Hinge Action -- A Primer
 

Hadn't heard it put this way before, but it is absolutely correct. SCORE one -- no, SCORE three! -- for Brian!

Hinge Action -- A Primer GM#8
 

Your on the right track, rchang72. You're learning your lessons well!

Looking down at the Ball, visualize cross-hairs through it directly down and across the Target Line. Assuming the Target is North, the Inside-Aft Quadrant is the Southwest Quadrant.

Regarding the Open Clubface alignment at Fix, try this experiment to help you understand why Horizontal Hinging demands it and approximately how much is required:

Grip the Club with your Left Wrist Flat and Vertical. Then raise your arm directly in front of your Left Shoulder and parallel to the ground. Verify that the toe of the Club is pointing directly at the sky. If it is not, adjust it until it does. Now swing your arm in front of you (like a hinged gate) until it is directly over the back of the Ball (positioned for Straightaway Flight). Finally, without changing your Flat and Vertical Left Wrist in the slightest, lower your arm until the Clubface is soled behind the Ball. You will find that it is slightly open.

The idea is that with Horizontal Hinging, the Clubface is always Closing through Impact, and that Motion must be accomodated in the Impact Fix Alignment. For the 'light' Shots -- Putts and short Chips -- the Impact Interval is so short that very little Clubface adjustment is required. In other words, the Ball does not stay on the Clubface long enough for the Closing Motion to affect it. So, on Short Shots -- for all Hinge Actions -- a Square Clubface at Fix is all that is required. [This information is not 'in the book' but was taken directly from Homer's recorded discussion of this point.]

However, the opposite is true for the extended Impact Interval of longer shots. For Horizontal Hinging, the Clubface has longer to Close, and it must therefore be aligned more and more Open as the shots get longer. For Angled Hinging, the Clubface should be aligned more and more Closed to compensate for the inherent Slice tendency.

The degree of Clubface 'Open' or 'Close' will vary for each Club and length of Shot. And this can only be determined through experimentation. As a guide to this trial and error process, Homer offered this advice:

1. Horizontal Hinging -- "Toward the Open side;"

2. Angled Hinging -- "Toward the Closed side;"

3. Vertical Hinging -- "Always Square."

Hinge Action -- A Primer GM10
 

Joe is right on this one.

The basis for my statement was the Angled Hinge Action Component (10-10-C) in the second and third editions of The Golfing Machine. Here, Homer wrote: "Its slice tendency can be compensated by a Square Clubface alignment at Impact Fix." Beginning with the 4th edition, Homer moved the Angled Hinge Clubface alignment reference to 2-J-1, and he modified his 'Square at Fix' Clubface dictum to "slightly Open" for the short shots and "more and more Closed" for the longer shots.

I interpreted the "more and more Closed" to mean that the 'new' slightly Open alignment was progressively Closed until the 'old' Square alignment was reached. However, in researching this important point, I have gone back to the source -- Homer Kelley himself (as I recorded him during my January 1982 Master Class) -- and now believe otherwise. In an extended discussion of the Fix Clubface Alignments for the three Hinge Actions, Homer made the following comments regarding Angled Hinging:

For short shots:

"For all the Hinge Actions, for very 'light' shots -- Putts and short Chips -- you can have the Face Square."



For longer shots:

"You have to close the Clubface quite noticeably for longer shots using Angled Hinging. You can't measure it as well as you can [the Open alignment] with Horizontal Hinging, but it can't be Square, really, at Separation. It should still be a little bit closed. The inclination to Fade is still there.

By experiment, you'll find how much the Clubface alignment will vary for different clubs for full swings. That's the only way you have to teach yourself -- or convince yourself -- that you know how much to close it. And only the Ball can tell you accurately whether or not you were right.

So, if you're going to hit a Ball real hard with Angled Hinging, you [begin by Closing it] 'that' much to compensate for the fact that it will not close as fast as it lays back. You keep closing it until you find out how much each club needs for a full shot.

Using Angled Hinging has got some advantages, but its got a lot of problems. The layback...avoiding the Fade off to the right. But it must be toward the Closed side."

Hinge Action -- A Primer GM#11
 

What we are dealing with here is a great big 'Seems as if' -- an optical illusion -- regarding the Clubface Scoring Lines and their alignment with the Left Shoulder. This post will demonstrate that the Scoring Lines-Left Shoulder alignment is identical for each of the Three Hinge Actions. I will substitute the term 'Leading Edge' (of the Clubface) for its parallel 'Scoring Lines' since they are interchangeable.

The 'Seems as if' is that at the end of the Follow-Through (Both Arms Straight Position), the Full Roll of Horizontal Hinging causes the Leading Edge to point along the Target Line and point 'at' the Left Shoulder. Conversely, the Reverse Roll of Vertical Hinging causes the Leading Edge to be Square to the Target Line and point 'outside' the Left Shoulder. Visually, that appears to be the case, and yet, as will be shown, the Leading Edge and the Left Shoulder are identically 'In Line' for both (and for Angled Hinging as well) .

The illusion begins with the words 'point at.' First of all, let's agree that when the Clubface is lower than the Left Shoulder, the Leading Edge can never point 'at' it. Instead, it can only point 'below' it. Given that fact, we can define 'pointing at' to mean that the Leading Edge is in the same plane as the Left Shoulder. As your original post stated, that is exactly the case with Horizontal Hinging. And despite the illusion to the contrary, it is also exactly the case with Vertical and Angled Hinging! Here's why:

For simplicity, let's assume a Flat Left Wrist Vertical to the ground (the Horizontal Plane) at Low Point and the Clubface Square to the Target Line. Per 7-10, this is the precision alignment for all three Hinge Actions. [I could have used the alternative 'Vertical to the ground at Impact' but its necessary compensating Clubface adjustment adds complexity to the discussion and does not change the result.]

