Golf Swing Guide

Jonathan Barrett asked:


Why do we find a move that seems so easy to the professionals so incredibly difficult to perform?

Recently I discovered that psychologists believe that we learn differently as adults than we do when we were children. And I believe this may be the key to explaining why we have such a difficult time of it.

The large majority of professional golfers will have taken up golf when they were kids - Tiger Woods was swinging a club well at 3!

But, I would imagine the majority of amateur golfers took golf up when either in their late teens, early twenties or even later in life - as adults.

The psychologists believe that as children we learn from repeating the model that we see - we know that kids are very trusting of what they are told. Yes, they ask lots of questions but they trust the answers given. They see, and are told, and DO.

Now as adults we learn differently. We have already formed opinions about how the world is and how things operate. So when we learn something new we actually test it against the rules that we have already built up in our heads as to what is right and wrong.

Unfortunately for us, the golf swing is actually illogical. That’s where the problem stems from. In our heads we can’t actually accept or believe that that is how the golf swing works. We then trust our instinct and test it against our rules and go back to what we believe is logical.

Here is what is illogical about the golf swing:

A Golf Swing without Effort = A Powerful 300 yard drive

It’s been said before that the secret to the pros swing is that it achieves ‘Power WITHOUT Effort - how illogical is that!

It’s a bit like saying we’re going on a 200 mile car journey, but we’re not going to turn the engine on! No ones going to believe you.

That’s how our brains interpret it - we think there’s no way you can hit a golf ball 300 yards without LOTS of effort.

So next time we coil up on the backswing our brain tells our muscles ‘right guys we need plenty of effort if we’re going to send this ball long and straight’.

Pro’s do actually put effort into their swings to get the ball to go that far (look at Tiger Woods face just before impact and you’ll see what I mean) BUT they put it in at a completely different point in the swing to amateur golfers. They also know the technique that allows them to produce such great results - and it doesn’t involve power, certainly not how the amateur golfer understands it.

Amateur golfers think you need to start the golf swing powerfully BUT the pro golfers know that you put the effort in at the bottom of the swing.

If you try and take this point on board this will start the process of adjusting your mind.

Over the next few pages I’m going to OPEN your EYES to how the golf swing actually works - much of which us amateurs don’t appreciate.

Understanding is the 1st key to unlocking your golfing potential.

Towards the end of my book I’ll show you where to get a piece of software that will by-pass your conscious mind and reprogram your sub-conscious mind to believe what you will see and start to understand about how the pro golf swing works. How YOU can swing powerfully without effort.

EYE-OPENER No. 2

What part of the body contributes the most to generating the maximum speed of the club head?

This single answer allowed me to make a huge leap in my understanding of the golf swing, and in everything I had seen and read about the golf swing none of it emphasised it enough.

I carried out a survey on the Internet over several weeks and asked visitors to my web site the question:- What part of the body contributes the most to generating the maximum speed of the club head?

Only 20% got the answer correct - That’s only 1 in every 5 golfers! And these golfers had a wide range of handicaps down to single figures.

Interestingly this figure corresponds to another golfing statistic - Did you know that only around 20% of golfers have a handicap of less than 18? It made me wonder whether the misunderstanding of the fundamental aspect could be the one thing that is holding so many golfers back.

Which part of the body do you think creates the maximum speed of the club head?

Is it: Shoulders Arms Hands Hips Legs Torso wrists

(Graphics and explanations omitted here)

….So the answer to the question that I posed above is that it is the hands (or wrists) that contribute the most to generating the maximum club head speed. The club is moved through over 180 degrees whilst the arms move through less than 60 degrees - all of the rest of the movement of the head of the golf club is generated by the movement of the hands. Unfortunately the large majority of golfers think that it is with the shoulders and arms.



Keith

Scott Cole asked:


Copyright (c) 2009 Scott Cole

To help increase the power of your golf swing, your first focus should be on improving your balance. This is the most overlooked key to increasing the power of the golf swing.

