Golf Swing Basics

What characteristics make up a good golf swing?

The golf swing basics essentials of a good swing combines coordination and great power with remarkable grace and timing. Every great player knows that rushing or forcing your golf swing is detrimental to a great shot.

What happens with most amateurs is they think they can hit the ball further by killing it. However, strength does not equal distance in the game of golf.

Here are the basics of a golf swing:

Tempo – Every golfer has their own unique tempo or rhythm when they swing a club. However, remember that faster is not always better. But faster is not altogether bad if the right fundamentals are applied. Developing a good rhythm is very important to enhance your game.
Balance – In sports, balance is everything. With golf, maintaining balance is crucial to hitting with power and accuracy. If you want to achieve a well-balanced golf swing your body must rotate on an axis to allow your weight to transfer from one side to the other.
Unity – The golf swing is a very dynamic event that requires a fluid, continuous motion. This is unity at is best. Many amateur golfers tend to break the parts up when they are swinging. Keep in mind that this motion is not a series of disjointed actions but one fluid act.
Swing – Many golfers concentrate on hitting the ball instead of swinging through the ball. Just imagine performing a simple practice swing, this is usually smooth and easy because there is no pressure. This is what you are looking for.

What is a golf swing plane?

The swing plane is the path your club travels during your swing. The swing plane is defined by the angle your golf club makes with the surface at address and during your swing.

Steep and shallow – A steeper swing plane is one in which the club shaft makes a larger angle with the ground. A shallow swing plane is one in which golf club makes a smaller angle with the ground. These swing planes can vary dramatically depending on the stance, player height and length of the club used.
Coming over the top – Is usually produced by an overly steep swing plane that produces poor contact and slices. This is commonly known as coming over the top. This type of swing across the ball results in a loss of power and accuracy.
Achieving the right swing plane – A good swing plane will be produced by a backswing that is wide and shallow. However, this will vary depending on the type of club used. A driver’s swing plane is shallower while a sand wedge is generally steeper.

What are the parts that make up a golf swing?

The golf swing basics are made up of 4 components which include the backswing, downswing, impact and follow through. By performing these mechanics properly, you will improve your game and begin to play at a higher level.

The Backswing – This is the initial part of the golf swing and is probably the most important step because it defines everything else that follows. It involves the takeaway which determines the club head’s path. If you perform a horrible backswing, everything else fails causing a poor shot. If performed correctly, dramatically increases your chances of making a great shot.
The Downswing – This is the movement from the top of the swing to striking the ball. This is when all that stored energy is released with a graceful, accelerated yet unhurried swing. Your body should begin to turn, starting with your hips, toward the target.
Impact – This is where the club head makes contact with the ball. The position of the clubface at impact will determine the direction your ball will travel. It is basic physics. At impact both your arms should be relatively straight.
Follow Through – This action is what your body and club do after impact. The perfect golf swing should end with the spine as straight as possible and your right shoulder over your left foot. Your belt bucket should be facing the target. A balanced finish is a sign that your swing was executed correctly.