Chu asked:


What is the best swing training aid you have used that has helped your golf game.

Tammy

Chris M asked:


I just began golfing and find that many of the instructional aids don’t discuss what the hands should be doing during the golf swing. My question is should I hinge my wrist towards my forearm or should they hinge towards the sky? Thanks for any help.

Bernice

Helen Hecker asked:


Most golfers don’t know that eighty percent of the world’s golfers have a handicap of 18 or more. The biggest concerns of golfers today are inconsistency first of all, followed by slicing and distance. Golf is a difficult game to master and most golfers don’t have the time it takes to practice, practice, and practice to significantly improve.

Keep the good energy flowing and don’t give in to any negative thoughts. Approach the game with a positive attitude and repeat affirmations if you can, such as “I play great golf all the time.” Visualize where you would like the ball to land, as you swing.

Use the muscles in your legs and trunk when you swing. Make sure to use the proper technique. Accomplished golfers purposely use sidespin to steer their ball around obstacles or towards the safe side of fairways and greens.

Use the basic ‘hitchhiker’ position when you’re working on your backswing. 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. The most important thing about the golf swing is the angle and not the strength that’s applied to it.

Trust your golf club to do the job it was intended to do. It’s difficult for a golfer to practice hitting shots longer than short pitch shots unless one pays to play golf or pays to practice at a driving range or indoor golf training facility. Try not to grip the club too tightly.

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. Many golfers who are strongly left-handed in their daily life prefer the right-handed swing.

To prevent injury and improve swing speed and distance requires your body to be both strong and flexible. It’s no secret; most of the professional players actively participate in workouts. The state of the physical condition is very often overlooked as a possible cause of golf swing problems.

Golf swing aids come in all shapes and sizes including apparel type accessories to correct alignment or a club add-on accessory to monitor your swing. Aids can be found online and are often cheaper. There are aids that will help you with swing alignment.

Be careful about the claims on TV commercials and magazine ads; seek expert advice before you buy because they may not live up to their claims. Golf swing aids will improve your game. Golf magazines often review the newest golf swing aids and are reviewed by golfers, making it easy to choose the right one for you.

If you’re looking for an aid to improve your stance they’re not hard to find. Keep in mind that with some golf swing aids, you may still need advice or help from an expert. If you’re a golfing novice just starting out, it’s easy to become overwhelmed.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, pick just one aid and go to work on your swing. You can find golf swing aids that will help you with your wrist and arm position.

With plenty of practice, a better golf swing will be the end result. Practice, practice, practice! When you play a round of golf, concentrate on improving your golf swing, putting or something specific that day; have a plan in mind.

Brian

K Shinn asked:


I am an above average golfer in my opinion and have a 10.4 handicap with an average drive of 240 yards with a draw, and I am always attempting to improve my golf swing whether it is through magazines, reading on-line, or watching television. The main thing I notice is that golfers are always talking about generating power through legs and hips. Whenever I attempt to use more legs and hips I either move forward and hit off the heel, or get a major slice. My current swing I just keep a large majority of weight on my back foot for as long as I possibly can. I know that this can result in duck hooks, but I only get about one of these at most a round. Please offer any advise or drills so I can figure out how to use more hips and legs.

Brandon

D Fraser asked:


Are you looking to give yourself an edge in the game of golf over your friends. Continually slicing or hooking the ball in the woods on the first tee? A golf swing analyzer is specifically for finding those minute points of your swing mechanics that are causing you to slice, hook, or duff the ball and improve on them.

A golf swing analyzer can take one of two forms, a simple use at home device, or something more technical that would be golf instruction centers. Pricing of course like everything else in this fine game varies from a little to A LOT. You can purchase home swing analyzers for a few hundred bucks, or you could invest maybe a bit less for a one time golf swing analysis at a golf pro center.

The most basic of swing analysis tools is a small electronic device that attaches to the shaft of your golf club. When the golfer swings the device captures information such as club head speed, and can then calculate the distance and projection the ball should travel with that swing. While this device is good to measure particular points of your swing, it doesn’t do much for pointing out errors on mechanics you might be making.

To Get a More Detailed Analysis

To get a more complete picture of your golf swing, you need more in depth analysis. Using computer software and video is the best way to make this happen. Generally a golfer can records his/her swing via a video or digital camera and then load that video in your computer. The software then begins to manipulate it by extracting information about club head speed, path, and angle of contact. From that the golf swing analysis software can judge the distance, and trajectory the ball would have traveled. The software can even make recommendation on swing improvements and where you’d stand to make a big difference.

