There is a lot more to it than the club in your hand.

However good the make of club in your hands, you're not going to execute any shot to any degree of effectiveness if you don't pay attention to your swing. And that means each component part of it. The sad fact of the matter is that far too many players appear to feel that they've done all the hard work when the ball has been despatched when it actual fact they've only done half the job. As a result, they not only put the quality of the shot at risk but even themselves. The health consideration we will return to.


Rhythm and Balance

The swing is made up of two basic components: the backswing and the follow through. Not unnaturally perhaps, inexperienced players focus on the former. After all, it is in drawing back the club correctly that the club head can be propelled forward on the right line and at the right speed to strike the ball towards its intended target. But the phase of the swing following impact, namely the follow through, is equally important and getting this part of the swing right should be in the mind of the player as he is performing the back swing. It's all about rhythm and balance, and the two component parts of the swing should balance each other out to produce a smooth movement of the club head from back to front.

Optimum Swing Path

Where does it all go wrong? Well, it is not uncommon to see players lean back after hitting the ball. Whether they do this consciously or unconsciously, it means that the club head is not travelling on the smooth arc represented by the optimum swing path. In preparing to lean back after hitting the ball, the player is ensuring that correct contact between club face and ball is not achieved. Another example of poor technique is raising the head prematurely. The result on either occasion? A poor shot. So what's the right way to do it? Well, you'll know when you've got it right because you'll feel your body coming to rest in the correct finishing position with your chest facing the target area, most of your weight on the outside of the front foot and the toe of the trailing foot pointing straight into the ground, thereby exposing the sole of the boot. You should feel balanced in this position. If not, you are not doing it right.

Unnatural Strain

One more thing. The reference earlier to players putting themselves at risk by not paying attention to all aspects of the swing? Well poor technique can result in injury, and incorrect follow through is no exception. Whether it's a powerful shot off the tee or even just a little dink on to the green, forgetting the rule about rhythm means you are putting unnatural strain on one or more muscle groups or joints. It may only need to happen once or be the result of repetitive deviations from correct technique but the result will be the same; putting the golfer at risk. So be safe, not sorry.