Golf is probably one of the most complex sports out there. The reason we say this is because you will need to engage much more than pure physical strength.
First and foremost, it requires that you are aware of your body and that you use additional effort to achieve proper positioning. This means squared shoulders, hips, and feet. Along with that, any tension within your muscles and joints is sure to hinder the motion of your golf swing.
Also, you will need to understand the physics and mechanics of golf to create more power and speed for the moment of impact. Thus, theoretical knowledge is of extreme importance when it comes to golf. Still, what is the point of this? It is crucial because everything you know will be applied to creating an optimal golf swing.
You are probably aware that there are many different golf swings. Frankly, every golfer incorporates a new element or adapts their movement according to their physical ability and experience. Bearing this in mind, you can say that there are countless golf swings.
Still, there is one that has become extremely popular in the past few years. We are talking about the so-called square to square swing. There have been a couple of books written on it, as well as many golf pros speaking of the benefits related to this swing.
Presumably, it improves the length of your distance, as well as reduces the risk of slices, fades, and hooks. Additionally, it seems to be praised by golfers who are above 50 or have flexibility issues. From what certain golfers suggest, it is easier on the body and reduces the chance of chronic back or neck pain due to improper posture.
This is all to say that it sounds quite promising. Still, has any of this been confirmed? That is something we will discuss in this article. Read on to find out what the square to square golf swing is all about!
What is a Square to Square Golf Swing in the First Place?
Before we get into what the benefits are and how to perform this swing, we wanted to define the main idea that lies behind it. It is important to note that this technique first appeared back in the early 1970s. Still, at that time, golfers didn’t take a lot of interest because it seemed hard to master while the benefits were not that clear.
The basic principle of this swing is that you keep the clubhead fully square or closed throughout the movement. This differs from a typical swing in which you square the clubhead halfway during the backswing and halfway through the follow-through.
It may not be the simplest swing out there for beginners. However, we think that, with enough practice and effort, it can easily be performed.
Before you decide to try it, though, you need to know if there is any proven advantage when compared to a regular swing. Thus, here are a few benefits that may or may not convince you.
From what numerous golfers suggest, this type of swing is going to improve your consistency. In order to master a golf swing, you will need to repeat the motion countless times. As with any other sport, investing enough time and effort in a certain practice will yield consistency.
One of the most popular benefits of the square to square swing is that you will not depend as much on proper swing tempo. Why is this? As we have mentioned above, you will be keeping the clubhead square throughout the movement.
This is different from a regular swing, where it happens halfway through the backswing and halfway through the follow-through. The fact that you will be keeping the same clubhead position for a longer time will allow you to make certain alterations to what would usually be optimal timing.
You will also have an increased chance of a better shot. That is, unless you want to go for a slice or fade shot, in which case this type of swing is not going to work. It seems that the square to square swing can be quite a successful method for straight and long-distance shots.
Body alignment during this swing seems to be more adequate for golfers who are older or who aren’t that flexible. This is something that we will discuss below.
Last but not least, it can be practiced by all players no matter their experience. We did mention that it may be a bit tricky to master. Believe it or not, though, beginners have a higher chance than more experienced players. Why?
Those who have played the game with a regular swing will need to reevaluate their setup, and this can be difficult to do. On the other hand, a beginner can enjoy the foundation of the square to square swing. This is because they have not developed a habit of another swing in the first place.
Is It Adequate for Golfers Over 50?
As previously mentioned, there have been numerous claims that this is the optimal swing for players who are over 50. The main reason for this is because there are fewer moving parts that are engaged in the swinging motion. The main and the most important difference between it and the common swing is that the club is not pointing up, but rather halfway down.
What this means is that you will need to invest less wrist rotation in the movement. Also, by keeping your spine and headline over the top of the ball, you will not have to engage in the common lateral slide. The most important part of the motion here is the shoulder turn that happens during the backswing and downswing.
As long as it is performed the right way, the square to square swing can allow improved consistency and less body strain. Let’s move on and consider what you will need, as well as how to properly execute this swing!
