Although right-handed and left-handed golfers should swing the same way, if you swing left-handed, you may benefit from instruction specifically for left-handed golfers, referring to the front part of your body as the right side and back part the left side. Practice the segments of the swing in slow motion without a ball at first and gradually pick up speed. When the ball doesn't go where you intend, try to determine which part or parts of the swing you performed incorrectly and practice them individually before hitting another ball.
Address
Step 1
Stand a comfortable distance from the ball with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders when using your woods, shoulder-width when using your long irons, and narrower than shoulder-width when using your short irons.
Step 2
Align your right foot with the ball when hitting your driver. Move forward about 1 inch when using your fairway woods, 2 inches when using your longest iron, 3 inches when using your second longest iron, and so on.
Step 3
Grip the club with your left hand below your right. Let your arms hang below your shoulders and place the club head behind the ball. Bend your knees slightly and lean forward at your waist. Tilt your shoulders back so your left shoulder is below your right.
Backswing
Step 1
Shift your weight slightly to your left leg and begin to rotate your hips and shoulders away from your target. Move both arms back together and turn your forearms 90 degrees so when the club shaft is parallel to the ground, the toe of club points upward. Keep your right elbow locked.
Step 2
Settle on your left leg, keeping your knee flexed slightly. Let your right knee pinch in. Continue turning your hips and shoulders, leading your arms upward, and flex your wrists so when your right arm is parallel to the ground, the club shaft points straight upward and the toe forward.
Step 3
Stop rotating your hips but continue turning your shoulders until your back faces your target. Keep lifting your arms and flex your left elbow until the club shaft is above your neck, perpendicular to your shoulder-line, with the toe pointed downward. Just before the club reaches the top, begin shifting your weight and turning your hips forward.
Downswing
Step 1
Rotate your shoulders forward until they are parallel to your aim line. Drive your left arm toward your ribs, keeping your elbow bent and wrists cocked. Keep your right arm straight.
Step 2
Continue turning your hips and shoulders, firm your right leg and allow your left heel to come off the ground slightly. Extend your left arm and turn your forearms so the club face is square to the ball. Allow your wrists to unhinge slightly.
Step 3
Lead the club head through impact with your right hand slightly ahead of and your left hand even with the ball to promote crisp contact.
Finish
Step 1
Continue turning your hips, shoulders and forearms after you contact the ball. Allow your left heel to come off the ground further. Keep both arms straight until the club shaft is parallel to the ground.
Step 2
Stop turning your hips when they are facing your target but continue rotating your shoulders. Allow both arms to bend, leading the club over your right shoulder. Turn your left foot to come up on your toes.
Step 3
Finish with your chest facing right of your target, your hands over your right shoulder and the club shaft behind your back, angled downward slightly.
References
- "Motor Learning and Control"; Richard A. Magill; 2007
- "Swing Like a Pro"; Dr. Ralph Mann and Fred Griffin with Guy Yocum; 1998
- Golf Digest: Swing Sequence--Phil Mickelson
- Golf Tips Magazine: Swing Extremes--Impact Position
Member Comments