In this alignment, the outside of the Left Shoulder, the Back of the Left Arm, the Flat and Vertical Left Wrist and the Square Clubface will all be positioned against the same flat plane -- the Plane of the Left Wristcock Motion. In fact, this alignment establishes the Left Arm Flying Wedge (6-B-3-0-1), and it is maintained not only during the Hinge Action, but also throughout the Stroke (from Start Up to the end of the Follow Through). This is the key alignment, not where the Leading Edge appears to point -- but does not actually point.

From the Low Point, Horizontal Hinging causes the Leading Edge to move in a circle (1-L #9) around the Left Shoulder and Close Only (in relation to the Target Line), just as if it were a swinging door. In fact, Horizontal Hinging causes the entire Left Arm Flying Wedge -- the back of the left Arm, the Flat and Vertical Left Wrist and the Leading Edge -- to Close Only. Accordingly, at the end of our short Chip Shot, we can see that the Leading Edge has maintained its original alignment: It points below the Left Shoulder and lies in the plane of the Left Arm Flying Wedge.

Similarly, Vertical Hinging also causes the Leading Edge to move in a circle around the Left Shoulder. However, instead of Closing Only, it Lays Back only, just as if it were a swinging door attached to the ceiling. In fact, in the same manner as Horizontal Hinging, Vertical Hinging causes the entire Left Arm Flying Wedge -- the back of the left Arm, the Flat and Vertical Left Wrist and the Leading Edge -- to Lay Back Only. Accordingly, at the end of our short Chip Shot, we can see that the Leading Edge has maintained its original alignment: It points below the Left Shoulder and lies in the plane of the Left Arm Flying Wedge.

So there you have it. The Clubface Leading Edge (or its parallel substitute, the Score Lines) never points at the Left Shoulder with any of the Three Hinge Actions. Instead, it always points below it, and it always lies in the same plane -- the plane of the Left Arm Flying Wedge -- regardless of the Hinge Action employed.
Topic:upcoming class schedule

Hinge Action -- A Primer GM#19
 

The Grip should be taken at Impact Fix. Normally, the Clubface alignment will be slightly Open. At separation, it will be Square.

Interestingly, I discussed this very point on the practice tee today with Larry Nelson. He told me he begins each day with the Clubface 'slightly Open.' I peered over his Left Shoulder -- his Hands were not quite at Fix -- to see exactly how 'Open' that was. It wasn't much, but it was definitely Open.

"It has to be Open," he said. "Otherwise, you'll have to 'block it' [no Roll] as you go through" (to keep from Pulling or Hooking the Shot).

I then asked him how he determined the 'how much Open,' and he told me that "it changes every day!"

"I start from 'there' and then, if the shot goes straight, I leave it 'there.' If the shot goes right, I 'close' it a bit until it goes straight."

Well, all rightee then!

Hinge Action -- A Primer GM#21
 

Larry told me that once he determines the amount of 'Open' for the day, that's that. From there on, he trys to make "the same swing" with no further Clubface adjustments.

Hinge Action -- A Primer GM#37
 

Uh oh. On second thought, I don't think the 'score lines' visual check is quite correct. Here's why:

Correct Rhythm (6-B-3-0 and 2-G) dictates that the Club maintain its in-line condition with the Left Arm with each of the three Hinge Actions. Only in this way can the Hands and Clubhead maintain the same RPM throughout the Impact Interval. Accordingly, per 2-G, the Left Arm and Clubface have their longest travel with Horizontal Hinging; a shorter travel with Angled Hinging; and a still shorter travel with Vertical Hinging.

At the end of the Follow-Through, therefore, the score lines of the club will point at the Left Shoulder Axis with Horizontal Hinging, as the 'score lines' visual check dictates. However, they will also point at the Left Shoulder Axis with Angled and Vertical Hinging as well. Since the Angled Hinging 'score lines check' was not directly at the Left Shoulder, it is incorrect. The 'score lines straight across' the Target Line is accurate for Vertical Hinging (as is the 'in-line with the Left Shoulder' visual check).

Hinge Action -- A Primer GM#39
 

If the score lines point at, i.e., are 'in the same plane with,' the Left Shoulder socket with Horizontal Hinging, they also point at -- are in the same plane with -- the socket with Vertical and Angled Hinging.

Per 6-B-3-0:

"Accumulator #3 should never be Out-of-Line -- instead, it seeks to MAINTAIN its radial alignment with the Left Arm and a Left Wrist vertical to its associated Plane."

From the Glossary:

"Flat and Vertical Left Wrist: Positioning the Left Wrist to be vertical to its Left Shoulder Axis and to its Associated Plane during Impact."

Each of the three Hinge Actions represent a valid Clubface Control. Each has its own distinct Rhythm (2-G). And each maintains its radial alignment with the Left Arm as controlled by the Flat Left Wrist vertical to the Left Shoulder Axis.

The difference in the three Hinge Actions is Clubhead Travel and Clubface Alignment (relative to the Plane Line). In one word, the difference is Rhythm.

Not the radial alignment with the Left Shoulder Axis of the Stroke.

