Lynn, I would like to state my case in reverse—if that's ok.
I
FIRMLY believe that the
Imperatives should dictate the components.
And, in the real world of teaching, choosing a 'pivot center'—the head or the base of the neck—is a component of sorts, a choice that the teacher needs to make in an area
that has to be done, but can be done differently.
If I can get a student to COMPRESS the ball with lag pressure, 'draw' a straight Plane Line, & control the clubface with Hinge Action—and do it with a perfectly still head—then I do it.
But, from an athletic function standpoint, and from a pure performance standpoint, the base of the neck PIVOT CENTER works more of the time and is employed more of the time by world-class players over the years, in my opinion.
Also in my opinion, the IDEA that the head PERFECTLY between the feet and VERY STILL during the swing, is an IDEA that would hurt more people than it would help.
But, like Big Don Villavaso says "As sure as Gawd made little green apples," you
could teach ALL of your students to have a head that is PERFECTLY between the feet and DEAD STILL during the swing, and be a very, very successful teacher.
I just believe—in my limited experience—that it is an OPTION, just like a
Shoulder Turn Takeaway is an option, and an option that can help the right student at the right time.
I am VERY SORRY that Ted Fort had a tough time with the idea. As well as having trouble with a double shift, swinging, etc.
Ted, I think your swing is a good one, but I have NO DOUBT that I—as well as many others—could have taught you to have a through-the-neck pivot center and made you into a very good player, like you are.
When I started teaching David Toms, he had a dead still head, almost no hip turn, and sometimes never got the club on the Turned Shoulder Plane. So I "fixed" him.
Looking back, maybe I should have left his head still.
Of course, if you had a time machine, would you risk his career and life to find out if I was wrong or right?
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