The Essentials of the Square to Square Swing
There are a couple of essentials that you will need to invest in to be able to get the most out of this swing.
First and foremost, as with any new method, you will have to choose an adequate golf club. For this type of motion, we consider a long iron or a driver to be the optimal solution. The reason for this is that the square to square swing is made for long, straight shots. Thus, practicing with these golf clubs will allow you to get familiar with the basics.
Then, you can get to pitching and chipping as you gain more experience. Along with a proper golf club, you will also need many golf balls. This is because, during the first few days of your practice, there is a high chance that a certain percentage of your golf balls will be lost forever.
Additionally, if you don’t want to present yourself as a complete newbie on the golf course, investing in a golf practice net is a wise choice. With it, you will be able to practice your square to square swing in the privacy of your backyard.
Last but not least, you will want to get a larger mirror or video camera that you will set in front of your practice position. This way, you will be able to stay aware of your body, as well as the clubhead positioning. This is essential for performing the square to square swing the right way.
Step by Step Square to Square Swing Instructions
It is now time that we go ahead and discuss how to perform this swing. We have done our best to run through it with a couple of simple steps that are understandable for beginners and more experienced players.
The first thing that you should take into consideration is whether you have suffered some form of physical injury in the past. If the answer is positive, then you will need to be extra cautious when rotating your shoulders. Remember, square to square seems like the optimal option for players who don’t have as much flexibility.
It doesn’t require a full shoulder rotation with your arms going over your head. However, while this type of swing can be beneficial for you as a beginner or a veteran player, be cautious when it comes to golf instructors. There are many online lessons, with some even offering a free trial and promoting the square to square swing as a magic pill.
Instead of rushing to this decision, we suggest that you read about it and do adequate research with the information we have discussed above.
Before you get to action, you need to understand how the squared clubhead differs from a closed or an open one. The clubface is set at a 90-degree angle to the target line. This sends the golf ball straight and ensures that it can fly for a longer distance. This is the opposite of an open clubhead position, which is used for shots like slices, hooks, and fades.
The essential difference between this and the regular modern swing is that you are keeping the clubhead square throughout the movement. This way, you will not be engaging your wrists as much. Also, the common lateral slide is absent with this swing.
The first thing is that you will need to ensure proper ball position. We are going to presume that you will be using a long iron for your practice, as it seems to be the optimal golf club for this swing. Make sure that the ball is set in the middle of your stance.
The swing motion that you will perform will result in a gentle divot that will occur 3 inches from the initial point. Keep in mind that, when striking the ball, you should do it downwards and not upwards. This will allow the adequate launch angle that is related to the square to square swing.
In order to reduce the shoulder engagement in the swing, you will need to make changes to the address position you are at. In a modern swing, your hands are just above the ball. For this one, we suggest that you move 3 inches from the initial ball position to the target line. Keep in mind that this doesn’t change the fact that the clubhead is still square and set behind the ball.
The main difference between the modern swing and the square to square is during the backswing motion. Here, you should either keep the clubhead somewhat closed or completely square, even after the club passes the level of your knees.
While you should maintain that clubhead position, it is perfectly normal to allow the toe to point out once you are halfway through. You will notice that only a portion of shoulder turning is required for this action. Keep in mind that, once you are at the top of the backswing, the clubface should be level and parallel with your front forearm.
Last but not least is the downswing. Much like with the backswing, the clubhead should remain square throughout the motion. This means that you shouldn’t only keep it in the square position at impact but also once the ball is sent airborne, as well.
Final Thoughts
It is quite clear that there are advantages to the square-to-square swing, especially if you are afraid of a past physical injury reoccurring. It puts less strain on your back and neck and requires just a portion of shoulder action.
The aforementioned tips and step-to-step guide should give you all the instructions needed for proper positioning and swing motion. This is especially relevant for you if you are just starting out on your golfing journey and want to ensure that you learn the correct techniques right from the start.
So, now it is your turn to get out and become the master of the square to square golf swing! Good luck and we hope you enjoy your golf practice!
