The keys to any good golf swing are balance, which is achieved by having a good set-up and maintaining good body angles and coordination of the arm and shoulder movements which control swing plane. The set-up is the foundation for the golf swing and the five basic moves that I teach explains the sequence of movements in a simple, easy to understand method to coordinate into a consistent and functioning golf swing. The five basic moves are based on how to make a correct take-away, backswing, downswing, release through impact and finish.
The Set-up
The Set-up is the foundation of the golf swing. In order to have a good set-up it is necessary to have a low centre of gravity to support the swinging action of the arms and shoulders, a reasonably straight back to support the centrifugal force of the swing and good alignment of the feet, hips, forearms, chest and shoulders and a fairly upright body angle to combat upper and lower body movement.
Body Angle
Body angle is the position of the spine starting at the address position. It has two positions, the first is the amount of tilt forward over the ball and the second is the amount of tilt or lean from top to bottom. Both of these angles should be minimal.
Swing Plane
The swing plane is determined by the shaft angle of the club you are using at address. There are different variations as to how some golf coaches work with these angles but I prefer the one Tiger Woods’ coach teaches and that is the club turns onto the shaft angle on the take-away and lifts parallel to this plane angle during the backswing.
The Take-away
The take-away is two movements not one. One movement is a turning action of the chest, shoulders and body and the other is a lift action of the hands and arms. When practicing, the moves can be done separately but when hitting they must coordinate and work in unison. I find that it is this movement that most golfers get wrong and from then on they struggle to make a good golf swing.
The Backswing
The backswing is a movement of the arms lifting the club on the correct shaft plane angle and the completion of the shoulder turn. The framed position of the arms at the top of the swing is vital to allowing the club to return consistently to the impact position. The arms do not turn on the same plane as the shoulders but continue lifting while the shoulders are turning.
The Downswing
The downswing is a movement of the arms returning the club on-plane to a square position to the body and a coordinated turn to the target line. This feel is like throwing the club back down to the ball unlike most golfers that pull the club back to the ball and make late contact with the ball causing a mis-hit and low ball flight. Square impact is achieved with the correct angle of approach and the club rotating through the ball to a parallel line to the target, not the target line itself.
Release through impact
Release through impact is achieved when the club is returned to the address position and the right side continues turning toward the target. Halfway through the forward swing the shaft will be on a straight parallel line to the target and also the chest and arms but the clubface will be facing left. This is where I see most golfers trying to keep the clubface facing the target and the club trying to stay on the target line. This movement will only cause a slice and poor contact.
Finish
The finish position is achieved by allowing the club to continue rotating around the body in a circular fashion and the arms folding to complete the swing. This movement will allow the body to finish well balanced on the left side.