In this latest entry I thought I would share some of the
many drills and techniques I use when working with my students. Drills are a great way to
train your muscles and create the motions you are seeking to develop a fluid
and repetitive swing. In addition, not all drills require hitting golf balls,
and in my opinion that’s a good thing. Believe it or not the ball can be the
biggest distraction for many golfers during a lesson or practice session. And
the nice thing about drills that don’t require a ball, most of them can be
practiced in the comfort of you living room or office. Let’s take a look at a
few……
Full Swing: The “Whoosh”
drill is a great way practice proper release and can also be used to build up
your swing speed.
How it works: Flip the club upside down so the grip
of the club is pointing towards the ground. You will now be gripping the club
just below the head of the club. Set up as if you’re going to hit a shot
placing a golf ball in your normal ball position of your stance. Now make a full golf swing at
your normal swing speed. You are not trying to hit anything (don’t try and hit
the golf ball) you are only trying to create a sound, hence the “Whoosh” sound.
Listen for the whoosh and
determine if you hear it before your club gets to the golf ball or after it
passes by the golf ball. If the whoosh
happens before the golf ball you are releasing too early and if the whoosh happens after the golf ball you
are releasing too late. Try and create the whoosh
right at the ball. This will help improve ball striking. As an added bonus the
better you get at this drill the louder the whoosh
will get which means the faster your swing speed, and faster swing speeds, when
executed properly can equal more distance.
Chipping (using the same club for all chip shots):
Many golfers feel comfortable using the same club for all types of chip
shots. If you happen to be one of these golfers this might help.
How it works: Take your set up with a very narrow
stance (feet close together). Place the ball towards the back of your stance and
place about 60 to 70% of your weight on your front leg (that’s the left leg for
righties) you will basically be leaning slightly towards your target. Press
your hands forward of the ball so your club is also leaning slightly towards
your target as well. During the swing try and use very little wrist motion as
this will help develop consistency. The keys to a good chipping stroke are keeping
your down swing and follow through just slightly faster than you back swing
(but not by much) and try and keep both you back swing and your down swing and
follow through equi distant. Try and avoid long back swings and short follow
through’s and vise versa.
Chipping (using a variety of clubs): Some
golfers like to change clubs when chipping depending on the situation at hand.
If this is you keep these ideas in mind.
How it works: For set up see the above mentioned set
up as it will be the same regardless if you are a one club chipper or multi
club user. The difference here really is where is the hole location in
relationship to where your ball sits relative to the green. If you’re chipping
you are obviously somewhere around the green but the key is how far from the
hole are you. The more real estate you have between your ball and the hole the
longer club you may use (maybe a 6, 7, or 8 iron). Using the technique
mentioned above this will allow you to get the ball started on your desired
line much like an extra long put. And because you are using a less lofted club
your swing will be shorten which means less chance for error.
Putting: The goal
of all golfers once on the green is always…don’t 3 putt! But how many times
have you had a 15 footer and left it 3 feet short or blown it 5 feet past? We’ve
all been there. The “No Look” drill is one of the best putting drills to help
you eliminate so many 3 putts and help turn them into 2 putts and even 1 putts.
How it works: A good fundamental practice of any good
pre-shot routine usually includes a few practice strokes before you putt. But I
have found that over half of the students I see, while taking their practice
strokes are looking at the ball, but why? If you are one of these golfers try
this; Start taking your practice strokes looking at the hole, it’s just a good
habit to get into. If you watch golf on TV take note of where your favorite pro
is looking when he/she takes their practice strokes. Now on to the drill… When
on the practice green take it a step further. Start at about 10 feet from the
hole. Take a few practice strokes while looking at the hole, then step up to
the ball, take your set up, keep your eyes on the hole and putt! Putting while
not looking at the ball will have you dropping putts and eliminating 3 putts in
no time. This drill is amazing! Give it a try! GUARANTEE you'll make a bunch during your practice session!
Bunker Shots: For
some this can be one of the most dreaded shots to execute, but when practiced
properly it will be feared no more.
How it works: Most golfers over exaggerate their sand
set up way too much by setting up way too open and generally swing too hard. Remember
this; it’s regular sand not quick sand. Next time you find yourself in the
bunker only open your stance slightly and open your club face only slightly.
Place the ball forward of middle in your stance and put a little more weight on
you left leg (for us righties). When you swing remember the 2 most important
things: 1. Aim for a spot about 1 to 2 inches behind the ball (this varies depending on how dry or wet the
sand is) and 2. Make sure you follow all the way through! Don’t stop your
swing! And soon being in the bunker will truly be a day at the beach!
Give these drills and techniques a try and soon you’ll be
dropping strokes off your game before you know it!
Blog written by Vince-Director of Instruction at VJF Golf Academy
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