I trained for eight years in the martial art of Pai Lum Kung Fu, and proper balance was stressed throughout my training, from my days as a beginner student, and even beyond when I attained 1st Degree Black Belt. However, in our training, we focused on every possible detail regarding balance, from the feet, to proper stance width, posture and center of gravity. These are all important keys to developing power in our Kung Fu techniques, and they are important keys to helping golfers develop more power in their golf swings as well.

In describing the swing of J.B. Holmes, noted golf instructor David Leadbetter has this to say…” Starting down, his legs get into a squat position, which lets him use the ground as resistance and create an unbelievable energy flow from his legs, up through his shoulders and down into his arms and the club.”

Using the ground as resistance and the creation of energy flow from the legs are two important components we focused on for generating power in our techniques at the kung fu school.

To increase the power in our punching techniques, my teacher often stressted getting our feet rooted into the ground. We devote an entire breathing exercise that lasts about five minutes to this concept of rooting. Later in our training, we were taught to focus on a specific spot on the bottom of our foot where our balance will be rooted into the ground. This spot will also draw energy from the earth into our body, and then we learn how to transfer this energy into our technique. When you develop this ability, you become capable of generating incredible bower with minimal movement.

To locate this specific spot on the bottom of your foot, take a moment to sit down, and take off your shoes and socks. On the bottom of your feet you will notice thick pads, that are often described as the balls of the feet. The biggest of these pads is under the area beneath the big toe. Next to this large pad is an area that looks like a small hollow. Take your thumb and push into this hollow firmly. If you feel a nice jolt of pain, you have found the right spot! If not, keep searching until you feel that bit of pain. In Chinese medicine, this spot is known as Kidney Point 1, and it is viewed as a very significant healing point, even for a heart attack victim.

Now that we have identified this point, we want to take this information and transfer it into our golf swing. So, with your shoes off, find a spot on a hard floor and get into your golf stance (without a club of course). As you get yourself set into your golf stance, focus hard on these specific points in the bottom of your feet. These are the points where you should focus your balance.

Now I want you to feel a sort of corkscrewing motion, starting with that spot in the bottom of your feet, then feel it up into your knees, then into your hips. You should feel as if you are trying to screw the bottom of your foot into the ground, and then the hips tuck under your torso, and maybe move forward a little bit (we also refer to this as a curling of the hips). Practice a few times at home with your shoes off, then try getting that same feeling with your golf shoes on (preferably not indoors or you will have some damaged floors!). You see, it is absolutely critical that you engage the hips in your golf swing, particularly at the start of your downswing. Engaging the hips in this manner will help them clear out the path for the golf club more quickly, generating more power.

Posture also plays a significant role in developing proper balance. Although we want to feel as if we are rooted into the ground like a tree, we certainly do not want to stand straight up in our golf stance, nor do we want to be bent over too far in our stance. Generally speaking, if we draw a straight line up from the ground to the sky at the back our hips, we then want to be bent at the hips so that our spine is angled about 30 degrees from that straight line. Find a photo of Tiger Woods’ stance and you have a perfect picture of what I describe. This stance allows the arms plenty of room to swing freely in the golf swing.

Finally, it is important to maintain a low center of gravity throughout your golf swing. You will often hear football announcers describe how a running back is difficult to tackle because he has a low center of gravity. The martial artist looks to develop that low center of gravity as well, in order to generate power in his punches. The golfer will lose power by rising up in his/her golf swing.

To make sure you keep your center of gravity as low as possible, it is important to learn how to relax your abdomen during the golf swing. In other words, let your gut sag instead of sucking it in! This will require you to learn how to breathe so that you fill up all three levels of your lungs (lower, middle, upper), rather than just the upper level of your lungs. By learning how to breathe in this manner, you will learn how to maintain a low center of gravity even while holding your breath at the beginning of the swing (you should learn how to exhale during the downswing).

