photo by Kivus.
Many people say that there are 3 stages to the golf swing sequence: the backswing, the down swing and the follow through. However, the first stage should really be the set up, because without that even if you hit the ball 500 yards, it’s no good if it’s going in the wrong direction! It’s a bit like the golf-playing gorilla joke.
Read more on The Golf Swing Sequence…
photo by Kivus.
Learning how to master your backswing can take years of skilled practice. Your goal is to get one fluid motion of grace and finesse. From the start of your backswing, through impact, to the follow through, it should be one fluid motion….
A. Why It Matters
The backswing is the initial movement of your golf club. It defines everything that follows. Therefore, it’s critical to get it right!
B. The Takeaway
Once you are set up and in position to prepare for your shot, begin the backswing by moving your club slowly backwards. Keep the clubhead as close to the ground as possible.
Don’t move the club too fast as this may create a steep swing plane which can reduce your power & accuracy. And, be sure that your left shoulder is slightly higher than your right one (assuming you are right-handed). Your shoulders, arms, and hips should all move together in one fluid motion.
Golf players that concentrate just on their arms & hands have a tough time learning how to hit with power consistently.
You must learn to coordinate all of your body parts to move as one. The key is not to think too much…and that’s tougher than you might think!
Simply turn & feel your arms, shoulders, and upper legs all moving together in synchronicity. Just go with the flow….
C. As You Turn
Once your backswing is in motion, your body will start it’s turn and your right arm should begin to fold inside. Your left arm should not be stiff, it should remain somewhat straight. Your right elbow should remain tight to your body throughout the entire backswing.
At this point, everything should be turning naturally and your weight will begin to shift.
Once your club shaft is in the air and pointing straight back, your wrists should begin to bend naturally. Don’t tighten your grip. Keep it loose and casual….yet, in control at all times.
Keep turning everything gracefully until your left shoulder is underneath your chin. Your left knee will start to bend toward the right one. The club should now be in the air & positioned on top of your head. You are now ready for the downswing.
D.The Top Of Your Swing
OK. Try to avoid swinging your body at this point. Your club should be in the air & pointing towards your target line. The majority of your weight should be on your right foot, and your left knee should be bent slightly inward.
Your right knee will have a slight bend throughout the entire backswing because it serves to brace your body’s power.
(Your left foot may rise slightly at the top of your backswing, but try to keep that to a minimum as it may affect your accuracy. It’s better to keep your left foot grounded, if possible.)
E. Everything In Place
The moment of contact is almost here. You should feel a tremendous quantity of energy and power building up, rolled tightly in your body…just waiting to release and send the ball flying.
You should feel confident. The shoulders should be at 90 degrees & your hips should be turned to approximately 45 degrees. (These angles are not set in stone, but they are good guidelines. Every player has different levels of flexibility and technique.)
Strive to practice your backswing as often as possible. You don’t need to be at the driving range or on a golf course to do so. Every chance you get, simply stand in front of a mirror to see yourself follow through with the proper technique. Get a friend to check out your backswing for constructive criticism. They can alert you to any tweaks that need to be made.
F. Coming Down
Now you are ready to drive the ball far down the fairway.
Your backswing should have felt controlled & smooth. But, you will now feel a change in tempo. You will release the downswing with full power. Make sure its graceful & easy at the same time.
The switch should appear as graceful and as seamless as possible. The best swings show no sign of using a snapping motion or force.
Unfortunately, this is where many beginner and amateur golfers divert from the pros. Their backswing was initiated perfectly, but their transition is sabotaged by a poor downswing.
G. Start From The Hips
The hips should be the very first body parts to move when bringing the club down. In fact, your entire body is getting ready to uncoil itself starting from the hips. Don’t pay too much attention to your arms and hands. They will be the last body parts to turn & should do so naturally.
Once your body starts to uncoil, be sure that your weight begins to shift from your right foot to your left.
This part is crucial!
If you don’t shift your weight onto your left foot, you may lose nearly 1/2 of the power and accuracy needed to make a successful shot. At first, you may need to concentrate on shifting your weight.
