By Muscle Media
Golf is a game that is never intimidating to watch, but may be to learn. After all, how hard is it to swing a club? Yet, for a technique that seems so mundane that you could swear to do it with one eye closed, the golf swing is, in fact, very difficult. Even today. It is so notoriously difficult that even highly skilled golfers must practice for years to hone their skills. For comparison, it is not surprising to find dedicated beginners taking golf lessons for several months before taking their first successful swing to the course.
A golf swing is deceptively difficult to learn. It is not limited to hitting the ball squarely. It involves specific form and balance. More importantly, it has a correct succession of fluid movements to create a reliable and consistent swing.
Difference between a Golf Swing and Simply Hitting the Ball
Hitting the ball is the goal of a golf shot but executing a proper swing is more involved. A golf swing is a complex body rotation meant to precisely accelerate the swing at the greatest achievable speed. While this is easy to write about, it is ridiculously difficult in practice. The components of a proper swing consists of:
-The backswing (the act of pulling the club in preparation for the strike),
-The downswing (the time when the club approaches the ball), and
-The follow through (as essential as the downswing in terms of propelling and guidance).
Depending on the choice of club and shot, the mechanics will be differ slightly.
Basic Swing Address
Being relaxed is the key. Most novice golfers tend to go with a “baseball grip” and swing in a baseball manner. That is called baseball shot. The effects are also similar to baseball, inconsistent power and zero accuracy. Start by being relaxed. It sounds a bit cheesy, but the mental preparation to a golf swing is quite important. At the address, stand in front of the ball with the intention of hitting the ball in the direction of your left side (shoulder and hip). To adjust your form, stand back from the ball and adjust the angle of the bend in your back. To do this correctly, place the head of the golf club beside the ball. Remember, your feet must be slightly spaced apart. Try to simulate the backswing and the downswing slowly to see if everything is in line.
The Golf Swing
The golf swing is Backswing, Downswing, and the Follow Through. Now that you know how to address the ball, the swing should be relatively easy. Again, before you do the swing, try to simulate it first. Remember to relax. Tense muscle restricts movement.
Another thing about golf swing is understanding the laws of contact. The clubface dictates the curve of the ball’s flight. The path of your swing dictates the ball’s initial direction without the curve. The angle of the swing as it hits the ball dictates the trajectory. Finally, the swing power dictates distance. Remember, reading how to perform a golf swing is rarely effective. The best learning experience is by watching those who could do it perfectly, or getting some lessons.
