up rushing my downswing and double cross or hook, thanks!!

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Glenn! Appreciate the kind words my friend! The shift to the front foot in terms of the PRESSURE in the feet will show it goes to the front foot before the end of the backswing....yes. BUT...the MASS of the body shouldn't be going toward the front foot much before the end of the backswing.

[@quantumpotential7639]

I love doing Tom Platzesque squats in the gym. I even love ❤️ hack squats. But when it comes to this squat thing going on in the golf swing, it's the Kro Flight of golf techniques. If you don't know what the Spalding Kro Flight was, look it up.

[@shaggydogj]

Having had golf lessons spanning decades now, never was this ever taught. This is a huge move. A hip bump was the closest thing that was taught and I realize now all that did was straighten the front leg and put the pelvis in an up position as you showed. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@CogornoGolf]

You are quite welcome!

[@jamieforshee5649]

Eric I’m relatively new to your channel but your instruction is the best that I have come across and you have really improved my game. Thank you for providing such great free information!

[@CogornoGolf]

Love to hear that, Jamie! Appreciate you being here with us!

[@dennis1119]

Love seeing Superstition Mtn in the background--definitely the most scenic stop on the "Cogorno Golf Trail!" My son & I played Dinosaur Mtn (nearby) a couple of weeks ago. Must say that it is very comforting to see all these excellent instructors reinforcing lower-body rotation as how to trigger the downswing (provided upper body/arms are just along for the ride). We have Milo here, Patnou was talking about counter-rotating the trail foot to initiate, and Marty from ImpactSnap (when you were at Mike Bender's)is agreeing and adding an upward punch feel to finish! If you could have nabbed Gankas in LA, it would rotation non-stop! We all may be just living in the "Cogorno Rotation Silo" but I am more confident because of the reinforcement! Can't wait to see the Malaska vids when they appear--but I expect to see less reinforcement from him? I know Milo started off working for Malaska Golf but his stuff doesn't look like anything I've seen from Mike! Sorry for this lengthy comment--I have too much time on my hands! LOL

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Dennis! Superstition definitely a BEAUTIFUL place and back drop for videos :) Would have loved to do some with GG...couldn't make the logistics work....hopefully sometime in the future! Mike was awesome as well...fun days! Those coming soon :)

[@MiloLinesGolf]

Dennis Zimmerman glad you’re following along. I’m looking forward to the Malaska videos as well. I have spent many hours with Mike he’s a great guy and people who get a chance to watch us teach side by side always leave surprised how much more similar our ideas are than they thought.

[@dennis1119]

Golfletics thanks for reaching out. BTW, I assume the range we see is the same for both you and Mike's videos?

[@MiloLinesGolf]

Dennis Zimmerman yes it is!

[@pauledw]

Superb video, just what I have been trying to work on recently but realise I'd not quite understood it, so that was extremely useful, many thanks...

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Paul! Our pleasure!

[@blacklight4460]

15:14 This "good version" will work, but is not an "easy power" move. Many pros are teaching this method. The modest "power" here comes from club deloft and perfect timing of the the mini jump through impact. Works great if you do it right. If not timed perfectly, the ball will knock you backwards at impact because your did not get your weight forward enough. I would only use this move for less than full shots, without the 'reflexing". Getting old, slow and stiff, I changed to Mike Austin's old school, powerful, easier to repeat move that is similar on the backswing, but almost opposite on the downswing to this squat/rotation/jump in a barrel move. Actually, Austin's left hip moving up and fully over the over the left leg is a consistent, free power source that automatically kickstarts the left shoulder rotating up and then uses body weight like a slamming door and leverage to sling the club out and around. I enjoy hitting high bomb draws or low sliders with a 3/4 version of the Austin move with no back/spine pain after several buckets.

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@steverichardson9133]

Eric... great stuff as usual.....how does this differ from the famous "Snead Squat"? Thanks

[@MiloLinesGolf]

Steve Richardson it doesn’t 😉

[@arjanpetersen]

It doesn’t. Almost any good player is instinctively doing this.

