Jack . asked:


Is it inhale during your back swing and exhale as you come forward through your finish? What do professional tour players do?

Hazel

Paul Buntrage asked:


Golf Swing: 3 Ways to Develop more Power

How can you improve the power of your golf swing? This is a question that all of us want an answer to. Most golfers go to great lengths to get that extra yard off the tee. But how many people actually know that golf swing power is the result of these three specific factors?

* The first and probably most evident of the three is ’swing mechanics’. Everybody is aware of how important the mechanics of a swing are when it comes to driving the ball. If you are over the top with your swing or come inside too much, you’ll see that dreaded slice or snap hook. Your drives will be inevitably be too short, too low, too high, left, right, or a combination of these if you are putting bad swings on the ball.

To improve your game, it is essential for a golfer to work on the mechanics of the swing at every possible opportunity. The golf swing is a highly complex, mechanically movement, that requires constant work to keep it highly efficient and in check. Professionals realise the importance and have swing coaches that work with them on a consistent basis.

Amateurs throughout the world pack driving ranges, week in and week out, pounding balls without any improvement. This, I feel, is a result of one of two things: a lack of instruction, or low levels of golf strength. A lack of instruction leads to the development and ingraining of improper swing mechanics. This only results in slices, hooks, topping the ball, and hitting it fat on the course. And we all know that those types of swings lead to frustration and bad rounds of golf. I would suggest to almost anyone: find a good instructor and take lessons on a consistent basis. This can only help your game in the long run. But if private lessons sound too expensive for ‘just a past-time’ then consider video tutorials and books in the very least. Swing mechanics are a fundamental in improving your power.

* The second of the three factors is what we term golf strength. It is probably the least recognized of the three, but for many is the ‘key’ to longer drives; yet the category is given the least amount of attention, especially by amateurs. Golf strength is defined as how well your body is conditioned to swing a golf club with maximum power (ie. it is a measure of fitness). Although probably the least understood of the three, golf strength maybe the most needed by golfers in general.

Strength, in terms of golf, is not about how much you can bench press or how much your biceps bulge! Golf strength and weight room strength, are very different. If you do not quite understand the difference, ask yourself one question: How many bodybuilders do you see on Tour?!!

It comes down to this idea: the mechanics of a golf swing require specific levels of flexibility, balance, stability, strength, endurance, and power to perform it efficiently. If your body does not have these required capacities, then the result will be obvious a less than optimal swing.

Essentially, your body supports your swing. I am sure that all of us would choose to build a house on a stone foundation rather than a sand foundation, wouldn’t we? Yet I will say that many amateurs make a different choice when it comes to their golf swing.

Regardless of how much time you work on your swing mechanics, if your body does not have the ‘golf strength’ to support the swing, you are limiting your potential. I have seen it numerous times, people practicing at the range who struggle, not because of trying to get better, but because their bodies are limiting what they can do with their swing. Quite often I see people with limited flexibility, poor balance capabilities, and low levels of strength and power. The bottom line is that your mechanics will not get better until you fix the body that swings the club!

Up to this point we have discussed the two most important ideas when it comes to power on the golf course. A review of the topics tells us that they are optimal swing mechanics and the proper levels of ‘golf strength’. One without the other is going to leave you short when it comes to potential in your game.

* The third most important factor to improve the power of your golf swing is: equipment. Yes, equipment. It does make a real difference to how far you drive the ball. The equipment manufacturers have let this fact be known to everyone, and I bet we all have gone to the pro shop probably more than twice to pick up a new driver that claims to give us that elusive 20 yards. It should be remembered however that, that extra distance might not be down the middle of the fairway; it will give you an extra 20 yards alright… but it could be left, could be right, or it could be down the centre of the fairway. That all depends on points one and two of this article. Equipment and technological advances have definitely lengthened the distance of our drives. But without better swing mechanics and your body in better golf shape, new technology will not help your game. A bad swing will produce a bad result, regardless of what type of ‘new’ driver you may have just purchased.

I think the majority of golfers are aware of the advances that have occurred in golf equipment over the last 20 years. I mean, in the glorious ’80’s when we were still playing with woods that actually had wooden club heads! Imagine that for a moment, and now we are using drivers with space age faces that shoot the ball off of them at warp speed. In addition, we have to mention the advances in terms of golf balls. How manufacturers design golf balls today makes a difference in how far they travel. What a lot of people do not realize is that the USGA has set standards on how ‘hot’ driver faces can be and how ‘fast’ balls can come off the face of drivers. Most clubs are reaching this limit, and anything past these USGA rules becomes illegal to play (in the professional game only of course!).

There’s no doubt that custom made golf clubs can make a significant improvement to your swing power. But before you go off and spend a fortune, remember the saying: ‘a bad workman always blames his tools’. In other words, first improve the fundamentals of your swing mechanics and golfing fitness before you make any purchase.

So in summary, what does power really come down to?

It comes down to three simple ideas. Number one is improving your golf swing mechanics. Improved mechanics will improve your driving distance. Number two is improving your golf strength. By improving your body as it pertains to the golf swing you will improve your distance off the tee. Finally, equipment does make a difference, but only if you hit the ball correctly.

