Stroke Savers

It is no secret that there are numerous ways to get your "golf improvement fix" these days from the golf channel to YouTube and from golf blogs to golf magazines it can no doubt be overwhelming. In many cases the information is even conflicting and that's not always a bad thing. People learn in a variety of different ways and through a variety of different methods and the approach to helping golfers improve should vary. What works for one may not work for another and so it's important for golfers seeking help to do a bit of research to see who teaches what and what methodologies best fit with their way you learning.

Like I always tell my students find one source and stick with it, too many cooks in the kitchen spoils the food. There are too many different ways to swing a golf club and trying to incorporate various theories into one or worse yet jumping from one to another to another because the prescription from one source to fix the problem didn't take hold within the first few days of the process. Golf is a game that just can't move at break neck speed like so many things in the world today, improving your game is a process that can't be rushed much like a fine aged wine, the final product will be worth the wait............. if you can stick it out.

My approach to helping golfers has always been a simplistic approach. Keep it simple and not get over technical, identify one or two core issues and hammer them out. Let's face it, most weekend warriors don't have the time to do much more than that anyway so why waste time overloading.

Below is a compilation of quick tips that I have put together which you will also find posted regularly on twitter. Take a look and maybe you'll find a solution or two that works for you. Yes, we are adding to the numerous volume of golf overload these days, however our goal is to inform and let you decide if it's a good fit for you.

 

To learn more about my methods, techniques, and style of teaching and to find out if it might be right for you visit us in a variety of places:

Official VJF Golf Academy Website 

Official VJF Golf Academy YouTube Channel 

Twitter @VJF Golf 

Facebook @ VJF Golf Academy

Blog written by Vince Fratercangelo-Director of Instruction at VJF Golf Academy

Indoor Practice Series – Keep Your Stroke On Line

What you need:

• ·         Putter

• ·         One other club or yard stick or broom etc.

Lay a club on the ground as seen in the picture and set up your putter on the shaft of the club, then make your stroke. Immediately you will be able to tell if your stroke gets off line. Spend a few minutes each day working on maintaining a stroke that stays on the club you’ve laid down.

It won’t be long and you’ll soon start making more putts!

Note :::: There are 2 basic types of putting strokes, the “Straight back/Straight Through” stroke & the “Arc” stroke. Both can be effective but getting the most out of your stroke will usually depend on your posture. The drill mentioned here is for golfers who subscribe to a straight back/straight through philosophy. If you’re standing too upright and trying to putt straight back/through or if your posture is more tilted and you’re trying to use the arc method you may want to re-adjust your posture to be more conducive to the style you’re trying to use. It could be the difference in making more putts! Good Luck!

Blog written by Vince Fratercangelo-Director of Instruction at VJF Golf Academy

Indoor Practice Series - 4 Cup Putting Drill

Set up 4 cups about 12’’ apart as seen in pic #1. Then, make sure your putter  has  just enough room to clear the cups (as seen in pic #2, about  ¼” off the toe & heal of putter).

What you need:

• Putter
• 4 cups
• Golf Ball

Now work on your stroke trying not to touch the cups. If your putter happens to bump or hit one of the cups your stroke is not staying on line. Also, take note (even possibly keeping a journal) of how many times you hit a cup and which ones you hit. This is important because it will show a reoccurring pattern in your putting motion. By keeping mental notes or a journal of what cups you’re hitting most often, you’ll better be able to make adjustments in your practice. Happy Putting !

 Blog written by Vince Fratercangelo-Director of Instruction at VJF Golf Academy

Indoor Practice Series - Shoe Box Chipping Drill

What you need:

• ·         Wedge of your choice

• ·         Shoe box

• ·         Golf balls (regular of foam depending on your level of confidence)

• ·         Small swatch of carpet to hit from (if your floors aren’t carpet)

• ·         Small hand towel or wash cloths

This drill is best done in one of the bigger rooms in your house or possible a hallway.  Place the hand towel (or a couple of wash cloths) inside the show box, as this will help keep the balls from bouncing out. Place the shoe box approx 3 to 5 yards away and begin chipping into the box.

After a few minutes move the box closer or vise versa. It’s good to change your chipping distance often just as your chipping distances vary on the course.

Obviously there is no roll after the chip while doing this drill. Never fear, chipping is about hitting a spot. As your doing the drill take notes on a few key elements; 1. Distance of the chip & length of backswing necessary for that distance. The more in-tune you are with the length of your backswing to cover a certain distance, the more up & ins you’ll start to see.

Remember chipping to a “spot” on the green and putting less focus on the hole will have you making more up & ins!

 Blog written by Vince Fratercangelo-Director of Instruction at VJF Golf Academy