Tag Archives: Mike Austin golf lesson

The Belly Button

To start the New Year with a bang I am going to give you a big secret of the Mike Austin swing.
It’s your belly button. Yes, your navel. Probably haven’t thought about it that much lately, have you? Unless, it relates to a New Year’s resolution.
However, it’s a major source of power. And yet, you will rarely hear about it. If you swing your belly button back and through you are activating and/or energizing many of the muscles that Mike Austin wanted you to utilize in the swing, including the internal and external obliques, the transverse abdominis, the glutes and the sartorius, just to name a few. The good news is that you don’t have to think about those muscles, if you don’t want to.
Just swing that belly button. The further and faster you move it (albeit smoothly) the further that ball will go.

“I Don’t Feel Power In The Shoulder”

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Check out all the information contained in this short clip:
The name of the game is a fast clubhead – created by the hands, not the body.
As Mike Austin adamantly pointed out to me, “I don’t feel power in the shoulder! You can’t throw [with the shoulder]. You can shot put with power in the shoulder. You can throw with your hands.”
Note also, the “in curve” on the backswing. The Mike Austin swing is circular.
Listen to the difference in the sound of the hit when done correctly.
Finally, check out how Mike Austin used intonations to reinforce key facets of a lesson. Keep reviewing the clips and I guarantee you that you will hear that voice during your practice.

Hope this helps!
Enjoy and Happy Holidays!!
Best,
Chuck

The Lower Six Joints

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Here Mike Austin and I are working on the lower 6 joints – the ankles, knees and hips.
The body shifts via the first part of the pivot, then turns. Note the complete turn. I found that I often did not complete the turn, so check yours. Also, note how Mike is interested in the resultant lively “click” at impact – not a dull thud.
Finally, check out Mike giving grief to a buddy of his in the next stall who is hitting the ball with only his upper six joints.
That’s the banter common to one of Mike’s lessons (along with his devious laugh). Hopefully, this gives you a sense of being there.