Instruction
3 keys to improve your ball striking
There are many different viewpoints in the golf instruction world on how to swing the golf club most efficiently. I’m personally under the belief that there are many different ways to swing efficiently based on the player.
With that being said, however, I’ve taught more than 10,000 lessons and continue to see three keys that help 99 percent of club golfers. If a golfer can master these three keys, they can almost always improve their ball striking and ball flight — and of course, shoot lower scores.
FPST (Forward Pressure with Spine Tilt)
This key begins at the address position. The player should begin by feeling 60-65 percent of pressure in their front foot with their spine/upper body tilting slightly away from the target. This address position will promote limited lateral motion in the backswing while providing an efficient turn in the backswing, improving the player’s transition into the downswing.
With FPST, golfers often gain better balance and can move more efficiently through the swing, leading to an improved energy transfer for more speed and distance.
Pinnage
OK, I know “pinnage” isn’t a word! It does, however, convey the next key that I believe is crucial in the golf swing and how the golf club moves in space.
How the hands and arms work with the body in the golf swing is very important, because it has a huge affect on the plane of the golf club in both the backswing and downswing. I’ve found that golfers improve their chances of delivering the golf club on plane into the impact position if they:
- Get the lead arm pinned across their chest at the top of the backswing.
- Have a right elbow (for a right-handed player) that matches their spine angle.
Golfers who get their lead arm on the same plane as their shoulder plane and 90 degrees to the spine almost always like the results.
Stretch
The final key that I see in all good ball strikers is the fashion in which the body and arms move from just after the moment of impact until the shaft is past parallel in the through swing. In this key, the arms appear to be stretched out and extended. This movement is set up well before the impact position, but it’s a telling tale of all of the good things the player did throughout their golf swing leading up to impact.
I’ve found that if one can master my first two keys, the “stretch” position can become obtainable for anyone. It’s set up by proper body movements and swing direction, which will have a massive effect on the player’s ball striking and ball flight.
If you’d like to learn more about this subject and what the players on the PGA and LPGA Tours are doing, I welcome you to read my book The 5 Tour Fundamentals of Golf. I’ve spent time working with many of the top men and women professional in the game, and I’ve been able to come up with the true fundamentals of golf displayed I by the best players in the world!
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Instruction
Clement: Laid-off or perfect fade? Across-the-line or perfect draw?
Some call the image on the left laid off, but if you are hitting a fade, this could be a perfect backswing for it! Same for across the line for a draw! Stop racking your brain with perceived mistakes and simply match backswing to shot shape!
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Instruction
The Wedge Guy: The easiest-to-learn golf basic
My golf learning began with this simple fact – if you don’t have a fundamentally sound hold on the golf club, it is practically impossible for your body to execute a fundamentally sound golf swing. I’m still a big believer that the golf swing is much easier to execute if you begin with the proper hold on the club.
As you might imagine, I come into contact with hundreds of golfers of all skill levels. And it is very rare to see a good player with a bad hold on the golf club. There are some exceptions, for sure, but they are very few and very far between, and they typically have beat so many balls with their poor grip that they’ve found a way to work around it.
The reality of biophysics is that the body moves only in certain ways – and the particulars of the way you hold the golf club can totally prevent a sound swing motion that allows the club to release properly through the impact zone. The wonderful thing is that anyone can learn how to put a fundamentally sound hold on the golf club, and you can practice it anywhere your hands are not otherwise engaged, like watching TV or just sitting and relaxing.
Whether you prefer an overlap, interlock or full-finger (not baseball!) grip on the club, the same fundamentals apply. Here are the major grip faults I see most often, in the order of the frequency:
Mis-aligned hands
By this I mean that the palms of the two hands are not parallel to each other. Too many golfers have a weak left hand and strong right, or vice versa. The easiest way to learn how to hold the club with your palms aligned properly is to grip a plain wooden ruler or yardstick. It forces the hands to align properly and shows you how that feels. If you grip and re-grip a yardstick several times, then grip a club, you’ll see that the learning curve is almost immediate.
The position of the grip in the upper/left hand
I also observe many golfers who have the butt of the grip too far into the heel pad of the upper hand (the left hand for right-handed players). It’s amazing how much easier it is to release the club through the ball if even 1/4-1/2″ of the butt is beyond the left heel pad. Try this yourself to see what I mean. Swing the club freely with just your left hand and notice the difference in its release from when you hold it at the end of the grip, versus gripping down even a half inch.
To help you really understand how this works, go to the range and hit shots with your five-iron gripped down a full inch to make the club the same length as your seven-iron. You will probably see an amazing shot shape difference, and likely not see as much distance loss as you would expect.
Too much lower (right) hand on the club
It seems like almost all golfers of 8-10 handicap or higher have the club too far into the palm of the lower hand, because that feels “good” if you are trying to control the path of the clubhead to the ball. But the golf swing is not an effort to hit at the ball – it is a swing of the club. The proper hold on the club has the grip underneath the pad at the base of the fingers. This will likely feel “weak” to you — like you cannot control the club like that. EXACTLY. You should not be trying to control the club with your lower/master hand.
