©copyright Wright Balance® 2020

The following is a video that is a MUST VIEW for anyone applying for Certification in Golf. This video is a streaming overview of Wright Balance conducted with Dr. Wright, Larry Rinker, 20 plus year PGA Tour Veteran and Laurie Rinker, multiple time winner on the LPGA and LPGA Lengends Tour. Larry does a thorough overview of each type of Player by Core Region as Dr. Wright and Laurie participate in the discussion.

The History of Wright Balance Research and Core Region Overview for Golf

https://instructions.wrightbalance.com/wright-balance-overview-by-core-region/

How to Register on the Wright Balance Website

https://instructions.wrightbalance.com/how-to-register-on-wright-balance-step-1-to-receive-payment-code/

How To Measure EBook

https://instructions.wrightbalance.com/how-to-measure-your-student/

Validating Your Results Using Posture By Core Region EBook

https://instructions.wrightbalance.com/validating-your-results/

How to Test for Playing Core Region

https://instructions.wrightbalance.com/how-to-test-for-your-playing-region/

This video is a more recent summary of testing trail arm delivery.

How to Set and Test Grip Power Spots by Core Region

https://instructions.wrightbalance.com/how-to-set-test-the-grip-power-spots-by-core-region/

Optimization for Core Symmetry, Posture and Pain Management EBook:

https://instructions.wrightbalance.com/wright-balance-core-optimization

The Wright Balance Express Exercise Program

The Wright Balance Express should be done prior to any activity as it has the greatest resistance to disruption. If you or your student is doing the Wright Balance Optimization Exercise, it is important to do the Wright Balance Express first.

You will notice that after completing the Wright Balance Express exercise in each of the 9 Core Region Stance Widths that your arms and hands hang exactly the same in all stance widths regardless of Core Region and your Carrying / Power Angle is the same in all stance widths as well.

HOWEVER, the Wright Balance Express increases the dominant Core Region Carrying or Power Angle by 3 to 5 degrees. Whey is this important? It is important because it changes the trail arm delivery, sometimes for the better but not always. Two LPGA Legends Tour Players, Anne Marie Palli and Laurie Rinker, both Middle Core Players and both measured 157 degrees Carrying Angles. Following the Wright Balance Express Exercise their, Carrying Angles measured 153 degrees. Their trail arm deliveries and grip changed by 4 degrees to a more "side-on" grip and their thigh angles increased as did their shaft lean and ball posiiton. The ball position change is more subtle than the other variables as it will move slightly back. These are all variables that a player must consider. If the new set up created by the changes in the Carrying Angle, etc is desirable, the Wright Balance Express exercises should be done before practice and play for consistent performance.

That is the good news for your Middle or Lower Core Player. I had an Upper Core Player whose Carrying / Power Angle measured 161 degrees. He is a very good amateur and a plus index. His Carrying / Power Angle moved to 157 degrees and he said he lost distance and his shaft lean and ball position changed. Interestingly he said his driver was not a problem. The correction was simple: Stop doing the Wright Balance Express exercises before practice or play. Do only the Wright Balance Optimization exercises.

Grip the Club in Balance With Shaft Lean (Shaft lean is created by Left and Right Hand Power Spots)

Wright Balance Putter Length Fitting (Maintaining Posture through the bag) using isometric Tensegrity moves so the hands hang the same

If the Putter length sets the same posture as the irons and woods, there will be more continuity of posture from Putter through driver. It is my belief (not science) that setting the putter length so that posture is the same through the bag, will promote similar posture in the full swing as shown in the following photos.

Compare the Posture in these 2 photos. The first is with Putter...

and this one is with irons:

Note path changes before and after the Wright Balance Optimization Move (Wright Bom) with the Putter,

Grip Size by Core Region Using the Wright Balance Grip Size Tool

Dr. Giombetti took 75 elite amateurs and Tour Players and tested their use of the ground on a Swing Catalyst. He used the Wright Balance measurement system to determine their playing Core Region and set their Stance Widths to that Region before testing.

He found that Upper Core Players use the ground rotationally and vertically; Lower Core Players use the ground rotationally and horizontally; and Middle Core Players use all 3 ground forces (rotationally, Horizontally and Vertically) The EBook link that follows details his findings.