But, after enough practice, your body should complete the weight distribution naturally. Repetition is key.
H. Uncoil The Body & Release The Energy
When it comes to arms & hands. strive to maintain the natural bend you have in your wrists for as long as possible. They should be the last part of your body to release before hitting the ball.
If you can snap your wrists at the very last moment, you’ll undoubtedly transfer more power and strength to the ball. This will drive it longer consistently.
The clubhead should now be coming down and moving faster towards the ball. Good form is essential. As the downswing gains momentum and speed, your entire body should follow through automatically, without interference.
Once the clubhead approaches the ball, you should feel like you are cracking a whip….
I. Let’s Do It
Congratulations, your swing is almost there.
We’ve come so far!
It’s now time to make contact with the ball & follow through. Just do it.
The contact you make with the ball and the direction (and loft) that it takes is determined here. If you are going for a straight shot, then the clubhead must move directly within the target line. If you want your ball to go left, then the path of the clubhead should point left, and vice versa, for the right.
Now, at first, it’s not that easy to learn how to correctly steer your clubhead in relation to where you want the ball to go. This takes thousands of shots to master.
Your downswing will ultimately release power into the ball. The hands and forearms should rotate slightly counterclockwise (for right-handed golfers).
The clubhead then rotates toward the ball until it’s close to perpendicular to your target line…
J. The Follow Through
Every swing results in a “follow through.” This describes what your club & body does after making impact with the ball.
Although the ball is well on its way flying through the air, you still need to rotate your body & club in a smooth and graceful fashion.
Once your swing is done, your hips should be turned just enough so that your stomach area faces the target. Most of your weight should be transferred to the left foot and your right foot should be on its toes. Your back should be somewhat straight and the club wrapped around the back of your shoulders.
Here are some more tips & a few points that need repeating…
* Be sure that your head is centered over the ball as much as possible (You may allow a small amount of lateral motion if needed),
* The left arm should remain straight throughout the entire backswing. However, a small amount of bending is acceptable.
* Your left shoulder should be tucked snug underneath your chin.
* Your right arm should be folded smoothly into your side and brush across the rib cage.
* Your right knee should always maintain its bend throughout the backswing.
* Your body weight should shift considerably to the right foot when turning behind the ball.
K. Last Minute Tip
Once your body has stopped moving and your follow through is complete, practice remaining in that position for a few seconds after each shot. Not only can you watch the flight path of the ball, but if your body remains still without tilting over, it’s a good sign that you maintained perfect balance & coordination with the shot.
Read more on Perfecting Your Golf Swing Step By Step…
photo by JustDerek.
As more and more people are becoming more aware of their health, they are beginning to set up home gyms and are looking for home gym equipment. Many are using the extra bedroom or even the garage to set up their home gym.
In the past many people worried about the amount of space that all of the home gym equipment would take up in the house. That is just simply not the case any longer. The home gym equipment that is available is easy to store and even travel with if needed.
Here is a list of the more popular pieces of fitness equipment that many are using in their home gyms today and improving their flexibility and strength. This is allowing them to play more golf and better golf than they ever have before.
Home Gym Equipment – Weighted Golf Club
A weighted practice club will help you build strength as well as flexibility. Be sure to purchase a weighted golf club that is weighted in proportion to a real golf club and not just a donut on the end of a shaft. With a practice club that is properly weighted you can take VERY slow swings and build muscle. In addition as you take regular golf swings the extra weight will stretch you out and improve your range of motion. Strength and range of motion are both very important to hitting the ball farther.
Home Gym Equipment – Exercise Ball
This piece of fitness equipment goes by many different names such as: Core Balance Ball, Flexibility Ball and Swiss Ball just to name a few. This is a must have piece of fitness equipment for anyone due to the many uses it can have. Obviously in golf, the core is very important. Doing many exercises on the exercise ball will increase the difficulty and make you use your core. In turn, your core becomes stronger.
Home Gym Equipment – Resistance Cords or Resistance Bands
Resistance cords or resistance bands can give you a great workout. I know it does not look like it but it is funny that every time that I am done with them, I have had a great workout. A great feature of resistance cords is that you can work every single part of your body with them. Also, they are very easy to store at home out of the way if you use a main room to workout. Resistance cords are so small that you can easily pack them for any trip and never have an excuse of I do not have a gym!
