Among the most awesome thing about golf is seeing a player who has great balance in their swing. Even though we know it isn’t that simple, a well-balanced swing looks like it takes nearly no effort whatsoever. It is fluid and has a touch of grace to it.
While it is visually appealing, a good golf swing balance is also practical. It gives a player great benefits when it comes to making good shots. If you stay balanced, you will find that you can get the most speed out of your clubhead, leading to hitting the ball solidly and squarely.
Golf Swing Balance: How to Achieve it
It’s great to know that you need good balance in your golf swing, but how exactly do you achieve it? We have a few key points to review that can help you master a good golf swing balance. Ultimately, if you can master these few fundamental points, you will find that your balance is improved.
Be mindful that improving balance can take some time and nothing comes overnight. Getting a good swing balance leads to better shots and a greater golf game overall.
Now, if you want to improve your swing, you can check out Ben Hogan’s golf swing secret. Here, we are going to strictly focus on balance and how to achieve it, which leads to more impressive golf shots.
1. Stance
To start, you need to have a wide-enough stance. This is especially true if you are using clubs that are longer. What this means is that if you are hitting with a driver, you want your heels to be wider than your shoulders.
A narrower stance will throw you off balance, which is precisely what you are trying to avoid. That narrow stance can mean that your clubface doesn’t return to a square position for impact.
2. Weight
If you want good golf swing balance, you need to keep in mind where you place your weight. If you are a right-handed golf player, you want your weight to be placed on the inside of your right foot when you are in your backswing.
If you allow your foot to slide outside of that right foot, your lower body is going to probably shift too far forward on your downswing. Ultimately, your club will lag behind the movement of your leg, and you will end up hitting the golf ball with an open clubface.
If you are a left-handed golfer, the same applies, just with the opposite leg.
3. Swing Arc
You want to get the most of your swing arc as you can without overswinging, but this can seem a bit tricky at first. To get the right amount of power, you need to make a full shoulder turn.
If you are new to the game of golf, this is going to be really challenging, and many beginners fail at being able to do this. It takes practice but is completely achievable.
You do not want your left heel to come up from the ground any more than one inch. If you can turn your shoulders as far as is possible, you should be at the top of your swing. Also, you want to avoid bending your arm if you are just trying to make your swing longer. That will not help you with your balance.
Lastly, you also do not want to strain at swinging back. That just means you are more likely to shift your head and allow your torso to tilt toward your target.
4. The Follow-Through
You want a balanced follow-through. Once your follow-through is complete, you should have your weight on your right toes and the heel of your left foot.
Basically, the momentum of your swing should carry you to a balanced position. While you can have some weight on those right toes, you really want most of your weight squarely on the heel of your left foot. This will give you the most balanced end to your swing.
Your shoulders should end right over your left leg. They should almost be at a right angle. If you end up having shoulders that are leaning backward at your finish, you are not going to be able to stay balanced for your follow-through.
Easy Drills to Check Your Balance
Now that you have a better idea of how to stay balanced through your swing, you might want to test out your abilities. Below, we have highlighted two drills that are great for doing just that.
1. Dance
This drill will help you determine if you are maintaining your balance at the finish and at the top of your swing. How is this done? Simply follow the steps below.
Step 1: Get in a position that you’d be in at the top of your backswing. Balance your weight on your right leg and lift your left leg off the ground.
Step 2: Then, swing to the finish and lift your right foot of the ground while your body rotates.
Step 3: Now, your body should have its weight balanced on your left leg.
If you can manage to do this drill without missing any steps, you are pretty balanced. It will obviously require some practice before you master this one.
2. No-Peek Method
Another technique to finding out whether you have a balanced swing is called the no-peek method. This is also quite easy to do, and you simply need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a spot on the driving range where you are really comfortable. Take your normal swing while focused on your target. However, do not many any contact with the golf ball.
Step 2: Now make that same swing but with your eyes covered. You can either use a blindfold or just close your eyes if you don’t’ really feel like wearing a blindfold on the driving range.
Step 3: Next, step up to the ball and make the same swing. This time, you want to make contact with the ball. You are going to hit it without ever looking at it.
Some of the very best shots in the game have been made when blindfolded. Why is that? It’s a pretty simple concept, actually. If you aren’t able to focus on anticipating watching your ball fly through the air, you are better able to focus on your balance.
In fact, if you are blindfolded, or at least aren’t looking at the ball, you have a better sense of any imbalance. You’ll be able to tell very easily if you are swinging too fast as well. Practice this drill many times. Once you’ve mastered it, keep the same tempo but do it with your eyes open. In both instances, stay focused on keeping your balance.
Conclusion
Learning about golf swing balance can make all the difference in your game. In fact, it is one of the most fundamental pieces of mechanics you need to master. If you are off-balance, you aren’t going to be showcasing any power or accuracy in your shots. If you are interested in not just balance but also in maintaining and increasing power, check out Ben Hogan’s golf swing secret.
