The Good Golf Swing – Pull Don’t Push
The good golf swing results in the golf ball flying straight and far. As I observe amateur golfers swing at the ball I have come to realize that the most common golf swing error is using too much right hand (for right hand golfers) during the down swing. The key to the good golf swing is to pull the club through impact and avoid the tendency to push it instead.
Easier said then done. Right? Let’s look at the good golf swing step by step to see if I can pinpoint the issue specifically.
Let’s make the assumption that if your ball goes anywhere other than straight down the fairway, you should be looking for a way to correct that. Most people that slice the golf ball are pushing with their right hand which forces the club face to open up and places unwanted spin on the ball.
Coming over the top is the most common mistake amateur golfers have and will need to be corrected prior to attaining the good golf swing. Please review this article before going any further. If you need additional help with the basic swing, another place to review golf swing tips can be found here. So once you are confident that your basic golf swing technique is okay, we can begin to discuss the details of the down swing that will give you the good golf swing you are looking for.
Since the golf back swing is a pulling motion where your shoulders and torso are turning to the right while your arms bring the club straight back (not up), the natural tendency is to begin your down swing with your right arm. Doing this creates a pushing motion which results in delaying your leg and hip motion.
As your golf club reaches the top of your back swing concentrate on lightening the grip with your right hand and forcing your legs and hips to move first. Although you may be able to hit the golf ball straight without starting your swing with your legs and hips, you will never attain the maximum distance.
A simple technique is to begin your down swing by forcing your right (back) knee to move towards your left (front) knee. This puts your hips in motion and pulls your shoulders through impact. While concentrating on your legs, remember that your left hand must be the dominate one during impact.
Following these steps will produce the good golf swing you have been looking for.
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