Tom Stickney Shares Old School Feels for New School Swing Improvements

• Old school golf swing concepts are often validated by modern science and remain highly relevant.
• Many original swing theories were developed without today's technology but showed profound understanding.

Master the X-Factor by understanding the differential between shoulder and hip rotation at the top of your backswing — this torque creates power but must be approached with stability, not immobilization.

Allow your lead heel to lift slightly to increase hip turn and maintain the proper stretch, especially if you're limited in flexibility. Avoid glorifying hitting with hips stuck rigidly as it restricts power and fluidity.

Learn the "magic move" of driving the trail elbow down and in front of your trail hip instead of pinning or jamming it behind, which leads to getting stuck and poor ball striking.

Embrace the concept of connection without immobilization: keep your arms close but allow freedom for athleticism. Arms should move in unison with a strong, well-sequenced pivot driven by the body rather than forcing arm positions.

Finally, don't lose the feel in the pursuit of data and technology. Swing barefoot occasionally to heighten sensory awareness of ground interaction, helping you stay balanced and in control of your center of pressure.

• Use the X factor to create a stretch between hips and shoulders for power without immobilizing.
• Emphasize stability in the pivot, not forced restriction, to avoid injury and gain efficiency.