Most golfers know that keeping the head still during the golf swing is important. But many golfers do not work hard enough at perfecting a steady head because they do not fully understand how keeping the head still affects the swing. Following are the main reasons how a still head affects swing plane and will lead to increased club head speed at impact and a better extension and swing path through the ball
Keep the Head Still for Better Swing Plane
The shape of the golf swing, in particular the plane of the swing, is determined primarily by the angle of the spine at address. If the spine is set vertically, or slightly tilted back from the target, then by turning round the spine the club will correctly move back on an inside swing path. If the spine is slightly tilted towards the target, turning round the spine will cause a reverse pivot and a steep outside swing path on the downswing.
Once a golfer has set the spine correctly at address, all they have to do for a good takeaway on the right swing path is make a shoulder turn and keep the head still. If the head moves, the spinal angle automatically changes which will alter the path and plane of the backswing.
How to Achieve Maximum Club Head Speed
During the golf swing the club ’releases’ twice. If the head is kept still during the takeaway, resistance builds up to a point where centrifugal force kicks making the wrists hinge. This hand action or 'cocking of the wrists' determines the plane of the swing. If the spine is set correctly at address, and the head is kept still on the backswing, it is almost certain the club will release onto the right angle.
On the downswing a similar physical force occurs. If the head is kept still it encourages the hips and legs to drive forward and then brace, which again creates centrifugal force. With the legs braced and the head anchored the hands release the stored up power and whip into the ball achieving maximum club head speed. Keeping the head still allows a free release of the club head into impact and past the ball.
How to get Maximum Extension Through the Ball
Although extension through the ball after impact is essentially the result of a good swing, by keeping the head down and not looking up too early, a well anchored head can help prolong the time the club travels down the line towards the target. A still head in the golf swing helps maintain the following essential parts of the golf swing.
- Shoulder turn round the spine
- Resistance between upper body and legs for maximum torque
- Swing plane by allowing backswing release of hands
- Braced left side on downswing for club head speed to compress the ball for maximum power
- Full extension of the club after impact towards the target for consistent straight shots.
See also: Golf Swing Photos of HItting Past the Body or How to Hit Longer Drives with a Smooth Swing
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'.
