Understanding the Basics of TGM -- Part V

In this installment of 'TGM Basics' I will discuss the Power Accumulators as described by Mr. Homer Kelley. Quite simply, the power accumulators are actions in the golf swing a golfer can do to accumulate power.

#1 Power Accumulator

This is the right arm for the golfer. The power accumulator 'loads' when it is folded at about a 90 degree angle at the top of the swing. The power accumulator is them released when the golfer fully extends the right arm in the downswing. It is best to release this accumulator (full extension of the right arm) AFTER impact. At impact the right arm should still be slightly bent. This motion is very similar to a boxer throwing a punch. Or as I like to say, a 'palm heel strike' because the right wrist should be bent.



The #1 Power Accumulator is the main PA for 'hitters.'


#2 Power Accumulator

This is the cocking and uncocking of the left wrist. Here's a pic of the left wrist at a 'level' position (neither cocked or uncocked) at address.



Here is the left wrist 'cocked' (usually at the top of the swing).



Here's the left wrist uncocked (usually right at impact).



Most ask 'wouldn't that be casting?'

No.

Casting occurs when the right wrist starts to cock and uncock. The right wrist should remain bent throughout the swing. If that uncocks, then you have 'casting.'

This is a very popular PA for 'swingers.' However, this is a crucial PA because most golfers struggle to put this PA in the proper sequence on the downswing. I will get to that later. Either way, this PA 'loads' when the left wrist becomes cocked and then releases when it is uncocked.

This motion is similar to somebody using a hammer to hammer a nail.


#3 POWER ACCUMULATOR

Let's take a look at JJ Henry's swing.



At address, the top of Henry's hand is for the most part, pointing at the target. This is when the #3 PA is 'set in neutral.' It then 'loads' at the top of the swing when the top of the hand is facing us. It is then release when it goes back to facing the target at impact and then eventually swiveled over in the follow through.


#4 Power Accumulator

This deals with the left arm and it's relation to both of the shoulders.



At address. there should be about a 90 degree angle formed if I were to draw a line from the right and left shoulders and then another line that went down the left arm.

This power accumulator 'loads' when the golfer takes the club back and that angle turns into a 45 degree angle. Then it 'releases' once the angle goes back to 90 degrees. A favorite of 'swingers' who often load this power accumulator and then just pivot their body thru and hold onto the power accumulator for as long as they can. It's often known as 'throwing/blasting the left arm off the chest.'

Many people get confused on what a 'single barrel' or a 'triple barrel' or a '4-barrel' pattern is. That's quite simple to answer, it's just how many power accumulator a golfer uses in their swing pattern. Most full swings are either 'triple' or '4-barrel.'

According to Jeff Mann, there is no such thing as a '4-barrel swinger' because swingers do not use the #1 Power Accumulator. I will have to check with some more people and see what they think about Mann's assertion.

Mr. Kelley stated that the 4-barrel pattern is the most dynamic of the bunch, but a triple barrel pattern that executes the pattern properly and consistently has nothing to worry about from a 4-barrel pattern that has inconsistent execution. Again, dynamic does not equal 'best.'

In a 4-barrel pattern, the correct sequence of power accumulators released goes 4-1-2-3. It should follow a similar sequence for triple barrel patterns as well. I believe I am a 'triple barrel hitter' and thus I believe my proper sequence of Power Accumulators goes '1-2-3.' But a 'triple barrel swinger' may go '4-2-3.' It's very important to note the sequence of the #2 and #3 Power Accumulators as most golfers release the #3 PA before the #2 PA and that usually causes a flip and some hooks.

REVIEW

1. 4 Power Accumulators. They are 4 actions that 'accumulate power' in the golf swing.

2. #1 PA = right arm thrust. Think 'palm heel strike.'

3. #2 PA = cocking and uncocking of the left wrist. Think 'hammering a nail.' It's not casting. Casting occurs when the right wrist uncocks.

4. #3 PA = roll and turn of the left wrist.

5. #4 PA = Angle between the left arm and a straight line between the shoulders. Swingers will often 'throw the left arm off the chest' by using their pivot to get full use of this power accumulator.

6. Triple barrel, 4-barrel, etc. is just how many power accumulators a golfer utilizes in their swing.

7. A properly and consistently executed 3-barrel pattern has nothing to worry about from a 4-barrel pattern that is inconsistently executed.

8. Sequence is 4-1-2-3 unless you're a 3-barrel pattern and then it is similar to that sequence.

9. One of the biggest issues golfers have is that they release the #3 PA before the #2 PA which often causes a flip and/or hooks.


Up next, The Flying Wedges




3JACK