Home Gym Equipment – Yoga Mat
You may not choose to do yoga as part of your fitness routine but a yoga mat is still nice to have when you workout. A yoga mat can provide cushioning and comfort for your workouts which can reduce the possibility of injury. In addition, a yoga mat will roll up easily for convenient storage.
Home Gym Equipment – Balance Disks
Adding balance disks to your current workout routine can tone and strengthen core muscles, help posture, improve balance and joint stabilization. You can even use the balance disks by themselves and attempt to make your golf swing with them while staying in balance. Even by making movements in slow motion, the balance disks can help you build your strength which will lead to increased distance and accuracy.
By implementing this equipment into your home gym you will be able to increase your strength and flexibility which in turn will better your golf game. In addition, all of these pieces store very easily and will not take up very much room in your house.
Read more on Home Gym Equipment to Improve Your Golf Game…
photo by Shayan (USA).
You may think that the biomechanics of golf swing are only of any interest to the professionals – too technical for the amateur or one time per week golfer. However, if you think like that, it may explain why you could sometimes spend most of your round in the sand or trees!
Read more on Are Biomechanics of Golf Swing Any Use To Amateurs?…
photo by camflan.
Most good golfers and professionals know how far they hit their iron clubs.
This is something that every golfer should have an idea about. Not knowing how far you hit each of your golf iron shots would prevent you from playing good and consistent golf.
Read more on How Far Can You Hit With Your Golf Iron Shots?…
photo by danperry.com.
Golf Umbrellas are an essential item to have for those who love the sport, and even for those who just want a great umbrella. When out on the course, owning one of these will prove to be more wind and dust resistant. The benefits of having quality items will pay off many times over in the future, so shop for an umbrella that will provide protection, style, and value.
There are several key things to keep in mind when shopping for Golf Umbrellas. Once you have decided what size and style you want, you can streamline your shopping experience.
SIZE
Size matters when shopping for an umbrella. While there are smaller variations, it is advisable to get the larger size for maximum protection. You don’t want to get caught on the course with a bag full of golf clubs, and then encounter a rainstorm. A larger umbrella will protect you and your equipment.
WIND RESISTANCE
When looking for golf umbrellas, make sure to read up on the wind resistance of the desired umbrella. When in the open with no shelter close by, the last thing you want to fight is an umbrella that has turned itself inside out. Double canopy designs or other forms of air slots will keep the umbrella from turning inside out when that sudden wind grabs it.
SHAFT MATERIAL
The shaft material will be important. Try to find a fiberglass shaft so that it will allow for some flexing during a storm. In addition, you don’t want a steel handle in the event of lightening.
DESIGN
Essential to every game is being able to express your personality. Since you will hopefully be spending a lot of time on your golf game, find golf umbrellas that are visually appealing. Sports logos, bright colors, stripes or other designs all lend themselves to making your umbrella a personal statement. Get an umbrella that would be just as great of the course. This will also make it easy to identify when other golfers have their umbrellas out.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Having a long plastic stake at the end is unique to a golf umbrella as opposed to regular street umbrellas. This is used for sticking the end in the turn when hitting a shot. This will prevent it from getting away from you in case a wind gust blows up.
The shape of the handle is also an important feature. An ergonomic handle will make the umbrella more comfortable when gripping, whether for carrying open or closed. Pay attention that the handle is the style that you like.
Shopping for umbrellas has never been easier. No longer do you have to go into a store, but with the convenience of online shopping, you can shop for more colors, designs, and sizes than offered in a standalone store. Check out the many styles of umbrellas available online, and once you have found one or two that you like, read some reviews. Consumer feedback is a great way to learn if an umbrella is going to work how you want it to.
photo by Kivus.
There are almost as many theories about the golf swing as there are instructors. And one of the least understood aspects of the swing is the rotation of the hips to an “open” position just before impact.
Read more on The Importance of Hip Rotation in the Golf Swing…
photo by bradleypjohnson.
