The Backswing is Made Secondly, when the backswing is made—that is, when the club is raised to the top of the swing with the right side, it will be found that because of this outward flip of the right heel, there is a greater freedom in the vicinity of the right hip and throughout the entire right side of the body. This makes it easier to raise the club naturally and to take it back on the inside. This business of a pigeon-toed position is one that most athletes assume. It is particularly true of baseball and football players, who must at all times be alert and ready to balance themselves for almost any type of action. The pigeon-toed effect gives a greater sense of balance on the feet and a sense of freedom throughout the body, particularly through the waist and hips; hence it is naturally adopted and acquired by all athletes. Incidentally, the American Indians were noted for using this pigeon-toed position. By comparison, my friends on 42nd and Broadway are inclined to reverse their foot positions; they are likely to walk with both toes turned widely out, and this outward turn of the toes tenses, tightens and limits their leg and hip actions. Therefore, if you want to be steady on your right foot and free and easy with the right side of your body, conclude your position for the shot by flipping the right heel out slightly. (A similar outward flip of the left heel will give the same steadiness on the left foot and the same freedom on the left side.) Summary and Conclusion of the First Four Steps Thus we have a sequence of moves in getting ready to play a golf shot:
Step 1. Place the club to the ball, using the left hand only.
Step 2. Place the feet in position.
Step 3. Complete the grip by relaxing the right knee.
Step 4. Turn or flip the right heel out slightly. The above procedure will prove to be a perfectly natural and orderly sequence of moves whereby weight, body and hands are properly coordinated, in effect, automatically lined up so that everything is in proper relationship and perfect harmony. It must be and should be followed in getting ready for each and every shot from the drive to the putt—the more often it is repeated the sooner this entire sequence of four moves will become automatic, so that in short order the starting position will be created and established systematically. Following this natural procedure, it will be possible to adjust oneself to the different length clubs and at the same time take care of the irregularities of the terrain upon which the player takes his stance. I cannot leave this discussion without calling attention to a marked difference that is apparent between the manner in which good golfers assume their position compared to the way novices seem to do. The good golfers all assume a sort of "sit-down" position, whereas all novices in golf act as though their club were too short and seem to bend forward from the waist as they prepare to make the shot.
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