We also know that the Upper Core Player, when set in an Upper Core Stance Width following Optimization Exercises is on the balls of their feet; the Lower Core Player is over the center of their arches and the Middle Core Player is just behind the balls of the feet and forward of the center of their arches.

So how does this relate to Grips Sizing. Grip Size changes heel to toe Balance. The larger the Grips the more you will move toward your heels and the smaller the grip, the more you will move toward your toes. (Grip Size is best tested after the Wright Balance Optimization Move). So, when testing Grip Size, be sure to talk to your student about where their weight is at address following the Wright Balance Optimization Move.

Ground Reaction Force by Grip Size Video

Ground Reaction Force by Core Region EBook

https://instructions.wrightbalance.com/grip-ground-reaction-force/

This media clip from Golf Digest describes the number of extra wraps Bubba Watson uses in sizing his grips.

Below is an overview of Grip Sizing following measurements. Please note that the butt diameter of the grip size and the wall size of the grip (58, 60, 64) each impacts the number of wraps you use on the club.

Interlock or Overlap and Trigger Finger

Optimization EBook:

https://instructions.wrightbalance.com/core-optimization-for-posture/

How to Give a Wright Balance Lesson EBooK

https://instructions.wrightbalance.com/lesson-1/

Core Optimization 4 X 4 Functional Testing

Other Core Testing

• Strength Test

• Hip Bar

• Close eyes & bring hands together in front

• Lateral Motion

• Bite Test

• Squat Test

• Arm Swing

• Shoulder Rotation

• Separation of Upper & Lower Core

• Vision Test by Stance Width

• Clubface changes from Dominant to Non-Dominant Stance Widths

**Power Angle **

• How to “zero out” the Digital Protractor

• How to Measure your Student’s Power Angle by Core Region

• How to “Test” your Student’s Posture by the repetition of their Power Angle using the Digital Protractor while they are setup in their Dominant Core Region.

• How to determine whether your Student’s clubs fit based upon their Power Angle & Posture (Putter Length Fitting)

• How to demonstrate a Student’s Power Angle Changes by Core Region

GRIP

The strength and weakness of the grip sets a flat left wrist at the top of the swing and, when the Power Spots in the left and right hands match the Core Region Stance Widths and the lead hand heel pad is on top, the club remains in front of the player at the top of the swing.

• Top Hand Heel Pad on-top is a must

• LOWER CORE The Origin of the Power Spot by Lower Core Stance Width & Power Angle with butt of club Supported in Balance

• How to measure Shaft Lean by Power Angle, Left Arm & Shaft

• How to Test the Left and Right Hand Middle Core Power Spot by Power at the Top of the Swing using Core Region Power Angle

• Test Early Set and Late Release of Naturally Occurring “Long” Left Thumb Length in Upper Core, Medium Length in Middle Core and Short Thumb (Late set and Late release) in Lower Core due to Power Spot Location

Diagnosis of “Power Leak” / errant shot via Testing 5 different problems in address and sequencing of motion.

Hands down, the most repeated problem is that players do not set their Power Spots, more often than not maintaining their Stance Widths. (The Stance Width and Power Spots must match to set Power at the top of the Swing). Not properly setting the Power Spot under the Grip leads to a Power leak and errant shots. This is the most common problem I see in returning lessons. Obviously, if this is the most common problem in returning lessons, it is going to be a lingering problem for players who come to see you once to get their Wright Balance measurements. Please send your students this EBook. Be certain to point out their Core Region "Color" and matching Stance Widths.

Check left and right hand Power Spots: Set Shaft parallel to the ground & open right palm first. Grip the club on the shaft and show your student what you want them to do. Then, ask them to leave their fingers on the club as they open their right palm as shown in this illustration.

Then ask them to remove their right hand and open the palm of their left hand as you support the club at the shaft as shown below.

This EBook will review how to set and test the Power Spots

https://instructions.wrightbalance.com/how-to-set-test-the-grip-power-spots-by-core-region/

Additional Checks for Power Leak

Check Stance Width

Is your Student Properly setting the 1 second Wright Balance Optimization Move at address? Set the Wright BOM (roll the shoulders toward the Sternum) then relax the shoulders with a deep breath starting the swing 2/3 to 3/4 through the exhalation.

