This article looks at some of the common problems that cause the golf ball to deviate from its intended target and how you can go about fixing the problem.
Let's start with the Push shot. A shot falls into the push category when the shot veers to the right of the intended target. The problem is immediate as the ball does not just fade to the right after you hit it but is immediately traveling to the right on contact. If, when playing your shot, your body does not rotate far enough left during the downswing you will probably "push" the ball. It can also happen if your arms swing to the right. You must really focus on keeping your body rotation going all the way through the downswing and this will help fix the problem.
The Pull shot is the opposite of the push in that the ball veers off the left immediately after contact. This is caused by an inaccurate downswing that pulls across your body. Your shoulders are opening too quickly during the downswing; you must keep the shoulders parallel to the target line as you make contact with the ball. One reason the pull can occur is if your grip is not firm enough, so try a harder grip on the club. Another reason is poor alignment; make sure you keep your weight on the left side as you perform the downswing.
Another common problem is that of not getting enough distance out of your shots. One of the main factors in delivering club head speed and the power comes from your shoulder rotation. You want to uncoil like a spring on the downswing, this is where the power comes from so make sure you rotate you shoulder fully during the backswing. You should aim to have your left shoulder over your right foot at the apex of the backswing. Flexibility is also very important and if your hands are gripping the club too tightly, it wall cause tension across your upper body in general and you will lose valuable club head speed. Try to relax your grip and you will see definite increased yardage.
If you are suffering from poor direction and the ball is flying in random directions on every shot you should look carefully at two things, alignment of your body and the position of the ball. Your shoulders, feet and knees must be aligned in a parallel line with your target. You should be fastidious in checking this alignment before every shot. Once you have your alignment sorted you can look at the position of the ball relative to your stance. If your stance is too close to the ball you will hit a lot of pull shots. If your stance is too far away you will hit a lot of push shots.
These are just some of the problems that can affect the direction of the golf ball during a shot. Hopefully this has given you some tips to rectify the problems. We will be looking at some more common directional problems in later articles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patrick_Attlee
Sunday, August 23, 2009
How to Get the Ball Into the Air Quickly and Hit it High
Hitting the golf ball high is one of those shots that you will not need to use that often, but if you have an obstruction in your way such as a tree or you need to get the ball up quickly to clear the lip of a bunker then this is definitely a shot that you need to know to get yourself out of trouble.
The best advice I can give you in a situation like this is to keep it simple. Do not make any drastic changes to your swing or stance as the likelihood of making a mistake increases with every adjustment. So here are a couple of steps you should follow to successfully hit the ball high in the air:
Step 1: Place the ball further forward in your stance than you normally would for the same club. This will pre-set a little more loft on the clubface at address helping to give you a higher than normal ball flight.
Step 2: This is very important. Place your hands level with the ball and not ahead of the ball. This will add to the loft of the clubface.
Step 4: Make a slightly steeper, upright backswing and make sure your hands are positioned as high as they can go at the top of your backswing.
Step 5: Start your downswing and make contact with the ball. It is essential that you get the feeling of staying behind the ball at impact and you can do this by leaving your weight on your right side just a fraction longer than usual.
Step 6: After making contact with the ball continue, with the swing and make a full and well balanced follow through. It is still very important to keep your weight slightly on your right side.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jakobus_Nel
The best advice I can give you in a situation like this is to keep it simple. Do not make any drastic changes to your swing or stance as the likelihood of making a mistake increases with every adjustment. So here are a couple of steps you should follow to successfully hit the ball high in the air:
Step 1: Place the ball further forward in your stance than you normally would for the same club. This will pre-set a little more loft on the clubface at address helping to give you a higher than normal ball flight.
Step 2: This is very important. Place your hands level with the ball and not ahead of the ball. This will add to the loft of the clubface.
Step 4: Make a slightly steeper, upright backswing and make sure your hands are positioned as high as they can go at the top of your backswing.
Step 5: Start your downswing and make contact with the ball. It is essential that you get the feeling of staying behind the ball at impact and you can do this by leaving your weight on your right side just a fraction longer than usual.