[This discussion is completed below in Rhythm Ruckus -- Part II.]
Topic:Hinge Action -- A Primer

Hinge Action -- A Primer GM#40
 

IMPORTANT:

I have changed my position on the Angled Hinge Clubface Fix alignment and have edited those posts accordingly. These posts are 'Open Door Policy' (March 31); 'How Closed Is Closed' (April 2); and 'Case Closed' (April 12). The 'Case Closed' post is especially important because it explains the reversal and includes extensive quotes from my personal recordings of Homer Kelley.

Sorry for any Fades that might have resulted from these posts! :oops:

Hinge Action -- A Primer GM#50
 

Patrick and Jaminid,

Just got back and wanted to put this up:

1. It is not the Clubface Layback of Angled Hinging that requires the Closed Clubface at Fix. It is its uncentered Motion.

2. Unlike Angled Hinging, Horizontal and Vertical Hinging are 'centered' motions. Hence, neither has a built-in Slice tendency.

Hinge Action Primer II GM#99
 

Ray,

I applaud your original thinking on the subject of the golf swing. Unfortunately, we have -- to put it mildly -- 'irreconcilable differences.' Nevertheless, I have assigned numbers to the text of your post and have reprinted them below with my comments in bold.


1. Your answer to my first post ever on this Forum really sailed over my head, which explains the delay to my response.

Yes, it is a mind-bender, but it is also fun once understood. It helps to articulate the words according to the way I have bolded and italicized the typeface.

2. Not that I expect to change your mind on this subject, but I think both you and Homer are mistaken on this point.

You are right on the first point and entitled to your opinion on the second.

3. The vertical hinge pin in 1-L is a hinge pin that controls both the raising and lowering of the arms (primary lever) and the club (secondary lever).

Agreed (but only one arm, not arms). This is the vertical hinge pin -- a pin mounted vertically to a vertical plane -- of the Angled Hinge.

4. What Homer missed about the horizontal hinge is that it comes in two different forms, one that allows the clubhead to move futher away (outward) or cause it to move closer (inward) to the golfer's center of gravity.

There is only one form of a horizontal hinge. It is a standard hinge whose blade is mounted vertically (perpendicularly) to a horizontal plane. In its G.O.L.F. application, this horizontal hinge causes the Clubface to Close Only through the Impact Interval. The action of all hinges are identical on a given associated plane (horizontal, vertical or angled): The blade of a hinge moves in a circle about its pin. The radius of that circle is fixed by the length of the blade. Accordingly, a Clubhead attached to the end of the blade traces the circumference of that circle, and therefore moves no further and no closer to the hinge pin. The center of gravity of the body (Zone #1) has no bearing on Hinge Action (Zone #3).

5. Every golfer has the option of combining either an inward or outward primary lever along with an opposing secondary lever. Both swing methods are equally effective at producing effortless power and accuracy.

:oops:

6. This fact allows the vertical hinge to stay vertical (in line with the force of gravity) throughout these two distinctly different swing methods.

We have a new player: the vertical hinge. :oops:Is this in addition to the two horizontal hinges? :oops:

7. I contend that Homer explained his two methods (hitting and swinging) based on his own experience a golfer, in which his preference was for an outward primary lever and an inward secondary lever.

Homer explained the 'two methods' (Hitting and Swinging) based on physics, not his personal experience as a golfer. The Ball is hit with a Lever, specifically, a Golf Club. To put that Club in motion, a force must be applied to it. That force is defined by physics as either a push or a pull. In G.O.L.F., pushing is defined as Hitting, and pulling is defined as Swinging.

8. He likely felt the effortless power of the other swing method, which reverses the direction of the two levers, and tried to explain it with geometry that involved refering to a vertical hinge pin as an angled hinge pin.

Power is a Clubhead function. Hinge Action is a Clubface function. And in any event, the pin you are referring to is the vertical hinge pin (of an Angled Hinge), not an Angled hinge pin.

9. In my opinion, angled hinging can only be used effectively in partial golf shots. I see it as a means of combining horizontal and vertical hinging into a single movement.

Please do not tell this to Arnold Palmer, Craig Stadler or Lee Trevino. :oops:

10. However, in order to have a full four barrel swing, you must use a combination of pure horizontal and vertical hinging throughout both swing methods.

Two Swings using two -- no, make that three -- Hinge Actions. Also, four Power Sources that enable the golfer to simultaneously both pull and push the club through Impact. The good news is...you understand this!

11. Believe me, I have the highest regard for Homer's genious and believe TGM to be a monumental contribution to the science of the golf swing(s).

Me, too, Ray!

Hinge Action Primer II GM#101
 

Short Answer:

The pin you are referring to in Sketch 1-L is the one that attaches the 'Club' (Primary Lever Assembly) to the Horizontal Hinge. Though this pin is, in fact, mounted vertical (perpendicular) to a vertical plane, it is not the Hinge Pin of a Vertical Hinge. In other words, it is not a Vertical Hinge Pin. Instead, it is the Hinge Pin of an Angled Hinge. And in Sketch 1-L, that Angled Hinge Pin is mounted vertical (perpendicular) to a vertical plane. :oops:

Got that? :oops:Didn't think so. Let's have another go at it. :oops:

Long Answer:

In the normal Dual Horizontal Hinge arrangement (10-10-D), two hinges are required: (1) The primary Horizontal Hinge (with its pin mounted vertically to a Horizontal Plane) to permit Horizontal (Closing) Clubface Motion only; and (2) a secondary Angled Hinge (with its pin mounted vertically to a vertical Plane) to permit the Clubshaft to be lowered onto the face of the Inclined Plane.

