fig.1 Top of the backswing(7iron)
A proper takeaway is critical to a good swing-it starts everything in motion.It introduces width and co-ordination into the swing and determines the quality and shape of the shot.
How far do we swing back?
Importantly,today’s golfers are taking full advantage of modern equipment and their swings reflect this new technology.The most overwhelming feature I see is shorter more compact golf swings in today’s stars-the length of the backswing is shortening yet distance numbers are advancing.
A shorter controlled swing is much more efficient than a long backswing because there is a tendency to lose control at the top of the backswing.
Now that we have got the club back to the halfway stage and with the clubface in a square position our aim now is to complete the swing.
With the wrists having remained passive up until the halfway stage they will now gradually start to cock while continuing to complete your body turn and arm swing.In this completed swing the wrists perform their function naturally.Your main concern should be that the wrists remain supple and not locked by gripping the club too tightly.Excessive wrist action would be one of the most common faults in the golf swing.
Once you have reached the top of the swing (fig.1) your weight will also have moved mainly on to your right foot while maintaining the same resistance in the right knee as address.
To create power and consistency your body must rotate correctly in the backswing-try to coil like a spring.You are aiming to turn your shoulders 90 degrees and your hips 45 degrees for a full swing.By turning correctly you will also be maximising the power of those big muscles in the back and legs.
Next comes the key transition point,one that needs to be smooth and unhurried-so don’t rush it.
At the start of the downswing move your weight slightly to the left side while at the same time your hips will gradually start turning pulling your hands and arms back to the ball-let the spring uncoil ( fig 4 ).
fig. 4
One of the most common mistakes is to allow the shoulders to start the downswing-causing you to comes across the ball at impact.It is the lower body that starts the downswing.
This part of the downswing is basically a reaction to what you achieved in your backswing.At this point you will have returned to the same position you assumed at your address position.Make sure at impact that you keep your body behind the ball similar again to your starting position-(fig. 2 ).
fig. 2
Continue to strike the ball,keeping the body and arms turning until you finish the swing in a high follow through position (fig 5 & 6 ).Your body will have turned to face the target with approximately all of your weight on your left side with your right foot finishing up on the toes-in a position where you simply could take a step towards the target.
fig. 5
fig. 6
Throughout the swing movement it is also extremely important to keep your head steady and at the one level-same as your address position.
Most good players are able to hold their finish until the ball has nearly landed.This is a sign of a golfer who has controlled his swing and transferred his weight through the hitting area and is well worth emulating-(fig. 3)
fig. 3
