As any golfer knows, mastering the golf swing is easier said than done. Finding the proper technique requires a basic understanding of the golf swing's biomechanics. These encompass your grip on the club, posture, position of the ball, aim and alignment, and movement of the club. Exploring these mechanics will help you improve your swing technique.
Grip
Your grip on the club is where the golf swing begins. A neutral grip is key in golf swing technique; it consists of letting your arms hang down from the shoulder sockets and examining the angle of the hand closest to the ball, or your target-side hand. The target-side hand will hang somewhere between the middle of the target-side thigh and the inside of the thigh. Count the number of knuckles you see on your target-side hand to determine its natural angle. It should look the same when you grip the golf club.
Posture
Posture is an equally important factor in your golf swing. Starting at the feet, your heels should be spaced as wide as your hips for full swing shots. For drives, space your heels at shoulder length. Pushing your hips back and then up will angle your pelvis for a golf swing. It will additionally lower your chest and shift your weight to the rear of the arches of your feet. Unlock your knees and let your arms hang down at your sides. Make sure there is no tension in your arms or shoulders.
Ball Position
The position of the golf ball is a misunderstood, yet no less critical part of your swing. With the exception of the driver, golf clubs will have the shaft angled forward away from the club head. A 5-iron, for instance, should have approximately an 8-degree forward angle when you address the ball. If the shaft is vertical, then you will add loft and potentially lose distance.
Ball position should also be considered in relation to your upper body. For a short wedge shot, the ball should fall near the middle of the chest. For a full-swing fairway shot, it should fall on the target side of the chest. And for a driver, it should fall underneath the target-side shoulder.
Alignment
Next come aiming and aligning your club with the ball. First set the club face perpendicular to the target line, then set the rest of your body parallel to the target line. When you aim, find an intermediate target--something between the ball and your feet that you can keep your peripheral vision on--to keep your head down through the swing.
Club Movement
Club movement begins with the backswing. This part of the swing requires not only lifting the club back, but turning your shoulders so that your back faces the target. Keep your target-side arm cocked at the elbow. Your trailing forearm bends at the elbow as you bring the club back. The bending of the elbow helps lift the club and cocks and uncocks the target-side hand. Once you've reached the peak of your backswing, start your downswing by following exactly the same plane you drew on your backswing. The club face should be back at perpendicular position to the target line. Follow through the swing by moving the club upward and back over your shoulders.
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