Tips To Improving Your Golf Swing

The game of golf is truly an individual sport. The basics are the same for everyone; however, due to the differences in people’s body types no two people will ever have the same golf swing. Each person will have to adapt their bodies to perform a proper golf swing in their own way. Taking the time to develop your own method of playing golf will greatly improve your enjoyment and success at the game. Practicing the basic fundamentals of the game until they are ingrained in your muscles will lead to confidence on the course, and that confidence will lead to success and enjoyment of the game.

One of the most basic steps that you can put into action and see an immediate improvement to your golf swing is to keep your head still and look straight at the ball. The position of your head should be straight in line with your spine, and your nose should be raised up a bit so that when you start to swing, your left shoulder fits under your chin. Many players tuck their heads into their chests to try and keep their heads still and look straight down at the golf ball. Unfortunately, they cannot perform a proper golf swing while in this position.

If you are one of the many that are having difficulty keeping your head straight and an eye on the ball try the following. The next time you approach the ball, assume the correct stance with your feet and knees in position but keep your head and back straight, bend forward slightly at the waist and look straight at the ball. If you try and take a swing in this position, your left shoulder will most likely hit your chin. While keeping your eyes on the ball, raise your head slowly until your left shoulder does not hit your chin. Make sure that your head does not move from side to side by keeping your eyes fixed on the ball. Slowly go through the backswing and downswing portions of your golf swing. Do not hit the ball and do the follow through. Practice this portion of your golf swing focusing on keeping your head straight and eyes on the ball.

Practice this exercise in your backyard for about 25 times in a row and then take a break and relax a bit, then start again. Make minor corrections to your head and body position as needed to keep your eyes straight on the ball and your left shoulder from hitting your chin. This exercise will “train” your body, and your muscles will “remember” the correct position you need to be in to perform the movement correctly. Think about any sports athlete, they train and train to place their bodies in the correct stance and position to properly execute the movements necessary to be successful in their particular sport. You are doing the same thing by “training” your body to keep your head straight and position itself so that you can successfully execute a proper golf swing.

Another basic step that can work greatly towards improving your golf swing is to relax. I know it is easier said then done, especially when you are getting ready to put all your power into drive with an audience of either your co-workers, or better still your friends who will not let you forget it if you mess up. However, relaxing your muscles will help you to maintain the proper balance that is important to a great golf swing. Regardless of the golf clubs you use, your balance is the primary foundation of your golf swing, and the way to achieve good balance is to practice. A good way to practice improving your balance is to assume the address position with your club, relax your body and try holding it there for about 30 seconds. Does it feel like you have more weight on one foot or the other? Is one part of your body more tense then another?

Keeping your head straight and maintaining good balance are just two basic parts of a great golf swing. The exercises given above are just two ways that you can start training now to improve your golf swing. You can work on either one separately, or combine them together into one exercise. Improving your golf swing begins and ends with you. Training the muscles of your body to properly perform specific movements takes time and practice. The effort spent improving your golf swing will pay off on the course. Through exercise and practice, you will be able to slip into the proper address position and perform an effortless, powerful golf swing and feel just as if you were sliding your hand into a warm soft glove.

Golf Fitness and Health

Whether you are just getting started with golf or you are a seasoned player just coming off their off-season, here are some fitness ideas to help you condition for the game of golf.

The first thing you have to work on in golf fitness is your flexibility. Which makes sense, because in order to execute your golf swing correctly you have to develop the range of motions within your joints and muscles. Flexibility exercises should be done no less than four days a week. So that the exercises can be done correctly, allow ten to fifteen per session. Make sure you pay very close attention to your technique. If you aren’t doing your exercises correctly, then you won’t be doing any good for your golf game. And, finally, as always recommended please check with a doctor or physician before starting any type of exercise program.

You also need to incorporate strength training in your golf fitness program. The important thing with strength training is similarity. You want to do exercises that closely resemble your golf swing or at least a certain phase of it.

Stretching is common in all golfers, especially older players. But it is much different than stretching for a run. You should include mostly rotational stretches in your fitness program for your core, lower back, shoulders and hips. This will certainly improve your game on the course.

If you combine your strengthening and stretching exercises then you will be able to get maximum results. For every strength exercise you do, you need a stretch exercise for that muscle you are working.

Another body part that needs to be strengthened for golf is your wrist. Your wrists play an important part in your golf swing. They control the club and provide the power behind your swing. You need to incorporate some wrist strengthening exercises into your program that will strengthen them for their role.

It is important to stay healthy for you perfect golf game. Look after yourself and condition properly.

- Warm up properly with some stretches and practice swings.

-That sun can be lethal on a warm Saturday morning. Protect yourself with sunglasses and sunscreen.

- As with any outside activity, drink plenty of fluids. Along the course there are several beverages stations, take advantage. And don’t make your beverage of choice an alcoholic one. Alcohol dehydrates.

- When picking anything up, especially those heavy golf bags, lift with your legs.

- Those little golf balls can do a lot of damage if one ever hit you. Be aware of your surroundings and any flying balls.

- If you have any golf-related injuries, seek a professional’s assistance. You don’t want to injure yourself anymore than necessary.

- Get off the course immediately if you see lightning anywhere near the golf course.

SUMMARY: Golf is a physical sport and physical sports need to have players who are conditioned. A fitness program is a good idea for those of you just starting golf or even for those seasoned players to keep up with their game.