Improve Golf Swing

Are you searching for a better golf swing? Look no further. See below for our bite-sized guides to developing any aspect of your improving golf swing, and don't forget to read our detailed articles for each one if you need a little extra help.

Understanding Golf Swing Mechanics – Why It Matters

The physics of golf is an intriguing topic, and it's one that the aspiring golfer needs to have an understanding of if he's to perfect his golf swing.

We all know that a bad swing creates a bad shot, but nowhere is this more true than in the directional sense of the ball. Losing a few yards due to a lack of power seems almost irrelevance when you are plagued by hooks and slices. Of course you want to improve both, but start by improving your golf swing accuracy.

The Swing Plane

The key thing to remember is the swing plane. The golf swing plane is simply the line your club makes during the swing prior to and after connecting with the ball. A good swing plane is straight, meaning that the club does not tilt left or right during the swing, but rather connects straight and true. A bad swing plane errs to the left or right, resulting in a hook or slice.

With that in mind, let's look at how to set up a golf swing.

Setting Up For A Golf Swing

When preparing your golf swing, remember always that the key is to maintain a central swing plane. You can maintain a balanced swing plane to improve your golf game by hitting the ball with your body, as opposed to your arms. Human arms are not able to swing centrally from a side-on body, and thus the top golfers hit primarily with their bodies, while beginners keep on trying to work against their body's design. Don't do this, no matter how tempting it is! Learn to build on a solid foundation of upper and lower body swing. It is much harder to start with but pays vast rewards.

The Proper Motion On The Downswing In Golf

So, adopt a golf stance of lightly bent knees – not so bent that it 'feels' bent, but just enough that you have some range of motion in your legs – and prepare to move your hips, not your arms, on the downswing. Practice without a club for a few minutes just to get the motion in your mind. Then take the club and get ready to improve your swing easily!

Gripping Your Club For A Perfect Swing

Holding your golf club is just as vital as standing correctly. Do not hold the handle of the club in your palm; rather, rest the club on your fingers for increased control. Your left hand (assuming that you're right-handed) must have your thumb placed down the club's shaft. This finger style will drastically reduce sliced shots.

The Golf Swing: Rhythm and steadiness

Your golf swing rhythm should be constant. Swing back, and without a dramatic pause at the top, begin the steady downswing for optimum rhythm and power. By maintaining a fluid motion and avoiding jerkiness you also discourage involuntary or unconscious movements of your lower (or indeed upper) body that could spoil your preparation.

Improving golf drive power

We haven't talked about golf swing power much yet, but here's the thing: if your swing plane is central, and you're hitting the ball with both your upper and lower body, you should see your power increase along with your accuracy.

Once you have that basic down, you can further increase your golf swing power by working on your golf fitness: your balance, your flexibility, and of course your strength. These will once again increase on their own as you improve your swing technique, but for further golf swing strength advice, consult your local pro.

Golf Swing Follow-Through

Always follow through. It is the first tip that every aspiring golfer hears, but it is the most important, and it is the one that should inform every golf swing motion that you make. To connect centrally and strongly with the ball on an accurate golf swing requires aiming to end your swing on the upturn, not at the moment of impact.

Golf Swing Practice

Then there's the obvious: practice. Practice your golf swing, then practice it some more. Every single week you must make a conscious effort to improve your golf swing. That doesn't mean you are to make a hundred drives without thinking it through. Make half the swings, but work diligently on your swing plane while doing so. Above all else, either invest in golf instructional DVDs or, better yet, find a local golf instructor, because they absolutely will help you.