Step 6: After making contact with the ball continue, with the swing and make a full and well balanced follow through. It is still very important to keep your weight slightly on your right side.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jakobus_Nel
Selection Dilemma Between Fairway Wood Or Iron Golf Club
Most players are delighted if they hit the perfect shot once in 20 occasions. On the other 19 they will either lose their ball in the lake or find themselves confronted by a nasty sand shot. Here is a far better strategy when confronted by hazards on either side of a green that seems easily within reach.
Take an iron or a smaller wood, so as to leave you a shot of 20 yards or 18 meters to the green. That way, you take out of play both the lake and the bunker. Admittedly, you will not get a birdie three.
But you will get a four or, perhaps at worst, a bogey five, which is certainly better than the score you would be looking at if you were staring forlornly at your ball in the water.
There are times when a 3 or 4 wood is a perfectly good option. If, for example, you are three holes down with four to play and your opponent is already on the putting surface in two, then clearly you have no choice.
Dire circumstances call for drastic measures. Maybe the entrance to the green is wide open, or you think you could give Ernie a game out of the sand. In those circumstances, by all means go ahead and blaze away.
Much depends on how the ball is lying. Lush grass may give a nice lie, giving you the confidence to strike boldly, but from a right, bare lie caution is prudent. The key is to let the stars clear from your eyes and then assess the shot in a calculating manner.
If the penalties for straying off line around the green are great, then go with an iron. Do not risk leaving yourself a shot you dread. Above all, do not throw careless shots away when a little bit of caution can make things easier for you.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Azlan_Idris
Take an iron or a smaller wood, so as to leave you a shot of 20 yards or 18 meters to the green. That way, you take out of play both the lake and the bunker. Admittedly, you will not get a birdie three.
But you will get a four or, perhaps at worst, a bogey five, which is certainly better than the score you would be looking at if you were staring forlornly at your ball in the water.
There are times when a 3 or 4 wood is a perfectly good option. If, for example, you are three holes down with four to play and your opponent is already on the putting surface in two, then clearly you have no choice.
Dire circumstances call for drastic measures. Maybe the entrance to the green is wide open, or you think you could give Ernie a game out of the sand. In those circumstances, by all means go ahead and blaze away.
Much depends on how the ball is lying. Lush grass may give a nice lie, giving you the confidence to strike boldly, but from a right, bare lie caution is prudent. The key is to let the stars clear from your eyes and then assess the shot in a calculating manner.
If the penalties for straying off line around the green are great, then go with an iron. Do not risk leaving yourself a shot you dread. Above all, do not throw careless shots away when a little bit of caution can make things easier for you.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Azlan_Idris
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Left Handed Golf Clubs - What Makes Them So Different?
Left handed golf clubs are similar in construction and utilize the same technology built into right handed equipment. How do you tell if a golf club is for people who are lefties? When you hold a lefty club in front of you, the club face should point to the right.
Phil Mickelson is one notable champion who uses lefty golf clubs. Although normally right handed, Phil learned golf by mirroring his dad. He is also known as 'Lefty' in golf circles because of his left-handed swing.
It is always important to have your new set of clubs fitted to your body type, age and style of play. Players with a lot of power in their swing might opt for stiffer golf shafts. Older players will benefit from using clubs with built-in flex. The flex of the shaft is actually spring-like potential energy that puts additional power to your swing the moment your club impacts the ball.
The shafting of most modern left handed clubs is either made from steel or graphite. Steel is more durable and cheaper. Graphite is lighter but more expensive. It is important to consider what the club is made from.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Assaf_Levi
Phil Mickelson is one notable champion who uses lefty golf clubs. Although normally right handed, Phil learned golf by mirroring his dad. He is also known as 'Lefty' in golf circles because of his left-handed swing.
It is always important to have your new set of clubs fitted to your body type, age and style of play. Players with a lot of power in their swing might opt for stiffer golf shafts. Older players will benefit from using clubs with built-in flex. The flex of the shaft is actually spring-like potential energy that puts additional power to your swing the moment your club impacts the ball.
The shafting of most modern left handed clubs is either made from steel or graphite. Steel is more durable and cheaper. Graphite is lighter but more expensive. It is important to consider what the club is made from.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Assaf_Levi
Senior Golf Clubs - What to Keep in Mind When Considering Senior Golf Clubs
Golf is a healthy low-impact sport which is perfect for people of all ages like juniors and seniors, so long as they can swing a club. Golf club manufacturers know that there are a fair number of older players still out there in the fairways. That is why manufacturers make a line of golf clubs rated for older people. This type of equipment belongs to a category called Senior Golf Clubs.