• Blue bar and Bungee check

• Check Posture

• Check Grip Power Spots

• Check Sequencing

Use of Grip Size Assessment Tool

Use tool in Fingers for Golf

Use tool at side for Cane

Use tool diagonally for Baseball

Use of Digital Calipers using inches and measure at the Middle Finger (California Freeway Finger).

Wrap irons with Pre-wrap to Core Region Size

Add pre-wrap to an iron to test power and change heel to toe balance by Core Region

Set balance in each width of Core Region by Grip Size vs Stance Width that does not fit Grip Size

Trainer Grip

Placement of face clip on the Grip

Use of Face Clip to set grip square

Heel Pad on Top using Bubble Clip

Heel Pad and Club Balance by Core Region

Wright Balance Optimization Move after heel pad is set on top as factor impacting rotation

Set lead hand grip strength / weakness by cocking the left wrist standing tall until you see the edge of the card.

Wrap putter with Pre-wrap to your students Core Region Grip Size

Visualization of Line on ball to toothpick using Plastic template pre and Post Wright Balance Optimization Move

Wright Balance Optimization Move (Wright BOM) Results in full Swing *

The Wright Balance Optimization Move (The Wright BOM)for full swing is a slight pinching of the shoulders toward the sternum in the address position as you take a deep breath and then relaxing the shoulders as you start the swing.

This video was made for Golf Magazine in early 2020 to discuss articles for later in 2020 for full swing and putting.

There are 23 changes that the Wright BOM creates from setup to swing to impact.

Increases Shoulder Rotation by up to 20 degrees or more. (note check grip and butt of club heel pad orientation for maximum rotation. Butt of club in heel pad limits rotation)
The increased rotation facilitates greater extension at the top resulting in a wider swing arc
Hips Level
Shoulders Level
Hips Square
The uneven hips and shoulders (one hip higher and one shoulder lower) prior to the Wright BOM create an angle in their relationship where the spine and pelvis are not perpendicular setting the player up for the potential of injury. The Wright BOM sets the pelvis and spine in a perpendicular position facilitating the greater shoulder rotation and reducing the chance of injury
Hands Hang the same vs internal rotation of 1 hand
Left to Right Balance is centered (50 - 50) at address and their is a sensation of "grounding" of the feet.
When ground reaction force is tested in-swing before and after setting the Wright BOM, there is greater and more efficient recruitment of ground reaction forces after setting the Wright BOM, especially when measuring rotational and vertical ground reaction forces
Overall Body Symmetry is created by the Wright BOM
Club face roll through impact is minimized
Club is aimed down the target line, even in higher index players
Club path stays square to the the target line longer as the club starts in the backswing when compared before and after the Wright BOM IF the Power Spots match the Stance Width
If the left and right hand Power Spots match the Stance Width and, with proper sequencing, the impact will move to center face with compression of the ball at impact
If the left and right hand Power Spots match the Stance Width and, with proper sequencing, at the top of the swing, the Center of Mass (COM) will move to the matching Core Region (Lower Core Player will have the COM over the trail side; the Middle Core Player will have the COM over the pelvis; the Upper Core Player will have the COM over the target side.
The Club will be more in front of the player at the top of the swing when tested pre and post Wright BOM
Due to the increased shoulder rotation, greater swing arc, the club in front and greater rotational and vertical ground reaction force, the player will have greater distance through the bag
When face roll is tested prior to the Wright BOM by pulling on the club head their is an opening or closing of the club face. Following the Wright BOM, when the club head is pulled on from the front, there is no opening or closing of the club head.
Before setting the Wright BOM and you stand tall, you will observe that your hands do not hang the same and the internal / external rotation of your hands continue to change as you move to a squatting posture. After setting the Wright BOM and you stand tall and drop the club, you will see that your hands hang the same in all postures, even a squatting posture. This facilitates hitting shots with minimal club roll when you have to make a posture change, for example under the branches of the tree.
You will also note that you will have continued maximum rotation even after changing posture to a squatting position.
The increased shoulder rotation will increase club head speed
If the left and right hand Power Spots match the Stance Widths, the Angle of Attack will change based upon the leveling of the hips and shoulders with the Wright BOM, not too shallow nor too steep.

