The golf swing is comprised of "many moving parts." In a perfect swing, if there is such a swing, all the moving parts are synchronized. And they must be repeatable for a golfer to be consistent, score well and win tournaments. Because of the many moving parts however, it is next to impossible for the golfer to continuously repeat all the moving parts in perfect synchronization. Ben Hogan once wrote that during any particular round, he was fortunate if he hit "one or two perfect shots, seldom more." He won tournaments because his less than perfect shots were not that imperfect and usually did not get him into trouble.
For golfers trying to improve their swings, the big question is: on which moving part does the golfer focus? Here is a typical scenario. The golfer takes a lesson. The pro identifies a moving part he feels needs correction. The golfer focuses on that part but often, shows no improvement. One reason may be that by focusing on that part, the golfer now changes or disrupts a different moving part. And so the difficulty continues. Similarly by watching instructional videos or videos of her/his swing, the golfer identifies one aspect of the swing or a certain moving part on which to focus. If the golfer were to watch all the videos available, the golfer would get further confused because much of what is shown or taught is contradictory, can be misunderstood or misinterpreted.
There are hundreds of training aids available on the market. If the golfer were to review all, the golfer would find that each has its own swing focus, its own aspect of the swing or "moving part." Whether it be tempo, or straight left arm, or wrist cock, or pivot or maintaining plane or whatever, the focus of the training aid is usually on only one aspect or moving part of the swing. The golfer selects a training aid aimed at improving the identified fault. But in so doing, more often than not, the golfer changes or disrupts some other moving part. The swing is no longer repeatable and no improvement is seen.
Jake Zastko, a PGA Teaching Pro for 50 years and former NJ PGA Champion said: "the biggest swing fault I have seen in my many years of teaching is that golfers come up and out of their shot too soon; their heads come up or they lose their spine angle or both. It may be human nature, but it seems that the golfer wants to see where her/his shot is going or has gone, before contact with the ball is made. It is like trying to hit the head of a nail with a hammer without looking at the nail." As a USGTF Instructor, working with golfers of all ages, I agree with Jake's observation.
So here is what any golfer can do to improve her/his swing. Take your lesson, watch the video or DVD, identify the moving part or aspect of the swing on which you want to focus. Focus and practice the desired change for that moving part until you feel comfortable with the change. Now have a friend, your spouse or a golfing buddy hold the butt end of a club on top of your head while you swing or hit balls and practice the change. Pro Jack Grout, who was Jack Nicklaus' first teacher, actually grabbed young Jack by his hair and had Jack swing and hit balls for three hours at a time. Grout could work on any aspect of Nicklaus' swing but Grout made certain that Jack's head did not come up before impact. Or you could use a training aid like the PRO-HEAD Trainer which duplicates the Grout technique and gives you tactile feedback on any head movement. It also helps to maintain your spine angle.
Yes you can improve your golf swing. Identify the swing improvement you want to make or the fault you want to correct. Focus on the desired result. Practice the change until you are comfortable it. While practicing, try not to change any other aspect or moving part of your swing. Then take your improved swing to a driving range and hit balls. Make certain you keep your head steady and you do not look up to see the ball, to see if the change is working. If necessary, have a buddy use the Jack Grout technique or use a training aid like the PRO-HEAD Trainer to give you feedback on any head movement. With your focus and practice you will soon see the improvement you desire.
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