The main difference between Senior golf clubs and regular clubs is mainly in the flex. There is greater amount of flex designed in the shafts of Senior golf clubs. This flexing action increases the potential energy of the swing and when the club head strikes the ball, the flex of the shaft acts like a spring, adding more power to the impact.
It is still important to match your golf club to your style of playing - even though you belong to the so-called seniors group. If you still have the speed of your swing, you might not require much flex. The potential energy of a flexing shaft is only wasted on a fast swing. The shaft's flex gets exaggerated and the springing action happens late after impact, resulting in decreased distance and accuracy. If you find it confusing to get a proper match between your swing and the amount of flex in your club, having more flex in your club is always safer than having a stiff shaft.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Assaf_Levi
The main difference between Senior golf clubs and regular clubs is mainly in the flex. There is greater amount of flex designed in the shafts of Senior golf clubs. This flexing action increases the potential energy of the swing and when the club head strikes the ball, the flex of the shaft acts like a spring, adding more power to the impact.
It is still important to match your golf club to your style of playing - even though you belong to the so-called seniors group. If you still have the speed of your swing, you might not require much flex. The potential energy of a flexing shaft is only wasted on a fast swing. The shaft's flex gets exaggerated and the springing action happens late after impact, resulting in decreased distance and accuracy. If you find it confusing to get a proper match between your swing and the amount of flex in your club, having more flex in your club is always safer than having a stiff shaft.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Assaf_Levi
Buying Second Hand Golf Clubs - Things to Check Before You Buy Used Clubs
When buying second hand golf clubs, you really need to be careful and inspect the clubs for defects. There is always a reason that someone is selling their golf clubs. You want to be sure that the reason is not because they are in need of repair.
Here are some things to consider when looking at second hand golf clubs:
· Inspect the shafts: Make sure there are no worn areas or indentations that could weaken them. For steel shafts, make sure it has not been bent back into shape.
· Inspect the club heads: You are looking for face wear. Look for a shiny spot that shows that the clubs have had a lot of use. Do not buy clubs that have indentations as they will affect the flight of the ball.
· Inspect the grips: Carefully look for splits, cracks and other wear. You may decide to re-grip the clubs, but remember that will cost you more money so consider that in your offer price.
· Make sure the set is consistent: Do all of the clubs line up and appear to have come from the original set? You do not want a concoction of different clubs from different sets.
· Compare the prices of newer models in the same product line. Would it be better to just buy new?
Buying second hand clubs can save you a lot of money, but only if you take the time to properly inspect and do your own due diligence.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Assaf_Levi
Here are some things to consider when looking at second hand golf clubs:
· Inspect the shafts: Make sure there are no worn areas or indentations that could weaken them. For steel shafts, make sure it has not been bent back into shape.
· Inspect the club heads: You are looking for face wear. Look for a shiny spot that shows that the clubs have had a lot of use. Do not buy clubs that have indentations as they will affect the flight of the ball.
· Inspect the grips: Carefully look for splits, cracks and other wear. You may decide to re-grip the clubs, but remember that will cost you more money so consider that in your offer price.
· Make sure the set is consistent: Do all of the clubs line up and appear to have come from the original set? You do not want a concoction of different clubs from different sets.
· Compare the prices of newer models in the same product line. Would it be better to just buy new?
Buying second hand clubs can save you a lot of money, but only if you take the time to properly inspect and do your own due diligence.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Assaf_Levi
Golf Clubs For Beginners - 7 Things You Need to Know Before Choosing a Golf Club
Choosing the right golf clubs when you are just learning the game can be difficult, you may feel like you are completely lost in a maze of new words and numbers. It can get very confusing for the new golfer if you do not understand the lingo of the game.
Here are some pieces of information that will help you to get you started:
· A set of golf clubs means that there are no more than 14 clubs
· Typically, a set will include: Irons: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, PW, Woods: 1, 3, 5 and a putter.
· You do not have to carry every golf club you own. You may decide that you only need certain ones
when you are just beginning to play golf.
· Just because a golf club is higher priced does not necessarily mean it is the best or will help your game
the most. Instead, use that money to invest in golf lessons or more time practicing at the driving range.