[@andrewferguson1013]

Hi Eric, fantastic video as usual, very clear and precise!! Is this like the George Gankas pivot regime, ie. Big squatting motion in transition? You mention trail knee perhaps pointing at 2 o'clock, but is there any harm in trying to get knee pointing straight at target, so maybe 9 o'clock? Is this all to clear the lead hips? Many thanks, and stay safe.. Andrew

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Andrew! "Hi Eric, fantastic video as usual, very clear and precise!! Is this like the George Gankas pivot regime, ie. Big squatting motion in transition? " - I dont think a big squat...just a normal lowering from legs flexing and upper body flexing forward. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJSylGtoi9JlsJI "You mention trail knee perhaps pointing at 2 o'clock, but is there any harm in trying to get knee pointing straight at target, so maybe 9 o'clock? -the risk of getting the trail knee to the target too quick from the top is when you kick the right knee in toward the left that lowers the right hip....raising the left....making rotation more difficult. " Is this all to clear the lead hips?" -Its to make the pivot good (hips and torso) to help produce other factors to hit the ball better. More speed, better clubface control, low point control, swing path control, etc.

[@dle632]

Isn't your head moving down?

[@CogornoGolf]

For sure....all good ball strikers I have ever seen do this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJSylGtoi9JlsJI kzbin.info/www/bejne/in6wdISwaNOfo9k

[@dle632]

@@CogornoGolf Eric, wow thanks for the reply. I'm new to golf and am stuck on your channel.

[@dansimpson2272]

I assume this ‘squat’ motion also naturally takes care of moving weight/pressure? Ie you can’t flex both legs if you don’t shift your weight/pressure back towards centre (having moved it to the rear leg)

[@CogornoGolf]

Yep

[@senglamung1]

How does Weight shift to target come in this video?

[@CogornoGolf]

Starts during late backswing and happens steadily throughout downswing

[@senglamung1]

@@CogornoGolf thanks Eric 🙏

[@canefan17]

Torque the trail foot to start downswing.

[@CogornoGolf]

Yep-thats part of it

[@CogornoGolf]

Appreciate the kind words, Raymond

[@frankcastle29]

Where are the Malaska vids?

[@adams5881]

this

[@marylengle4029]

Hey Kyle! You'll start to see those Malaska videos in two weeks. First one is scheduled to post on 4/8.

[@frankcastle29]

@@marylengle4029 thanks Mary keep up the great work.

[@donsloan2075]

Milo pointing out that the hips should stay angled as you start the downswing (15:00 mark), and you pointing out that if he raises his left hip early he loses all the flex in his left knee, was typical Cogorno gold, Eric.

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Don! Lots of little nuggets fall through the cracks sometimes in videos this long....thats why I try and repeat things so many times :)

[@edwardbrown6901]

Great video..alot of good info the left knee..and you can really see more of a squat approach to the swing?

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks! Yup!

[@jlar1984]

This is great but there has to be a way to simplify. I can’t have that many thoughts in my mind while swinging.

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks for the feedback! Always best to work with a coach so you can find the best 1-2 priorities/feels for you!

[@golfcon]

Where was this magic move 20/30 years ago....Hogans fundamental book somewhat shows it but not all it

[@CogornoGolf]

Better late than never :)

[@patrickmurphy4912]

Two gentlemen that have a lot of knowledge to share, you team up well, thank you for the education. In my opinoin, this is the key movement in the downswing for me (us) to learn.

[@CogornoGolf]

Thank you, Patrick! Hope this one helps!

[@joelhershman]

great video-one of the best explanations I have ever seen-we have all have heard to transfer the weight but this breaks down the biomechanics of how to do it-thanks

[@MiloLinesGolf]

joelhershman 😎

[@CogornoGolf]

Thank you my friend...Milo is great!

[@gremlin3089]

Really like this video Eric. Some of the swing keys i'm working on right now. IF I do not externally rotate that left knee on my downswing, I will drive the right hip/knee towards the ball and EE every single time. Once I started focusing on how the left knee moves in the downswing, I noticed a real difference in ball striking as I can clear my right hip after my left hip gets out of the way. Hopefully fellow golfers will see how crucial this tip is!

[@CogornoGolf]

Love it! Glad to hear that my friend!

[@markhimpoo4972]

Love the way you continuously re in force the key points and takeouts throughout and at the end of your videos. Thank you eric👍

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Mark! Some people don't seem to like me repeating so much.....maybe it just helps me learn that way :)

[@markhimpoo4972]

They must be all scratch golfers 😉

[@birdseyevue]

Great stuff as usual, Eric! However, I've heard that you should initiate the downswing (by externally rotating your lead leg) even before you complete your backswing. Your thoughts?

