I finally paid a coach...it makes a world of difference. I watched hundreds of videos and hit thousands of balls...same result - slicing, chunking, topping etc. Best nugget...relax and let the club do its job.
Good advice for the overthinking, confused golfer, and from someone in the golf (sports) world who knows the difference between an adverb and an adjective. I am subscribing.
Thank you for reminding me of this Mike, the 'swing' element is often a forgotten feeling when we get bogged down with individual swing mechanics. However we swing the club it is so important that it is in a fluid and relaxed motion letting gravity and centrifical force create the club head speed, not just all arms!
I always visualize swinging the club through a very specific zone, or path through the hitting area. Take some full, relaxed practice swings, and make a mental note of where that zone is. Now, setup to the ball in a way where you don’t have to manipulate that swing. The ball literally just happens to be in the way of that SWING. Never make the ball your target. No jerking, or lunging AT THE BALL. Think about it…. You don’t jerk, or lunge on a fluid practice swing. One more thing… Follow the flight of the ball, with your eyes. This will naturally allow your body to open up, and turn. I see too many people keep their head down farrrr too long. They get to impact with square hips, and square shoulders(not good). This makes for a very armsy, and choppy finish. How you finish says EVERYTHING about your “swing”.
My dad born 1911 (long since gone) told me to take big smooth practice swings, capture that feeling and then take that to the ball. I can get sloppy as well, so I just have to keep the target in mind with this feeling and I do well. Great video's, very refreshing take on instruction!
Hi Mike. From my experience I need a firm grip to feel the weight of the club in order to set the clubhead at the top and feel the weight of the club through transition and release. The clubhead is free in the downswing to move under its own power. If I have a grip that is too loose and soft the club weight overcomes my hands and wrists and I get a bad swing arc and no power. My method is to swing the handle and feel the weight to the top with loose wrists. Maybe we're talking about the same technique but using different terms. Also, the grip pressure needed seems to be a subjective thing.
I realized that my iron play yesterday was really impacted by being under pressure from my partners. I just stepped up and hit on the front nine and shot an honest 38! Personal best. Then, I started feeling the pressure to repeat that on the back nine. Got in my head, add to that I started getting fatigued and it was the first day to the season the temps have soared to over 90°… didn’t manage it well. Didn’t have a way to reset. Looking for video on that topic.
I hit my first two 300 yarders yesterday. Both times, my swing thought was the word "Greasy"; while imagining my wrists and joints were all greasy metal hinges.
This is exactly what my problem is I think. When I start hitting bad shots it makes it worse I grip it harder out of frustration. Then becomes vicious circle. I’ll make sure to remember this.
Me Too. I find myself getting mad at the ball. That tactic does not work. Then later, I notice pain in my right middle finger. Then I know I'm pushing it with my right hand.
You are so right, we can get so caught up in the mechanics, trying to do everything perfectly that we forget to actually swing the dang club freely. Being tense has always been my biggest issue. There is no way to be fluid in a swing when we are tense. Can't do it.....at least, I can't. Another great vid. May have to drive from Winston Salem to see you for a lesson.
You are describing all my problems and faults to a tee. By the way, is it my imagination or are the two alignment sticks not aligned? It looks like the one by your feet is pointed straight and the one in front of the ball is pointed slightly to the right. Is that on purpose of it is just be the camera angle? As far as getting that loose swing feel, I think devices like the Orange whip and the Sklz swing trainer do a nice job of that.
Hi Glenn, nice catch! The alignment stick is off! But that's ok, because we're really focusing on relaxing and swinging the club. I love those training aids too!
Hi Mike I ve tried being a little loose on my golf swing but I ve found that I can t dictate the ball direction. I ve been playing for some 50 years now an unless I have some tension in my arms the ball could go anywhere: any ideas.
It is amazing how easy this is when there is no ball there and you swing very flat as if you are swinging a baseball bat. Why is that and what can be done about it?
Hi JR. Most amateur golfers tend to swing the club with their club face wide open relative to their swing path, especially when there's no ball in play. Once you have a ball in front of you, a target ahead of you, and consequences, everything changes and subconsciously people will try to get their club face square to their target line by altering the path of their swing. This is a very general comment but it is one that I find to have validity with a very high number of amateur players.
swing the club thru naturally without thinking about body parts and without thinking about generating speed.Think more about accurately swinging the club thru and don't worry about the speed. As you start to feel your club swinging thru where it should you can naturally ramp up the speed without compensations. But program your self to think swinging thru accurately(in a way that will hit the ball towards your target) as your objective not speed or force???
Eric Takahashi, that sounds like a pretty good summary. We want to feel the the club pulling away from us throughout the swing. I would recommend always being aware of the clubface as well.
I finally paid a coach...it makes a world of difference. I watched hundreds of videos and hit thousands of balls...same result - slicing, chunking, topping etc. Best nugget...relax and let the club do its job.
Good advice for the overthinking, confused golfer, and from someone in the golf (sports) world who knows the difference between an adverb and an adjective. I am subscribing.
Thanks Raymond! Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for reminding me of this Mike, the 'swing' element is often a forgotten feeling when we get bogged down with individual swing mechanics. However we swing the club it is so important that it is in a fluid and relaxed motion letting gravity and centrifical force create the club head speed, not just all arms!
