Connect with us

Instruction

3 keys to improve your ball striking

Published

on

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)

FPST

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

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:

  1. Get the lead arm pinned across their chest at the top of the backswing.
  2. 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

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!

Your Reaction?
  • 234
  • LEGIT56
  • WOW2
  • LOL2
  • IDHT3
  • FLOP31
  • OB28
  • SHANK71

Bill Schmedes III is an award-winning PGA Class A member and Director of Instruction at Fiddler's Elbow Country Club in Bedminster, the largest golf facility in New Jersey. He has been named a "Top-25 Golf Instructor," and has been nominated for PGA Teacher of the Year and Golf Professional of the Year at both the PGA chapter and section levels. Bill was most recently nominated for Golf Digest's "Best Young Teachers in America" list, and has been privileged to work and study under several of the top golf coaches in the world. These coaches can all be found on the Top 100 & Top 50 lists. Bill has also worked with a handful of Top-20 Teachers under 40. He spent the last 2+ years working directly under Gary Gilchrist at his academy in Orlando, Fla. Bill was a Head Instructor/Coach and assisted Gary will his tour players on the PGA, LPGA, and European tours. Bill's eBook, The 5 Tour Fundamentals of Golf, can now be purchased on Amazon. It's unlike any golf instruction book you have ever read, and uncovers the TRUE fundamentals of golf using the tour player as the model.

31 Comments

31 Comments

  1. 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 !

  2. Bill Schmedes III

    Jun 4, 2015 at 10:09 pm

    Billy, Good to hear. Hit ’em straight!

  3. 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.

  4. 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

  5. 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.

      • Cliff

        Jun 1, 2015 at 8:51 am

        Sounds like someone watched ‘Seven Days in Utopia’!

  6. 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.

  7. 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

    • 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

  8. 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….

Leave a Reply

Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Instruction

Clement: Stop ripping off your swing with this drill!

Published

on

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?

Your Reaction?
  • 0
  • LEGIT1
  • WOW2
  • LOL0
  • IDHT0
  • FLOP0
  • OB0
  • SHANK2

Continue Reading

Instruction

How a towel can fix your golf swing

Published

on

This is a classic drill that has been used for decades. However, the world of marketed training aids has grown so much during that time that this simple practice has been virtually forgotten. Because why teach people how to play golf using everyday items when you can create and sell a product that reinforces the same thing? Nevertheless, I am here to give you helpful advice without running to the nearest Edwin Watts or adding something to your Amazon cart.

For the “scoring clubs,” having a solid connection between the arms and body during the swing, especially through impact, is paramount to creating long-lasting consistency. And keeping that connection throughout the swing helps rotate the shoulders more to generate more power to help you hit it farther. So, how does this drill work, and what will your game benefit from it? Well, let’s get into it.

Setup

You can use this for basic chip shots up to complete swings. I use this with every club in my bag, up to a 9 or 8-iron. It’s natural to create incrementally more separation between the arms and body as you progress up the set. So doing this with a high iron or a wood is not recommended.

While you set up to hit a ball, simply tuck the towel underneath both armpits. The length of the towel will determine how tight it will be across your chest but don’t make it so loose that it gets in the way of your vision. After both sides are tucked, make some focused swings, keeping both arms firmly connected to the body during the backswing and follow through. (Note: It’s normal to lose connection on your lead arm during your finishing pose.) When you’re ready, put a ball in the way of those swings and get to work.

Get a Better Shoulder Turn

Many of us struggle to have proper shoulder rotation in our golf swing, especially during long layoffs. Making a swing that is all arms and no shoulders is a surefire way to have less control with wedges and less distance with full swings. Notice how I can get in a similar-looking position in both 60° wedge photos. However, one is weak and uncontrollable, while the other is strong and connected. One allows me to use my larger muscles to create my swing, and one doesn’t. The follow-through is another critical point where having a good connection, as well as solid shoulder rotation, is a must. This drill is great for those who tend to have a “chicken wing” form in their lead arm, which happens when it becomes separated from the body through impact.

In full swings, getting your shoulders to rotate in your golf swing is a great way to reinforce proper weight distribution. If your swing is all arms, it’s much harder to get your weight to naturally shift to the inside part of your trail foot in the backswing. Sure, you could make the mistake of “sliding” to get weight on your back foot, but that doesn’t fix the issue. You must turn into your trial leg to generate power. Additionally, look at the difference in separation between my hands and my head in the 8-iron examples. The green picture has more separation and has my hands lower. This will help me lessen my angle of attack and make it easier to hit the inside part of the golf ball, rather than the over-the-top move that the other picture produces.

Stay Better Connected in the Backswing

When you don’t keep everything in your upper body working as one, getting to a good spot at the top of your swing is very hard to do. It would take impeccable timing along with great hand-eye coordination to hit quality shots with any sort of regularity if the arms are working separately from the body.

Notice in the red pictures of both my 60-degree wedge and 8-iron how high my hands are and the fact you can clearly see my shoulder through the gap in my arms. That has happened because the right arm, just above my elbow, has become totally disconnected from my body. That separation causes me to lift my hands as well as lose some of the extension in my left arm. This has been corrected in the green pictures by using this drill to reinforce that connection. It will also make you focus on keeping the lead arm close to your body as well. Because the moment either one loses that relationship, the towel falls.

Conclusion

I have been diligent this year in finding a few drills that target some of the issues that plague my golf game; either by simply forgetting fundamental things or by coming to terms with the faults that have bitten me my whole career. I have found that having a few drills to fall back on to reinforce certain feelings helps me find my game a little easier, and the “towel drill” is most definitely one of them.

Your Reaction?
  • 11
  • LEGIT1
  • WOW2
  • LOL0
  • IDHT0
  • FLOP2
  • OB0
  • SHANK8

Continue Reading

Instruction

Clement: Why your practice swing never sucks

Published

on

You hear that one all the time; I wish I could put my practice swing on the ball! We explain the huge importance of what to focus on to allow the ball to be perfectly in the way of your practice swing. Enjoy!

 

Your Reaction?
  • 0
  • LEGIT0
  • WOW0
  • LOL0
  • IDHT0
  • FLOP0
  • OB0
  • SHANK2

Continue Reading

WITB

Facebook

Trending