One of the most common swing mistakes for the amateur golfer is the slice, an unwelcome shot that creates much side-spin on the ball causing it to cut hard to the side. It is a frustrated golfer who plays a slice and he will find it very hard to correct. Many golfers have bought tools of the trade guaranteed to fix the problem of the slice, but their frustration and disappointment deepen when they find that in most cases nothing is improved.
The fundamental process of fixing a slice lies in both the swing and the body. Research from the University of Southern Carolina has found that there were some specific swing drills that could cure that most horrible of golfing flaws. These broke the swing down into several manageable parts, all to be practiced alone at first to train the body into the right action. This prevents confusion, since it is very difficult for brain and body to process all the information required all at once.
Once the swing is broken into parts, the process is simplified, allowing the golfer to work on the part that needs fixing before implementing that action into his full swing. One of these two drills that were found to work so well is called the toe-in drill. As may be imagined, this drill helps the positioning of the golfer at all times through the swing. The second drill is called the split hand. This assisted the golfer to feel not only the correct release of the club, but also its swing path.
There is a good drill to do in front of the mirror that will help you ascertain your swing path and correct it, especially if you swing from outside-in. Setup as if you were going to hit a ball through the mirror, and take a very slow swing, stopping halfway through the follow through. Can you see your nose? Hopefully not: the club head should have it covered (in the mirror, of course).
You'll have to keep your head up to see this next drill. Take swings while you watch the blur of the club go through your mirrored eyes. This should happen on the follow through too. If it doesn't, adjust your swing until it does.
It is safe to say that if a golfer were to get the correct tuition for his posture and stance in the first place, from professional coaches who know what they are doing, the problem of the slice would be almost eliminated. Many amateurs take their first lessons from their friends who may or may not know the correct procedures. It is also a good idea to ask a coach whether that book or video you were going to purchase is indeed written or developed by someone who is experienced enough to give advice.
It is also important to work on developing core flexibility as well as flexibility in shoulders and limbs. How your swing develops will be to a great extent determined by your posture, which will in turn be determined by your flexibility. When you have developed in this area, you'll see a great improvement in your golf game generally, not just your swing, so it's worth the effort.
How To Golf Better
One of the keys to the success of Tiger Woods as a golfer is that growing up his father knew the system of golf and generously guided him through it. Now, if you have children and are thinking of introducing them to golf, you must be asking yourself: Where should I start? Who should I call? Should I purchase junior clubs or get a used set of adult ones that have been cut down to size?
Don't get ahead of yourself! Relax!
Golf is not a pursuit that you can simply sign your kid up for at any leisure club. However, this sport is become increasingly popular, and chances are that there are golf programs and clinics going on in your area. You may want to contact a local club pro, the YMCA, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, the golf association in your area, and other civic organizations. If you are from the United States , the National Minority Junior Golf Foundation, the United States Golf Association, the Professional Golf Association, and the Ladies Professional Golf Association may also know how to help you. Some of these organizations are, in fact, specifically involved in programs to introduce kids to golf.
Junior golf clinics are normally free to join; they are designed to introduce your child to the basics of golf, starting from how to grip a club, all the way to driving, chipping, and putting. Emphasis is placed on the rules of the game and golf etiquette. Clinics are also known to dole out golf apparel, balls, and sometimes golf clubs to participants. What is more, your child may be fortunate enough to receive instruction from a seasoned professional golfer in one of the clinics! The Black Enterprise/Pepsi Golf & Tennis Challenge junior clinic has featured Mark Nance, Kenny Simms, Todd Daniel and Maria Mills in the past. And their message is: Golf is for everyone.
Of course before forcing your children into playing the sport, you should take pains finding out how they truly feel about golf. After your child has been introduced to the game, you must make it a point to go to the field and observe whether hitting a few balls on the driving range brings a smile to his face. Ask yourself if you think the sport seems to be challenging and enjoyable to your kid? If yes, the real fun has surely begun.
To ensure that their kids learn the basics of golf properly, parents are usually advised to hook their children up with a golf instructor during the early stages of picking up the sport. If you're having a hard time locating a good instructor, the local club pro should be able to provide you with a list of instructors in your area. If possible, watch a potential instructor with other students before signing up your kid. Observe whether or not the instructor gets along with the other kids, and ask yourself if he would fit in with your child's personality. Proper instruction will surely increase your child's confidence and decrease the frustration this mentally and physically challenging sport is sure to bring about. An instructor will also help you regarding the kind of equipment to buy for your child. Experts believe that a 7-iron, pitching wedge and a putter are all that is required for a beginner. At this point, you can hold off on the golf shoes and the designer clothes; tennis shoes and play clothes will normally suffice!
One disadvantage to being a junior golfer is that there are usually problems regarding a shortage of facilities. To ensure enough practice (aside from the hours your child spends with an instructor) you might want to ask the club pro whether there are any slow times during the week that your child can slip on the course to play two to three holes. Additionally, if there are par 3 courses in your area, you should think about sending your kid there. Keep in mind that the more your kid plays, the more comfortable he/ she will be with the game. And, once your child has learnt the basics and is practicing regularly, the competitive juices will surely start to flow; that is when you should start inquiring about junior golf tournaments being held in your area.
As you might have guessed, introducing your kids to golf is not as simple as it sounds. Children need guidance and motivation, and if your child really enjoys the sport, you should make sure you're there to give him/ her that. Good luck!
Both Saleem Rana & Terry Bytheway are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Saleem Rana has sinced written about articles on various topics from Parenting, Travel and Leisure and Careers and Job Hunting. Saleem Rana would love to share his inspiring ideas You can get more information on how to golf and play like you've been doing it for a long time here:
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