Jimmy Ballard: The Fundamental Golf Swing (July 2, 1989)

This week on ESPN's short-lived series takes a look at seven common denominators that comprise the connected golf swing, taught by Jimmy Ballard from the Doral Resort in Miami.

[@therockinguitarman]

Without a doubt the best teaching pro I ever work for. Jimmy's information was Solid!!! He had to fight against the norm establishment of the golfing world to get his word out. Thank God he did.

[@richardl.3995]

Jimmy exposed the PGA fallacies of keep head down ,don’t move head, stiff left arm and turn. Nom wonder why people aren’t getting better.

[@richardl.3995]

Jimmy Ballard is the best,period!

[@carldouglas7777]

Out of all of them he's the best it's simple simple simple

[@scottsanders2641]

Much better on my back than the rotary swings, and I like it more than those more handsy “back friendly” patterns.

[@scottsanders2641]

@aMyFysorry I didn’t see your post Yes, I’ve been TGM educated so I use the term pattern to differentiate a particular swing method Thx

[@richardl.3995]

Jacob R. Ballard revolutionized the teaching industry with his 7 Common Denominators. They are fundamentals that revolutionized the industry. Who is using "Connection"? Ballard is known as the Father of Connection. Who isn't using ground pressure for distance? Who isn't making more of a lateral move rather than lots of twists, turn and angles. Up till 5-7 yrs ago they were mainly teaching , Stiff left arm, head doesn't move and big turns and twists. Ballard has been teaching this as "fundamentals" since the 80s. Better ask Butch Harmon and Jim McClean and Pete Cowen to name a few that might be slightly informed. My point is the big muscles move the golf swing as in any other sport. If you are indpendently flipping your wrists or hands, you got problems. Small muscles choke under stress if used independently. Thats why people get yips on putting rather than full swing.

[@billmasterson4981]

Greatest golf lesson ever

[@golfhound]

Ballard's method is particularly good if you have back problems or are over 40. I've studied Ballard's method ever since he came out with his first video, which I think is better than this one. I went to him for private instruction for several years while I was a mini touring pro. His book is excellent. The most important concept HE came up with is that "the golf swing is an ATHLETIC MOVE." The swing needs to be approached as an athletic move, not just a swing.

[@richardl.3995]

Over the past few years and advent of Justin Thomas teachers are starting to figure out how using ground force leverages distance. Jimmy has been teaching this since then late 70s. Nuff said,GOAT

[@Jackybug]

Wish I could find a copy of the earlier video. I think it was called Jimmy Ballard Golf Connection.

[@bobt5778]

I like Ballard's approach also, but actually Jack Nicklaus was rather adamant about not moving the head much. If you watch his swing carefully he rotates his chin away from the target slightly before starting the swing - yes, but does not shift his head laterally away from the target. He describes in his book how his coach Jack Grout would actually hold his hair while he swung to cure him of moving his head.

[@sambarlow9475]

I heard that Grout was asked about the hair thing and said he never told Jack that.

[@redstone5149]

Why is he screaming?

[@12496k]

✔✔✔

[@richardsebastian8312]

Great move try it.