Stack and Tilt
If you have been playing golf for any period of time, you may believe that there is nothing new under the sun. Conventional wisdom, however, is there for the challenging and the powers that be can come up with new ideas. Such is progress. In 2007, golf coaches Andy Plummer and Mike Bennet introduced a new technique that has come to be known as the stack and tilt swing. You might not completely understand the fundamental differences between the traditional swing and this one. By now you will of course be asking yourself if this new swing could improve your own game.
In a "normal" swing your weight transfers to the back foot during the backswing. This new stack and tilt swing, in contrast, encourages you to straighten the back leg and keep your weight towards the front and actually lean into your swing as the club impacts the ball. In practice, it looks much like the reverse pivot. While this is quite different than what is traditionally taught, the truth is that everyone has their own personal techniques, and there has always been differences among golfers.
Is it possible to improve your game using this new technique? Most certainly it can. I say that there’s always room for improvement and this swing could well be the answer to putting right some of the fundamental weak points in your game. The swing does a few things. A properly executed stack and tilt results in a steeper approach and a lower trajectory. The resulting swing is somewhat flatter. You may like to give this swig a go unless, of course, your swing is already great. However, it is also clear that this swing can be quite difficult to learn. The old saying that it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks definitely applies here. It might be difficult for you to adjust to this new swing if the tradition alone is very much ingrained. If you take the time to practice this you will get there even if your game suffers a little short term.
Individual variations and interpretations abound in the world of golf. Of course, not every golfer needs the stack and tilt method but for many it can provide the boost they need. Golfers like Tiger Woods are obviously ok sticking with a traditional swing. And, like the saying goes, if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. Of course you might not want to change a thing if you’re already happy with your swing.
