The proper golf swing is a complex sequence of movements that is designed to propel the golfer powerfully through the ball. A lot of amateur golfers spend most of their time working on mastering the mechanics of their swing, but if they spent more time practicing, they could easily improve their game. There are many exercises and drills for the golf swing, but the three most important are: alignment, grip, and posture. Any good golf trainer will tell you that the first two steps are the foundation of any good swing, while the last two are used to support the foundation.
Unfortunately, the golf swing is one of those subjects almost guaranteed to produce bad results if not taught properly. This is because the body must move in a specific way to swing a club correctly. Many golfers are surprised to find out that they have made huge progress in their game after only a few months of practice. While improvement is very natural during the learning process, some golfers take too long to get comfortable with their new swing. If you fall into this group, there are some things you can do to help yourself get better fast.
The first step of a proper swing is set up and address. Most golfers find that this the hardest part of their swing to master, which is why it’s also probably the longest lesson in the lesson plan. But it’s also one of the crucial aspects to perfecting the stance. An improper stance can be deadly to your game; a bad stance can lead to bad shots and bad drives. But if you’ve set up correctly, your body will know exactly what to do, leading to better scores and better drives.
After you’ve done the setup, you need to address the ball, ensuring that your body is set and aligned properly for the shot you’re about to take. Make sure you make an impact at the top of your swing, which means you’ll want to make sure your left arm stays almost straight, while your right arm is bent slightly at the elbow. Then it’s time to focus on the downswing. Remember that it’s important to keep everything lined up correctly and that you should focus on making an impact at the top of your swing and not at the finish.
Another important aspect of a proper golf swing is the follow-through. A good follow-through helps you stay on target, which can lead to lower scores. Your follow-through is when you turn back in the same direction that you came, but don’t actually turn your body the full 90 degrees. This can lead to difficulty in getting your hands behind the ball, but remember that this is very much an “instant golf reflex” that you must learn.
Once your arms, hands and body are all lined up correctly, the next step in the backswing sequence is to bring your club head toward your target. To do this, you’ll need to have your left knee flexed or almost fully extended, and you need to raise your right shoulder. Remember to maintain a good balance between your hips and your shoulders throughout your swing.
Finally, as you come into impact with your ball, remember to stay low to the ball. The closer you get to the ball, the more likely it is that your club will hook. Keep your eyes on the ball throughout your swing. Also, don’t forget to lower your arms just before impact, so that they’ll be lower than your body when the club impacts.
In summary, the proper golf swing begins with a full, continuous motion from the beginning of your backswing all the way through the end of your follow through. Remember to make sure your left knee stays flat, your left shoulder stays low, and your left arm stays straight. Also, remember not to interrupt your follow through with your hips. By paying attention to these basics, you can improve your overall golf game and enjoy more success.