why is this so

[rosshamilton]

Hello,
I am struggling to understand why my practise swing is ok yet
when I make my actual swing it can have a tendancy of coming
across my body right to left ( right hander ). Any help would
be welcome. Ta Ross Hamilton

[GregJWillis]

Because practice swings are not real swings at all. They are meant to loosen you up. You are relaxed and have a clear mind.

Then you get over the ball. Thoughts begin to happen, every element of the swing is analyzed from the single piece takaway, to the perfectly balanced finish within the three seconds before you start. Your last shot is remembered. If it was good, then you say "Just like last time". If it was bad, then who knows what you are thinking...could be "What the hell did you do last time? Whatever it was, don't do that again!".... the point is that the practice swing is not a real swing so don't confuse them. Your real swing IS your real swing no matter what you do before it.

So what are you doing in your real swing? Comming across it? The most common reason is the hands casting at the top. They get anxious and try to start the release before they get to the bottom. This will cause you to push the club away from the body and you have to reroute the club back in to bring it back to the ball. This causes the out-to-in path (comming across it).

Solution: Let the hands be the last thing to fire at the ball. Have you body and shoulder (in that order) rotate throught the ball first, then your arms can drop and the hands go last.

[rosshamilton]

Thank you ...RH

[trump29]

same problem

hi ross wow interesting post. when i read that it was as if i wrote it myself. i am having the exact same problem. it is very frustrating almost to the point of giving up.. let me know if u find what works to fix this thanks

[Golfbald]

A swing thought that might help you is on the downswing, think step and throw. Step your weight down on the left foot and throw the club head at the ball. The step will create the weight shift and turn the shoulder from a high to a low position. Then if you straighten the right arm and release the wrist you will create the motion you are looking for.


GolfBald

[rosshamilton]

Just thought I'd let you know that your help is working for me.
My wrist action seems to be linked somehow to my weight transfer and I am getting a better percentage of decent shots.
I can still mess it up now and then but my awareness of turning my shoulders, and my wrist action has led to a more together solid sort of a swing sensation.My arms feel more connected to my body. Putting my left heel down helps .
Facinating stuff for me.
Thank you RH

[jscerbo]

One reason why your practice swng is nothing like your real swing is tempo

Tempo changes from your practice to your real swing.

The reason for this is you have no fear of hitting an object, therefore you swing much more smoothly in your practice swing.
When you address the ball tension can start to creep in.

If your hands are holding the club too tight, this amplified by creeping into your arms then your shoulders. This inhibits any possible way of making a smooth swing.

Check your grip pressure at setup

Squeeze the club as tight as you can (lets call this a ten)

Then hold the club as light as possible (lets call this a one)

Then increase the grip pressure to about a 4-5

This is the correct grip pressure

The lighter your grip pressure the better chnaces of making a swing with good tempo, not to mention you will generate more clubhead speed

If you hold the club with too much tension in your hands and arms
You will have little chance of making solid contact

The reason for this is when your hands and arms are tense at impact you're arms cinch in towards your body substantially reducing your arc width

Another drill for tempo is:

When you are swinging say to your self 1-2-3-4
1 is the move away from the ball
2 is halfway back
3 is shoulder turn completed
4 is impact

If you notice when you say four to your self that there is more emphasis on that number or you said it louder
Then you are exerting too much energy at impact (you are trying to hit the ball) swing through the ball

You can also use

Baaaack and Through


Write back with you're success


Jordan Scerbo
Golf Instructor

[Cliff]

Make it part of your Pre-shot Routine. If you do not have one, develop one and use it before every shot.

Stand behind the ball and

1."THINK" about the next shot... not this one. Where do you want your next shot to be from? That's your target for this shot.

2."CHOOSE" the club you need to easily reach the target... (Hit an easy #7 iron instead of a hard #8)

3."PICK" a spot on the ground along the target line...one or two feet in front of your ball.

4."APPROACH" the ball and take a relaxed practice swing

5."KEEP" your eyes on the spot on the ground...

6."ADDRESS" the ball... Square yourself along the line between the ball and your spot.

7. DISENGAGE" Brain... and hit the ball.

With the thinking done... You can relax and make a smooth swing.


good golfing.......