Golf Swing Guide

Sean Cochran asked:


Golf exercises involving flexibility training can improve your shoulder turn and golf swing speed. The biomechanics of the golf swing require high levels of flexibility to execute correctly. And all to often the golfer is lacking in the required levels of flexibility to execute the golf swing correctly, resulting in compensations to occur within the swing. Causing a loss of club head speed, distance, and accuracy with every shot in the bag.

In order to prevent such a situation from occurring and to allow you the opportunity to execute the golf swing correctly. We must assure ourselves your body has the flexibility levels required of the golf swing. The achievement of this result can occur through the utilization of flexibility exercises for golf.

First off let us quickly define flexibility. Flexibility is the ability of your body to move through the “required” range of motion to perform the activity at hand (a simplified definition but it work it for us). Knowing this definition and combining it with what you know about golf swing mechanics. We can come to the conclusion that in order to swing a club on the correct path, the body must have the required flexibility parameters to move that club on the correct path.

The most common areas of the body where flexibility becomes an issues for the golf swing and most individuals is the lower back, hamstrings, hips, and shoulders. “Tightness” in any of these areas of body can impede the ability of drawing the club on the correct swing path. Resulting in poor execution of the golf swing itself.

Now here is the interesting point about flexibility and the golf swing. The greater range of motion you can get the club to move through in relation to the swing plane (remember, range of motion is contingent on your bodies flexibility), the greater amount of power you can develop. Thus allowing you to increase your clubhead speed, increase the distance of your drives, and lower your scores. A pretty simple equation when you put it all together.

So if you are finding “tightness” in any of the muscles incorporated within the golf swing this could well be hampering your swing and the distance you are hitting all of your golf shots. Implementing golf exercises in the form of flexibility training in your golf fitness program could help this situation.

Sean Cochran is one of the most recognized golf fitness instructors in the world today. He travels the PGA Tour regularly working with professional golfers, most notable PGA and Masters Champion Phil Mickelson. To learn more about Sean Cochran and his golf fitness exercises and training programs go to http://www.seancochran.com



Sheila

Boris Tomson asked:


Master Golf Right Away - Quick Tips For Improving Your Golf Swing

Improving your golf swing would really be a very good attempt to play golf perfectly. The intention would itself keep you motivated and you can become a master in golf by simply abiding to the tips that are furnished below. Once you start following them, you would see the difference for yourself. Other than this, you need not worry about any other factor for improving your golf swing.Visit to : http://golfclub-review.blogspot.com

Positioning yourself is the most tricky part in golf and you should be certainly be able to do this as a measure to improving your golf swing. All that you have to do is to imagine a line between the flag you are targeting and the ball. You should now position yourself parallel to this imaginary line. This is the basics of golf and would greatly help in improving the golf swing.

Holding the golf club correctly is essential. Improving the golf swing would become very simple and easy if one of these three different methods is followed. The Vardon or Overlapping Grip, Interlocking Grip and the Baseball Grip are the three most commonly used methods.

Baseball grip method best suits young children and elders who have small hands. The next method for improving your golf swing is Vardon or Overlapping method in which the smallest finger in the right hand is kept between the index and middle finger in the left hand. In the next method, which is called as the Interlocking method in golf, the index finger of the left hand and the little finger on the right hand are locked together producing a grip.Visit to : http://golfclub-review.blogspot.com

The next technique which helps in improving the golf swing is the grip of the left hand. The club should be held in the left hand with the shaft lying across the top of the fingers. The thumb can as well be placed straight across the top of the fingers in order to have a natural grip. One more point which should be noted is that the thumb of the right hand should be pointing to the right shoulder.

Maintaining a decent distance between the two legs is the next important step used for improving your golf swing. This distance between the legs should be equal to the length of the shoulder. Essential parts of the body like the shoulder, knee, hip and the foot should all be parallel. It is also essential in golf that the upper portion of the body should lean slightly. But the knees can be relaxed.