I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you for commenting!
I always visualize swinging the club through a very specific zone, or path through the hitting area. Take some full, relaxed practice swings, and make a mental note of where that zone is. Now, setup to the ball in a way where you don’t have to manipulate that swing. The ball literally just happens to be in the way of that SWING. Never make the ball your target. No jerking, or lunging AT THE BALL. Think about it…. You don’t jerk, or lunge on a fluid practice swing. One more thing… Follow the flight of the ball, with your eyes. This will naturally allow your body to open up, and turn. I see too many people keep their head down farrrr too long. They get to impact with square hips, and square shoulders(not good). This makes for a very armsy, and choppy finish. How you finish says EVERYTHING about your “swing”.
My dad born 1911 (long since gone) told me to take big smooth practice swings, capture that feeling and then take that to the ball. I can get sloppy as well, so I just have to keep the target in mind with this feeling and I do well. Great video's, very refreshing take on instruction!
Thanks Bob!
Hi Mike. From my experience I need a firm grip to feel the weight of the club in order to set the clubhead at the top and feel the weight of the club through transition and release. The clubhead is free in the downswing to move under its own power. If I have a grip that is too loose and soft the club weight overcomes my hands and wrists and I get a bad swing arc and no power. My method is to swing the handle and feel the weight to the top with loose wrists. Maybe we're talking about the same technique but using different terms. Also, the grip pressure needed seems to be a subjective thing.
I'm glad that works for you Peter. To each his own I suppose.
I realized that my iron play yesterday was really impacted by being under pressure from my partners. I just stepped up and hit on the front nine and shot an honest 38! Personal best. Then, I started feeling the pressure to repeat that on the back nine. Got in my head, add to that I started getting fatigued and it was the first day to the season the temps have soared to over 90°… didn’t manage it well. Didn’t have a way to reset. Looking for video on that topic.
Hi John, thank you for the video suggestion. We will look at doing something like that in the near future.
I hit my first two 300 yarders yesterday. Both times, my swing thought was the word "Greasy"; while imagining my wrists and joints were all greasy metal hinges.
This is exactly what my problem is I think. When I start hitting bad shots it makes it worse I grip it harder out of frustration. Then becomes vicious circle. I’ll make sure to remember this.
I'm guilty at times too! Thank you for commenting.
Me Too. I find myself getting mad at the ball. That tactic does not work. Then later, I notice pain in my right middle finger. Then I know I'm pushing it with my right hand.
You are so right, we can get so caught up in the mechanics, trying to do everything perfectly that we forget to actually swing the dang club freely. Being tense has always been my biggest issue. There is no way to be fluid in a swing when we are tense. Can't do it.....at least, I can't. Another great vid. May have to drive from Winston Salem to see you for a lesson.
Hi Bill, thanks for the comment. Hopefully we'll get together in person one day!
Missing my swing… 👍🏻
You are describing all my problems and faults to a tee.
By the way, is it my imagination or are the two alignment sticks not aligned? It looks like the one by your feet is pointed straight and the one in front of the ball is pointed slightly to the right. Is that on purpose of it is just be the camera angle?
As far as getting that loose swing feel, I think devices like the Orange whip and the Sklz swing trainer do a nice job of that.
Hi Glenn, nice catch! The alignment stick is off! But that's ok, because we're really focusing on relaxing and swinging the club. I love those training aids too!
Fair enough. I thought maybe you were trying to encourage an in-to-out swing.
Glenn Watson mine too haha
Hi Mike I ve tried being a little loose on my golf swing but I ve found that I can t dictate the ball direction. I ve been playing for some 50 years now an unless I have some tension in my arms the ball could go anywhere: any ideas.
It is amazing how easy this is when there is no ball there and you swing very flat as if you are swinging a baseball bat. Why is that and what can be done about it?
Hi JR. Most amateur golfers tend to swing the club with their club face wide open relative to their swing path, especially when there's no ball in play. Once you have a ball in front of you, a target ahead of you, and consequences, everything changes and subconsciously people will try to get their club face square to their target line by altering the path of their swing. This is a very general comment but it is one that I find to have validity with a very high number of amateur players.
Loose arms and hands on the backswing and start the swing with the lower body all while you keep your eyes on the ball.
Great vid Mike
Thanks Bob!
swing the club thru naturally without thinking about body parts and without thinking about generating speed.Think more about accurately swinging the club thru and don't worry about the speed. As you start to feel your club swinging thru where it should you can naturally ramp up the speed without compensations. But program your self to think swinging thru accurately(in a way that will hit the ball towards your target) as your objective not speed or force???
Eric Takahashi, that sounds like a pretty good summary. We want to feel the the club pulling away from us throughout the swing. I would recommend always being aware of the clubface as well.
Mike seems the more I practice the worse my contact becomes. When I do little to no practice my contact is better. Not sure why.
Cause ure not focus on the swing itself u just let it come naturally just don't be tense and have a calm mind
I do everything right just don't swing it. I hit at everything
A lot of people do it James! Thank you for the comment.
Takes too long to get to the point which is a good thought.
Not gonna lie… I always forget the “swing” aspect.