The most detailed and sophisticated of these video computers golf swing analysis tools are found at golf training centers. A golfer will address the ball (indoors generally) swing at the ball on an artificial tee box, and the ball is captured by a net hanging in front. The whole process is captured by a video camera that is connected directly with golf swing analyzer software package.

Very similar to that in the home version of the golf swing analysis software the swing is transcribed into a computer video that can be dissected. Your biomechanics are studied to extract some basic swing information, along with more detailed studies about your stance, hand position, body posture/alignment and head movement. Remember it’s not just the actual swing that can cause troubles, but also how the rest of your body acts while the swing is taking place.

Many golf swing analysis kits come with a video or cd that provides printouts and feedback reports on your swing. So you have something to go on when your practicing to correct errors in mechanics etc. Also if you do take the time to have your swing analyzed by a pro at a golf center you’ll likely have the option of receiving lessons to help correct what ever errors were found.

Margaret

Helen Hecker asked:


Golf is a difficult game to master and most golfers just don’t have the time it takes to practice, practice, and practice to significantly improve it. When you’re playing golf badly it isn’t much fun, but you can change it if you apply yourself. You may receive the best golf tips in the world, take countless lessons and get superior instruction and still may not be able to gain consistency.

Overall, you generally want to play golf with confidence; know you are improving your swing each time you play. Approach the game with a positive attitude and repeat affirmations, for example, ‘I play the greatest golf all the time.’ It’s been proven that thinking positively about bettering your golf game will benefit you more than playing to compete with your partners and trying to win for the sake of winning. Not that if you’ve hit with your golf driver perfectly just once, then you can do it every time; the subconscious mind knows the correct number and sequence of muscle contractions and nerve impulses that are needed, called muscle memory.

And make sure not to grip the golf club too tightly. When you swing, use the muscles in your legs and trunk. Before you swing, make sure you’re relaxed; contract all your muscles tightly for a moment, then relax them.

Putting can become a nightmare and a condition called the ‘yips’ has affected not only amateurs but golf professionals; get expert advice and consider a golf swing trainer. Use the basic ‘hitchhiker’ position when working on your back swing. Ask your golf pro to evaluate your posture and body mechanics while you’re swinging.

The most important thing about the golf swing is the angle, not the strength that’s applied to it, that’s one of many swing secrets. 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 your back. Accomplished golfers purposely use sidespin to steer the ball around obstacles or head toward the safe side of fairways and greens.

At the end of a back swing the hands are above the right shoulder with the golf club pointing more or less in the intended direction of the ball flight. It is difficult for a golfer to practice hitting shots longer than short pitch shots unless of course, one pays to play golf or pays to practice at a driving range or indoor golf training facility.

Once you realize that you can change your swing by using a simple technique, you’ll never underestimate golf fitness again. To prevent injury and improve swing speed and distance requires your body to be strong and flexible. By conditioning your golf muscles you’ll be rewarded with straighter swings. You can get rid of annoying shoulder problems with some simple techniques.

You can find golf trainers that will help you with your wrist and arm position. If you’re looking for an aid to improve your stance they’re easy to find. There are golf swing aids that will help you with your swing alignment too.

Golf swing trainers and aids can often be found online and are often much cheaper. Sporting goods stores also have trainers to improve your game. And they are often available for sale at your pro shop or local golf shop.

There are a wide range of golf swing aids and analyzers on the market today to help the beginning and advanced golfer improve his or her swing techniques. If you’re a golfing novice and just starting out, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Before buying any aid or trainer for your swing, check with an expert to get an idea of what problem you will need to work on first; for example, back lift of golf swing, momentum of downward thrust or the stance.

Buy some golf videos or DVDs and golf swing software, review them and commit yourself to a time to practice what you learn. When you play a round of golf, concentrate on your putting, improving your golf swing or something specific for that day; have a plan in mind each time. Try to concentrate on one of the weaknesses in your swing.

If you apply both mental and physical workouts, your reward will be some super golf swing improvement. Make sure to practice, practice, practice and practice for the perfect, super golf swing!

Glenn

Helen Hecker asked:


It’s important to remember that your golf swing is what drives your score; it’s not your golf clubs or ball. If you’re like most golfers, you desperately want to improve your game, not just hack around the golf course willy-nilly. Still many golfers do play golf just to hack around and have some fun but the more avid players are always looking for ways to improve their golf swing and their overall game.