· The shaft is the axle of the club, and the better the shaft, the better the club.
· Use standard length clubs unless you are very short or very tall.
· You may want to begin by renting clubs at a driving range to get a feel for what you will need before
purchasing anything.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Assaf_Levi
Here are some pieces of information that will help you to get you started:
· A set of golf clubs means that there are no more than 14 clubs
· Typically, a set will include: Irons: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, PW, Woods: 1, 3, 5 and a putter.
· You do not have to carry every golf club you own. You may decide that you only need certain ones
when you are just beginning to play golf.
· Just because a golf club is higher priced does not necessarily mean it is the best or will help your game
the most. Instead, use that money to invest in golf lessons or more time practicing at the driving range.
· The shaft is the axle of the club, and the better the shaft, the better the club.
· Use standard length clubs unless you are very short or very tall.
· You may want to begin by renting clubs at a driving range to get a feel for what you will need before
purchasing anything.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Assaf_Levi
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Golf Swing Slice Cure - Stop Slicing a Golf Ball And Gain More Distance
One of the most frustrating mistakes for all golfers is the golf swing slice. The slice ends up in low distance and higher scores. The passionate golfer is interested in a slice cure and wants to stop slicing the ball as fast as possible. If you want to stop slicing then this article is the right place to start.
Golf is hard to learn and the golf swing sequence is one of the most complex thing in sports. It is simply an unnatural move and you have to practise a lot to get the perfect swing. I want to give you some tips on how to stop slicing.
At first you have to analyze why you are not able to get the distance and score you want. Film yourself to start your golf swing slice cure. This way you will be able to see exactly what you have to do to improve your movements. Ask a friend of yours to film you and then analyze the complete swing. What is good and what is not so good?
If you do not rotate properly then you may have to improve your fitness level. To do the swing in a right way you some core strength. It does not look like but you have to be "in shape" to play golf. Like I said it is an unnatural move and you need some core strength to hit the ball with maximum power. This way you will maximize power and distance pretty fast.
Physical fitness is one aspect the other one is the mental fitness. You have to think positive. Do not think about what could go wrong. If you do so you will fail and never better your game.
Visualize your golf swing before you actually do it. Go through it step by step with the right mindset and you will stop slicing the golf ball. Mental fitness is often overlooked by amateur golfers but it can help you very much if you want to cure your golf swing slice.
These are only a few tips to cure a slice. A regular training routine is essential if you want to take your game to the next level.
Next you will want to know where to find the best golf swing guides to cure your slice.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Langer
Golf is hard to learn and the golf swing sequence is one of the most complex thing in sports. It is simply an unnatural move and you have to practise a lot to get the perfect swing. I want to give you some tips on how to stop slicing.
At first you have to analyze why you are not able to get the distance and score you want. Film yourself to start your golf swing slice cure. This way you will be able to see exactly what you have to do to improve your movements. Ask a friend of yours to film you and then analyze the complete swing. What is good and what is not so good?
If you do not rotate properly then you may have to improve your fitness level. To do the swing in a right way you some core strength. It does not look like but you have to be "in shape" to play golf. Like I said it is an unnatural move and you need some core strength to hit the ball with maximum power. This way you will maximize power and distance pretty fast.
Physical fitness is one aspect the other one is the mental fitness. You have to think positive. Do not think about what could go wrong. If you do so you will fail and never better your game.
Visualize your golf swing before you actually do it. Go through it step by step with the right mindset and you will stop slicing the golf ball. Mental fitness is often overlooked by amateur golfers but it can help you very much if you want to cure your golf swing slice.
These are only a few tips to cure a slice. A regular training routine is essential if you want to take your game to the next level.
Next you will want to know where to find the best golf swing guides to cure your slice.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Langer
Golf Swing Online Guides - Can They Better Your Game?
A lot of golfers are asking themselves how to learn a proper golf swing? Online is my answer. But are there any good and useful guides and courses available? Yes, and if your want to read on then you will better your golf swing online.
A lot of times I was outside on the green and practicing my golf swing. Sometimes it was raining and cold. This was a big problem for me because I wanted to better my game but I had to stop my training routine because of the bad weather. So, what should I do to solve this problem?
