How To Improve Your Golf Swing

Most golfers never receive formal golf instruction. Some may receive beginner group instruction to get introduced to the game. Fewer still receive individual instruction due to the cost, which may range from $50 to over $150 per hour. With that in mind, most golfers really have no idea how to make improvements to their golf swing.

The first thing a golfer should do is locate a reputable instructor and get a full game evaluation. This evaluation will point out the strengths and weaknesses of their game. The instructor can then provide a long term plan for improving the overall game.

This evaluation should also include a video analysis of the golf swing. During this portion of the evaluation, the instructor will touch base on the major flaws in the swing, as well as the strengths in the swing. It would then be a good idea to schedule a follow up lesson to focus completely on the full swing improvements.

Generally speaking, a golfer really does not need more than a couple lessons from a good instructor to know what changes are needed for long term improvement. However, this also depends upon the dedication of both the student and the instructor.

During a full swing analysis, the instructor will watch the student hit balls, preferably on the grass. The instructor will identify the student's critical ball flight error, such as a slice or a hook. The instructor should watch the student hit balls with a mid-iron and a driver. The driver tends to exaggerate the critical ball flight error since there is no loft on the club to counteract any side spin created by a poor swing.

After watching the student hit balls, video analysis will typically come into play. A good instructor will already have an idea of what is causing the student's primary problem, but the video analysis will also pick up on some other issues in the swing that may not be seen by the naked eye. The instructor now has a complete idea of what the student's issues are and can now formulate a plan for improvement.

The goal of the first lesson is to get some improvement in ball striking immediately. For most students with at least some athletic ability, this is usually possible. After this, the instructor can present a full plan for improvement. This may include changes in the grip, stance and posture, or the swing itself. A good instructor will also teach the student what causes the common ball flight errors so that the student has the ability to make adjustments on their own.

Now, it's time to get to work on the swing. Unfortunately, most golfers to not understand how to practice to make long term improvements. Making full speed swings while trying to make changes to the swing is the wrong approach. To make improvements more quickly, it is necessary for the student to practice slow repetitions. It is also preferable that the student do this in front of a mirror. It is also beneficial if the student has their own video equipment.

To make swing changes, even if they are small, the student needs to practice daily. At least 50 to 100 focused repetitions over a period of several weeks are required to ingrain a single swing change before the golfer can actually rely upon it on the golf course. To completely overhaul a golf swing and turn it into the swing of a scratch golfer, the student should expect to practice diligently for at least a year, and probably at least two years.

While making swing changes can seem like a daunting task, there is no reason why the student cannot still enjoy the game. As mentioned, a good instructor will also provide a long term plan for the overall improvement of a student's game. Practicing other areas of the game such as short game, putting and golf course management will help the student to significantly lower their scores, even if they struggle with full swing changes. A student who approaches improvement in this manner will certainly reap the benefits in the long run.


Copyright (c) 2011 Scott Cole