Most golfers know they must try to keep the head still during the golf swing for consistent golf shots. It is common knowledge that unnecessary head movement causes inconsistency in any sport. But that is not the only reason why a golfer must try to keep the head anchored during the swing. If you have a slice you can’t get rid of or you yearn for a lovely draw off the tee try the following tip to start hitting longer and straighter shots.
Anchor the Head for a Power Release
If anyone wants to hit the ball straight and long they must learn to release the club correctly through impact. A free swish of the club at the ball, relying on centrifugal force, creates maximum club head speed and accuracy. Hitting ‘at the ball’, which is a common problem for many club golfers, only leads to a glancing blow and a loss of power and accuracy. Therefore, if a golfer wants to improve, they must try to do everything to allow the hands to release naturally. This involves anchoring the head during the downswing and particularly through impact.
Head Position and Centrifugal Force
If the head is allowed to move too much during the downswing, a term often called ‘pulling out’ of the shot, or ‘coming off the ball’, centrifugal force kicks in too late, invariably leading to a slice where the blade is left open at impact.. It is only through anchoring the head, which stops the shoulders spinning open, does centrifugal force automatically kick in. A general misconception, with people who slice, is that their hips are not working fast enough. But it is keeping the head back, allowing the club to swing past the body, that will stop their shots slicing off to the right. However, simply keeping the head anchored is of no use if it is set in the wrong position.
Set the Head in Golf Stance
Anchoring the head in the correct position can easily be done at address. When a golfers stands to the ball, the head should be set at a slight angle to the right, with the top of the head tilted back away from the target. The more a golfer sets their head back at address, and then holds it there during the swing, the more the shoulders will be disciplined on the downswing and the more the club head will start to release naturally into the ball. If a golfer can learn stop the shoulders spinning open, by keeping the head anchored, they will start hitting longer and straighter shots.
John Hoskison - John is a class 'A' member of the British PGA and author of the acclaimed book 'Inside - One Man's Experience of Prison'.
