Develop Your Golf Swing – the Right Way
Many beginning golfers don’t realize how much skill and technique goes into a proper golf swing. It looks so easy when you see experienced golfers or pros swing – it even sounds quite simple when the theory of the technique is explained to you. But watching it and hearing about it, and actually doing it yourself are indeed two very different things!
The first time I took one of my friends to our local golf course, he was shocked at the sheer difficulty of the game. If his eyes were right, his elbows were wrong; if his shoulders were right, his stance was wrong. He accepted my constructive criticism rather well, but I could tell that he was frustrated. It brought me back to my beginning days in the game.
An effective golf swing takes quite a bit of practice to master. People spend years working on their swing, practicing just the right combination of moves that will sink their ball in the hole. Keep in mind that the object is to get the ball into the hole at or under par for that hole�.but the swing is what determines whether that actually happens or not. Essentially, a proper golf swing determines the entire outcome of the game!
An effective golf swing is accomplished by forming a triangle with your shoulders and arms, and keeping that triangle locked in place throughout the entire swinging process. This doesn’t mean that you should be rigid in your swing – far from it – but the triangle should be firm and your arms should help to lock it into place. This is often easier said than done, and you will find that you lose control of the ball by slicing a great deal before you get the concept down. When you draw the club back, you do not actually move your arms; what you are really manipulating is your shoulder and your hips – without ever actually moving your arms.
There are many training aids available to help you develop a good golf swing. You should take advantage of the available technology to improve your game. There are aids that will help you keep your arms locked, as well as aids that help you keep your wrists locked. There are aids to help you correct your stance, as well as your backswing, upswing, and even the force with which you hit the ball. If you have an issue that needs to be corrected in your golf game or swing, there is a golfing aid available to help you!
Making a video tape, showing your swing from all angles will also help you improve your game. Have a friend video tape your swing. Get lots of footage on the tape, and then watch it – in slow motion. Really pay attention to every aspect of your swing, watching from your head down to your feet. Making yourself aware of the mistakes is the first step to solving them. If you know what problems exist, you will pay special attention to those areas the next time you play. With enough practice and determination, you can correct those problems.
Don’t be afraid to look funny. Looking good on the golf course is not your top priority – playing a great game of golf is what you are after. Some people have a stance that looks a little funny to othersâÂ?¦but those same people have perfected that stance to the point where they have greatly improved their swing because of it. Some people grip the club in a funny manner. Some people play ‘natural golf’ using ‘natural golf swings.’ This form of golf does look funny to traditional golfers – but it is quite effective. Don’t be afraid of being different if it helps you play better!
Studying the swings of great golfers can be a training tool within itself. However, it is important to remember that you are an individual. While you can try many of their techniques, their exact technique probably won’t work as well for you as it does for them. Take their techniques, and work with them to make them your very own – as long as they improve your game.
You can practice your swing at home or at the office (if this is allowed). You don’t need a ball; you just need a little room. Swing the club, just as you would if you were going to hit the ball. Instead of concentrating on needing to hit the ball, however, concentrate on the actual swing. You should also consider using training clubs as well. These will build your strength a great deal, allowing you to hit the ball harder and farther than ever before!
Remember that developing a proper golf swing takes time, practice and patience. If you are having problems, do not get frustrated, or give up. Keep working at it, and look for the solution you need to correct the swing problems you have. One of these days, you will be playing like a pro!