Once you learn to combine proper balance and posture this way, you will increase the power of your golf swing.



Carol

jeremyleibo asked:


I am a high school student and I am trying out for my school’s golf team. I’m worried that my scores may not be good enough for my schools team (appx. 16 handicap), but I need some tips to at least make my SWING look good. Golfers, any tips would be appreciated

Kristen

simon i asked:


I bought dvd set for “stack and tilt” golf swing. And i really want to learn that swing with teaching pro.

Kathleen

Matt Chang asked:


If you are a beginner at the fine sport of golf you may need some beginner golf swing instruction. Where can you find beginner golf swing instruction? What are some beginner golf swing instruction tips? Who can you trust to give you good information? You have come to the right place for beginner golf swing instruction tips and information. Read on and take these few pointers about improving you golf game, and getting a better score.

Start by contacting your local golf course or country club and inquire about beginner golf swing instruction. You can also talk to the people at a community college close to you and see if they are offering any classes on beginner golf swing instruction. One of the most important things is to get off the ground the right way, and not teach yourself bad habits. The worst thing you can do is learn the wrong way and then have to unteach yourself.

Check the newspaper and find out if there are any individuals who might be interested in teaching beginner golf swing instruction. Another great place to consider looking would be craigslist dot com

You may also be able to find lots of help with beginner golf swing instruction online. There are free golf web sites as well as videos and books on beginner golf swing instruction that you can purchase.

As a new learner you should consider a few things before you start beginner golf swing instruction. The mental part of the game is very important. Before you start beginner golf swing instruction remember that self confidence plays a key role in your success. You have to have faith and believe that you can do it. If you can’t visualize your success, then any progress will be fleeting.

Learn how to talk to yourself in a positive way before, during and after you take that first swing. Beginner golf swing instruction may be a negative experience if you worry about what others are saying about you. Only positive energy is what you need to surround yourself with.

Keep your mind on the swing and focused at all times. This is another key in successful beginner golf swing instruction.

Find a good instructor or other way to learn and get yourself ready mentally and you will have good results in the area of beginner golf swing instruction. Make the investment in yourself and see your progress take off in leaps and bounds.



Paula

Clint Jhonson asked:


Golf used to be the emblematic sport for the rich and famous, a sport only a few privileged ones had access to. Today, things have taken a new twist and golf is quickly becoming a sport everyone loves, regardless of where they live and how much they make. The popularity of this great outdoor sport is probably is in most part the result of it being so incredibly versatile. Anyone who’s played golf at least a couple of times knows that the sport instantly draws you in and pushes you to evolve as a player. If you feel that your game needs improvement and you’re eager to learn, you should definitely get some golf swing instruction. At cameronsgolfblog.com you can get great golf swing advice from Cameron Strachan, a passionate golf player.

There’s no shame in admitting that you need to improve your golf swing. Even professional players need constant golf swing coaching to make sure they stay on top of their game. This is actually the difference between professional golfers and amateurs – the professionals take the time to learn more and correct their golf swing. You’re probably thinking that professional players also spend a lot of money on golf lessons and you couldn’t possibly afford this luxury. The good news is that taking golf lessons doesn’t necessarily involve you hiring a real coach. The internet offers an unlimited resource of great golf swing instruction, lessons and tips. Cameron Strachan offers one of the most innovative approaches to golf swing instruction and will certainly help you improve your game.

The best approach to getting an improved golf swing is to address each swing element individually. Some of the basic areas you will need to look at in order to get a better golf swing include the stance, grip, alignment, ball position, balance, flexibility and the swing plane. Out of all these elements, the grip and stance are considered to be the foundation of any consistent golf swing. You’ve achieved the right stance when your feet are a little more than your shoulder’s width apart. The right grip should always feel comfortable and you should avoid squeezing the club too tight. If you’re arms or back are sore after playing a few rounds of golf you’re stance or grip probably need some correcting.