Conscientiously focus on proper body positioning when practicing your swing. Keep your shoulders and upper body together while the only your hand is turned as your body is rotating through the swing. Do this and improvement will surely come.

The most essential point to be remembered in golf for improving your golf swing is that your shoulder and body’s upper part should never move. Movement in these areas would reduce the body’s balance and result in a bad shot. The uniqueness of golf is that just the arm has to be rotated and the rest of the body has just to rotate like a swing in the direction the arm moves. If keen attention is paid to these factors, no one can stop you from improving your golf swing. http://golfclub-review.blogspot.com



Jimmy

Sean Cochran asked:


Golf exercises within a golf fitness program can improve the shoulder turn in your golf swing. The specific type of golf exercises we are talking about are flexibility exercises. This type of golf fitness exercise is the center of your improving a shoulder turn in the golf swing. Interesting when we discuss flexibility and the golf swing the majority of attention is centered upon the lower back, and rightfully so! The area of the lower back and hips are major components in every phase of the golf swing. In the same breath we must remember the golf swing is a “total body” athletic movement requiring flexibility from the upper body as well.

This being said there are absolutely other areas of the body requiring flexibility to execute the golf swing. Research indicates areas of the upper body require flexibility to execute the backswing, downswing, and follow through phases of the swing. If a lack of flexibility exists in the upper body the ability to execute an efficient golf swing will be hampered.

One such area of the upper body requiring flexibility is the shoulder joint. This joint from anatomical perspective is considered a ball and socket joint. As a result this joint has a large amount of mobility within it. The mobility within this joint allows for golfer to complete a full shoulder turn, execute a downswing into impact, and complete a follow through.

If restrictions exist in the shoulder capsule compensations will occur in the golf swing. First and foremost “tightness” in this joint will cause difficulties at address position. Typically you will find golfers with shoulder restrictions unable to place the body in the correct set-up position and they will have a tendency to be in what is termed a “c-posture” where the shoulders are rounded forwarded.

In addition to problems with the address position, shoulder restrictions restrict ranges of motion backswing, create difficulty in squaring the clubface, cause an inability to release the club after impact, and impede the follow through. All of which will lead to difficulties with the golf swing.

To correct joint restrictions in the shoulder capsule we must first look at the muscles surrounding the joint. This would include the superficial muscles of the shoulder such as the deltoids, the rotator cuff, and muscles of the upper back. These are the muscles responsible for facilitating movement in the shoulder joint. In addition if any of these muscles found within these muscle groups are “tight” or “weak” shoulder mobility will be affected.

To correct such problems, increase shoulder mobility, and improve your golf swing. The addition of stretching and strengthening exercises for will be of great benefit. These types of exercises will focus on creating flexibility in the muscles that are commonly “tight” in the shoulder capsule, and develop strength in the ones that are “weak”.

Keep in mind the golf swing is “total body athletic action” requiring strength and flexibility from all the muscles of the body. The process by which we can improve these components of the golf swing is through a golf fitness program which incorporate golf exercises in the form of flexibility training.

Sean Cochran is one of the most recognized golf fitness instructors in the world today. He travels the PGA Tour regularly working with professional golfers, most notable PGA and Masters Champion Phil Mickelson. To learn more about Sean Cochran and his golf fitness exercises and training programs go to http://www.seancochran.com



Stacy

John Lynch asked:


The secrets to a consistent golf swing are hidden in the laws of physics

I was recently discussing the golf swing with a physics professor I had met on the golf course. He said there are really only 2 physical principals that impact a consistent golf swing (he described the forces due to gravity as being negligible in the golf swing).

The physics professor went on to say - “The truth is COAM and Torque is by far the 2 most important factors when learning to build a consistent golf swing.”

COAM being the Conservation Of Angular Momentum - the principal that states angular momentum of an object remains constant as long as no external force or moment acts on that object.

