The phrase "flying open" is comprised of three words that are pronounced as follows: /ˈflaɪɪŋ/ /ˈoʊ.pən/. The first word "flying" is spelled with a combination of the "f" and "l" consonant sounds, followed by the "ai" diphthong and ending with the soft "ng" sound. The second word "open" is spelled with the long "o" vowel sound followed by the "p" and "n" consonant sounds. Put together, "flying open" refers to a golfer's swing when their clubface is not square with the ball at impact.
Flying Open is a term commonly used in sports, particularly in baseball and golf, to describe a specific flaw in a player's technique. When referring to the swing of a baseball player, golf player, or any other athlete, flying open refers to the improper opening of the front shoulder or hip during the swinging motion.
In baseball, specifically batting, flying open occurs when a hitter prematurely opens their front shoulder before fully completing their swing. This leads to a premature rotation of the upper body and causes the hitter's front shoulder to "fly open" towards the pitcher. Consequently, this reduces the power generated from the hitter's lower body, prevents proper extension of the arms, and negatively impacts their accuracy and consistency.
Similarly, in golf, flying open refers to an action where the golfer's lead shoulder rotates open too early during the swing, often resulting in a loss of power and accuracy. This early shoulder rotation affects the golfer's swing path, leading to slices or hooks, and prevents the full transfer of energy from the lower body to the club.
Overall, flying open is a technical flaw where the front shoulder or hip opens prematurely, impairing the athlete's overall technique and performance. It is crucial for athletes to work on correcting this flaw to optimize their power, accuracy, and consistency in their respective sports.
The term "flying open" is not a standalone word with a specific etymology. Instead, it is an idiomatic phrase that consists of two separate words: "flying" and "open". Each word has its own etymology.
1. Flying: The word "flying" originated from the Old English word "flēogan", which means "to fly" or "to soar". It can be traced back to the Germanic word "fleugan". The term has been used in various contexts to describe movement through the air or at high speeds.
2. Open: The word "open" comes from the Old English word "openian", which means "to open" or "to unbar". It derives from the Proto-Germanic word "opna". The term refers to removing obstructions or barriers, making something accessible or visible.