The golf swing is made up of nine fundamental parts. If a golfer can find the part of their swing that needs improving they can buy a golf swing training aid that can groove a better movement. The nine fundamental golf swing parts are:
- The grip
- The stance
- The takeaway
- The wrist cock
- Shoulder turn and arm swing to the top of backswing
- The transition from backswing to downswing
- The drive down of the arms
- The release of the hands and club at impact
- The finish position.
Each of these parts involves various muscle groups that can be trainedwith a golf swing training aid to operate efficiently. Depending on which department needs help, training aids are available for every inch of the golf swing. Have a lesson to find out which part of the swing needs improvement, then work out which training aid is needed. Following is a list of things to look for when deciding which is the best golf swing training aid to buy.
Golf Swing Training Aid to for the Golf Grip
The most boring part of the swing but the most important. The hands are ultimately responsible for controlling the club during the swing and the better they grip the club the more chance a golfer has of swinging well. If a golfer has had a lesson and the pro has made a grip adjustment, a great way to make sure the change becomes permanent is to buy a training aid hat allows them to grip correctly every time a club is picked up The grip is the bedrock of the swing. Learn to grip the club well and a good swing will not take long.
Training Aid for the Golf Stance, Alignment and Aim
The two main ingredients in a golf stance are aim and ball position. Without a good stance then it becomes extremely difficult to hit the ball at the target consistently. If a golfer has difficulty in standing to the ball there are golf mats that guarantee the stance is the same every time. They even adjust the ball position for different clubs. If the ball doesn’t start off at the target consistently check alignment first.
Groove Takeaway and Swing Width with Golf Training Aid
The essence of a good takeaway is that everything moves away from the ball together: hands, club, shoulders, and hips. A good one-piece-takeaway sets up the overall timing and width of the swing and is crucial for good golf shots. Any golf swing training aid that keeps the hands passive in the early part of the swing will help build sound swing mechanics. Faldo used to drag a ball away from the target with the back of a club to maximise width, but there are some great training aids to help develop a one-piece-takeaway. If a golfer has a narrow wristy swing a training aid for takeaway will help.
Swing Aid for Wrist Cock and Swing Plane
The easiest swing to repeat is one where the club travels up and down on the same line. To build the simplest swing the club needs to be swung into plane on the backswing. After the one-piece-takeaway is complete it is the wrist cock that is responsible for the plane of the swing. Any training aid that encourages the correct wrist and hand movement will help set up a good backswing. If a golfer has a loop in the swing a training aid for hand action will help swing the club into plane.
Arm Movement and Shoulder Turn for Club Head Speed
A good on-piece-takeaway should set up a good shoulder turn, to complete the shoulder turn they just have to continue turning to the top of the swing. The arm movement from half way back to the top however is important in building up extra power. Amateur golfers tend not to be as supple as pros so any golf swing training aid that helps keep the left arm straight will help maintain important width and club head speed at impact.
The Transition from Backswing to Downswing for Crisp Irons
The transition from the top of the backswing to the start of the downswing is crucial to get the swing arc moving forward and body weight shifting onto the front foot. If a golfer hits the ground behind the ball, or tops iron shots, then a training aid to help start the downswing transition will help them hit down onto the ball correctly.
The Downward Drive of the Arms for Power
Being able to drive the arms down in plane, and on the right line, sets up the potential of a powerful release into the back of the ball. The distance between the elbows should remain constant during this move and any golf swing aid that helps keep the elbows the same distance apart will allow the arms to drive down powerfully to the pre-release position.
The Release for Accuracy
If the blade is square at impact the ball will never finish very far from the target. The hands are responsible for squaring up the blade so any training aid that encourages the hands to release correctly will save many a bad swing. Henry Cotton used to bang a tyre to feel the club head coming in square, but nowadays there are scientific golf swing training aids that help square the club. If you hit golf shots that end up wide of target get some help to train the hands.
The Finish Position Balance to Hit the Ball Well
If all else fails during the swing if a golfer can finish in a balanced position they will be give themselves the best chance of hitting the ball well. Without good mechanics the ball might not fly straight but good balance at the end of a swing suggests a well-struck shot. If a golfer wants to hit better golf shots and get the ball airborne consistently, they should try any golf swing training aid that helps with balance in the finish position.
See Also: Simple Explanation of The Perfect Golf Swing or Hit Against a Firm Left Side to Hit the Ball Further
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'.