Gripping too tightly
Nearly all golfers hold the club too tightly, which tenses up the forearms and prevents a proper release of the club through impact. In order for the club to move back and through properly, you must feel that the club is controlled by the last three fingers of the upper hand, and the middle two fingers of the lower hand. If you engage your thumbs and forefingers in “holding” the club, the result will almost always be a grip that is too tight. Try this for yourself. Hold the club in your upper hand only, and squeeze firmly with just the last three fingers, with the forefinger and thumb off the club entirely. You have good control, but your forearms are not tense. Then begin to squeeze down with your thumb and forefinger and observe the tensing of the entire forearm. This is the way we are made, so the key to preventing tenseness in the arms is to hold the club very lightly with the “pinchers” — the thumbs and forefingers.
So, those are what I believe are the four fundamentals of a good grip. Anyone can learn them in their home or office very quickly. There is no easier way to improve your ball striking consistency and add distance than giving more attention to the way you hold the golf club.
More from the Wedge Guy
- The Wedge Guy: Golf mastery begins with your wedge game
- The Wedge Guy: Why golf is 20 times harder than brain surgery
- The Wedge Guy: Musings on the golf ball rollback
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Instruction
Clement: Stop ripping off your swing with this drill!
Not the dreaded headcover under the armpit drill! As if your body is defective and can’t function by itself! Have you seen how incredible the human machine is with all the incredible feats of agility all kinds of athletes are accomplishing? You think your body is so defective (the good Lord is laughing his head off at you) that it needs a headcover tucked under the armpit so you can swing like T-Rex?
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SLS
Jun 5, 2015 at 9:16 pm
I found this one “gentleman’s” comments to be quite amusing although useless so……………….
My 1st question to STEVE would be, how old are you as you are coming across as a 2 year old….
My 2nd question to STEVE would be how many drinks did you consume while “commenting?”….
My 3rd Question to STEVE would be when do you start your therapy as it’s quite obvious it should be SOON !
Bill Schmedes III
Jun 4, 2015 at 10:09 pm
Billy, Good to hear. Hit ’em straight!
Jafar
Jun 1, 2015 at 11:26 am
Hey I just read your book on Amazon Kindle and I really enjoyed using the techniques to help find a consistent swing. Look forward to more articles from you on this site.
Bill Schmedes III
Jun 1, 2015 at 7:16 pm
Jafar,
Thanks for the kind words and happy you enjoyed the book!
Bill Schmedes III
Jun 8, 2015 at 8:18 pm
Jafar, thanks again for the comments. If you enjoyed the book I’d welcome you to leave me feedback on Amazon. Thanks so much!
tom
May 31, 2015 at 5:07 pm
hi Bill,
the stretch term is a helpful term for me to not collapse and finish the swing. in my 50s now i have some trouble turning and finishing swing. this is one swing thought that is an easy key for me.
thanks
Bill Schmedes III
Jun 2, 2015 at 2:08 pm
Happy to hear Tom. Thanks for the feedback!
MattSihv
May 31, 2015 at 1:45 am
Wow! This Steve kid is a piece of work. Grow up, little guy. Just relax and enjoy your summer vacation.
I like this article, Bill. I hope you ignore the childish know-it-alls on this site and keep writing. They annoy me as well.
I have been struggling with my ball striking the past two years and have noticed a significant loss of distance. My biggest problem is sway and not catching the ball first. What would you suggest as a visual or aim point?
Steve
May 31, 2015 at 8:15 am
Really, start bowling. This sport isnt for you. Worrying about visual? Have to be able to hit the shot you paint, i dont think chunks and sculls.
MattSihv
May 31, 2015 at 12:53 pm
Honestly kid. Give up. I was a division I college athlete. I don’t take lessons, can break 80, and have only been playing for three years. This game is for anyone who wants to put in the work. I may not know the proper thought processes or have flawless technique honed by years of lessons, but I will keep asking questions to try to continue getting better.
Steve
May 31, 2015 at 1:15 pm
Fantastic
Cliff
Jun 1, 2015 at 8:51 am
Sounds like someone watched ‘Seven Days in Utopia’!
Bill Schmedes III
May 30, 2015 at 12:35 pm
Steve, If you ask any of my students they would tell you I’m far from “cookie cutter”. This is an article that is meant to help many of the amateur golfers that struggle with the common theme’s of body sway, posture issues during swing, path issues, and low point issues. You may want to get to know someone a bit better or at least ask more questions before you blast them.
There will always be a .1 percent of players that do it differently and that still do it well. Unfortunately that doesn’t help the masses. I’ve worked with 14+ tour players and have had great success helping a large amount of golfers get better and improve. I’ve seen a lot and have studied both the body and the golf swing. I feel confident that this article can help the majority of players out there. Enjoy your weekend!