Sketch 1-L represents the absolute economy of this dual hinge arrangement in that there is no (apparent) Angled Hinge! There is only an Angled Hinge Pin! The function of the Angled Hinge is served by the angled Club. And the pin of that Angled Club/Hinge -- the Angled Club/Hinge Pin -- is mounted 'vertical to a vertical plane,' thus enabling the Club to be lowered (in a vertical plane) onto the face of the Inclined Plane.

So, the Vertical Hinge Pin you refer to is, in fact, an Angled Hinge Pin.

And not a Vertical Hinge Pin.

:oops:

Have a nice day!

:oops:

Swivel vs. left wrist action GM#178
 

The difference between action and motion is the difference between cause and effect.

Mechanically, Hinge Action refers to the physical function of a Hinge, i.e., the blade rotates around its axis (hinge pin) and remains perpendicular to its plane of motion. For golfers, it refers to the function of the Flat Left Wrist through Impact and its ability to duplicate the action of the blade of a hinge.

Hinge Motion, on the other hand, refers to the predictable motion imparted to the Clubface by the Hinge Action. In fact, the Hinge Actions are classified according to the Planes of Motion they impart:

1. Horizontal Hinge Action -- Closing Clubface Motion only;

2. Vertical Hinge Action -- Layback Clubface Motion only;

3. Angled Hinge Action -- simultaneous Closing and Layback Clubface Motion.

Swivel vs. left wrist action GM#181
 

The brilliance of The Golfing Machine -- and its challenge -- is its brevity. In turn, much of that brevity is enabled by the 'telegraphing' nature of its painstakingly originated and applied terminology.

As Homer said, "You could write three pages. But, one line is all it takes."

He left it for us to flesh it out.

Thanks, Homer. :oops:

And thanks, Mike O., for being one of the best at doing exactly that!

Golfing Machine Confusion GM#191
 

DG is exactly right.

As an example, Homer Kelley felt it was necessary to learn all three Hinge Actions in order to be able to differentiate them. However, he had 'no love' of Vertical Hinging because of its required deliberate mechanical manipulation. [Swinging automatically produces Horizontal Hinging and Hitting automatically produces Angled Hinging but neither automatically produces Vertical Hinging.]

Again, he was adamant that Vertical Hinging should be learned and even used in actual play during the learning process. But...once learned, he much preferred as a substitute Angled Hinging combined with a Hitting procedure on a steep Plane. This combination approaches Vertical Hinging but requires no deliberate manipulation of the Clubface.

Golfing Machine Confusion GM#203
 

Hinge Action is a Left Hand Motion through Impact that controls the Clubface by maintinaing the Flat Left Wrist Vertical to one of the Three Planes of Motion. As such, though it may have the appearance and Feel of a 'Roll,' it is not a true Rotation. Study 2-G and Sketch 2-K #5.

In contrast, the Swivel is Left Wrist Action that on the Backstroke, Snap Turns the Vertical Left Wrist On Plane, or on the Downstroke, Snap Rolls the Turned Left Wrist Vertical for Impact or the Vertical Left Wrist back On Plane for the Finish. As such, it is a trrue Rotation. Study 2-G and Sketch 2-K #4.

The Swinger's Total Motion has three Swivels: The Start Up Swivel; the Release Swivel (that mirrors the Start Up Swivel); and the Finish Swivel (out of the Follow Through Interval). The Hitter's Total Motion has only the Finish Swivel.

Golfing Machine Confusion GM#205
 

Homer Kelley clearly differentiated Hinge Action during the Impact Interval from Swivel Action into and out of the Impact Interval. Again, Hinge Action -- Horizontal, Vertical or Angled -- is not a 'true' Rotation of the Hands. Swivel Action is. Hence, at no time should a Swivel Action replace a Hinge Action during Impact.

This is true even when using a Snap Release, during which the Impact Interval is so short -- almost instantaneous -- as to 'Feel' like a Swivel. Remember, even if the Hinge Action lasts only a couple of inches, that's all you need.

What's the point of having "dual" hinge action? GM#222
 

Hinge Action is Hinge Action and the Inclined Plane is the Inclined Plane. Their independent identities must be kept separate. You can execute any Hinge Action on any Inclined Plane Angle. Or, if you like, also on a Vertical Plane. And that is exactly why you must have available the optional Hinge Actions of Horizontal (only) and Vertical (only).

Explaining a bit further, when you 'cover' the Plane Line with your Clubface -- instead of merely 'point at' it -- you are executing a Vertical Plane of Clubhead Motion. This would normally be done only with Putting or short Chips. In this instance, you still must control the Clubface Plane of Motion by applying either Horizontal (only) or Vertcial (only) Hinging through Impact.

On the other hand, if you choose to 'point at' the Line, then you are operating on an Inclined Plane. This requires a primary hinge for Clubface control and a secondary hinge for the On Plane Clubshaft control. Hence, you are executing a Dual Hinge Motion, either Horizontal or Vertical. Since this is the most common application, it is common practive to use the terms Horizontal and Vertical Hinge Action interchangeably with their 'dual' counterparts.

Of course, there is no 'Dual' Angled Hinge Action because it is, by definition, executed on an Angled Plane of Motion.

Hinge Action Primer GM#245
 

Quote:

Originally posted by Mathew




This will give you an idea of the left shoulder hinge assembly....

