Hitting a golf stroke uses a similar motion to hitting a baseball or a tennis forehand. The easiest way to learn a golf swing is to use your lower body and trunk to generate power, using your arms and hands for control. Setting up correctly and following a few simple basics of biomechanics will help you learn a proper golf swing in the least amount of time.
Setting Up
It doesn't matter what type of grip, takeback or forward swing you use if you stand too close to or far away from the ball. Place the ball farther forward in your stance, toward the heel of your front foot, on longer shots, moving it back for control shots that require less power. Stand close enough to your ball to create a swing path that goes straight forward -- standing too close brings your club from outside to inside, while standing too far away creates an inside-out swing.
Teeing the Ball
Placing the ball higher on a tee allows you get under the ball. Placing it too high may create a pop-up. Setting the ball too low may cause you to top the ball. Experiment with tee height placement to learn what is best for you.
Grip
A strong grip places your lower hand on the club with the palm facing more up, instead of toward your target. A weaker grip, with your lower palm facing forward, can create a slice or fade, which is a ball that travels to your right, if you are a right-handed golfer. Hold the grip with the same amount of pressure you would a loaf of bread -- hard enough to control it, but not so hard you'd crush it. A tight grip creates tension in your forearms and can decelerate your club.
Backswing
In a proper golf swing, you'll take the club back by pushing your arms backward with your torso and shoulders. Let your arms separate naturally from your body during the backswing, reaching full extension at the end of your upper-body turn. Pause slightly or slow down at the end of your backswing to efficiently transfer the power you've just generated to your forward swing.
Forward Swing
To generate the most clubhead speed, you'll want to drive the club forward with the larger parts of your body. Begin the forward swing by opening your hips, transferring your weight onto your front leg. This will begin to open your upper body and move it forward, pulling your arms along with it. Break your wrists into your shot by turning your hands over just before contact so that that your club face is square to the ball at impact.
Follow Through
Although the follow-through occurs after you hit the ball, it's a critical component of a proper golf swing. If you stop you swing immediately after you hit the ball, you'll need to decelerate your club early, losing clubhead speed and reducing your power and distance. Keep your clubhead speed through impact on long shots, slowing the club by finishing with your club behind your back, and your hands above your leading shoulder.
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