How to Improve the Biomechanics of Your Golf Swing

How to Improve the Biomechanics of Your Golf Swing
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To improve the biomechanics of your drive, fairway swing or approach shot, take the "mechanics" out of biomechanics. The most efficient golf swings use your body's natural movements to transfer energy into a golf ball. Trying to artificially perform uncomfortable movements you've read in a magazine or seen on TV are a sure sign you're not hitting the ball correctly.

Step 1

Stand in the correct position in relation to the ball. If you stand too close to the ball, you will create an outside-to-in swing mechanic, putting slice on the ball. Standing too far away will create the opposite stroke and a hook. Placing the ball too far back in your stance, or close to your back foot, won't let you get your weight into your shot and will increase your chance of slicing. Placing the ball too far forward creates the opposite effect. Standing in the correct position in relation to the ball allows you to create a natural swing mechanic.

Step 2

Hold a correct grip, which will require some experimentation on your part. One of the best signs you are holding a correct grip is a lack of tension in your forearm. If your forearm muscles are tense, you will likely create a shorter backswing and decelerate on the forward swing, losing power. Pretend your club handle is a bird or a loaf of bread—you want to hold it tight enough so that it doesn't get away, but loose enough so you don't crush it.

Step 3

Start every long swing with a simultaneous shoulder turn and downward push on your legs. Coordinating your lower and upper body is critical to properly executing the kinetic chain of events that creates a golf swing. You transfer power from your feet, up your legs, through your core and torso into your arms, not vice versa. Starting your swing with your arms interrupts the kinetic chain.

Step 4

Slow your club head at the peak of your backswing. In order to efficiently transfer the power created by the eccentric muscle contractions of a backswing to the concentric muscle contractions used during the forward swing, you will need a slow down prior to your forward swing. This slowdown can result in a slight pause before the transfer. Your motion should have a 1-2-3 rhythm, not be a 1-2 motion.

Step 5

Open your hips as you begin your forward downswing. Opening, or "throwing" your hips at the ball accelerates your trailing shoulder, where most club head speed is generated during a golf or tennis swing, according to biomechanists at the University of Western Australia. You generate watts of power per kilo of bodyweight; therefore, bigger body parts create generate more power than smaller body parts. Trying to hit a golf ball using primarily your arms creates a less powerful shot.

Step 6

Snap your wrists as you hit the ball to help you maintain the club acceleration you have created, allowing you to slow down after you hit the ball. If you do not snap your wrist into your shot, you will begin to slow your club down prior to contact.

References

Article reviewed by Jessica Lyons Last updated on: Jul 3, 2010

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