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks! I don't think its so simple that I can give a yes or no answer to you here. IT depends on where you are coming from Is your backswing in a good place? Do you already have a full turn and good depth? Is the club face/wrist condition good? The downswing starts before the backswing ends FOR SURE in reality....but that doesn't necessarily mean you need to FEEL that. Would need to see your swing on video to say for sure and give you specific advice.

[@birdseyevue]

@@CogornoGolfjust saw your solo video about this, so got it! Your tips have changed my game!

[@robertwise5363]

That's me...all hands! The one out of ten swings were I can continue "onward", I hit a great shot, excellent video!

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Robert! Hope it helps my friend!

[@RocknRollgolf]

I tired this out on the range today, what difference it made , thanks for the tip, it actually helped with dropping the shaft on the inside as well. It was like another piece of the puzzle

[@CogornoGolf]

Love it!

[@VV-nd7pv]

Hey Eric, I recently started doing this lateral left knee move watching Tiger's swing and improved a lot hitting more solid. And then today watched your video and it's explained to the details! 👏👏👏 great job!

[@CogornoGolf]

Excellent! Thank you!

[@phildodd4117]

Love watching your videos .really do help with the game.

[@CogornoGolf]

:) Thanks Phil! Great to hear!

[@ST-xg3gy]

Great stuff! Eric, was also thinking after a day of "compressing", the pads of your feet should be a little more sore than usual especially if this is a new thing for you. Agree?

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Scott! Could be!

[@randyunderwood2894]

awesome vid. at the 15:30 mark is what i have started doing for no apparent reason. obviously many thin shots result. add a late release and it gets really ugly. i keep working on this as you two demonstrate w/o a club in my hand and i do it perfectly (hands on shoulders). struggle when i have a club in my hands. i'm not giving up though..lol...back at it today! :-)

[@CogornoGolf]

Start SLOW.......and EXAGGERATE.....check video....rinse and repeat....do more and more and more of 1-2 until it starts to change!

[@MiloLinesGolf]

randy underwood make sure you focus on slowing down your hands and the throwing away of angles. If the club would be arriving too soon relative to the bodies pivot your subconscious will force you to stand up to make room so you don’t hit way behind the ball.

[@jboy5744]

Doesn’t the left hip move over the left foot, which seems restricted in this legs bend drill?

[@CogornoGolf]

Hey John! Nope...it works how we describe here in the video.

[@ramizs76]

@ EricCogornoGolf - love your content. Thank you for all the stuff you've put out there. Just one question though, don't you risk chunking the shot as you go down in the down swing? I'm trying to correct my transition but I'm finding that I'm chunking the ball more.

[@CogornoGolf]

Hey! Yes you do risk chunking. You will need to bend (shorten) the trail arm and wrist the more you go down (this is what elite ball strikers do) I talk more about that herE: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpPPppZmjqiqoqc

[@ramizs76]

@@CogornoGolf great as ever! I really hope you make your way to Canada one day :D

[@ufukgoksu9851]

What if hit the ground first (fat shot) when you come down?

[@CogornoGolf]

Could be A LOT of reasons....would need to see your swing to say for sure Heres some on fat shots that may help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/enuYiKqQYqhlorM kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJTUkKyLq6xjgcU kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3q9qqeEaqyNodU kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4WlioBvq8eZhZo

[@Oswood1010]

Perfect Thing to train at home. Thanks. How is the weight distribution between trail and lead leg (%) at the top of the backswing?

[@CogornoGolf]

You got it my friend! Pressure in feet would shift to trail foot 70-80% early in the backswing for most....then shifting back toward target before end of backswing and continually forward then until close to end of swing. But while that pressure is shifting the BODY is staying more or less centered (in the middle)

[@BK-nh9gr]

Eric - this is a follow up questions after I spent more time with this excellent video. Best video of lower body so far. when the lower body (lead & trail legs) increasing flex (the amount of bend) during the downswing, how does someone get out of this position? What is the key trigger to get out i.e. body rotate out and into the impact (almost like a jump up where left hip clear out and left knee straighten), pressure in the ground in left and right feet, releasing of the left side bend as the body rotate to drive out etc etc.? Thank you. Really enjoy your videos. I’m a big fan.