Now heres 12 pages with yoda's thread on hinging... lots of good stuff.. [:oops:]

http://www.thegolfingmachine.com/for...?t=387&start=0



Mathew,

Sensational! Truly a Hall of Fame post.

Your graphic does far more than bring out the basic idea of the Hinge Action Concept. Properly used, it holds the key to several of the most important ideas in The Golfing Machine:

1. Hinge Location and Mounting. The governing Hinge Pin and Blade are located in the Left Shoulder and can be positioned perpendicular (Vertical) to each of the three basic Planes of Motion, i.e., Horizontal, Vertical and Angled.

2. Hinge Attachment. When the Primary Lever Assembly -- the Left Arm, Flat Left Wrist and Club -- is attached to that Hinge Blade, it moves in a Circle around the Pin (1-L-#9). Further, its Motion through Impact is controlled by (and is identical to) the Plane of Motion of the Hinge (1-L-#4).

3. Plane of Motion of the Left Arm Flying Wedge. Thus, the Hinge Mounting governs the Motion of the entire Left Arm Flying Wedge (6-B-3-0-1). Here the Left Arm, the Flat Left Wrist and the Club all lie against the same plane through Impact, i.e., the Plane of the Hinge Blade. If one mentally extends the Hinge Blade in your wonderful illustration to incorporate this entire Left Arm-Club unit, you can 'see' how that unit must move to comply with each of the distinctly different Hinge Mountings. And also, in so moving, how the all-important Clubface is caused to Close Only, Lay Back Only, or simultaneously Close and Lay Back. Then, by holding the Flat Left Wrist in the Feel of the selected Plane of Motion, you gain total control of the Clubface through Impact (2-G).

4. Rhythm. Finally, in order to maintain the Left Arm Flying Wedge against the Blade of the Hinge, the Clubhead must have the same RPM around the Hinge Pin as does the Blade (2-G and 6-B-3-0). Therefore, each of the three distinctly different Pin Mountings will produce a distinctly different Rhythm, i.e., RPM or 'Clubhead travel distance' around the Pin. The 'Closing Door' of Horizontal Hinging produces the longest Clubhead Travel, and the 'Opening Trap Door' of Vertical Hinging produces the shortest.

Congratulations again, Mathew. Homer would be proud!

Hinge Action - A Primer GM#254
 

Quote:

Originally posted by ThomGN
When is vertical hinging being used? Putting (Pelz/PILS), chipping, cuts?


Due to its Power limitations, Vertical Hinging is best used only in the Short Shots.

Homer Kelley was no fan of Vertical Hinging. He thought it was important to learn in order to be able to differentiate the three Hinge Actions, but on the Golf Course, he strongly preferred Angled Hinging. The reason was that, on the steep Plane of the shorter Shots, Angled Hinging approaches the Layback Only characteristic of Vertical Hinging. However, it does so without the deliberate mechanical manipulation -- the 'Reverse Roll' Feel -- that is always required for Vertical Hinging.

Hinge Action - A Primer GM#263
 

Another good post, Robot Buddy R2D2, and you've almost got it.

In 2-G, Homer is speaking in "approximations" and tells us that at the end of the Follow-Through, the Toe of the Club will point "along the Plane Line." Your conclusion that this would put the Leading Edge parallel to the Line is understandable -- but inaccurate -- and would actually result in an Over Roll. This Over Roll is a Swivel Wrist Action -- instead of the desired Vertical (to a Horizontal Plane) Hand Motion -- and it will disrupt the true Horizontal Hinge Centrifugal Rhythm of the No. 3 Accumulator (6-B-3-0) and produce Throwaway.

To see for yourself exactly how much the Clubface Closes through the Impact Interval -- and accordingly, how much the Toe points down the Target Line -- try this experiment:

Face a slightly open door with the doorknob on your right and the doorjam on your left. Position a putter or short iron on the face of the door with the Clubface flat against it and the Toe protruding slightly from the door's lower edge. The Shaft will be flat against the door and running up into doorknob area.

Now, push the door open while maintaining the Club against it. As the door swings open, watch the Clubface (and Toe) "Close" in relation to a "Target Line" (running North through the doorway). Though not on an Angled Plane, this is the exact Horizontal Hinge Motion the Clubface should take through Impact.

You can see that you would have to swing the door all the way open (a 90 degree arc) before the Leading Edge of the Club would be parallel to the "Target Line." And this would exceed the limits of the normal Follow-Through and Hinge Action.

So, in the Chip Shot Follow-Through example of 2-G, with the Club at 45 degrees to the ground, the Toe will be pointing "generally" along the Line, but not so much as to make the Leading Edge parallel.

Now that we've gone through the above drill and understand the correct Horizontal Clubface Motion through Impact, it is time to forget about the Clubface altogether and go about the really important work of Educating the Left Hand to produce it. Hold your Left Arm straight out in front of you with your Left Hand vertical to the ground in a karate chop position. Keeping your arm in its Horizontal Plane, swing it to the side just as if it were a hinged gate. Stop when you've made an arc of about 45 degrees (about half way between the front of you and the left of you). Then, lower the Left Hand down until it would point just inside a Plane Line. That is the position of the Flat Left Wrist at the end of the Follow-Through. Notice that your fingers are pointed generally "along the Plane Line."

After doing the above drill a few times to make sure you've got it right, put a Short Iron in your Left Hand (only) and repeat it. Verify that the Clubface does exactly what your Left Wrist does. This is Left Hand Hinge Action control of the Clubface.

It is the key to Ball Control.