Steve
May 30, 2015 at 1:31 pm
You sure sound like you are. Of the top golfers how many swing like you describe? Your theory has been beaten to death Hogan, rotary, Haney and 100’s more have all walked this beaten road before you. Maybe you “worked” with 14 tour players. That is the past, how come 14 tour players no longer work with you is the question? I agree that what you describe is good for some. You say that .1 percent of players do it differently well. So you must be cookie cutter if only .1 percent can play well differently, 99.9 percent get the cookie cutter. Enjoy your weekend
TR1PTIK
Jun 1, 2015 at 12:47 pm
You are the reason I hate golfers… And, I say that as a fellow golfer. Have a nice day.
Steve
Jun 1, 2015 at 7:57 pm
Must be hard hating yourself then.
Steve
May 30, 2015 at 10:51 am
Another one size fits all golf instructor. Jack had a right elbow that was parallel to the ground, he did pretty good. Dustin, Bubba to name a few dont subscribe to your theory. 95% of golf instruction is destructive using this guy as a example. He will take every student and use a cookie cutter instruction mentality, which is more destruction mentality. 5% of instructors will analyze your swing and work from there. Using what is more natural and easier to repeat. Find the 5% or forever try to find a swing
devilsadvocate
May 30, 2015 at 12:02 pm
Wow really? I know 95% of the instructors working today? Get real buddy
Steve
May 31, 2015 at 1:23 pm
When they have a election poll do they ask every voter? Have to think sometimes, before you churp in.
JHM
May 30, 2015 at 6:35 pm
so I gues you would say Five Lessons and Golf My Way we’re both cookie cutter approaches as well??
Steve
May 30, 2015 at 7:11 pm
I will explain the difference to you. Jack’s book was about the way he approaches golf. Hogans was a bit more instructional, but still his way of playing. They are top 5 golfers, maybe top 3 golfers of all time. So interest is natural. Hogan’s book was ground breaking at the time, to break a swing down like that. What is printed here is just a rehash of Hogan, been there done that a million times. Is what is written here new to you? Also Jack and Ben were two different ends of the spectrum. Proving there is not one way to play. But this teaching pro thinks 99.9% should be taught the same swing
Bill Schmedes III
May 30, 2015 at 7:27 pm
Steve, it’s extremely immature of you to keep saying that I believe that everyone should be taught the same swing. You don’t know me or how I coach and it’s obvious you don’t care to get to know me or my thoughts on golf instruction.
I was just about to comment on your previous message but at this point it’s not worth my time as it’s obvious you have an agenda. We get asked to write for these forums, sites, or magazines to help the majority of golfers out there and thats what we try to do. Many great coaches/instructors stop writing for forums like this because of people like you. You have no interest in having a constructive conversation you’re only here to attempt to damage one’s character
Steve
May 30, 2015 at 7:42 pm
You were going to comment, but it’s not worth your time. But you comment anyway?
Your words not mine that only .1 percent can play well doing different then your article.
Craig
May 30, 2015 at 6:49 pm
Way to show some class Steve. Angry little fella you are
Steve
May 31, 2015 at 1:42 pm
It’s the weekend, no class
WOW
May 31, 2015 at 1:40 am
Well…I can say, without a doubt, that Steve doesn’t read well.
The first paragraph says
“I’m personally under the belief that there are many different ways to swing efficiently based on the player.”
And he also goes on to say CLUB GOLFERS. Not pros…and isn’t saying it’s all cookie cutter. 3 tips he sees constantly help the normal person who he gives lessons to.
Maybe learn to read before you start dishing it out there, Steve-o.
Steve
May 31, 2015 at 8:20 am
I can say without a doubt that you didnt read everything. In his comments he states that only .1 percent can play well without this advice in the article. So you do the math. Tell mom to pour another bowl of captain crunch and think about it
Dave N.
May 29, 2015 at 10:58 pm
Hi Bill- I’m having trouble understanding your point # 2 in the pinnage section: right elbow matches spine angle. Is that illustrated in either of the pictures you posted in that section? Could you elaborate or maybe explain this concept another way? Thanks!
Bill Schmedes III
May 30, 2015 at 7:42 pm
Dave, thanks for your comment. The angle that’s created when looking at the inside of my right arm (wrist down to elbow) should come close to matching the position of the spine (angle of the upper body at top of backswing when in sidebend). The reason for this would be to allow for the golf club to move somewhere close to the shoulder plane in the beginning of the downswing, keeping the golf club “light”, and working infront of the body as it rotates. This helps avoid the hands getting deep (under shoulder plane and flat or “laid off”) or the opposite (above shoulder plane and steep). This helps a player have fewer manipulations which can improve consistency. Hope that answered your question. Thanks!
Dave N.
May 31, 2015 at 9:19 pm
Perfect, thanks!
Billy
Jun 4, 2015 at 10:47 am
Good article, I had this problem and got a bit laid off, but sorted it out by using the elbow matching the spine angle theory/thought. Steve might not agree….