Well, simply getting an golf training course online. I searched a lot of these training guides and found some very impressive ones on my journey. You can learn from the comfort of your home any time you want to. They are offering detailed books with pictures and explanations. Software to see your improvements and videos which are visualizing the golf swing sequences and techniques.
But that is not all, often you get a complete golf fitness program. A core strength is necessary to do the swing in a right way. Physical fitness is one of the most important factors if you want to take your game to the next level and shot the ball with distance .
The biggest advantage for me is the personnel consultation with the author of the training guide. If you have a question just shot him an email or phone him. Great guides like the pure point golf program are offering a members only forum where you can get help. Speak to other golfers like you and me.
You see, there are a lot of advantages if you want to learn a golf swing online. Exercise when ever you want even when the weather is bad. Instant help if you have problems and excellent training materials. Online golf guides are definitely worth the money and you can easily implement the guides into your training routine.
Next you will want to know where to find the best golf swing online guides.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Langer
A lot of times I was outside on the green and practicing my golf swing. Sometimes it was raining and cold. This was a big problem for me because I wanted to better my game but I had to stop my training routine because of the bad weather. So, what should I do to solve this problem?
Well, simply getting an golf training course online. I searched a lot of these training guides and found some very impressive ones on my journey. You can learn from the comfort of your home any time you want to. They are offering detailed books with pictures and explanations. Software to see your improvements and videos which are visualizing the golf swing sequences and techniques.
But that is not all, often you get a complete golf fitness program. A core strength is necessary to do the swing in a right way. Physical fitness is one of the most important factors if you want to take your game to the next level and shot the ball with distance .
The biggest advantage for me is the personnel consultation with the author of the training guide. If you have a question just shot him an email or phone him. Great guides like the pure point golf program are offering a members only forum where you can get help. Speak to other golfers like you and me.
You see, there are a lot of advantages if you want to learn a golf swing online. Exercise when ever you want even when the weather is bad. Instant help if you have problems and excellent training materials. Online golf guides are definitely worth the money and you can easily implement the guides into your training routine.
Next you will want to know where to find the best golf swing online guides.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Langer
How to Grip a Golf Club to Improve Your Swing - A Quick Way to Help Your Gold Score!
All winter you have been waiting for the snow to melt and the ground to dry. All winter you have been looking at those golf clubs longingly, like a lover who is just out of reach. While you are waiting, take some time to freshen up on a few things.
When you are holding your golf clubs, you should be comfortable. You may have the best form on your block, but if it is not comfortable, you aren't going to have any fun. For left handed people, reverse the following. Take your left hand. Wrap it firmly around the club about half an inch from the top. Make sure your thumb is pointing straight down the club. Then put your right hand around the club. Your left thumb should be underneath your middle, ring and pinky fingers. Make sure you are holding tight. The tighter your hold, the better your shot.
Keep your wrists still. Use your left thumb as a guide. Point it straight down, and make sure it is parallel to the front of the club. Left handed people, this will be the opposite.
Golf gloves can be a help as well. Your grip will be tighter, and you will be more comfortable. But don't slack off on your grip, keep your grip as tight as possible. This proper grip will help your game no matter what shot you are faced with.
A couple of general things to always remember: make sure your clubs are waist high, and keep your head down until you have hit the ball. With these few tips, you are sure to have a better game this year. See you at the tee!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Rinehart
When you are holding your golf clubs, you should be comfortable. You may have the best form on your block, but if it is not comfortable, you aren't going to have any fun. For left handed people, reverse the following. Take your left hand. Wrap it firmly around the club about half an inch from the top. Make sure your thumb is pointing straight down the club. Then put your right hand around the club. Your left thumb should be underneath your middle, ring and pinky fingers. Make sure you are holding tight. The tighter your hold, the better your shot.
Keep your wrists still. Use your left thumb as a guide. Point it straight down, and make sure it is parallel to the front of the club. Left handed people, this will be the opposite.
Golf gloves can be a help as well. Your grip will be tighter, and you will be more comfortable. But don't slack off on your grip, keep your grip as tight as possible. This proper grip will help your game no matter what shot you are faced with.
A couple of general things to always remember: make sure your clubs are waist high, and keep your head down until you have hit the ball. With these few tips, you are sure to have a better game this year. See you at the tee!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Rinehart
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