First of all keep the good positive energy flowing and don’t give in to any negative thoughts. Don’t worry about what others say about your swing; work to improve it at your own speed. A common mental error golfers make when driving the golf ball is to hit it as hard as they can. Understanding the golf swing is one of the first steps you can take toward improvement.

The back swing is a simple rotation to the right, consisting of a shift in the player’s body weight to the right side, a turn of the pelvis and shoulders, a lift of the arms and flexing of the elbows and wrists. The most important thing to remember about the golf swing is the angle, not the strength that’s applied to it, which is one of many of the secrets to a great swing. Have a little faith in your golf club to do the job it was intended to do.

Swing slowly and steadily using good rhythm and biomechanics. Sidespin happens when the clubface is not properly aligned perpendicularly to the plane of the swing. Putting can become a nightmare and a condition called the ‘yips’ has affected not only amateurs but many golf professionals. Get expert advice from the pros and consider a golf swing trainer.

Accomplished golfers purposely use sidespin to steer the ball around obstacles or they head toward the safe side of fairways and greens. Putts and short chips are ideally played without much movement of the body, but almost all of the other golf shots are played using variants of the full golf swing. Many golfers who are left-handed prefer the right-handed swing.

When you swing, use the large muscles in your legs and trunk and if you have problems with your left knee buckling imagine holding a volleyball between your knees.

Many golfers should exercise but don’t. Do turn to golf exercises if you want more strength and power. Workouts with straight crunches will not improve your swing or driving distance though. Instead concentrate on weighted rotational exercises. The proper swing is mostly rotational so it really makes sense to concentrate on your turning ability as it relates to the range of motion and speed. Try using a weighted club so you can make rotational swings to improve your power.

Overall, investing in golf trainers or aids will greatly improve your swing and your game, many say. But it may or may not work for you. If you’re looking for an aid to improve your stance they’re easy enough to find. There are lots of good aids on the market today.

Golf swing trainers and aids can often be found online and are often much cheaper. They are often available for sale at most pro shops or local golf shops. There are a wide range of aids and golf analyzers on the market today to help the beginning and advanced golfer improve swing techniques.

There are aids that’ll help you with your swing alignment. Make sure to look for golf swing trainer reviews and ratings online or offline for any you’re considering. In any case, stick to just one aid at a time.

Now get out on the driving range with all your custom golf clubs, golf bag and other equipment as often as you can. Buy some golf videos or DVDs and some golf swing software if you’re so inclined and commit yourself to a time to practice what you’re learning. There are hundreds of free and simple golf tips in consumer and sports magazines, in golf books, ebooks, software and DVDs online and offline. Finally it’s important to just try to relax and enjoy the game. Practice, practice, practice and you’ll get the perfect, super golf swing!

Dan

Chris Simpson asked:


In order to master the real golf swing techniques there are only two guiding principles that need to be followed: rhythm and balance. Should you control these two, you may give great hits even with an imperfect golf swing. By rhythm, in the definition of golf swing techniques, we refer to the ability to repeat the same movement on a consistent basis and at a specific speed rate. As for balance in golf swing techniques, it is actually obvious when there is body stability. The perfect balance is achieved when the weight is evenly distributed on the feet.

How can you tell that a player masters the golf swing techniques? Well it is really simple for someone who can analyze the move from one end to the other. Watch a professional golf player right when the hit is complete. The finish always shows if there is balance and proves whether one knows the golf swing technique. You should be able to hold your position for a count of three. If that is not possible, then you don’t have a firm knowledge of the golf swing techniques and the shots you send may very well be errant. That really doesn’t work too well for your ego, does it?

One of the most common mistakes that could prevent one from mastering the golf swing techniques is over-swinging. Many players who try to get longer shots believe that with a longer arc, the speed of the club will increase. A very unfortunate golf swing technique is to over-swing and send the club-head in a totally wrong swing plane. Therefore, don’t take the club farther back than you can turn your shoulders. The best way to learn the correct golf swing technique is not to force the muscles of the arms into a movement that doesn’t match that of the body.

Set a daily practice drill to achieve the proper results in terms of golf swing techniques. This should train your muscles for a wider stretch and an improved control to create the arc you want without over-swinging. Moreover, a well-documented site such as Ultimate Golf Tips may help you improve the golf swing techniques that you are already using. You’ll be surprised that with proper practice you’ll have the tendency to develop some sort of independence when it comes to the golf swing techniques, and you will feel more in control of your game.

