[Yoda]

Yoda,
Could you give a little explaination of the sentence at the top of this section? It reads "Zero out the pivot, Shoulder Turn and Accumulator #3".

In addition, I see 12-5-1 as a syllabus for an exercise lesson. Is this true? There are 22 components, are they introduced one at a time during your practice?

It means don't move your Body -- Shoulders included -- and keep the Left Arm and Clubshaft in a straight line -- either by Gripping the Club in the Cup of the Left Hand or by using a Reverse Wrist Cock (FVU) per 6-B-3-B, as you move the Club back and through the Ball continuously, two feet in both directions.

This first stage of the Basic Motion Curriculum can indeed serve "as a syllabus for an exercise lesson." But it is so much more. In fact, it is no exaggeration to state that it is the Foundation of the Golf Stroke.

Finally, Homer's notes for a revised 7th Edition added a new first sentence for each of the three stages, and I suggest you write them into your book:

12-5-1.

"This stage concerns mainly the Basic Body Positions and Basic Power Package Component Alignments and Arm Motion Power Accumulators."

12-5-2.

"This stage introduces Body Motion and the Alignments and relations of the Hand Action Power Accumulators of the Power Package."

12-5-3.

"This stage should move slowly toward unrestricted motion but not to Full Power even with Long Irons and Woods. This stage is for the perfection of execution prior to Full Power."

Do not underestimate the benefit of each of these three stages and the skill that their progressive mastery will produce. They are your keys to a lifetime of Better Golf!