Golf Swing Fundamentals - Posture and Balance

It's not often we focus on some of the more mechanical aspects of a golf swing, and this article isn't necessarily too far off-topic. However, I do believe that posture and balance are two key mechanical fundamentals to a golf swing that EVERY successful golfer will learn to master.

The number one rule (one of the number one rules anyway...) is that you must always maintain balance throughout your entire swing. Whether you know it or not, this is the first aspect of a golf swing you focus on the first time you swing a golf club. The reason is obvious, you don't want to fall over. However, just because you can stay standing during your swing doesn't necessarily mean you have good balance.

There are three main times to consider your balance in you swing: at setup, at the top of your backswing, and at the end of your follow-through. Obviously you should have good balance at setup, but the way your feet are positioned and where your hands are in relation to the center of your body will help set up your balance for the entire swing. At the top of your backswing, your weight should be shifted slightly to the back leg, but you should be able to pause and not feel like you are falling over.

The setup and at the top of your backswing probably seem like pretty easy areas to keep your balance, and they should be. The biggest problem is at the end of your follow-through. Your downswing is probably when you're more focused on actually making contact with the ball (squarely) and you are less focused on weight distribution. It took me a long time to realize that after I was done with my follow-through, on almost any swing with any club, I was falling forward (towards the tee)! I didn't really take much notice until I started hooking the ball and was looking for reasons. My balance was completely off at the end of my follow-through, obviously something was wrong.

You should be able to take your swing and finish your follow-through and hold that position for 2 seconds. If you feel like you are falling over or need to move your feet to steady yourself, you are off-balance and need to address it.

Secondly, posture plays an important role in your entire swing. I think good posture will ensure you have good balance. By posture, I mean that your knees are bent properly, your feet are spaced out at a comfortable distance, your hands aren't too far away from your body, etc. By ensuring your body has good posture, you will give yourself the best chance for good balance.

That being said, posture and balance should always be addressed from time-to-time when you practice. Take a few balls at the range and focus just on your balance and ensure that you have total control of your body at the beginning, middle, and end of your swing.

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