Alignment seems very simple. All you need to do is "line" yourself up with the target and swing away. The fact that it seems so simple makes it very easy to take it for granted. Alignment is imperative to a good golf swing and ultimately a great shot. The fundamentals of how a player should align themselves to the target are simple in nature, but must be practiced and checked regularly. The following are some pictures to help you understand some of the common mistakes made and how to correct them and check them.
Let's start with the basics. Here is a picture of me on the range setting up to hit a shot.
The yellow alignment stick is my target line, pointed at the white target pole near the top of the picture. The black alignment stick is my "toe line" or where my body is pointed. Also at the target. This set up is one that I see in players of all abilities very often. This set up creates two problems. First, if I make a good swing, the ball will go right of the target. Second, this set up promotes a over-the-top golf swing. It's the only way to get the ball started at the target. Okay, that's confusing, so let me explain further.
In order for the golf ball to fly at the target, the direction of the golf swing must be at the target. Think of a shortstop throwing a ball to the first baseman. In order for the first baseman to have chance to catch the ball, the shortstop's arm must move in his direction. The baseball follows the direction of the throwing arm. The golf swing is the same. Making the golf club swing at the target starts with proper alignment. Because we do not hit the golf ball off our toes, we cannot align our body at the target. In order to be aligned correctly, we must have our body aligned parallel left of the target. This allows us to freely swing the golf club at our intended target. Check out the correct alignment in this picture:
Notice the difference from the first picture to this one. It's small, but in the second picture the alignment sticks are parallel. If you were lining up similar to picture 1, the correct alignment will look WAY LEFT! Use alignment sticks or extra clubs to help you change what "normal" looks like.
Get out to the range and set up two golf clubs and check your alignment. You will be surprised how much alignment can improve the accuracy of your shots. I've often seen players improve their over-the-top swing just by having proper alignment.
I hope that you are finding the time to get out and play. Please don't hesitate to contact me to help you reach your golf goals.
Until next time, Fairways and Greens!
In high school and college, I couldn't stand geometry! Physics was okay but only a little more interesting. Boy do I wish I would have paid more attention in class, because a knowledge of both is so valuable in understanding the golf swing! That may make you think that this short article is going to be complicated, it's not. Actually the opposite is true. By understanding some basic principles of physics and geometry, the golf swing can be quite simple. It's fitting to discuss the golf swing in this manner today, as the pioneer in this way of thinking was featured in the Journal Sentinel today. If you want a great read about a world class teacher and man, check out this article about Manuel de la Torre written by Gary D'Amato! Over the next few weeks I will show you how these simple principles relate to golf. Enjoy the read and good luck in your "Search for Better Golf."
Constant Acceleration
Constant acceleration is defined as: a change in velocity that doesn't vary over a given length of time.
Example: If you get in your car and drive 10 miles, and increase your speed by 10 mph each mile, you car would be demonstrating constant acceleration.
Constant acceleration is a very important part of EVERY golf swing. If a player is going to maximize his or her distance and consistency, their golf swing must demonstrate constant acceleration. If you break that thought down even more, that means that it is equally important for your putter to have constant acceleration on a two footer and as it for your driver on that long par 5! It's easy to with the driver, but takes more concentration and attention on shorter shots.
So now that you understand what constant acceleration is and that it is important, how do you apply it to your golf swing? The simplest and most effective way is to ensure that you are finishing your swing. Instead of focusing on impact, think past that point. Visualize where and how the golf club will finish. When the golf club is swung to the finish (different location depending on the shot), it forces the club to accelerate at impact! Understanding constant acceleration provides you a picture of a smooth golf swing, not one that tries to create all of the speed and force at any one point in the swing.
The next time you are on the range, concentrate on the finish. Make the club accelerate past the golf ball. I believe it helps to visualize a pendulum. Whatever length swing you are making, be sure the ball is at the bottom of your pendulum.
In the picture above, the green ball at position 2 is where it has maximum speed. The illustration is a great picture of why you want your golf swing to continue past impact!
Until next time, I hope you hit all fairways and greens and that it's 72 and sunny every day!
I am very excited to start this new Blog! At this location you will be able find tips, videos and articles to help you play better golf! I will also post articles about fitting, equipment and the latest in industry instructional trends. I hope you enjoy it. Please feel free to contact me with questions or check out my website to set up a lesson. Here's to better golf!
Above is an introductory video to some basic fundamentals of the golf swing. Check back for a series of short video lessons on all different aspects of the game.
