5 techniques to help you master your swing
By NCG
A solid swing technique is the foundation of any competent golf player’s game. Few sports have such an over-reliance on one specific aspect of the game, but the impact that the quality of your golf swing ends up having on your overall game is pivotal. Mastering your technique can take years, and even great players are always looking for ways to fine-tune their swing to maximize the strength of their game.
We’re not attempting to underplay the importance of technique in any sport. For example, a great NFL quarterback will spend years perfecting their throwing technique and finding ways to improve their accuracy. The importance of a top-class quarterback in the NFL can’t be understated, either.
For example, if an elite-level quarterback is firing on all cylinders in a big game, that already gives the team the keys to victory. You only need to look at Tom Brady and some of the Vegas NFL odds when he was operating at the peak of his game to get some indication of the importance of a leading player with world-class technique.
Today, however, we’ll discuss some tips on how to master your golf swing to try and give yourself the extra yard or two that everybody strives for out on the course.
#1 – Work on your footwork
Keeping your right foot solid and stable on the ground as you follow through with your swing is vital if you’re right-handed. Not only does keeping your feet in a strong, balanced position help you create a better grip, but it allows you to drive through and not slice the ball at the last minute because of poor footwork.
This might sound like relatively basic stuff, but giving yourself a strong, core foundation is the blueprint for success in plenty of sports. World-class boxers, tennis players and basketball players all know the importance of using their feet as a solid base to lead from, and golf is no different. Rory McIlroy is arguably the best example in the modern-day era. Although his form has dipped recently, his footwork is consistently rated as the best, and we imagine it’ll only be a matter of time before he makes a resurgence.
#2 – Channel your focus
Getting yourself mentally relaxed before making your shot will help you effortlessly apply any improvements to your game. If you are hunched over, tense or distracted, it’s doubtful your swing will be of any note. However, if you can channel your thoughts and focus, keeping a level, steady head, this can help you immensely, whether in the heat of a competitive game or just playing with some of your friends. Some golfers think technique is purely physical but the mind is crucial in perfecting your swing.
#3 – Take your time
One of the critical things that many professionals will point out is that you must take your time. Don’t take all the time in the world, but unlike other sports where you might be forced to hurry or think quickly, golf allows you the luxury of taking as much time as you realistically need. This gives you time to implement our second technique of channeling your focus – by taking your time and envisioning where you want your swing to go, this will help you approach the game with more focus. If you’re just starting off, ensuring you have the best equipment to get you going is also a crucial starting point, but most importantly, enjoy yourself and don’t overthink it!
#4 – Go your own way
The beauty of golf is that there’s no single, perfect way to learn, or one perfect swing. Sure, the professionals all do the basics incredibly well, but playing to your strengths and figuring out ways to fine-tune your technique in a way that complements your physical strengths is something that many golfers have managed to strike a nice balance with.
#5 – Get to grips with your grip
We appreciate that advising on grip can stimulate fierce debate among golfers. It’s a fine balance when it comes to developing the optimum grip. If you grasp your club too hard, you can force other faults in your game – go the other way with too light a grip and you’ll encounter a different but equally serious set of problems.
Finding the equipment that suits you can help you perfect your grip – and once you have managed to find the balance, you should notice the improvement in your swing almost straight away.
