Analyzing the Four Components of Your Golf Swing
Sunday, 07.01.2007, 01:54pm (GMT)
Golf is known as being one of the most relaxing sports or pastimes
known to man, as it gives you an opportunity to get outside and enjoy
the sun and fresh air, as well as providing you with a good opportunity
to get some exercise. There is another side to golf however and that is
that it is a serious sport that many people play competitively and in
some cases for vast amount of money. Therefore it is important for
those people to improve their golf swing as much as possible.
Stance
Everything built well begins with a solid foundation. Your golf swing
is no different. Therefore, when beginning to analyze your golf swing
start by focusing on your stance.
With golf club in hand take your normal stance and approach the ball as
if you are going to take your swing. Then lay your driver down so that
the shaft is touching the toes of your left and right shoe. This will
reveal the direction of your feet in relationship to the pin that you
are driving the ball towards.
If the golf club is not directly pointing towards the pin or your
target adjust the shaft of the club accordingly. Then reposition your
feet so that the toes are touching the shaft of the club.
The next part of your stance addresses your shoulders and hips. They
too should be completely in-line or parallel with the golf club lying
at your feet.
With this in mind, pick up your golf club and practice a few swings
keeping your shoulders and hips parallel to that imaginary line there
at the base of your toes. Your golf swing should always reflect this
rule of being parallel to the imaginary line directed towards your
target.
Swing
The second step in analyzing your golf swing is taking note of the
swing itself. Of particular help may be the assistance of a golfing
partner to help you with the analyzing of your form. Another option
would be to video yourself and watch your golf swing in slow motion.
Most professionals do this after every tournament they compete in.
The first thing to look at for your golf swing, is you backswing. This
is the first phase of your swing so the actual start of the swing
should be even in nature and fluid. Additionally, while your club is on
the backward portion of the swing and overhead, hesitate for a very
slight moment.
Following that slight hesitation let your downward golf swing flow in
the same even nature towards the ball. It is important to remember that
speed and forcefulness are not characteristics of a good golf swing.
Additionally, take note of your downward golf swing beginning from this
upward position. Do you keep your wrists straight or is there a hint of
wrist movement? It is recommended that the movement of the wrists
should take place just as the golf club is horizontal to the ground.
Contact
Thirdly and most importantly, in analyzing your golf swing, when your
club makes contact with the golf ball it is important to remember that
you are not playing baseball. This means that the power to drive the
golf ball should not be drawn from your arms and shoulders. The drive
given to the ball should be drawn from your entire upper body as well
as your legs, so therefore momentum should be the biggest driving
force. Also, remember to follow the path of your golf club that was
lying at your feet to position your stance. Your golf swing should stay
parallel with the shaft of that club that was directed towards your
target.
Follow Through
The last critical element in analyzing your golf swing is swinging
through the drive. It is important when you have made contact with the
ball that you continue for an additional five to six inches following
in parallel the imaginary path of the golf club laying on the ground.
Finally, complete the swing with that same fluid motion bringing the
golf club to the opposite side of the body and above the head. When
this is completed you should be standing front on and facing the
direction of which your ball is heading. Good luck!
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