Once you’ve decided to get some more information on how to achieve a better golf swing you’ll probably be left wondering where to start. We all know the internet offers a world of information on any topic and golf instruction is no exception. However, if you’ll start browsing randomly through websites that pop up first chances are you won’t feel like you’re getting exactly what you were hoping for. Search engines will pull out the semi-relevant websites and in the end you’ll just end up wondering where all the good information is. If you want real golf swing tips from real people there’s only one answer: blogs. Truly passionate golf players have set up blogs in order to share their knowledge with other players from all over the world. At cameronsgolfblog.com you can take a look at what Cameron Strachan has to say about improving your golf swing.

More and more people are choosing golf as their number one leisure activity. This is a sport you can play with your friends and see how you improve each time you’re on the grass. However, if you really want to bring significant improvements to your golf swing you should take up some golf lessons. Golf swing instruction is currently available online so you won’t even have to leave the house to get the greatest tips. Cameron Strachan invites you to discuss, study and ultimately improve your golf swing.            



Doris

Kevin T. Fairbanks asked:


There are 6 basic steps in the golf swing that each golfer should be aware prior to each golf shot. Step number 1 is body alignment relative to the target. Start by standing 2 to 3 yards behind the golf ball, with your body and the ball forming a straight line to the target. Pick out a guiding target directly behind and directly in front of the golf ball that is in the line your body and the golf make toward the target. These targets could be anything on the ground inches in front and behind the golf ball like leaves, grass, a broken tee, whatever. Focus on these ground targets that fall on the line you picked out to the target as you approach the golf ball.

Align the club face behind the ball, with the center of the club face on a direct line between the two ground targets you have selected. Grip the club with just enough tension to keep it from slipping in your hands throughout the course of the golf swing. Align your feet on a parallel plane with your ground targets, shoulder width apart, and the knees slightly bent. The front foot should be pointed slightly outward, toward the target, to allow your hips to flow freely through the swing.

Your upper body should tilt a bit toward the ball while keeping good posture. Your arms should hang loosely in front of your body to loosely grip the golf club. Your shoulders should line up parallel with the golf ball to target line and your toes. Your head should tilt down with your eyes on the back of the golf ball where you want the club head to impact it. This part of the golf swing is known as the setup or addressing the ball.

This element of the golf swing is the back swing or take away. Your back elbow should remain closely tucked to your ribs as you slowly take the golf club back. The golf club should remain on a straight line along the plane of your alignment toward the target on the ground. The front arm should remain straight throughout this part of the swing and always keep your eye on the back of the golf ball where you want the club face to impact the ball. This back swing motion should instinctively place your chin into your front shoulder. Your hips should stay still and tilted a bit, while your front knee will turn in. At the top of your back swing, your wrists should cock a little. This allows for a more powerful down swing and more distance on your golf shot.

Bring the club downward toward the ball, uncoiling the wrists, and shifting your weight onto your front foot. You should attempt to generate force and speed on your down swing, while never taking the club face off of the target line. Upon making contact with the ball, the club face should strike the ground as it moves through, taking a divot from the ground in the area past where the ball was lying, and through your second ground target.

The finish will generate a bit more distance if done properly. Follow through the golf swing with a high follow through of the golf club. Your rotation of the hips should have turned them directly toward your target. Since your weight will shift, it should now be squarely on your front leg. You should now be seeing your golf ball soaring toward your target in a nice arcing trajectory.



Tommy

Tommy H asked:


I’ve always kind of cycled with my golf swing, especially with my driver. I can only hit my driver straight every so often and I’ve never been able to use a 3 or 4 iron. Does anyone have any suggestions on good books that could help me out with my swing and perhaps all aspects of my game?

Vanessa

CARTER asked:


In the fairway,clipping the grass on your practice swing tells you it is correct.

I find it hard to get the feel when there is hardground fairway,hardpan chip or a soft,muddy lie.

Any suggestions?

Lucille