Understanding The Biomechanics Of The Golf Swing: Help For Aspiring Golfer

You are not just a ‘weekend duffer’ — you have a sincere, and intense, interest in the game of golf. You understand the basics of hitting that little white ball, and now you need some help in understanding the biomechanics of the golf swing - how all the parts of your body must function together in order to achieve the straightest, longest and most-controlled swing possible. This information on the biomechanics of the golf swing is for YOU.

Understanding the biomechanics of the golf swing begins with remembering this word: NATURAL. Your body was not made to function in strange, unnatural positions. The problem with most golf swings is that the body is forced to assume some sort of position that is not natural. If you think that twisting yourself up into some sort of pretzel is the key to achieving a great golf swing, think again!. If a golf swing position seems unnatural to you (or worse, even hurts) then ABANDON it in favor of a more natural position. This is perhaps the biggest key to improving the biomechanics of your golf swing.

Imagine Yourself As A Coiled Snake

If you want to get a handle on the proper biomechanics of the golf swing, imagine yourself as a coiled snake - curled up, ready to release its energy when it attacks. You want to get the proper stance before the ball, curl up (the back swing), then release (the down swing). You will, of course, need to practice using the right type of club grip (baseball, overlapping or finger-linked), experimenting with each to determine which one works best for you — this is fundamental to good biomechanics of the golf swing.

So, get next to the ball, feet spread apart (about a shoulder-width apart). The proper biomechanics of the golf swing requires that your body weight be distributed equally on both feet. You don’t want more of your body weight placed on one foot than another. Grip the club in a firm, yet relaxed manner, knees slightly bent. You can remember that, can’t you? (Don’t believe your buddies when they try to tell you that this ‘biomechanics’ of the golf swing thing is super-complicated - it isn’t.)

Now, remembering that snake, begin to take your backswing - SLOWLY. When it comes to the back swing, proper biomechanics of the golf swing dictates that you don’t go swinging the club quickly up into the air, but rather that you are simply placing the club behind you, twisting your back muscles to lock in that energy.

Now you’re ready for the down swing. You are going to be like that snake - unwinding yourself on that unsuspecting ball. Again, consideration for the proper biomechanics of the golf swing requires that you begin the down swing by moving your arms into action, followed by your shoulders bringing you around, with the movement spreading to the hips, then right on through with your legs.

Equipment Considerations

At this stage in your development as a golfer, you should give some consideration to purchasing a custom-made set of golf clubs. They should be tailored to your size (especially height) and strength. Trying to use clubs that were originally designed for another body-type will mess up the biomechanics of the golf swing every time, as you will be forcing your body to assume unnatural positions and movements, in order to accommodate the equipment. Many golfers take lots of expensive lessons, learning everything they can about the fundamental principles of the biomechanics of the golf swing, then go out and play a game using cheap clubs that they bought second-hand — and even worse yet, rented clubs!

If you are a bit short of cash, you can purchase a half-set of clubs - this will save you money because it only includes 2-3 woods, probably 5 different irons, and a putter. If you desire you can purchase a smaller golf bag as well, because you are not yet using a full set of clubs. But the important thing here is to learn to accommodate the biomechanics of the golf swing by using the proper size and type of gear.