Drive Loading/Angled Hinge vs. Drag Loading/Horizontal Hinge BM#43
 

Angled Hinge Action is the natural consequence of all Strokes
-- Putting or other -- actuated by Right
Arm Drive.

Horizontal Hinge Action is the natural consequence of all
Strokes -- Putting or otherwise -- actuated by Centrifugal Force.
Therefore, using Horizontal Hinge Action with a Right Arm Drive Putting
Stroke is unnecessary, incompatible and inadvisable. With the Short Putter
and a Swinging Procedure, Horizontal Hinge Action is perfectly acceptable, on
Long Putts or Short.


Vertical Hinge Action is always a deliberate mechanical manipulation
of the Clubface. It is the natural by-product of neither Hitting (Right Arm Drive) or
Swinging (Left Arm Centrifugal Pull). Therefore, it is better to use Angled
Hinging and a steep Plane as its preferred substitute.

Clubface control for "True" Swingers, Manipulated Swingers & Hitters BM#129
 

For the true Swinger, Centrifugal Force controls the Clubhead
Power and the Clubface Alignment.

For 'Manipulated Clubface' Swingers, Centrifugal Force controls only
the Clubhead; the Clubface is best aligned by the Flat Left Wrist executing
its Hinge Action (2-G and 7-10).


For Hitters, Muscular Thrust Powers the Clubhead, and the Flat Left
Wrist aligns the Clubface.

Hinge vs. Swivel BM#146
 

Ringer,

There is no argument here and hence no point for debate.

The Flat Left Wrist control of the Club has two distinct Actions. One is a Hinge
Action (Clubface Control) and the other is a Swivel Action
(Clubhead Control). Regarding the Hinge Action, Homer Kelley states
clearly in 2-G that "'Roll' is actually imparted by the turning torso
and/or the orbiting arms." Regarding the Swivel Action, he states
that it is a "true rotation of the Hands into Impact alignment by
Accumulator #3." Accumulator #3, of course, is the Left Arm and
Club. For the text-challenged among us, he even drew a Swivel Joint in
the Left Arm in the Golfer's Flail (Sketch 2-K #4 and #5).

No, Homer's position was not that the Hands originate the
Motions of the Clubface (Hinge Action) and the Clubhead (Swivel Action), only
that they control them. In fact, he said exactly that in 2-M-3:

"The Hands are strong, educated, adjustable Clamps attaching the Club to
the Arms for control of the Clubface alignments."

"So, the only absolutely essential muscular contribution of the Wrists
is 'holding on.'

Next 'Anti-TGM' topic for debate, please.

Hinge vs. Swivel BM#149
 

Ringer,

There is no argument here and hence no point for debate.

The Flat Left Wrist control of the Club has two distinct Actions. One is a Hinge
Action (Clubface Control) and the other is a Swivel Action
(Clubhead Control). Regarding the Hinge Action, Homer Kelley states
clearly in 2-G that "'Roll' is actually imparted by the turning torso
and/or the orbiting arms." Regarding the Swivel Action, he states
that it is a "true rotation of the Hands into Impact alignment by
Accumulator #3." Accumulator #3, of course, is the Left Arm and
Club. For the text-challenged among us, he even drew a Swivel Joint in
the Left Arm in the Golfer's Flail (Sketch 2-K #4 and #5).

No, Homer's position was not that the Hands originate the
Motions of the Clubface (Hinge Action) and the Clubhead (Swivel Action), only
that they control them. In fact, he said exactly that in 2-M-3:

"The Hands are strong, educated, adjustable Clamps attaching the Club to
the Arms for control of the Clubface alignments."

"So, the only absolutely essential muscular contribution of the Wrists
is 'holding on.'


Next 'Anti-TGM' topic for debate, please.





So, can we conclude that Gerry Hogans assertion that'foream rotation is
SOLELY responsible for clubface alignment' is incorrect?
Clearly Hing action, controled by the left wrist, imparts clubhead closing, with
or without forearm rotation. Even Horizontal Hinging is a 'full roll feel'
not an actual roll of the hands/forearms.

Yes, for the Swinger, there is the swivel from release to impact, and from
follow-through to Finish, but it does not substitute for proper hinge action.

As pointed out earlier: Homer Kelley states clearly in 2-G that "'Roll'
is actually imparted by the turning torso and/or the orbiting arms."

But he also said " Some players even execute Impact as exclusively a
Swivel (forearm rotation:my words) making clubhead alignment fleeting and
eratic." I know! I have tried it!

Triad


[Bold in last quote by Yoda.]





For the newbies, forgive me.

For the many, take what you can and throw the rest in the Incubator.
Keep studying TGM and re-read this post periodically. One day it will all
make perfect sense.

For the few, enjoy!

================================================== ===============

I am not familiar with Gerry Hogan or his quote. I am familiar with The
Golfing Machine. And in The Golfing Machine there is a Hinge
Action, and there is a Swivel Action.

The Hinge Action is the Left Hand and Arm Rotating about a Shoulder
Hinge Pin with the Left Wrist remaining Vertical (perpendicular) to the Axis
of Rotation. Whether that Axis is positioned Vertical (perpendicular) to a
Horizontal Plane, a Vertical Plane or an Inclined Plane, the Blade of the
Hinge (the Left Arm, Flat Left Wrist and Club, i.e., the Left Arm Flying
Wedge) must move around it in a circle. That means the Left Arm and Flat Left
Wrist must move, just as the blade of any hinge must move.

