Staying in your posture in the golf swing is a myth. Here’s why.

For more from Golf Top 100 Teacher Terry Rowles and to sign up for his online webinar, visit UltimateGolfLesson.com

When golfers arrive on the first tee, they often bring with them a series of swing myths and misconceptions. Good or not, these thoughts can hinder their ability to square the face consistently, make contact on the sweet spot and do it with ample speed.

One of these myths is thinking that you should remain in your address posture (i.e., retain your spine angle) throughout your motion. In reality, only a handful of golfers can do this, and they tend to be extremely athletic and can rotate extremely well.

That’s a nice way of saying that the move probably isn’t for you. But I have good news: You don’t have to maintain your posture.

All swings have a combination of horizontal, rotational and vertical actions. By staying in posture you lose the vertical force which for many golfers is a dominant power source, and it’s opposite to the longest hitters who push into the ground the hardest and often leave the ground.

Two of the most powerful muscle groups you own are your legs and back, which also happen to be extension muscles. When you try to stay in posture, all you’re doing is restricting some of the strongest muscles from doing what they do best.

So instead, towards the end of the backswing push into the ball of your left foot (we call this the gas pedal) to load up the power, and then use this gas by allowing yourself to come up in an unrestricted fashion letting your arms and legs straighten through the ball.

As the club approaches parallel, begin pushing “up” with your legs, finishing as tall as you can. Launch yourself off the ground; now you’re using real muscle power.