How to Get Better at Golf
The popular slogan, "practice makes perfect," is absolutely correct, but only speaking to half the truth. The whole truth is only proper practice makes perfect, especially in a game as psychologically and physically demanding as golf. Practicing improper motions and bad habits will only be detrimental in your game's development. Make sure you have a firm grasp on the proper swing mechanics and motions before you begin practicing repetition and if you've already learned some bad habits, as many have, it is wise to work on correcting each improper motion of your swing individually --- don't try to do it all at once.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Proper Hip Motion
-
1
Grip any club in your bag, other than a putter, and address a ball. For this drill, you do not necessarily need a ball, but it is best to practice drills with a golf ball present, even if you are not hitting the ball, so it feels more realistic.
-
2
Equalize your weight in both feet and do not favor your toes or heel. Instead, distribute your weight evenly.
-
-
3
Stand upright and stick the butt of the grip flush against your belly button so the club is in a perpendicular line to your body.
-
4
Rotate your hips to your dominant side, replicating a back swing motion. Do not sway or slide your hips. The club should be pointed directly behind you at the finish or your back rotation.
-
5
Rotate your hips back towards the ball and through it, simulating a down swing and follow through. The club should be pointed directly in front of you at the finish. Again, do not slide or sway your hips.
-
6
Repeat this motion several times until it becomes comfortable and almost becomes a reflex. Many problems in a golf swing directly result from improper hip motion, but this drill will ensure a strong foundation and more control and balance in your swing.
Proper Wrist Angle
-
7
Grip any club (short iron or wedge is ideal) and address a golf ball so the entire sole of the club head is flush against the ground.
-
8
Take the club back towards your dominant side, but stop at the midway point of your back swing.
-
9
Cock your wrists to a 90-degree angle so the head of the club is pointing directly towards the sky. This is the proper angle and it should be held all the way through your back swing and down swing, only to be released after impact.
-
10
Repeat this wrist motion in a half swing without hitting the ball and gradually work your way into a three-quarter swing and full swing.
-
11
Begin making a firm down swing and follow through the ball once you become comfortable making this wrist angle. Your hands should be slightly in front of the ball at impact. The proper wrist angle at impact will ensure force and power in your swing.
Proper Putting Stroke
-
12
Hold your putter with a grip that is most comfortable for you. Your hands can be clasped together or apart, and you can choose to putt with a forward or backhand stroke.
-
13
Set a golf tee or coin half an inch outside the toe and heel of the putter head.
-
14
Place a golf ball between the two tees or coins and address the ball with your putter.
-
15
Make an even tempo putting stroke through the ball, keeping the head in between the two tees or coins. The length of your take back and follow through should be identical. To hit a longer putt, simply increase the length of your take back and follow though. Do not speed up the tempo.
-
16
Continue to putt between two tees and coins, without hitting either one, until it becomes comfortable and consistent. Lateral putter head movement during a stroke accounts for many frustrating and off-target putts.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Practice these drills on a driving range or at home. Do not stop during a round of golf to practice them.
Always stretch your muscles before swinging a club or practicing these drills. Increasing your flexibility will help stave off injury and ensure a full range of motion.
References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