Best of luck with your game.

Alan

Becky asked:


I’ve been playing golf for 9 years now and i have become preety good at it but i just need that extra bit of work yet to do so i just wanted to know how to improve my swing.
Thanx ever so much
Becky

Tom

Helen Hecker asked:


When you’re playing golf badly it isn’t a lot of fun. You need great hand-eye coordination, balance, athletic ability and creativity to play golf. You may receive all the greatest golf tips in the world, take countless lessons and get superior instruction and still may not be able to gain consistency.

If you’ve hit with your golf driver perfectly once, you can do it every time; the subconscious mind knows the correct number and sequence of muscle contractions and nerve impulses needed, called muscle memory. Concentrate totally on your game and you’ll get the best score. Always be aware the mental aspect of the game contributes one way or another to the difficulty of the golf swing.

Swing slowly and steadily using a nice rhythm. At the end of a backswing the hands are above the right shoulder, with the golf club pointing more or less in the intended direction of ball flight. Accomplished golfers purposely use sidespin to steer their ball around obstacles or towards the safe side of fairways and greens.

Sidespin occurs when the clubface is not aligned perpendicularly to the plane of swing. As the body matures, the ability to rotate the upper torso is affected by age, and the hand action can also slow down requiring a slightly stronger grip. Ask your golf pro to evaluate your posture while swinging.

Pick out a spot on the course, preferably the green of the fairway, and concentrate on hitting the ball to that spot. At the end of a swing, the weight has shifted almost entirely to the left foot, the body is fully turned to the left and the hands are above the left shoulder with the club hanging down over the players’ back. Use the muscles in your legs and trunk when you swing.

The backswing is a rotation to the right, consisting of a shifting of the player’s body weight to the right side, a turning of the pelvis and shoulders, lifting of the arms and flexing of the elbows and wrists. Putting can become a nightmare and a condition called the ‘yips’ has affected not only amateurs but professionals as well; get expert advice and consider a golf swing aid.

Hold a medicine ball and turn back and forth; it must be rotational to improve your driving distance. The state of the physical condition is very often overlooked as a possible cause of golf swing problems. To prevent injury and improve swing speed and distance requires your body to be both strong and flexible.

Golf swing aids can be found online and are often cheaper. Golf magazines often review the newest golf swing aids and are reviewed by golfers, making it easy to choose the right one for you. Most of all don’t waste your money on a golf swing aid you don’t need or will never use.

If you’re looking for an aid to improve your stance they’re not hard to find. Golf swing aids come in all shapes and sizes including apparel type accessories to correct alignment or a golf club add-on accessory to monitor your swing. You can find golf swing aids that will help you with your wrist and arm position.

There are golf swing aids that act as driving range simulators. Before buying any golf swing aid, check with an expert to get an idea of what problem you need to work on first; backlift of golf swing, momentum of downward thrust or stance for example. Sporting goods stores have golf aids to improve your game.

There are golf swing aids that will help you with swing alignment. There are a number of good golf swing aids on the market today.

When you play a round of golf, concentrate on improving your golf swing, putting or something specific that day; have a plan in mind. There are a lot of places to get golf swing tips, golf game tips and golf instruction so when you do have time to hit the course, you’ll have a plan in mind. Golfers can never get enough golf tips.

Brent

I Am Tired asked:


Someone told me the correct way to swing a golf club is to swing with the opposite arm of your dominant arm. Is this true?

It doesn’t make any sense.

Theodore

n.burt79 asked:


I seemed to have developed a slice on my golf swing and can’t sort it out. I think i’ve got it down to opening the club face on my down swing. Has anyone got any ideas how to solve this?

Natalie

Andrew S asked:


On a recent post I was told to keep your back to the target, then drop your arms. What are tips to do this successfully.

Francis

Lee Collins asked:


You don’t have to understand all the ins and outs of the golf swing in order to play well, but it certainly will help.
A person usually cannot pick up a golf club for the first time and swing it with perfection.
But, the body can learn the correct way to swing a golf club.
One gotcha is to be sure to NOT lift your head to view the alignment of the club face during the back swing and/or downswing.
The best focusing points for a consistent swing are:
1) efficient golf swing mechanics and
2) the body.
By keeping your joints supple and flexible, you could help ensure the length of your golf swing and even your club head speed.
Golf Swing Mechanics and Your Body
In order to learn efficient golf swing mechanics, the golf swing has to match your body’s ability.
The ability to maintain your body in the correct “balanced” position, while going through your golf swing, requires intense neuromuscular control.
Training muscles involved in the golf swing, particularly the lower body and torso muscles, helps to hit the ball a greater distance.
The key is to play with optimal golf swing mechanics to reduce stress on your spine. If you ignore either the body or the mechanics, it would be safe to say that your golf swing and game will suffer.
It is also important to mention that the motion of a golf swing, if done incorrectly, can cause injuries in many parts of the body.
Injuries to the key muscle groups used in the golf swing can be significantly lowered by improving flexibility.