It does not mean that the Left Arm and Flat Left Wrist must rotate!
The blade of a hinge remains always perpendicular to its Plane of
Rotation. It must not -- indeed it cannot -- rotate, i.e.,
independently 'Turn' or 'Roll!' Even if the Clubface Closes, as it will
with Horizontal and Angled Hinging, this is simply the movement of the Arm
and Flat Left Wrist around the Axis of Rotation. It is not a true
Rotation of the Arm and Flat Left Wrist themselves.

To get the idea, extend your Left Arm and Flat Left Wrist straight out in
front of you (in a horizontal plane) and swing the entire unit back and forth
on this plane. Just like a swinging gate, right? The gate moves in a circle
about its Left Shoulder axis, but it does not 'turn' or 'roll,' i.e., twist
one way or another. Get the picture?

If, however, the Flat Left Wrist Turns (rotates to the right) and Rolls
(rotates to the left) while the Arm does not move, then you have a
Swivel Action. This is a true rotation of the Forearm.


So, with a Hinge Action, the Left Arm must move -- but
it does not rotate. With a Swivel Action, the Left Arm may
or may not move -- but the Swivelling Forearm makes a true rotation. Again,
this is not a Hinge Action, i.e., controlling the Clubface
Alignment through the Impact Interval by maintaining the Flat Left
Wrist perpendicular to the desired Plane of Motion (of the Clubface).
Instead, this is a Swivel Action, i.e., a true Rotation of the
Arm that positions the Clubface and Clubhead On Plane throughout the
remaining Sections of the Stroke.

Hinging BM#152
 

Our cat was at the vet, and I had only ten minutes to pick her up. Hence, the
formatting now supplied in this 'edit' was omitted. Sorry for the initial
sloppiness, but I can assure you, our cat appreciates it!
================================================== ========================

ukhacker,

Here are the answers to your questions in the order asked:

1. Pre-Impact, the Left Wrist Action (10-18 ) includes a Swivel (for Swingers
only). Swingers Swivel twice -- first in Start Up and then in its mirrored
Release. Hitters use only the Single Wrist Action of
10-10-C-2.

For both Hitters and Swingers, the Hinge Action controls the Clubface from
Impact to the end of the Follow-Through. At the end of the Follow
Through -- also for both Hitters and Swingers -- the Finish Swivel once
again takes control and rotates the Clubface On Plane.


2. The Flat Left Wrist duplicates the Hinge Blade. By holding it vertical to
one of the three Basic Planes of Motion, you impart that same Motion to the
Clubface. Holding the Left Wrist Vertical to the Horizontal Plane produces Horizontal
Hinge Action and a Closing (Only) Clubface. Holding the Left Wrist
Vertical to the Vertical Plane produces Vertical Hinge Action and a Laying
Back (Only) Clubface. Holding the Left Wrist Vertical to the Angled Plane
produces Angled Hinge Action and a Clubface that simultaneously Closes
and Lays Back.

Hinge and Swivel BM#156
 

Think of hinge as more of a 'fixed' in plane rotation of the entire unit ...






The "entire Unit" is the Left Arm Flying Wedge (6-B-3-0-1), not
just the Flat Left Wrist or the Clubface. And the "in plane
rotation" is that of the Clubface about its pre-positioned Left
Shoulder Axis (2-G), not of the Clubshaft (except in Angled Hinging).

This is very important. Think.

Hinging BM#183
 

The first three lessons of the thread discussed the mechanics of the Hinge
Action as they related to the Hinge itself. The third lesson ended with this:

"Our next step is to learn how to use your Flat and Vertical Left Wrist
to replicate the Mechanical Motion of each of the Three Hinge Actions. The
goal is to convert our carefully developed G.O.L.F. Engineering System into
your eagerly awaiting G.O.L.F. Feel System. When that happens, you will have
gained total control of the Clubface for the rest of your life."


The ensuing Q&A on the TGM and Chuck Evans sites brought out many fine
points, including commentary that described how the Golfer's Flat Left Wrist
should be used to duplicate the Motion of the Hinge Blade. Alas, to date,
there has been no official conclusion to the series. However, you may
consider the above post as Lesson Four, how the Golfer applies Hinge
Action mechanics to control the Clubface alignment and Clubhead Rhythm
through the Ball.

Hinge Pins and Mounting BM#185
 

The Hinge Pin is always mounted perpendicular to one of
the three basic Planes of Motion, i.e., horizontal, vertical or angled. The
Hinge Blade always rotates in a circle about its pin and remains
perpendicular to that Plane as well. This is simply how a hinge operates,
i.e., it is the action of a hinge.

In G.O.L.F., the Hinge Actions are named for the Plane of Motion imparted by
the Hinge Blade. They are not named for the always
perpendicular Hinge Pin. For example, a pin mounted perpendicular
to a horizontal plane produces a horizontal blade motion and is therefore
termed Horizontal Hinge Action. Similarly, a pin mounted perpendicular
to a vertical plane produces a vertical blade motion and is termed Vertical
Hinge Action. The same logic holds for Angled Hinge Action.

To clear the Fog, take a pencil and position it perpendicular to the cover of
a book. Maintaining that perpendicular position of the pencil, lay the
book first horizontally; then stand it vertically on its end; and finally
tilt it at an angle. Note that no matter what the plane of the book --
horizontal, vertical or angled -- the pencil remained perpendicular to
the book.

Now, substitute a hinge for the pencil. Like the pencil, the pin is always
perpendicular to the surface of the book. And the rotation of the blade
around its pin is always the same, no matter how you position the
book. Only the Plane of Motion differs, and it is on that basis that the
Hinge Actions are classified.

