Driving · Tip
Why Quiet Feet and a Frozen Head Can Cost You
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Two common tips can hold you back. The first is "keep your feet still." Many good players now use their feet actively. Your feet push against the ground, and that's a big source of power. The second is "keep your head down." It sounds sensible when you mis-hit one. But locking your head can stiffen your whole swing. Be careful with quick fixes from playing partners. If contact is the real problem, get a qualified coach to look at it.
Step by step
- Let your feet move and push against the ground.
- Don't lock your head in place.
- Be careful with quick tips from friends.
- Get a coach to check contact problems.
- Keep the moves that add power.
Why it works
The ground is the only thing you can push against, so your feet are where the swing's force starts. When you press into the ground and shift pressure through the swing, your legs help turn your hips and chest and add speed. If you lock your head in place, your neck and shoulders tighten, and that limits how freely your upper body can turn.
Common mistakes
- Gripping the ground with stiff, flat feet and trying to keep them still.Let your trail heel come up a little through the finish and push into the ground as you turn through.
- Pinning your chin to your chest and staring at the ball until after impact.Keep your eyes on the ball at address, then let your head turn and move a little as your chest rotates.
- Changing your swing after one tip from a playing partner.Change one thing at a time, test it over several swings, and see a qualified coach if contact stays poor.
How you'll know it's working
- You feel pressure move from your trail foot to your lead foot as you swing through.
- Your finish is balanced, with your chest facing the target and your weight on your lead foot.
- Your shoulders and neck feel loose, and contact is as solid or better than before.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Make slow half swings with a short iron and focus only on pushing into the ground and finishing balanced.
Harder: Hit full drives at a target while keeping your head relaxed and your feet active, and check that your balance holds at the finish.
Common questions
Should you keep your head down in the golf swing?
You should keep your eyes on the ball at address, but you don't need to lock your head in place. Letting it move a little with your turn keeps your upper body free.
Should your feet move during the golf swing?
Yes, they can. Pushing into the ground and letting your weight shift helps you create power, as long as you stay balanced.