Remember Your Posture
Your posture sets the tone for an unobstructed, free-flowing and uncomplicated golf swing.
Every error in your posture magnifies itself throughout your golf swing, and nowhere is that more amplified than on the backswing.
Look at your posture.
Proper posture allows you to make the golf swing and protect your back. You should focus to physically try to stay in your golf posture until the end of your swing.
Finally, The Swing
Without question the golf swing is one of the most important aspects about the game of golf.
Timing is the key to a great swing.
The set-up is the first crucial part of golf swing timing. If your swing is off, the golf ball could fall too short or go too far.
Allow your eyes to go to the ball to begin your swing. Remember your posture and your stance.
Now the backswing. The backswing does not hit the golf ball, but this does not mean that executing a good backswing is not important.
All of the motion ties into one another. It can be hard to master, as the golf swing is not a natural motion for most people.
But practicing and focusing on key aspects will go a long way to improving your swing.
Remember your body is one of these key aspects.
A strong lower back is critical to making an effective turning motion in the golf swing. And don’t rush into it. Never try to hit a golf ball until your swing is second nature.
Now that We Have the Basics, How to Improve
Practice, practice and more practice. This doesn’t necessarily mean time spent every day, but it does mean to focus on all the key aspects each time you do practice.
Two aspects require tuning and development of you wish to improve the power in your golf swing; timing and form.
You can work on drills to improve your golf swing timing, always remembering to start with a solid setup. In regard to form, powerful abdominals will improve posture at the address and help to prevent lower-back pain associated with the golf swing.
Also, by working on your stance and finishing position, your golf swing is on its way to giving you a perfect game.
Maintaining Power
As time goes on you may be losing your ability to produce power in your golf swing.
An inefficient golf swing decreases the amount of power delivered to golf swing. Great players attest that focussing on proper body stance and a smooth, focused swing maximizes your power and develops an athletic golf swing with perfect balance.
Many things go into playing a great game of golf, none as important as having the proper golf swing and body form.
This will not just increase your ability in the game, but also your enjoyment.

Peter

woods asked:


I used to be muscular, and while I could hit the ball pretty far, I couldn’t hit it consistently well. My muscles, notably chest muscles, would impede my golf swing. Now that I’m much less muscular (rather skinny), my golf swing is like butter and I hit it extremely well (though not as far). However, I want to put on muscle mass again and am wondering if there’s a way to maintain my current golf swing while doing so.

Thanks in advance.

Rafael

Kyle Richey asked:


Golf is one of the most technical sports in terms of player technique. However, it isn’t as complicated as some players make it out to be. In fact, in order to improve your game, all you have to do is learn and implement the basics correctly.

As any experienced golfer will tell you, the key to having the lowest score in golf is to get your golf swing right. Once you have a decent golf swing, you can hit the ball in whichever direction and for whatever distance you want 8 times out of 10. If you’ve ever marveled at how easily great golfers like Tiger Woods or Vijay Singh get the golf ball to do their bidding, then you should probably know that these players first spent years perfecting their golf swing basics to reach the top of their game.

Here is a brief look at the important golf swing basics:

Golf Swing Basic #1:

The golf swing begins at the time before you are about to tee off. This is where a lot of amateur golfers lose focus and end up hitting the ball into the pond or woods instead of the fairway. Here, it is important to make a mental map in your head and chart out a specific area where you would like for the golf ball to land and concentrate on hitting it there. Once you do this, you should be able to hit your target without much problem. The key to this is mental focus.

Golf Swing Basic #2:

Next, you need to take care of how well you grip the handle of your golf club. If your grip is too relaxed you are likely to end up slicing the ball and if you grip the club handle too tight, you will probably hook the shot instead of hitting it where you want to. The solution is to find the right grip level that you are comfortable with before the back-swing. Speaking of which, another important golf swing basic is the back-swing.

Golf Swing Basic #3:

It is a common mistake for rookie golfers to raise the club somewhat casually during the back-swing. If you make this error, it means that you won’t be able to hit the ball very far. This is because, the downswing is where, as you begin to twist your body and energy from your muscles is stored as potential energy, which is then converted into kinetic energy during the downswing and all that energy is transferred to the golf ball at the point of impact. To put it simply, you need to be like a tightly wound up spring in order to generate enough momentum and the best way to achieve that is by executing the back-swing in one motion moving only your arms and not your hands or wrists!

Golf Swing Basic #4:

After the back-swing comes the all important downswing. The secret to getting this right is to make sure that you have a smooth and gradual back-swing to begin with and then bring down the head of the club at least 30-35% faster than the speed of your back-swing.

Golf Swing Basic #5:

One of the most important basics for a good swing is the pivot movement during the back-swing. For right-handers, it is pertinent to get the left shoulder and hips properly into correct alignment while transferring weight slightly to the inside of the right foot. At the same time, it’s equally important to keep this movement as natural as possible without overdoing it.

To conclude, apart from the above-mentioned golf swing basics, the best way to start a day of golf is to step up to the tee with a positive mindset, since a nervous golfer is a poor golfer. So just be confident, stick to the basics and you should comfortably find your way around the golf course better than most!

Gregory