It's all in the Balance
Every good swing has a common element, a solid foundation that promotes good balance. With a solid foundation and a well balance swing and you will hit the ball with both accuracy and speed. If you can't maintain your balance, your swing won't have a good tempo or rhythm.The first step to find your balanced stance. There are three primary balance, swing checkpoints in the swing. We have also included a couple of practice routines to help you get the correct feeling for being balanced to allow for more solid shots.
Addressing the Ball
During your address, your weight should be equally distributed over the insteps of your feet. You don't want to be on your toes or resting on your heels. Balance with the weight over your insteps gives you a stance that has you in a strong, ready position.If you should have your weight on your toes, you will tend to start the clubhead outside the target line. And just the opposite will happen if your weight is on your heels, your swing path will be to the inside. Either one of these swing paths is not going to generate much clubhead speed or allow you to hit the ball consistently.
Wnat to check to see if you are balanced? Just jump into the air, if you land comfortably on both feet without falling either forward or backwards, your in good balance.
During the Backswing
As you take your backswing, your upper body should coil, and about 90% of your weight should shift to your right side. During this part of the swing it is critical to keep your right knee flexed. A common fault is having too much tension in the legs which causes lose of balance. Too often if you tighten your knees, it will cause the right knee to straighten at the top of the backswing, and this leads to a reverse pivot.To test that the weight change has happened correctly, you should be able to lift your left leg off the ground. Ideally, you should be able to hold it off the ground for two or three seconds without losing your balance.
Finished Swing
As you finish your swing your weight should shift from your right side onto your left side. As your upper body unwinds you should finish with your shoulders over your left leg. If you swing and have your shoulders leaning backwards it will be difficult to keep your balance at the finish.If you finish your swing and are in balance, then it is fairly safe to say your entire swing was in balance and you made solid contact with the ball.
Here are a couple of practice routines that can help with your balance.
The Change Feet Routine
To get a good idea on where your balance should be at the top of your backswing and also in the finish position, try doing the change feet routine.Once you have made your back swing, lift your left foot and balance all your weight on your right foot. Next, swing to your finish postion lifting your right foot while your body turns to complete your swing. When you can do this and still maintain your balance you are on the right track to having a balanced swing that will result in good contact.
The Lights Out Routine
For this routine you will need to locate a safe spot to practice. Take a few practice swings without hitting a ball. Next, practice swinging either blindfolded or with your eyes shut. Finally, address a ball and try to hit it with your eyes closed.When you can't see the ball flight you will notice it is easier to feel any unbalanced sensations. You will also be able to tell if your swing is too fast and you can't control your balance. Without being able to see, balance is sensed internally.
After you have done this drill several times successfully, try with your eyes open and maintain the same swing tempo.
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