Golf swing basics comes down to a few simple techniques taught since the game was first played yet many golfers seem to want to complicate matters.
The most important element of golf swing basics is the swing itself. Not just standing over a ball and clubbing it a couple of hundred yards down the fairway but actually understanding, implementing and practicing the elements which make a swing successful. I used to marvel at how effortlessly the professionals apeared to hit their golf swings. Truth is, slowed down, one appreciates just how much violence goes into the full swing.
Try These Golf Swing Basics
Let's examine the golf swing in simple terms and see whether you can pick up any mistakes you are making.
1. Teeing off is where it all starts. What are you thinking? It's amazing how many players will "think" themselves into a bad shot: Tip... Don't think about how embarrassed you'll feel when you slice the ball over the trees to the right. Think of the target you are going to hit the ball to down the fairway!
2. Be careful how tight you grip the club handle. Too tight and you're likely to hook the shot. Too light and you'll probably slice the ball.
3. Understanding the backswing and downswing confuses a lot of players. Essentially, it's in the downswing where you want to creat club momentum towards the ball. If you are too light on the downswing then you won't hit the ball very far: Tip... On the backswing, remember to swing back in one motion using your arms and not your wrists and hands!
4. The backswing is slower than the downswing but many players make the mistake of going too light with the backswing thus not being able to create enough momentum in the downswing: Tip... A good rule of thumb to use is if your backswing is say 30mph, then the downswing should come down at least 20-30% faster. Just be careful not to swing back too slowly.
5. During the motion of the backswing, remember to get your left shoulder(opposite for lefties) and hips in proper alignment as you transfer your weight slightly to your right. This should be a natural movement and not exaggerated. The hands should be about waist high or a fraction higher.
Golf swing basics is where it all starts. Golf doesn't mean spending hours on end with a coach but it is all about learning the proper techniques from the "get go" and then practicing. The more you practice the correct swing basics, the more it gets committed to memory.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
I use to have a
By: Helpless | 29-06-2008
I use to have a "tip tag" that I attached to my golf bag. It directed me as to what club to use, how to position my feet & hands when the ball needs to be hit from a side hill, down hill, or uphill position. what to use & how to stand while hitting according to wind conditions, etc. I bought this item at a professional golf tournment about 5 - 6 yrs ago and am in need of another as I lost the one I had. Can you advise where I can obtain another or somethng similar that I can hang on my golf bag & refer to as needed during my round of golf? Thanks for your help,
In the golf swing How do you keep from lifting ...
By: docanth | 21-06-2008
In the golf swing How do you keep from lifting your arms up?My understanding is that as you turn around your spine angle and allow the right elbow to fold, the club will lift all that it needs to do.
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Golf Articles
Tips and Techniques to Improve Your Long Game
By: Kevin Bailey | 05/09/2008
If your looking to improve your golf game then this article will provide you with tips and techniques to make strides in your long game.
Tips and Techniques to the Short Game
By: Kevin Bailey | 05/09/2008
If you enjoy playing golf and want to improve your golf game, this article will give you inside tips and techniques to make strides in your short game.
Golf Fitness Workout - Do Not Forget Your Glutes
By: Max Johnson | 05/09/2008
Your golf fitness workout has probably changed quite a bit over the years. When you began to play the game you did not have a golf fitness workout because it was believed that it would only ruin your golf swing. Then you golf workout program became regular exercises such a running and bench presses.
Select The Right Golf Travel Bag For You
By: Max Johnson | 05/09/2008
One of the most exciting things about golf is traveling to new courses, in which case a golf travel bag is an absolute necessity. There are two types of travel bags for you to choose from to protect your clubs: hard and soft cover bags. However, do not forget your other gear. A golf trunk locker is an excellent way to store your goods whether you are home or away.
Golf Shag Bag - The Uses
By: Max Johnson | 05/09/2008
With the short game being such important part of the game, most good amateur and professional players own and use a golf shag bag. A golf shag bag allows you to practice your short game almost anywhere as it makes practicing much easier. With a practice bag, you can practice at the golf course, in your back yard or in a local park.
A Practice Net For You
By: Max Johnson | 05/09/2008
One of the most valuable golf practice tools is the practice net. Having an excellent golf game cannot be achieved simply by playing full rounds regularly, although this does of course help. But putting in extra practice time can greatly benefit your form as well as your accuracy and precision.
Perfecting the Golf Swing: Your First Core Competency
By: Matt Chang | 05/09/2008
Reading a book about golf is one way to get better, but here is another way that can work faster.
The Benefits of Custom Fitted Golf Clubs
By: The Sports HQ | 04/09/2008
Every one of us is different - from height and build to swing style and strength - so why should we all be forced to play with the same clubs?
Sports and Fitness 
