THE GOLF SWING
Golf instruction comes in many different styles, and it's important for instructors to be knowledgeable about a variety of approaches in order to effectively help students. As a golf instructor, I believe that there is no one "right" way to swing a club. Instead, I try to take what a student does naturally and help them make it better while maintaining the basic fundamentals of the swing.
To do this effectively, it's important for me to be educated on a variety of teaching styles and approaches. This allows me to better understand and work with students' natural tendencies and learning styles.
Every student is unique, and we all have our own individual swings and learning paces. It's my job to be patient and supportive, and to help students set realistic goals for themselves. With the right approach, any student can make progress and improve their game.
I believe 70% of all mistakes made in the golf swing start with the set-up (Pre-Swing Fundamentals) -- Grip, Aim and Posture:
Grip
The position and pressure of the hands influence the position of the arms and shoulders at address and during the swing. Grip pressure, should always be the same. Different body types will require different hand positions on a grip; the grip should never be to open faced or closed faced, neutral is ideal.
From left to right: Ten Finger Grip, Overlap Grip, Interlocking Grip
Aim
Aim is very important as it is the direction you want the ball to go in. You always want to aim your clubface to your intended target.
For best aim, the Body Line is always parellel to the Target Line.
Posture
Posture is the determining factor to how we move our body around our spine. A good posture will help produce the maximum amount of power a golfer can generate. Good posture means being in an athletic position (ready position), knees slightly bent, spine tilt from the waist and arms hanging straight down (relaxed). I always reference posture to the ready position of a linebacker or shortstop.
You don’t have to be at a golf course to practice your Pre-Swing fundamentals. I make sure I always have a golf club at home and will grip it when I have time. Whenever I see a mirror, I stop and get in my golf set-up to make sure I am in the proper positions. Find ways to be creative to practice even when you’re not at the course and you will find yourself playing better golf before you know it.