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The Four Basics of Any Golf Swing
When we think about the
basics of the golf swing, we usually think about ball position,
stance, grip, and so on. In other words, we think about the physical
mechanics of the swing. That's only natural, because this is what
most golf pros focus on in their golf lessons and what golf
magazines highlight in their articles on the golf swing. It's what I
write about the most in my golf tips as well.
But not everyone agrees that these are the true
basics of the golf
swing. For many, the true basics of the swing are something quite
different, something that has nothing to do with the physical
mechanics of the swing. For these people, a swing's true basics are
four components-plane, centering, radius, and face. Golf instruction
sessions focusing on these concepts are as helpful as golf lessons
on the swing's mechanics, maybe even more helpful
Plane
Most golfers have heard of the concept of plane, but are confused as
to how it applies to the golf swing. Plane is defined by the angle
your club creates when it is ground at address. To master accuracy,
the club must remain on this plane, especially while it approaches
the ball on the downswing. (Actually, two planes-one formed by the
takeaway and the other by the downswing-are involved in swinging a
club, but the second plane is key.) This plane is the most powerful
and direct route to the swing, as I discuss in my golf tips. Coming
back to the ball above or below this plane results in pulls and
slices.
Centering
Every swing has a center to it, a foundation defined by your head
and your spine. If you want to hit accurate golf shots, this
foundation must remain steady. Watch Tiger or any of the pros on TV
and you'll see how steady their heads and spines remain throughout
their swings. This foundation has two angles to it. One is the angle
your spine creates with your hips at address. The other involves the
lateral movement of your head. Focus on preventing both your head
from moving unnaturally one way or the other and your spine from
moving up or down, and you will produce better results.
Radius
Radius is the distance between the lead shoulder and the clubhead.
You must keep radius intact, if you want to hit good quality shots.
The key is releasing your wrists at the right time. Most amateurs
release their wrists early, forcing the shaft ahead of the lead arm
before impact. An early release causes you to hit the ball thin, or
even worse, mis-hit it altogether. If you execute the proper
sequence of movements in the downswing, you'll maintain radius.
Face
The ball travels in the direction in which your clubface is pointing
at the moment of impact, minus the effect of sidespin. You must
attain the same clubface position at impact that you establish at
address, which is why you need to align your club properly. The key
to doing this is matching the position of your hands at impact with
the position of your hands at address. If you grip the club on the
right side of the shaft, your hands must be on the right side of the
club when you hit the ball; otherwise, you'll mis-hit.
Conclusion
Is one basic more important than another? Not really, as I tell
players who take my golf lessons. They all must be executed
properly, if you want to achieve a powerful, repeatable swing. Now
that you are aware of them and how they contribute to your swing,
try filming yourself some day and see how well you maintain them
during your swing. Also note how well you hit the ball.
Plane, centering, radius, and face - these are not the usual basics
you might talk about when discussing the golf swing, but they are
undoubtedly critical. While the physical mechanics of the swing,
like ball position, stance, and grip, are key, so are these four
components. Master both sets and you'll achieve accuracy and
consistency every time, and lower your golf handicap in the process
Improve Your Swing
Looking for better consistency? Need to improve your accuracy?
Desperately want some more yards? Or possibly you just want your
swing to look a little better so your buddies won't tease you
anymore. These are all great reasons for doing some work on your
swing, but what is the best way to go about it?
Improve Your Chipping
The 18th hole is a lengthy par 4 with a tricky elevated green.
You've missed the green to the right on your approach. Your ball
sits about 8 feet off the green in the first cut of rough. The lie
isn't too bad, but it's a tricky shot.
Improve Your
Putting
Drive for show, putt for dough. Relax the nerves, trust your
line. Eyes over the ball, smooth take away. Accelerate through the
ball, and...
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