Golfers are putting a lot of effort to make longer and straighter shots because such shots enhance their chances of winning the game in a competition. To achieve this, amateur golfers need to take one thing into account: The golf impact position. Having the proper swing impact position guarantees what it takes to hit long, straight shots.
What is being referred to is the hitting area that passes through the impact. This is one of the critical phases in a swing that defines success. Experts believe that it is significant to keep the following in mind while playing a shot:
- How should it be released?
- What should be released?
- Why should it be released?
Many expert level golfers have noted that three elements are of paramount importance:
Angles of the wrists:
A lot of golfers exert less pressure on their wrists while holding the club, which creates an angle of 30 degrees. This is critical in golf. A golfer should maintain angles of 90 degrees while gripping the club.
A common mistake many amateur players make is that they release too early during the swing. Golf analysts suggest that golfers should avoid this as much as possible. If the golfer is trying to make a shot more perfect, he/she should try to release through impact for a better result.
The angle of the right elbow:
The angle of the right elbow in a golf swing has many factors to consider. For instance, maintaining an angle of 90 degrees results in straight shots and pure power. But, it also makes it necessary for the golfer to practice more and more before perfecting the technique.
On the other hand, if a player releases early or late due to a wrong angle, it results in loss of power and accuracy.
Rotation of forearm during impact
Rotation of the forearm is one of the most critical aspects of golf. It can either make or break a shot. An incorrect rotation results in loss of power and accuracy, whereas, an ideal rotation makes it possible to achieve good results with ease.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that the ball can be influenced even during that split second in which the club and ball travel together. The best example of this is Phil Mickelson, whose expertise lies in making the ball swerve while it's still on its way to the hole.
Read through this article to understand the common mistakes that amateurs keep doing. How can these mistakes be avoided to perfect the swing impact position? You will find out by the end of the article.
Common mistakes in the impact position
1. Early release
Some golfers tend to assume an ideal position at the top, but they often make a mistake, i.e., release too soon. This results in one of the following scenarios with the club. They either:
- Cast the club
- