Tag: Learn Golf

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Get More Distance Out Of The Ground

NEW RESEARCH

Get More Distance Out Of The Ground

3 power moves the pros make that you don’t

WITH RON KASPRISKE
PHOTO BY STEPHEN SZURLEJ

March 2011

There are a lot of differences between the golf swing of an elite player and that of the average amateur, but what are the biggest? Let’s look at what most golfers want more than anything: power. My work with biomechanics researcher Jean-Jacques Rivet has proved that most amateurs don’t push into the ground effectively to create leverage in their swings. And leverage leads to power.

With the use of J.J.’s data, we’ve found three spots in the average golfer’s swing where a lack of leverage is most evident: the takeaway, halfway back and the transition. I’m going to share our findings with you and give you some drills to fix these power leaks. Follow our advice, and you’ll start hitting the ball better than ever.

1.THE START OF THE BACKSWING

Ground force in the takeaway: 
Pro: 125% of body weight
Amateur: 70% of body weight
Most amateurs tend to lose leverage early in the backswing by raising their bodies, which lightens the force they apply to the ground. The pros do the opposite and apply even more force, giving them a much more stable base to coil the upper body.

leadbetter

DRILL
Take a wood block or similarly weighted object such as a hardcover book and place it behind your 6-iron at address. Push the block away from the target as you start your backswing (right. You should feel pressure building in your right heel as well as the ball of your left foot from the extra effort it takes to move the block.

2. HALFWAY BACK

Ground force in the takeaway: 
Pro: 125% of body weight
Amateur: 65% of body weight

Even if they had good ground force at the start of the swing, many amateurs lose that grounded feeling at this point. As that pressure decreases, they stop coiling and begin to lift their hands and arms as a compensatory move to finish the backswing. Pros continue to coil all the way to the top because they’re still grounded.

leadbetter

DRILL
Place a club on the ground and stand on the shaft with both feet as shown (right, shoes optional). Then swing a 6-iron while standing on the shaft. As you move past the halfway point in your backswing, you should feel a steady or increasing amount of force in your right heel and the middle of your left foot. Because of this force, you should be able to complete your upper-body turn just like the pros do.

3. THE TRANSITION

Ground force in the takeaway: 
Pro: 145% of body weight
Amateur: 90% of body weight

As the club starts down, elite players increase the pressure under their feet — it looks as if they’re starting to squat — which shallows the swing plane and increases clubhead lag. It’s a huge power move. Most amateurs swing down on too steep of a plane and release the clubhead lag early, usually resulting in a weak slice. They often have more ground-force pressure halfway down than at impact. The sequence of the downswing should be from the ground up, but these players frequently do just the opposite, leading with the upper body.

leadbetter

DRILL

Set up with your feet and hips open to the target and take the club to the top. As you start to swing down (right), rotate your hips in a clockwise direction — a feeling of closing them off to your target even more. This dynamic move will force you to push into the ground with your front leg. It also will keep your shoulders from unwinding early and will drop your arms and club onto a shallow plane. Those are keys to hitting a powerful shot that curves from right to left.

BIOS
DAVID LEADBETTER, a Golf Digest Teaching Professional, is based at ChampionsGate, near Orlando. JEAN-JACQUES RIVET is the sports biomechanics consultant to the European Tour.

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Fairway Bunker Shots

Tips and instruction to learn proper fairway bunker shot technique.

By Kevin Cotter, PGA

The primary difference between a fairway bunker shot and a green side bunker shot is you strike the ball first then the sand in a fairway bunker.  The angle of attack to the ball is also more shallow than that of a green side bunker, in a fairway bunker the clubhead travels somewhat level to the ground through impact.

Also, position the ball more towards the middle of your stance.

Plan on up to a 1/3 distance loss with fairway bunker shots, therefore you may have to take some extra club, but do make sure you still have enough loft to to clear the lip of the bunker.

Check out the video link below with PGA Professional Michael Breed demonstrating a key tip on how to position the right foot in the sand in an effort to stabilize the back leg during the swing minimizing lower body movement. You must emphasize movement of the upper body with fairway bunker shots and keep the lower body fairly quiet.  This helps prevent your feet from pivoting/shifting in the sand during the swing.

Fairway Bunker Shots | PGA.com

PGA Professional Michael Breed hits Hazeltine National Golf Club to give you some helpful tips on the best ways to get out of those dre…
Below, Phil Micklelson describes the shallow attack angle and how he casts the club (breaks the wrists early in the downswing) to create a more shallow angle:

 

Happy golfing!

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Spirit of Golf

spirit of golf thought of the day

April 28, 2013

Most do not understand that true power comes from releasing internal resistance rather than from pursuing, chasing, toil, and grind. We become conditioned to believe that we have to effort hard in order to achieve everything we want; in effect, we must struggle to deserve our success. In truth, we could relax and chill our way into receiving anything we want and desire, unless we don’t believe this to be true. Our belief about how easily results will unfold is ultimately what makes them appear. It is we and we alone who get to decide how much joy or misery is going to be involved along the way.

Orlando, FL – April, 2013 

Irish Links Trip

Upcoming events

Join us in the following cities for upcoming Spirit of Golf workshops and clinics. For a full listing of our upcoming events, including our webinars and player/instructor certification programs, click here.

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Master Your Swing: Simple Tips to Quickly Fix Your Slice

By Kevin Cotter, PGA

Slicing the golf ball is often caused by delivering the clubface to the ball in an open position at impact (for right-handed players, the clubface points right of the target). The good news is that fixing a slice is easier than you think! Here are the most common causes of a slice and simple cures to help you straighten out your shots:

  1. Grip Position

Your grip is the first area to examine when dealing with a slice. If your hands are rotated too far to the left (for right-handed players), the clubface will likely be open at impact, causing the ball to slice. Ensure your left hand is in a “strong” position—where you can see two to three knuckles when looking down at address. This adjustment can have an immediate positive impact on your ball flight.

  1. Wrist Position at the Top of the Swing

Next, closely examine the position of your left wrist at the top of your backswing. If your left wrist is cupped (bending inward), the clubface will likely be open, and if you return to impact in this position, it will result in a slice. Keep your left wrist flat at the top of your swing, which helps square the clubface at impact.

  1. Forearm Rotation (Pronation)

Another critical factor is your forearm and hand rotation through impact. Suppose your right hand pushes against or overpowers the left hand through impact (see image below of right hand working underneath and breaking down left wrist) rather than allowing the hands and forearms to rotate correctly. In that case, the clubface will remain open, causing a slice. Instead, focus on naturally pronating (rolling) your hands and forearms through the ball to help square the clubface.

  1. Swing Path

An out-to-in swing path is one of the primary causes of a slice. When your swing cuts across the ball from outside the target line, it creates sidespin, sending the ball curving to the right. Focus on swinging from the inside, then down the line.

  1. Alignment and Stance

Incorrect alignment can also lead to a slice. If you’re aiming too far left, you may unknowingly encourage an out-to-in swing path. Check your stance and ensure your feet, hips, and shoulders are all aligned parallel to the target line. A proper setup gives you the best chance to swing along the right path.

A few simple adjustments can drastically reduce or eliminate your slice, leading to more consistent shots and a more enjoyable round of golf. Try out these fixes and watch your game improve!

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Greenside Bunker Tips

  1. Improve your greenside bunker play with some great practice tips!

    By Kevin Cotter, PGA

    By far, the most important aspect to successful greenside bunker play is striking the sand an inch or two behind the ball.  As another PGA Professional recommends as a sort of visual is to “Imagine the golf ball lying on top of a dollar bill and you’re scooping the entire bill and ball up together.”The video below from Alan Wronowski PGA Director of Golf demonstrates a great practice technique by drawing a line in the sand to practice striking a specific spot.

  2. Greenside Bunkers | PGA.com

    Allen Wronowski, PGA Director of Golf at Hillendale Country Club in Phoenix, Md. , talks about greenside bunkers and gives some tips to …
    Pga
  3. Below “Your Best Bunker Tips” from PGA.com offers some interesting comments from Facebook fans on greenside bunker play including some great tips as well, starting out with my favorite of course “Don’t hit it in the bunker to begin with.”

    Enjoy!
  4. Your best bunker tips | News | PGA.com

    When we think of Florida, we think of many things. Among them?
    Pga
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Practicing Your Golf Swing in Slow Motion

  1. Slow down when working on your swing for amazing results!

    Practicing your golf swing in slow motion is a concept I’ve always believed in and have religiously articulated throughout my teaching career, “If you can’t do it in slow motion, how could you ever do it in fast motion.”

    Now some have argued they are not one in the same in the sense that with a full speed swing the dynamics are different when considering the impetus generated through centripetal force.  I believe this is true but only to a certain degree as they are overall missing the point that the player first needs to understand the exact positions they need to achieve within the swing and repeat those motions slowly over and over again and habituate them then slowly transgress over to full speed swing.

    Check out the Slow Mo Drill video below:

  2. Slow Motion Golf Swing | Golf Channel

    Jan 2, 2013… and in this video Brad Brewer shows you how to practice in slow motion to … In this video segment, Brad Brewer shows y…
    Golfchannel
  3. Amazing, here is a video of Ben Hogan actually practicing in slow motion as referenced above by Brad Brewer.
  4. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5vTfi0gtZ8?feature=oembed&w=400&h=225]
    Ben Hogans’ slow motion practice routine
    TSSfootage
    ·

    Sun, Feb 24 2013 15:29:35

  5. Just for the sake of analysis here is a great slow motion swing video with Professional Golf Coach Mitchell Spearman examining the swing of the 2010 US Open Champion Graeme McDowell.
  6. Slow Motion Golf Swing Videos | Hit The Perfect Golf Ball Video

    Golfing World have amazing slow motion golf swing videos so you can see exactly how … The Path to Par Series – Perfect PracticeProfes…
    Golfingworld
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Executing the Perfect Pitch Shot

  1. This is a great tip to improve your pitching game.  The primary key to the shot is keeping the arms, shoulders and body moving somewhat in sync as described in this article by Krista Dunton PGA, by allowing the right elbow to fold against the right side during the back swing and left elbow to fold against the left side during the through swing.  Check out the article and video below for some great short game pointers.
  2. executing the perfect pitch shot | Short Game | PGA.com

    That troublesome 20-30 yard pitch shot is easier than you think.
    Pga
  3. Todd Anderson on the Pitch Shot
  4. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGA9HofE1Ek?feature=oembed&w=400&h=225]
    Golf: Pitch Shot
    SIvideo
    ·

    Sat, Feb 23 2013 15:37:26

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Hitting the Ball Farther

  1. This is a great tip by Martin Hall PGA.  I provided an excerpt below from my recently posted article referencing the one-piece-takeaway and how it also helps establish the coiling affect described in this video. Combining the two thoughts will certainly go along way in “Hitting the Ball Farther.”

    “The “one piece takeaway” sets the timing of the swing into immediate sync. The desired sequence of movement is; clubhead, hands, shoulders, hips and lower body in that order. This backswing sequencing establishes proper coiling of the upper body against the lower body, providing a power generating spring like action to be unleashed during the downswing.”

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7488903

  2. Hitting the Ball Farther | PGA.com

    Martin Hall, PGA Director of Instruction at Ibis Golf and Country Club in West Palm Beach, Florida talks … Hall demonstrates a drill …
    Pga
    ·

Of course better physical condition can also help you hit the ball farther, check out these drills from PGA.com to help build the muscles you need to hit the ball farther! 

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The Golf Grip

By Kevin Cotter, PGA

The grip is the essential link between your body and the golf club, serving as the foundation for every successful swing. The legendary Arnold Palmer once said, “The grip is the crucial junction point from which all the body’s strength and rhythm are transferred to the club.” Mastering the grip is, therefore, a vital step in building a consistent and powerful golf game.

When it comes to gripping the club, golfers have three primary options to choose from:

  1. The Overlapping Grip (Vardon Grip):
    The most widely used grip among golfers, the overlapping grip, is named after Harry Vardon, one of the pioneers of modern golf. In this grip, the little finger of the right hand (for right-handed golfers) rests on top of and between the index and middle fingers of the left hand. This connection creates a secure and unified hold on the club, allowing the hands to work harmoniously. The overlapping grip promotes a natural release of the club and helps maintain control throughout the swing.

  2. The Interlocking Grip:
    The interlocking grip is another popular choice, particularly among players with smaller hands or those seeking a firmer connection between their hands. In this grip, the right hand’s little finger intertwines with the left hand’s index finger, creating a solid bond. This interlocking action effectively merges the hands, ensuring they move as a single unit during the swing. This grip is favored by many top players, including Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus, due to its ability to enhance consistency and prevent one hand from dominating the other.

  3. The Ten-Finger Grip (Baseball Grip):
    The ten-finger grip, often called the baseball grip, is less commonly used by advanced golfers but can be a valuable option for beginners, particularly young players or those with limited hand strength. In this grip, all ten fingers contact the club, similar to how one would hold a baseball bat. While it offers a simpler and more comfortable hold, the ten-finger grip may lack the finesse and control provided by the overlapping or interlocking grips. It is generally recommended for players who need extra leverage to swing the club effectively.

Each grip has its unique advantages, and the choice of which to use depends on individual preferences, physical attributes, and comfort. Understanding and practicing these grip options can significantly impact your performance, ensuring your connection to the club is as strong and effective as possible.

4 Steps to A Solid Grip

Brian Mogg, GOLF MAGAZINE Top 100 Teacher

 
 
Step 2 – Put your glove on and take your left-hand grip. Place the club how you had it in Step 1 — your palm on top and your fingers curled around the handle. You should apply pressure with the last three fingers of your left hand; you shouldn’t feel pressure in your palm.
 
 
Step 3 – When you position your right hand, the handle should rest across the base of your right pinkie to the top crease of your index finger. This sets your right palm to the side and a little on top of the club. Your index finger wraps around the handle.

Step 4 – With your fully formed grip, hold the club at waist height in front of you and check the positioning. The Vs formed by the thumbs and index fingers of both your hands should point to the right side of your face. If you see the two Vs point there, you are good to

 

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Releasing the Clubhead

This story is for you if…
• You want more distance and accuracy
• You often miss your target to the right
• You don’t understand what “release” means
Photo By J. D. Cuban/Golf Digest

BY ERIKA LARKIN

It’s no big mystery why you’re slicing your driver. The clubface is open to your swing path at impact. And that slice can get worse if you pull in your arms on the downswing to try to steer the ball into the fairway. Here’s my easy fix: Remember to roll and reach as you swing through. Let your forearms roll over to square the clubface and then reach your arms toward the target.

You can get a feel for this full release by hitting some “bunt” shots with your driver. Tee up a ball and take your driver back until the shaft is parallel to the ground and the toe of the club points straight up (see photo). From there, focus on extending the shaft toward the target so it mirrors that halfway-back position, with the toe up again. Bunt some balls down the range, and don’t worry about distance.

 The Standard Advice

Try to square the clubface at impact for straighter and more accurate shots.

Why it’s Misleading

Impact lasts only a few milliseconds, so trying to perfect that moment is nearly impossible.

The Tip You Really Need

A solid release guarantees proper clubface rotation through impact, so perfect it instead. Plus, it’s easier to control your release. As you drive through the hitting zone, give the ball a slap with your right hand, changing your right wrist from bent back to bowed. Check the positions at left to see what it looks like.

 Elbow In

Your left elbow should hang tight against your torso as your hands release. You can’t unhinge your wrists if your left arm bows out (no chicken-winging).

 Shoulder Under

Your right shoulder moves under your chin, not in front of it. This allows your hands to power the clubhead correctly through impact and then around your body.

 KEY MOVE – Active Wrists

Prior to impact your right wrist was bent. Now it should be bowed. This doesn’t happen by itself—”slap” the ball with your right hand to release the club properly.

 Club on Line

A proper release whips the clubhead around your body in a circular motion and into your finish.

 

  1. Make a Power Release | GOLF.com

    Jun 22, 2007 … This story is for you if… • You want more distance and accuracy • You often miss your target to the right • You don&…
    Golf
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