A proper golf swing has numerous components, all of which combine together to produce a golf shot, whether it be good or bad. Finding problems with the individual aspects of the swing can help correct mishits and increase consistency within the swing.
The Setup
This is the initial point of contact with a golf shot when you first begin the pre-shot routine. It is also known as the address. This is when you will complete practice swings, address the ball, align the body with the target and prepare to begin the swing motion. This is an extremely important part of the golf swing in that is prepares the mind and body for the upcoming shot. At setup, your feet should be shoulder width apart, your hips and shoulders should be in alignment with each other. Your feet should be in a line going straight toward the target. The head should face downward, and you should be over the ball ready to swing
Grip
Your grip on the golf club is one of the most important aspects of a golf swing. Your hands are the only point of contact with the club, and hand position can dictate where the club face is at impact. If your grip is incorrect, your swing could be perfect, but the club face may still be open or closed at impact, causing a shot that does not go where you want. A proper grip creates a "V" on the thumb and pointer finger on each hand. This can be a good start on how to grip the club correctly.
Backswing
The backswing is important in that is begins the swing arc of the club, and also begins the coiling of the body, which will be unwinding during the downswing to create the power of the golf swing. The basic fundamental is to begin the swing with a smooth motion, while trying to keep your right arm for right-handed golfers fully extended throughout the swing. It is extremely important to maintain an appropriate swing arc by bringing the club straight back. If you veer to the inside or outside, it can be the culprit of a hook or slice when the ball is struck. Also, the backswing is the part of the golf swing, which begins the transfer of weight to the back foot, and also the rotation of the hips away from the target.
Downswing
The downswing is basically the unwinding of what has been down during the backswing. Weight transfer will occur from the back to front foot. The hips will uncoil, and provide much of the power of the swing, and the arms will guide the club through the swing plane, which can determine the direction and spin the golf ball has. As you bring the club down towards the ball, your wrists will begin to roll, which should bring the club face square to the ball at impact, causing a flush, straight shot.
Follow Through
The follow through is how you finish your swing. Your weight should now be on your front foot, your hip open and facing the target, and your hands guiding the club behind your head. The follow through can actually tell you quite a bit about your actual swing. If you finish your swing high, you more than likely will hit a high shot. Also, how close you bring the club to your shoulder can tell you a lot about your swing plane. For example, if you have more of an outside-in swing, which can cause a hook, draw, or pull right; your follow through will finish closer to your left shoulder.
Member Comments