PGA Tour Player Matt Wolff makes a rolling of his trail shoulder toward the target from his address position and then returns to his set up position to begin his swing as shown in the following illustrations.

When tested on any player, Matt Wolff's move squares the hip line but it does not level the hips and shoulders.

These are photo illustrations of Nick Faldo from his 1989 book "Winning Golf" Note the internal rotation of his left hand, his right shoulder is lower and his right hip is higher.

In this segment of his book he is demonstrating how to set posture describing bending from the hips in this photo. Note that his right hand is higher than his left in this photo.

First let me state that I have never tested Nick Faldo or Matt Wolf. However, I believe we can extrapolate from Matt Wolff's shoulder roll at address and easily test that on anyone. Nick Faldo is a bit more of a puzzle. However, his posture at address is a rolled shoulder position (as is Matt Wolff's) suggesting that Nick Faldo was unwittingly approximating the Wright BOM Note the Similarities between Nick Faldo's posture at address and Matt Wolff's posture at address in these photos.

Nick Faldo

Matt Wolff

The Posture they assume is unlike the posture most of us have taught over the years. Note the rolling of the Shoulders toward the sternum at address. Please note that these are only observations without "PROFF". There is no science in these observations, these are only extrapolations from illustrations that potentially can explain some of the idiosyncracies of 2 very good players.

**Wright Balance Optimization Move (The Wright BOM) with The Putter

**

The Wright BOM with the Putter is a subtle pinch of the shoulder blades from the address as you Pinch the shoulder blades together at address by moving the butt of the club toward the navel and returning to the address position. Take a deep breath as you look up and down the target line with a focus on your target. Start the putting stroke as you complete your exhalation with an image of the target or the ball rolling in the hole at the speed you want it to roll. Do not think about your stroke. As you stare through the ball, create that picture. If you can relax and get good pictures, you will begin to develop good speed control. Add that to the Wright Putting BOM and you will have solid contact.

The following video was made for Golf Magazine as they prepared an article on the Wright Putting BOM during 2020.

Putter Face Squares vs open or closed before Wright BOM
When the Wright BOM is set with the Putter in the address position, the shoulders level (When set with a Standing Tall Posture the hips and club face square but one shoulder remains lower than the other and one hip is higher)
When the Wright BOM is set in the address Position with the Putter, the hips level (When set with a Standing Tall Posture the hips do not level but one shoulder remains lower than the other.
The arms and hands hang the same compared to before the Wright BOM where there is one had more internally rotated than the other.
Left to Right Balance is centered at address and there is a sensation of being grounded in the feet
There is a creation of Body Symmetry at address with the Wright BOM
If the Power Spots in the left and right hands match the Core Region Stance Width, the angle of attack changes depending upon which hip / shoulder is higher or lower vs the leveling of the hips and shoulders with the Wright BOM
Path remains square to the line longer during stroke...student will feel stability of Path
Minimal face roll through stroke vs before and after Wright BOM

When should you NOT teach the Wright BOM to a player? If you showed the Wright BOM to a player like Jack Nicklaus of Colin Montgomerie, their performance would deteriorate quickly. Nicklaus and Montgomerie are 2 great players who played from an open stance. They both putted by setting up open and dropping their right shoulder. Square them up and they can't find their stroke.

Note Colin Montgomerie's Shut face...

vs Square Face in a Standing Tall posture.

These Changes in Colin Montgomerie were made simply by changing his Stance Width to one of his Upper Core widths, not doing the Wright BOM. Most amateurs and professionals will benefit from the full swing and putting Wright BOM. However, not all. Take a look at the players set up and ask them if their goal is to be square or open at address. If their response is "open", the Wright BOM is not something you want to do with them. The Wright Balance Optimization Exercise will be adequate for these players.

The Set and Release of the Golf Club

This video sums up the set and release of the club as related to heel to toe balance. Heel to toe Balance is impacted by Stance Width, Grip Size and Posture. This video provides a comprehensive summary as it ask for participation from the viewer.