A golfer can swing the club on the correct plane and line on the backswing but if they overswing it becomes increasingly difficult to hit well timed golf shots. A consistent golf swing requires that you use a straightforward swing. An overswing can make the swing more difficult than necessary.
Three Common Causes of a Golf Overswing
There are three common causes of an overswing,
- Letting go with the fingers of the left hand, often referred to as a ‘piccolo grip’.
- Allowing the left hand to collapse and bend.
- Allowing weight to shift on the outside side of the right leg during the backswing.
These faults can be fixed by a golfer, which will result in a more consistent swing at impact.
Drill to Cure Letting Go with the Left Hand
To cure letting go with the left hand, slip a tee peg between the grip and the little finger so if the fingers lose their hold on the club the tee will fall to the floor. It is simple, but it instantly aids the three remaining fingers in the left hand to keep the club at their grip throughout the swing.
Keep the Left Arm Straight
To maintain swing width with a firm left arm a golfer must check their flexibility. It is only a matter of practice and discipline if they are able to maintain straight left arms in practice swings. Golfers often swing too quickly, which can cause tension when the club reaches the end of its backswing. The stress can cause the left arm to collapse if the club travels too quickly. To maintain more control over the ball and keep your left arm straight, you can make a faster backswing.
Position the Right Foot to Keep the Swing Under Control
Placing the right foot in the correct position at address can help a golfer keep the swing under control and eradicate an overswing If the foot is placed at right angles to the target, and the golfer is not very supple, the body turn can easily become a tilt or reverse pivot as the weight of the body collapses onto the outside of the right foot.
The body can tilt instead of turning. When this happens, the left side of the body hits the chest, and the arm folds to try to reach the top. This causes an excessive swing and lose of control. Turning the right footout twenty degrees will make the body turn deeper, allowing the left leg to reach the top.