COAM says if the object (club head) is brought closer to the axis (formed by the golfer’s stable spine), it speeds up. If the club head is moved further out, it slows down. In a consistent golf swing, as the player rotates the club, the hands move farther from the body or axis and slow down. This reduction in momentum feeds into the much lighter club and increases the speed of the club head in the last part of the stroke, in a whiplash type of effect, increasing the force of impact on the ball.

To further illustrate Conservation Of Angular Momentum, picture an ice skater performing a stationary spin on ice. When the skater moves her arms closer to her body, she spins much faster…as the arms are brought farther from the body, the ice skater spins slower.

He described the other principal in a consistent golf swing as Torque.

Torque equals Force X Length(T = FL); where “F” being Force and “L” being length of the lever in our case the length of the golf club shaft.

“F” or Force can be further broken down using Newton’s equation for Force; F= ma (Force equals mass X acceleration)

So we now have Torque = mass x acceleration x length (T = maL)

“m” being the mass of the club head, “a” being the acceleration of the club head, and “L” being the length of the golf club.

It is Torque or the twisting action of the golf club that gives real leverage in a consistent golf swing.

Now that you know a little golf swing physics, how do you maximize the principals of Torque and COAM into YOUR golf swing? The secret - you must develop the late hit or “lag” into your golf swing.

The truth is, you will unleash an enormous amount of power at impact because of the principals of Torque and COAM.

The secret is to find a golf instruction system that teaches you how to develop the late hit into your golf swing or you will never reach your potential as a golfer.

It is simply amazing how fast you can build a consistent golf swing by learning the late hit. This is because your swing will now be in harmony with the physical laws of nature - this is how a 150LB golfer can crush 340 yard drives - he is able to harness an incredible amount of power due to Torque and COAM!

Hit ‘em Long & Straight!

–John



Theodore

SoSueme asked:


I have tried the Inside Approach and other training devices, but would like to know if anyone has found, used and had great success with a product that really focuses on making more solid contact with a golf ball and helps improve long iron play. I sometimes shank balls, especially with long irons. Please help! Thanks!

Ann

Peter L asked:


I just signed up for my 2nd set of golf lessons and they have switched up what I have been taught to do. Instead of trying to hit a golf shot with a straight trajectory…my instructor is telling me my bread and butter should be a draw….everything feels different…you guys think this is a good idea? His reasoning is that a straight golf shot is the hardest of all to hit consistently…mixed results so far…what you guys think

Christopher

Joseph Tierney asked:


If only we all had the perfect golf swing, wouldn’t that be nice? Too bad we don’t - but hey, that is why I am here right? I have all kinds of great tips that you can use to make your golf swing better than you ever dreamed possible. You would be surprised to learn how many people don’t really know what the proper golf swing is all about. Keep reading and test your knowledge!

First comes the grip, even if you have been playing for years there is a chance that you are not holding the golf club in the best fashion. People can pull off swings with things all out of whack but if you want to be good, I mean really good, you have to learn what makes a grip a good grip.

So, grab your club and hold it like you would if you were going to take a swing at the golf ball. How are your hands situated? Neither hand should be facing right down, this is vital to a good swing. Many people have their hands going in all directions and this leads to a very awkward swing indeed. You should have your hands to the side, similar to the way they would be facing if you were to be shaking someone hand. Your thumbs should be going in the same direction towards the head of the golf club with the only real spot of overlap there the backhands thumb is under the other hand a bit. Does that make sense? Having this correct grip will change the way that you play golf, just give it a try, it will take you far in learning the proper golf swing.

Another thing to remember is that the golf swing does not have to be one continuous motion. Most of the best golfers have a small pause at the top of their backswing. By taking that little break just before you begin your downswing you will be able to assure that your downswing is all that it can be. If you rush it and you go too fast then you are going to run into trouble and lose all control on the way down. This will lead to wild swings that get you nowhere in your game.