Cory

robigd2923 asked:


I am looking to purchase a camcorder to record my golf swing. I am not looking to spend $3,000 on something like the Minolta Swing Vision camera you see them using on TV with the 4000 frames per second. Does anyone have any recommendations for camcorders they have used to record their golf swings that are reasonably priced? Thanks!

Lorraine

Sean Cochran asked:


The golf swing is arguably one of the most difficult athletic actions to perform. The golf swing requires you to draw the golf club through a long range of motion with proper technique and exact timing.

Any error in swing plane, timing, or sequence will cause your golf swing to suffer, and suffer it will. Unfortunately, the result of your golf swing suffering will be errant shots, poor golf scores, and frustration on the golf course.

Often the amateur is at a lost for why their golf swing results in errant shots. Countless hours are spent at the range in an effort to improve their golf swing. Hundreds or even thousands of dollars are spent on lessons each year, and not to mention the purchasing of new equipment.

It all adds up to a lot of time and money spent on improving the golf swing. Unfortunately, for many amateur golfers their handicaps and score never improve. Leading to the question “why is my golf game not improving?”

If this is you and this question lingers in your mind. The answer to your question could easily be staring right back at you in the mirror. The failure of improvement may have absolutely nothing to do with the driver you are swinging, the teaching pro helping you with your swing, or even your practice routine. It could all do with you! Yes you, the physical body swinging the golf club.

Keep in mind the golf club does not perform the mechanics of the golf swing. Nor do the mechanics of the golf swing execute themselves without you. It is you and your body executing the mechanics of the golf swing. The point to make is your body directly affects the mechanics of the golf swing.

Additionally, the golf swing requires your body to encompass certain physical qualities to execute the mechanics of the golf swing correctly. These physical qualities are certain levels of flexibility, muscular strength, balance, and power. If you are lacking the minimal amounts of flexibility, balance, strength, and power to execute the golf swing correctly. Compensations will occur even before you swing the golf club.

For example, let’s look at your flexibility. The golf swing requires you to draw the golf club through a large range of motion. The backswing requires a full shoulder turn to set the club in the correct slot for the downswing, and the finish position is almost a mirror image of the backswing.

In order to perform these parts of the golf swing correctly, the muscles of your body must be flexible. An inflexible body in which muscles are “tight” creates restrictions in movement. Restrictions in movement in relation to the golf swing will undoubtedly result in limitations pertaining to golf swing. The limitation will impede you from creating a full shoulder turn and balanced finish position. This causes compensations in the mechanics of the golf swing.

The entire body needs to be flexible for the golf swing. Certain muscles more than others are involved in the golf swing, and if these muscles are “tight” they will directly affect your golf swing. One such set of muscles is your hamstrings.

The hamstrings (back side of your upper leg) are often “tight” and cause problems to many people, not just golfers. However, they have a profound effect on the golf swing and it is not a good effect. Hamstrings that are “tight” are in a shortened position. The shortened position of the hamstrings has a direct effect on the position of your hips. Your hips will be “tucked”, directly affecting your posture. This in itself can hamper the ability to place oneself in the correct position at address within the golf swing, not to mention maintaining a proper spine angle during the swing.

Additionally, “tight” hamstrings place an undo amount of stress on the lower back. Large amounts of stress on the lower back cause fatigue, soreness, and increase the possibility of injury. If you are a golfer that has ever experienced lower back pain you know the effect it has on your ability to swing the golf club correctly.

A combination of a postural change and undo amounts of stress on the lower back, just begin to scratch the surface of the effect inflexible muscles can have on the golf swing. “Tight” muscles change the kinematics of the body. As a result, the biomechanics of the golf swing must be altered. These alterations usually lead to compensations in the mechanics of the golf swing resulting in errant shot patterns on the golf course.

And no matter what you do in terms of practice or instruction these alterations will not go away until you address them. Just as you address swing faults, you must address flexibility faults. Flexibility faults can be addressed through golf stretches.

Golf stretches enhance the flexibility of your body in relation to the golf swing. Golf stretches often times return muscles that are “tight” such as the hamstrings to their proper length. This results in the ability of your body to perform the biomechanics of the golf swing correctly. If you are one of many golfers who are not finding their golf swing improving through practice and instruction. Take a moment and look at the body swinging the golf club. This very well may be the root of your golf swing problems. Fix your flexibility faults through golf stretches and find yourself on the road to lower golf scores and more enjoyment in the game of golf.

Sean Cochran

Phyllis