Golf game is truly
individual sports. Basics are the same for everyone; however, because
of differences in people's body types no two people will not have the
same swing. Everyone will have to adapt their bodies to their proper
way to swing.
Taking the time to develop your own method of playing golf
will greatly improve your enjoyment and success at the game. Practicing
the basic fundamentals of the game until they are ingrained in your
muscles will lead to confidence on the course, and that confidence will
lead to success and enjoyment of the game.
One of the most basic steps that you can put into action and see an
immediate improvement to your golf swing is to keep your head still and
look straight at the ball. The position of your head should be straight
in line with your spine, and your nose should be raised up a bit so
that when you start to swing, your left shoulder fits under your chin.
Many players tuck their heads into their chests to try and keep their
heads still and look straight down at the golf ball. Unfortunately,
they cannot perform a proper golf swing while in this position.
If you are one of the many that are having difficulty keeping your head
straight and an eye on the ball try the following. The next time you
approach the ball, assume the correct stance with your feet and knees
in position but keep your head and back straight, bend forward slightly
at the waist and look straight at the ball.
If you try and take a swing
in this position, your left shoulder will most likely hit your chin.
While keeping your eyes on the ball, raise your head slowly until your
left shoulder does not hit your chin. Make sure that your head does not
move from side to side by keeping your eyes fixed on the ball. Slowly
go through the backswing and downswing portions of your golf swing. Do
not hit the ball and do the follow through. Practice this portion of
your golf swing focusing on keeping your head straight and eyes on the
ball.
Practice this exercise in your backyard for about 25 times in a row and
then take a break and relax a bit, then start again. Make minor
corrections to your head and body position as needed to keep your eyes
straight on the ball and your left shoulder from hitting your chin.
This exercise will "train" your body, and your muscles will "remember"
the correct position you need to be in to perform the movement
correctly. Think about any sports athlete, they train and train to
place their bodies in the correct stance and position to properly
execute the movements necessary to be successful in their particular
sport. You are doing the same thing by "training" your body to keep
your head straight and position itself so that you can successfully
execute a proper golf swing.
Another basic step that can work greatly towards improving your golf
swing is to relax. I know it is easier said then done, especially when
you are getting ready to put all your power into drive with an audience
of either your co-workers, or better still your friends who will not
let you forget it if you mess up.
However, relaxing your muscles will
help you to maintain the proper balance that is important to a great
golf swing. Regardless of the golf clubs you use, your balance is the
primary foundation of your golf swing, and the way to achieve good
balance is to practice.
A good way to practice improving your balance
is to assume the address position with your club, relax your body and
try holding it there for about 30 seconds. Does it feel like you have
more weight on one foot or the other? Is one part of your body more
tense then another?
Keeping your head straight and maintaining good balance are just two
basic parts of a great golf swing. The exercises given above are just
two ways that you can start training now to improve your golf swing.
You can work on either one separately, or combine them together into
one exercise.
Improving your golf swing begins and ends with you.
Exercise the muscles to properly perform specific actions takes time
and practice. Effort spent on improving your golf swing will return on
the pitch. Through exercise and practice, you will be able to slide
into the correct address position and perform an easy, powerful swing
feel, as if you slide your hand into a warm soft glove.
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