On the driving range I often see golfers swinging to the top of their backswing and stopping and trying to see if the golf club is positioned correctly. Naturally this is a very, very hard way to tell if the backswing is in “the slot” so to speak.
Read more on Simple Golf Drill to Check your Golf Backswing…
photo by Kivus.
Every golf player is always on the look out for ways he can improve his swing, and there are many varieties of training devices and ads on the market that can help you practice the swing techniques. One such popular device that you could train with is the golf swing weight. It is simple to use, it is cost effective and can be used anywhere you please, not just at the club.
The weight oriented training device is basically just a weight that you attach on to the shaft of your golf club, and it rests on the head of the club. You could use it on the wedges to get the best practice, as can you use it on the irons. After you have positioned the weight on the head of the club you are going to be practicing with, all you need to do is swing as you normally would. You can practice using this little device on the practice range or even in your own backyard.
Basically this swing weight will improve your flexibility during the swing motion. As you would probably know, flexibility can be very important in getting the right golf swing motion. This device will strengthen your power as well, so when you swing without it after a period of practice you could expect the ball to travel further than before. So it helps improve the condition of the forearm and wrist muscles that give the strength to your strokes. The absence of this strength is a problem for many-many golfers, and ironically, it is one of the easiest areas of the game to improve with this simple training device.
And since the attached weight makes the head of your club larger and heavier you will be able to keep a better eye on the path that the head travels during your swing motion. That would help you improve the plane of your swing as well, so that your club head strikes squarely on the ball as it should for a good stroke. You improve the feel with this weight, and that helps you strike the golf ball more solidly than ever before.
There are specially made clubs that already have a heavy and weighted head that you could use for the same exercise. You could get either variety on golf related web sites or in sports stores that sell golf equipment. When you need to work on your swing, why not invest in this great and cost effective training utility? You could even practice with it in your own yard, or anywhere there is enough room to swing a club without damaging something.
Read more on Use Golf Swing Weights – Great Way To Improve Your Swing…
photo by i m n a s.
To play a golf game successfully You should start with a good golf swing. That way, Youll make the ball land close to the hole so it is easy to put it in.
In scientific terms, this is all about physics because the twisting swing cause torque on the club. When this happens, the kinetic energy that is produced for the club head will go to the club causing it to fly a great distance.
Expert golfers that make the ball go very far get a club head speed of about 100 miles per hour. Tiger Woods is an exception because he was once clocked at 125 miles per hour.
However the proper golf swing has another factor and that is the lie angle. For those who dont know what this is, it is the angle between the club shaft and the club face. If You have a golf swing monitoring machine, Youll see that most golfers hit the ball at 12 degrees. One scientist believes that players can do better if they strike the ball at a 7.5 degree lie angle.
To do that, you should know the 4 basics.
First, at the back of the swing, you should stretch as far back and extend the range of motion while maintaining your rotating torso directly over Your right leg.
Second, when you begin your swing, turn your torso quickly and press down on your right leg.
Next, drive through the ball using your hips, shoulders and wrists which will all help increase your ball speed.
Last of all, let the club heads momentum extend to the follow through far around the back so you do complete a smooth club head rotation.
You must keep in mind that the golf swing mentioned is far different when you are stuck in a sand trap because there is something blocking your way and you have to go over that. To do that, you have to strike the sand behind the ball using the club head. How far will the ball pass through depends on the distance between the club head and the sand.
In both instances, a professional golfer must be able to adapt with the surroundings and the weather. If the winds are strong, you cannot hit the ball at 7.5 or 12 degrees every time. The rule of thumb is that when the wind is coming from behind you, you must use a club that has a greater lie angle. If the wind is coming to you from the front, you must use a club with a smaller lie angle. If you do not follow these rules, the ball wont travel far or you may end up with a slice or a hook.
Making the right golf swing is very difficult. Thats why professionals practice more than 8 hours a day because they know that there are factors beyond their control and the weather is a very important factor.
Now that you know what to do, it is just a matter of practice so you can apply theory into practice. If you are still having a hard time, get some golf swing aids to help you out.
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