[@CogornoGolf]

Hey Benjamin! 1. "when the lower body (lead & trail legs) increasing flex (the amount of bend) during the downswing, how does someone get out of this position?" -You extend your legs and push your hips forward as you turn kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYfdfWCler55r6M 2. "What is the key trigger to get out i.e. body rotate out and into the impact (almost like a jump up where left hip clear out and left knee straighten), pressure in the ground in left and right feet, releasing of the left side bend as the body rotate to drive out etc etc.? " -Same video above Some of these may help kzbin.info/www/bejne/qarQh5-ka9arZ68 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYaZnKCvn9plmtk kzbin.info/www/bejne/pounXqBrZ5tnj9U kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZC6iaWagdaVqZY kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4DNe4aNeqaSoqs

[@arjanpetersen]

Short answer is athleticism ... when you gain flex, you need to have the muscle power to extend. Also the swing is way too fast to consciously think about it. Main thing is that you need to keep pushing away from the club. That way you should extend yourself.

[@RickGrossmanAttorney]

Eric great explanation but you fail to tell us what to do after the squat. Does the left leg then straighten?

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Rick! Sorry about that...here is the lead leg in detail for ya kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZC6iaWagdaVqZY

[@RickGrossmanAttorney]

Thank you

[@nicovanwayenburg4880]

Thank you, this is a outstanding clear explanation of one of the most difficult challenge for me!

[@CogornoGolf]

Our pleasure, Nico!

[@casilatino]

Very nice video. Milo Lines is one of my favorite teachers who has an awesome swing. This is a movement that I have been trying to learn for the last 3 months. When I went to Eric for a lesson last summer, I had the pelvis bump out and the reverse K of my spine with early extension going on with my swing. However, for the last 3 months I have been trying to learn this move you describe in this video and I have been seeing a different ball flight and more solid shots, One thing I have noticed going through this change is that as I get closer to being able to do this move, the better my ball striking gets. My point is that my ball striking has improved even though I still can not do this movement yet. I can do this move in slow motion but not full speed. Maybe I will make another trip to Pennsylvania for another follow up lesson this summer. Take care.

[@MiloLinesGolf]

Richard Mewshaw thanks 🙏

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Richard! Agreed-Milo is awesome! I'm glad to hear that....slow and steady my friend!

[@demzunoplayer]

Two great guys, doing a great job.

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, David!

[@philipchan1856]

Very vital tip in order to achieve good ball striking.

[@CogornoGolf]

Yessir!

[@linjohnny2347]

when back swing to the top,I find my lefthand turning loose?how to fix that ?

[@CogornoGolf]

Hey! Not sure...I would have to see exactly what is happening when you say "turning loose" to say how to fix it Check out www.cogornogolf.com so you can send me your videos and I can see and we can fix it!

[@firstname7330]

Great video. At 10:39 did you mean to cut/fade that shot?

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks! I dont think I was trying to hit any particular shot that I remember....just trying to over exaggerate the downswing pieces we were talking about. When exaggerating mechanics dont worry about ball flight!

[@NguyenTuanAnhGMT]

Very clear explaination - thank you

[@CogornoGolf]

you got it!!

[@fredgurnick1098]

Love this video never thought about flex the knees in the downswing

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Fred!

[@BK-nh9gr]

Excellent video! Need a Vedic about hands and arms too.

[@CogornoGolf]

Thank you! We can put that on the list!

[@fransbernard6772]

Good by tooooo lengthy. Repeating2

[@CogornoGolf]

Sorry about that-thanks for being with us Frans!

[@jayschwarz4365]

Another excellent video!

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Jay! As you know...Milo is awesome!!

[@richardfield5176]

How does one keep their lead arm straight during this “lowering of the body” move?

[@CogornoGolf]

Keep the chest/shoulders from turning too soon so you can keep width/arm length. Thats all. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mITGg5-VhJuIi9E

[@lfino100]

Many thanks, been searching for "golf downswing get handle close to waist" for a while now, and I think this has helped. You ever tried - Penamillorn Peerless Prevalence - (just google it ) ? It is an awesome exclusive product for discovering how to learn an effective golf swing method without the normal expense. Ive heard some extraordinary things about it and my co-worker got great results with it.

[@mkkaneta]

I have heard this called years ago as the squat.

