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golf advice

The Slice in Golf

by admin August 16, 2010

A slice is a particular left-to-right flight shape for a golf ball produced by a substantial tilt of the spin-axis of the golf ball to the right, or a clockwise spin. This is opposite for left-handers. A slice normally finishes up right of the target line, and the term is frequently utilised when the curve in the flight is extreme and unintentional. The less extreme version of a slice is known as a "fade".

In understanding the fundamentals of the golf swing, in order to hit the ball square and straight every time, you must return to the original position at impact. A slice is made by the club face being slightly open at the point of impact, therefore making the ball to spin in clockwise movement, (opposite for left-handers). In most cases the swing path is correct, but the golf ball is not being hit squarely at the point of impact, commonly caused by what is known as a "weak grip".

A second component that causes a golf slice might be swing speed and shaft stiffness. If you use a stiff shaft driver try a regular flex or mid flex shaft and that might rectify your problem.

The easiest fix for a slice is in the grip. By possessing a "weak grip", a grip that is turned more counter-clockwise, (opposite for left-handers), can cause the club face to open at the time of impact.

You should begin by turning your grip slightly to the right, (left for left-handers), therefore giving you a "stronger grip", not holding the club more tightly. Remember the basics and only hold the club tight enough to keep control. You shouldn’t have any tension on your wrist and forearms.

You may wish to attempt increasing your swing speed by pulling the club further back prior to swinging to fix your golf slice. Once you increase your swing speed you will be able to gain yardage and will hit the fairways more frequently.

Make certain not to bend over too far or round house your swing similar to a baseball swing. Bring your club back straight and follow through on the swing.

Point the label on the ball in the direction you desire it to go when teeing it up. This way you will be able to focus on the ball without looking up.

Then, once you tee up your ball, adopt this checklist faithfully:

•    Stand Straighter
•    Bend Knees Slightly
•    Keep Feet Shoulder Width
•    Line Up Ball with Front Foot
•    Tip the Club Face in Just a Bit
•    Loosen Your Grip
•    Keep Your Eye on the Ball
•    Clear Your Mind
•    Now Hit the Fairway

Videos

Golf Lesson Hit Out of a Divot

by admin June 30, 2010

Landing in a divot is really frustrating but it can be a tricky situation, this video explains how to get out of a divot

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fst8t71k31I

Articles

Improving Bunker Technique

by admin June 3, 2010

While hitting from a bunker is straightforward when you discover the basic principles of stance and posture, the thought of hitting into a greenside sand trap unnerves a lot of golfers. Bettering your technique cuts the dread of bunker play and builds up confidence in your shot-making capabilities.

Assuming the texture of the sand is similar, and the ball is not plugged, the technique for hitting out of a greenside bunker stays the same for shots up to thirty yards. The key to making this shot, is hitting the sand approximately 1 to 2 inches behind the ball, throwing the sand forward with the ball. For lengthier shots the only thing that alters is the swing’s length. Rhythm and tempo stay the same.

1. Move Arms Away in Unison

Having taken a somewhat open stance, withstand the temptation to get too steep early in the takeaway. Keep the wrists passive as you sweep the club away. Try to synchronize the arm swing and body turn. Put differently, make the first part of the takeaway a one-piece movement. Also, make certain the clubhead follows the path away from the ball parallel to the line of your toes.

2. Rotate and Open

Rotate your left arm and wrists as the swing continues, as if you were looking at a wristwatch. It opens the clubface and assists maximise the bounce effect on the sand wedge at impact. Also, start hinging your wrists as the clubhead passes your right thigh. Keep your head still, turn the left shoulder in under the chin, and turn your back to the target.

3. Turn to the Top

As your body turns, you ought to feel as if your clubhead is pointing toward the sky and your wrists are cocked. Keep your head and body centered over the over the ball. Swing the club down on a slightly flatter plane, with good rhythm and tempo, as always. This is a key move any time you swing a club.

4. Make the Right Contact

Hitting the correct impact point is vital when playing from the sand.Visualize the ball sitting on top of a tee rather than the sand, then concentrate on clipping the tee below the ball, which just occurs to get in the swing’s way. Carried out correctly, this move will throw the ball out of the bunker with just the correct measure of sand.

5. Create a Controlled Explosion

As the club goes down in the downswing, you ought to feel your hands drag left, pulling them across the ball through impact. Make certain that your right hand does not cross over the left and that you clear your left hip as the club comes through. If the stance and clubhead are open sufficiently, the ball will fly straight, with a high flight.

Naturally, the technique for longer bunker shots differs somewhat. The key with longer shots is in the follow-through. Utilise a full finish for long bunker shots, and a short finish for shorter bunker shots.

Beneath are two exercises to help improve bunker technique:

• This exercise establishes how the sand wedge should really work. Stand in a practice bunker without a ball. Adopt your normal bunker stance and take several swings down into the sand. The object is to get the feel of the clubhead dragging through the sand, not digging into it. After a dozen shots, try hitting a ball. Pick out a spot where you want the ball to land and then go for it. Repeat the exercise until you’re comfortable with the feel of the wedge splashing through the sand.

• Concentrating on a spot where the clubhead hits can divert attention from where it emerges, leading in a fluffed shot. The “Two Lines” exercise assists get rid of the inclination to lose focus. Stand in a bunker and adopt your normal bunker stance. Draw two lines in the sand about 6 to 7 inches apart. The lines represent the length of the sand you should carve from under the ball. Align several balls between the two lines then hit them. The clubhead ought to enter the sand where the first line is and emerge where the second line is.

Practising these two exercises whilst keeping the 5 points in mind will assist build better bunker technique. As you get increasingly comfortable with hitting out of a bunker, you’ll increase your confidence.