In this chapter we'll learn about the fundamentals of the golf swing. Learning about the golf swing can be intimidating, but we'll be sure to walk you through it.
We'll discuss the following related to the golf swing setup.
Let's learn some definitions that help explain elements during the golf swing.
Let's learn about the different kinds of golf swings a player can produce, and the effect they can have on a golf shot. We'll cover these seven terms.
Let's learn some definitions that help explain elements during the golf swing.
The takeaway is the action a golfer makes when beginning the back swing, taking the club back from the original address position.
The backswing is the motion a golfer makes when taking the club away from the ball and rotating around the right side of the body.
Swing plane is the vertical angle between the ground and the circle that the club head travels on during the bottom portion of the swing arc.
Axis Across the Line describes when the golf club is pointing right of the target line at the top of the golf swing for a right-handed player. This position of the golf club often causes a golfer to hit a slice or pull hook, making it difficult to produce a good, straight shot.
Swing path is the the direction the head of the golf club travels throughout the swing.
On plane describes when the golf club is traveling along the correct path and at the correct angle throughout the golf swing. Being on plane gives a golfer a must greater chance of hitting a good golf shot.
The transition marks the completion of the backswing and start of the downswing. It is important for a golfer to make a smooth transition from backswing to forward swing. This means a golfer should not start the downswing with the lower body until he has completed the backswing.
The downswing is the downward motion a golfer makes when preparing to hit the golf ball.
The follow-through is the motion a golfer makes with the club that completes the golf swing.
Tempo is maintaining a comfortable, smooth pace in the backswing, downswing and follow-through.
Rhythm, similar to tempo is the golfer's ability to maintain a comfortable, smooth backswing, downswing and follow-through.
Rotation is the circular, turning motion a golfer makes with the body when completing the backswing, downswing and follow-through. Effective rotation adds more distance to golf shots and helps produce solid ball striking.
Turn Back Turn Through describes the golfer making a solid rotation in the backswing and downswing. Turning the body, rather than just the arms and wrists, will help a golfer hit more accurate and farther golf shots.
Coil is the body rotation a golfer generates in the backswing to release in the downswing and strike the golf ball.
Wrist cock is the natural up-and-down motion a golfer makes with his wrists during the backswing to set the golf club in a good position at the top of the backswing.
Just like wrist cock, wrist hinge is natural up-and-down motion a golfer makes with his wrists during the backswing to set the golf club in a good position at the top of the backswing.
Casting is the action of releasing the wrists too early in the downswing, which often results in poorly hit shots.
Flipping the Wrists is the act of uncocking the wrists prior to or during impact, which leads to a golfer striking the golf ball inconsistently.
Before hitting a golf shot, it is important to consider the following six factors that could affect your decision of how and where you intend to hit the golf ball.
Learn the following terms when analyzing your swing:
