Mastering Upper Body Patterns in Your Golf Swing: Tips from Nick Clearwater

Mastering Your Upper Body in Golf: Key Tips for Beginners

In this post, we're diving into essential golf swing tips focused on key upper body patterns. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your technique, understanding how your upper body moves can significantly impact your game. Let's get started!

‍

Understanding Upper Body Movements

From the waist up to your neck, efficient upper body movement during the downswing is crucial. One excellent example to emulate is Anne Van Dam, the longest hitter on the LPGA Tour. Let’s break down her movements and how you can incorporate them into your practice.

‍

‍

The Backswing and Downswing Dynamics

At the top of Anne's swing, you'll notice a distinct backward extension. This includes a small arch in her lower spine that straightens as it goes up, with her shoulders rotating more than 90 degrees. This backward extension is vital for developing the flexibility needed to play golf effectively.

Want more on backswing dynamics? Check out Mastering the Basics of the Backswing: Tips and Drills for Beginner Golfers

‍

Bending on the Way Down

A notable change occurs as Anne starts her downswing. When the shaft is almost parallel to the ground, her back bends forward. On average, tour players lean forward from two degrees back at the top of the swing to 43 degrees forward at this point. This shift from extending backward to bending forward at the pelvis and shoulders is essential, yet it's often overlooked in common golf tips.

‍

Practicing the Shift in Bending

To practice this, follow these steps:

1. Setup: Start by setting up to the ball and demonstrating the top of the swing.
2. Backswing: Extend your shoulders backward; your lower back may curve slightly.
3. Downswing: When the shaft is parallel to the ground, bend forward appropriately.

‍

Shoulder Tilt: Another Critical Movement

At the top of Anne’s swing, her shoulders tilt downward towards the ground. This tilt is necessary because you play golf on an angle. On the downswing, notice that when her shaft is parallel to the ground, her shoulders tilt slightly to the right. Transitioning from a leftward tilt to a rightward tilt as the shaft becomes parallel to the ground is essential.

‍

Visualizing the Shoulder Movement

When practicing, keep these points in mind:

• Top of the Swing: Shoulders are downward and tilted towards the ground.
• Downswing: Shoulders adjust to a slight rightward tilt when the shaft is parallel to the ground.

‍

Putting It All Together

Practice each move in isolation and then combine them into a cohesive swing. These drills can help:

‍

Practice these Swing Drills

1. Against the Wall: Stand against a wall to check your head's position.
   • Top of the Swing: Maintain head contact with the wall.
   • Downswing: Keep your head in place to ensure proper bending forward.
   • Incorrect Technique: Your head may move away from the wall if you bend too little or press too hard if you overdo it.
2. Demo and Chip: Set up the swing with tilting and bending.
   • Tilt and Bend Backward: Mimic Anne Van Dam’s position.
   • Tilt Right and Bend Forward: Adjust as the shaft goes parallel to the ground.
   • Chip the Ball: Progress from chips to hitting shots.

‍

Recording and Reviewing Your Swing

Using technology can significantly aid your improvement. Film your swing from different angles to self-check whether your movements align with the lessons. The GOLFTEC App, for instance, is a fantastic tool for reviewing your progress.

‍

Conclusion

Mastering the upper body patterns in your golf swing can unlock new levels of performance. By understanding and practicing backward and forward bending, alongside crucial shoulder tilts, you can improve your flexibility and shot accuracy. Remember to practice one movement at a time and progressively move to more complex sequences. Happy golf, and see you in the next lesson!

‍