Graduate from "hand-hitting." Achieve the deep twist you've always dreamed of with the range of motion of your back — Why can't you achieve a pro-level top?

1. Are you disappointed when watching swing videos?

Have you ever filmed your swing and felt disheartened, thinking, "That doesn't look like a pro's..."? What particularly bothers you is the top position. While a pro's body twists deeply, turning so that their back is facing the target, you're just lifting the club with your hands, a so-called "hand swing."

Even if you try to "turn your body more," you may end up hurting your lower back or your axis may sway left and right, and you won't get the essential "twist." In fact, the key to the "deep twist" that is essential for a cool swing and distance lies not in the lower back, but in the range of motion of the "thoracic spine."

2. If you rotate your hips too much, you lose power.

When trying to "turn their body," many golfers try to turn their "hips (lumbar vertebrae)." However, anatomically, the bones of the lower back (lumbar vertebrae) are actually designed to only rotate a few degrees. If you try to turn your hips too much, not only will the foundation collapse and power be lost, but it could also cause injuries such as a strained lower back.

The part of the spine that rotates during the swing is the thoracic spine, the area of the spine where the ribs are attached. When this area rotates smoothly, a "twisting gap" (tame) is created between the upper and lower body, allowing for explosive energy to be released at impact.

However, for many people today, the thoracic vertebrae have become rounded and stiff due to desk work and prolonged use of smartphones. In this state, like a "rusty hinge," no matter how hard you try, you will not be able to move on from hand-striking.

3. "Thoracic Spine Opener" Work to Release the Brakes on the Chest

We will introduce the most effective stretches to help you graduate from "hand-hitting" and achieve deep twists like a professional.

• Step 1: Get on all fours. Get on all fours with your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips.

• Step 2: Place one hand behind your head . Place your right hand behind your head, keeping your spine straight.

• Step 3: Point your elbows toward the sky and open your chest . Exhale and twist your body so that your right elbow is thrust high into the sky. Keep your eyes following your elbow. The key is to keep your hips from shifting left or right.

• Step 4: Repeat on the other side, five times on each side . You should feel the tension in your back go away and your breathing become deeper.

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4. Range of motion changes the look of your swing

One of the customers who came to our studio in Nakameguro said, "I just want to improve my swing." Initially, he was considering technical lessons, but we decided to focus on conditioning his thoracic spine first.

After a 30-minute session, he was surprised at how deep his backswing had become, and in the mirror he could see an ideal top with his back fully turned. He commented, "I realized how much I'd been hitting the ball using only my hands. It felt great to have my body turn on its own."

5. Summary

If you want to change the shape of your swing, you need to first get the "joints that should move" in a state where they can move. Rather than practicing 1,000 balls to correct your swing, five minutes of care to increase the range of motion of your chest may dramatically change your golf game.

At NoName Nakameguro, we offer advice on how to improve your range of motion in a way that is optimally tailored to your skeletal structure. "I want to fly coolly for the rest of my life." Why not start by building a strong foundation for your body?