Feels of Hinging BM#186
 

DDL,

In order:

1. Your first paragraph is correct. Congratulations!

2. Each of the Hinge Actions has its own distinct Feel and Clubface
Motion through Impact. You are confusing the two, i.e., the Feel
of a Motion with the Mechanic that produced that Feel. Contrary to
your statement, Angled Hinging is described as having a No Roll Feel.
The Half Roll you mention concerns Angled Hinging's Half Roll of the Clubface
through Impact, i.e., halfway between Close Only and Lay Back Only. In other
words, the No Roll Feel produces a Half Rolled Clubface. And
vice versa.

Similarly, Vertical Hinge Action has a Reverse Roll Feel and an
actual No Roll (Square or Lay Back Only) Clubface alignment through
Impact. Horizontal Hinging has a Roll Feel and a Closing Only Clubface
(Full Roll).


3. You are again correct. Horizontal Hinging causes the Flat Left Wrist to
Close in relation to the Plane Surface and accordingly, the Clubface to close
in relation to the Plane Line.

Dual Horizontal Hinging BM#187
 

In Dual Horizontal Hinging, the Left Arm is the second
("dual") hinge. It is "attached" to the primary
Horizontal Hinge (that controls the Clubface alignment) and serves as
an Angled Hinge that lowers the Club vertically onto the Inclined Plane (that
controls the Clubshaft alignment).

The Golfer using Horizontal Hinge Action (a Closing Only Motion of the
Clubface) is almost always also attempting to maintain the Clubshaft on an
Inclined Plane. Therefore, for all practical purposes, the two terms -- Horizontal
and Dual Horizontal -- are interchangeable.


The only exception would be with Putting and Chipping, where at the Player's
option, Horizontal Hinging can be produced while maintaining the
Clubhead directly on the Target Line, i.e., in a Vertical Plane of Motion.
Because such a procedure eliminates the Inclined Plane, there is no need for
a second Hinge to control an Angled Plane of Motion. Hence, Horizontal (Only)
Hinging is the designated Variation, not Dual Horizontal Hinging.

Problems with substituting Swivel for Hinging (over-Roll) BM#194
 

Good points, Matt.





As Matt has stated with regards to Horizontal Hinging, the Toe of the Club
will point along the Plane Line at the end of the Follow-Through (the
Both Arms Straight position). If the Leading Edge of the Clubface is running
parallel to the Plane Line, then the Left Wrist has Swiveled prematurely, and
this puts the Swingle of the Flail out of line with its Handle just as much
as any other form of Throwaway (2-G).

Bye Bye Left Shoulder . . . Hello Flat Left Wrist BM#196
 

Steve,


Once you understand the theoretical concept, it's "Hasta la vista,
baby!" to the Left Shoulder. To control the Clubface, you simply hold
your Flat Left Wrist Vertical to the desired Plane of Motion through Impact.
And you do that by Feeling Roll, No Roll or Reverse Roll.

Swivel = Independent rotation of the Wrist and Forearm BM#201
 

As I've stated repeatedly in numerous posts, there is no true Rotation (of
the Left Wrist, Arm or anything else) in the Hinge Action. The Flat Left
Wrist -- and you can throw in the rest of the Arm if you want to -- remains
Vertical to the selected Plane of Motion. Only in the Swivel is there
a true, independent Rotation of the Wrist and Forearm.

Hinging has no relation to the spine BM#202
 

The pin is perpendicular to the horizontal plane, e.g., the Ground. The Hinge
Action concept is totally independent of Spine Angle.

No Relationship between Hinging and the spine BM#205
 

Again, the perpendicular positioning of the Hinge Pin to one of the three
Basic Planes of Motion is completely independent of any spine angle or body
posture. If, as you suggest, the model bends over more, the Pin doesn't
'bend' with her. It remains perpendicular to the horizontal plane. If it
helps, you might want to pretend like she had an operation and had her old
posture Hinge Pin removed and reinserted into the new. :oops:

Limitations to Vertical Hinging BM#206
 

Due to its Power limitations, Vertical Hinging is best used only in the Short
Shots.


Homer Kelley was no fan of Vertical Hinging. He thought it was important to
learn in order to be able to differentiate the three Hinge Actions, but on
the Golf Course, he strongly preferred Angled Hinging. The reason was that,
on the steep Plane of the shorter Shots, Angled Hinging approaches the
Layback Only characteristic of Vertical Hinging. However, it does so without
the deliberate mechanical manipulation -- the 'Reverse Roll' Feel -- that is
always required for Vertical Hinging.

Horizontal Hinge Action in Putting? CE#2
 

Consistency with Horizontal Hinge? CE#3
 

Hinge Motion Versus Hinge Action
 

Hinge Motion refers to the posssible Clubface Motions through Impact -- Close and Layback (or their simultaneous combination).

Hinge Action refers to the Flat Left Wrist producing that Motion by remaining Vertical to one of the three Basic Planes, i.e., Horizontal, Vertical or Angled.

Indeed, Clubface Hinge Motion duplicates Left Wrist Hinge Action. And vice versa.

But always...

Action is cause.

Motion is result.

This distinction is also important when considering the differing Rhythm of the three Hinge Actions, i.e., the In-Line motion of the #3 Accumulator (Left Arm and Club) and the resultant Clubhead Travel distance to the end of the Both-Arms-Straight Follow-Through.