[@CogornoGolf]

👊 Here is a video on the "squat move" we made that you may enjoy watching! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmi9hqOYeMeoqaMfeature=shared

[@gordontucker055]

When I use live view and watch my swing it’s too fast and can’t see positions. Like impact

[@CogornoGolf]

Hey Gordon! Touch base with them directly and Im sure Shane and the team will be happy to help you find a solution!

[@jdstubbs9971]

Nice collaboration! 😀🏌️

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, JD! Fun day with Milo!

[@MiloLinesGolf]

JD Stubbs 👍 it’s lots of fun working with a good guy like Eric!

[@WTSPC]

Hi Eric I reckon you still owe me money from an earlier transaction , however maybe this is not the time to labour the point. With regards to this video I would like tothank you as its well constructed and to the point.

[@CogornoGolf]

Hey Paul! Well I certainly don't want to owe you money......what would that be from?? Send me an email to [e-mail] so we can resolve if you're being serious.

[@chuckmcdonough8824]

Awesome video. Can’t wait to try it out!

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Chuck! Hope it helps my friend!

[@davidjameson7896]

Love the rabbit cactus in the background.

[@CogornoGolf]

:) What a beautiful background setting it was!

[@ronsmith4569]

Great video, my 2 favs!

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks Ron! Appreciate your support!

[@aaronl1251]

Eric, thanks for another great video.

[@CogornoGolf]

Our pleasure, Aaron! Appreciate you being with us!

[@hermanecheverri9849]

Great lesson. TKS

[@CogornoGolf]

Appreciate it! Milo is great!

[@fransbernard6772]

Why stop the movement. Complete it till finish. Funny bad instructions

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks for the feedback, Frans!

[@highandicap]

pure gold!!!!

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks! Always good stuff with Milo!

[@carlosenriquelee3501]

Gracias Eric, excelente video!!!. Saludos desde Argentina.

[@MiloLinesGolf]

Carlos Enrique Lee De que part de La Argentina eres? Vivi 2 anos en Buenos Aires que lindo lugar!

[@carlosenriquelee3501]

@@MiloLinesGolf De Buenos Aires. Saludos

[@ashishkacholia1013]

Makes sense at home - gotta try on course tomorrow

[@CogornoGolf]

Try on range first with good feedback! That way you aren't completely guessing :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmGrhIB9qLSgg80

[@ashishkacholia1013]

Seemed to hit the ground behind the ball very often on the range, any suggestions?

[@CogornoGolf]

Hey Ashish....I do not. I would need to see your swing to see WHY you are hitting behind the ball . Might need to keep trail wrist bent longer, trail arm bent longer and make sure you shift and turn enough with upper body. Join www.cogornogolf.com if you dont get it sorted so you can send me your videos and I can help!

[@ashishkacholia1013]

Worked like nothing else out on the course, beat my friends hollow on the course once I got the feel of the squat going. I was a bit apprehensive given the mixed results on range mat but it works just awesome on the course. As soon as you flex your knees in downswing, the club falls back and makes coming over the top almost impossible. Quality of ball striking goes ballistic. Eric and Milo, this is hands down the best lesson in my 17 years of playing and studying the Golf swing!! I live in far away India and you guys are global stars helping Golfers all over the world. Thanks a million and God bless you

[@kjj2550]

Brilliant video -

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, KJJ!

[@supertenchung2413]

3:04, there is a UFO around the left side of the caddy head?

[@애매튜어]

very good video!

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks!

[@manhphuc291]

Great help!

[@CogornoGolf]

:)

[@bring156]

Great stuff 🙏🏼

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Brandon! Milo is awesome!

[@jacobbelmontes4899]

Another great video

[@VirtueSignal9000]

Great vid EC, another way I’ve seen the transition move described is as a squat. The increased leg flexion and recentering in transition kind of feels like your sitting down on a barstool.

[@CogornoGolf]

For sure!

[@daveschreiber9587]

I can see how feeling the front knee move back and around would help with rotation and with driving the hips towards the target. I will try that. Thanks

[@CogornoGolf]

100%

[@markstone3175]

I like to feel my chest going down then moving to the left heal works great

[@CogornoGolf]

Love it!

[@markstone3175]

Played great today in Australia, had my chest over the ball on downswing and hit some great shots. Thanks for your explanation of the golf swing

[@MrBrokentowels]

Awesome vid!

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks!!