Understanding the Swing Sequence
Tuesday, June 15th, 2010The golf swing can seem overwhelmingly complicated to a beginner or anyone attempting to improve a swing. So many moving parts and contorted positions challenge the golfer when evaluating inconsistencies and mechanical problems. Breaking down the golf swing into a sequence of motions allows golfers to analyze specific elements and also understand how elements in one part of the sequence will affect the rest of the swing. The first part of the golf swing sequence is address. This involves making sure the club and body are properly aligned. Takeaway involves the first motion that brings the club away from the ball. Plane and angle are important elements. From there, the golf swing sequence goes into full back swing. At the top of the back swing, alignment is again crucial. Starting the downswing on the proper plane and in the correct tempo help insure solid contact. Impact and follow through complete the golf swing sequence. Evaluating each aspect will improve golfer performance.
Golf Swing Lessons for the Novice
Thursday, June 10th, 2010Golf swing lessons are an important part of our development throughout our golf careers. However, golf swing lessons are especially important for the novice player. Professional golf swing lessons allow the player to develop proper technique immediately, or at least to know what the bad habits are to avoid. As every golfer knows, the bad habit that we allow to form early becomes a troublesome adversary. Golfers can seek golf swing training from a wide array of avenues, but new players in particular should seek in-person training with a golf pro initially. Golf videos can be a great help down the road, but they are not much use when you don’t realize what it is you are looking for. Once a player has the basic form, sending videotape of their swing to a pro for analysis is a great way to learn while limiting costs.
Hitting off the Toe
Monday, November 30th, 2009The toe is the part of the club farthest from the shaft, and hitting the ball with this part of the club is going to result in an errant shot. The swings that usually result is shots off the toe are either coming from the outside in, cutting the club across the body, or coming in at a very steep angle. There are a number of terms used to describe shots off the toe, but it’s not normally a problem for skilled golfers. Failing to release the clubface in time at the point of impact can put a shot off the toe, as the clubface would still be closed through the hitting zone. Opening the face a bit at address can solve problems for golfers consistently hitting the ball off the toe, though there are surely other issues in the swing as well.