Then there are the body factors, the actual muscles and things of that nature. What many people do not realize is that there are a lot of muscles that go into playing golf, in fact if you are not careful you could even throw out your back. It may be tempting to use the wrists a lot when you swing that club but you need to understand that a good golf swing does not come from the writ, it comes from the legs and the trunk of your body. When you throw your whole body into the proper golf swing you are going to connect with the ball every time and you are going to find that your stroke is more powerful and more accurate than if you tried to simply strong arm the club.

The proper golf swing is made up of many little elements that all go together to make one perfect whole. By focusing on each of them you will be able to put them together like a fantastic puzzle t the end. This will leave you with a golf swing to die for and you will be the envy of everyone at the club, I guarantee it.



Beatrice

Sean Cochran asked:


Golf fitness stretching and corollary golf exercises are an easy way to improve your golf swing. The utilization of golf exercises within a golf fitness program can enhance many aspects of the golf swing and your golf game.The amateur golfer can improve their ability to execute the golf swing, complete a full shoulder turn, generate more clubhead speed, and hit more accurate shots with improved flexibility. The process an amateur golfer can improve their flexibility is through golf stretches.

Before providing information on what are the best stretches for golfer let us define flexibility. Flexibility refers to range of motion. It is defined as the optimal extensibility of all soft tissues in the body (Michael Clark, Director, National Academy of Sports Medicine). The biomechanics of the swing require the golfer to swing the club on the correct plane. In order for the biomechanics of the swing to be executed correctly every muscle, ligament, and tendon in the body must allow for optimal joint range of motion.

Increased flexibility is the benefit of stretching. These benefits occur through the elongation (i.e. stretching) of soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments). Typically certain muscles in your body are in a shortened position (i.e. “tight”), causing restrictions in the golf swing. Golf stretches (i.e. elongating) these muscles alleviates these muscles alleviates these restrictions allowing for the ranges of motion required of the golf swing to develop.

Because the golf swing requires a large range of motion from multiple joints (ankle, hip, thoracic spine, and shoulder), I suggest performing a series of flexibility exercises for the entire body. Many golfers will find “tightness” in the hamstrings, hips, lower, and upper back causing restrictions in their joint range of motions as well as golf swing. This may require additional golf stretches to assist in the restrictions caused by these muscles.

Guidelines to golf stretches are quite simple. A comprehensive series of stretches for golf should be completed a minimum of four times per week. If an individual desires these exercises can be performed daily. In addition to performing golf stretches multiple times per week each exercise should be take each target muscle passively to the point of “tension” and holding the stretch for 30 seconds. Do not attempt to “bounce” or “push” the stretch for this can result in injury. Pay strict attention to technique with each of your stretches. It also recommended to perform a warm-up prior to your golf stretches to get more out of each exercise. The following are the stretches I often recommend to the amateur player; Rotators, 90/90 Hamstrings, Cats Down, Cats Up, Piriformis, Kneeling Hip Flexor, Openers, Standing Calf, and Standing Quadricep.

Remember how golf fitness stretches and other types of golf exercises can improve many aspects of your golf swing. The placement of golf fitness stretches in a golf training program is one step to improvement in your golf swing. Keep in mind what is required from the body in regards to the golf swing, and that one of these requirements is drawing the club through a long range of motion. If your body lacks the flexibility to perform this requirement of the golf swing, the ability to execute and efficient golf swing will be compromised.

Sean Cochran is one of the most recognized golf fitness instructors in the world today. He travels the PGA Tour regularly working with professional golfers, most notable PGA and Masters Champion Phil Mickelson. To learn more about Sean Cochran and his golf fitness exercises and training programs go to http://www.seancochran.com



Charlotte

Andy asked:


Its right below my arm pit. And its really affecting my golf swing. What can i do to help heal it? How long will I have it(since yesterday)?

Constance