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Ready, Set, Swing

Six ways to improve your game without ever swinging the club

Notice how my improper ball position (two right photos) produces some ugly postures. Well, if you think those are ugly, you should see the shots! The first one will go right (and probably straight up in the air), while the other will go hard left.

Proper Ball Position = Good Contact
All good golf shots occur as the club is descending into the ball (even with the driver). Playing the ball either too far back or too far forward, on the other hand, makes good contact virtually impossible. When the ball is too far back in your stance, it’s easy to get one of those nasty “sky marks” that blemish the club’s crown. They’re ugly, embarrassing and significantly discount your club’s resale value. Another common result of this ball position is a shot that squirts out to the right (because the clubface is open when it meets the ball). If the ball is too far forward, it will go to the left (because the clubface is closing).

FIND IT: Lay a club down (below and above left) so its toe is against your heel. The shaft will stick out two inches from your heel. That’s where you want the ball.

By properly aiming your body toward your target, you increase the likelihood of a free-flowing swing. When your body lines cross, however (shoulders pointing right, feet left, for example), anything can happen. Align your body properly, and let the swing flow.

Good Aim = Good Swing Path
For those of you who have ever shot a gun, you know that without first aiming it at a target, there’s no point in “pulling the trigger.” Same thing in golf. By concentrating on a specific target, you give your mind and body permission to swing freely. This freedom of movement helps ensure your swing path remains “on track” and doesn’t get derailed by any incongruous body positions.

FIND IT: Pick a small intermediate target on your target line and get your body and eyes parallel to that line. It’s that simple.

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