Major swing flaws surface for two reasons; the set-up position and the first move on the backswing. These elements play a vital role to the swing and affect your overall performance more than anything else. Your swing tendencies directly relate to these factors.
The first thing I look for is the overall set-up position; which includes the grip, stance, posture, ball position, and alignment. These are the key factors to observe. Think about it this way, you can hit a good shot with a poor swing if your set-up correctly, but you cannot hit a good shot with a poor swing if your set-up incorrectly. The point is, the set-up position is critical. The next object of focus is the takeaway, which is the first move on the backswing. The first move sets up a chain reaction in the swing. Good or bad, the performance of the chain reaction is likely traced back to the very fist move off the ball. The takeaway also establishes tempo and width in your swing. It’s one of the most vital areas of the swing.
How can the set-up position contribute to swing flaws?
One of the most common faults in the set-up is the upper body slouch. When you are hunched over the ball your weight is too far on your toes. The effect is loss of balance and decreased stability. Also, think about your spine angle. You can’t rotate around your spine angle when it doesn’t form a straight line. The spine is the axis of your swing; the line which your shoulders rotate around. The upper body slouch will never support a proper shoulder turn
Another common mistake is holding the club too much in the palm of your top hand. For right-handed players, this is your left hand, and vice versa for left-handed players. The more you grip the club in the palm of your top hand, the more you inhibit a proper wrist hinge at the top of the swing, and also when your release the club through the ball. Hold the club in the fingers with both hands. This will improve your feel of the club and lead to more consistent solid contact.
How can the first move on the backswing contribute to swing flaws?
Virtually every amateur takes the club back too far inside. When I perform a video analysis, I like to draw a line of your shaft angle at address, which represents the plane for the swing. Beginners take the club back inside the swing plane nine times out of ten. So, what’s the big deal about pulling the club too far inside? The effect is crossing the line to the outside at the top of the backswing, a precursor to the damaging “over the top” move when you start back down. Bottom line, you must pull the club back on plane to start the correct chain of events in the swing.
Another common ailment is a closed clubface. The first move on the backswing involves the blending of inward and upward movements, mostly generated by the muscles in the upper body. Too many beginners take the club back with only their arms. This is damaging because the clubface does not open when the backswing is only motivated by the action of the arms. You need to incorporate a shoulder turn. The shoulder turn opens the clubface and sets the clubface square throughout the backswing.
Now, if you’re looking to safeguard against swing flaws, I suggest you get to work with your set-up fundamentals and first move off the ball. More than anything else, these elements can improve or damage your swing. So, work on your set-up and the takeaway for better performance with your swing.
Long and Straight,
Adam
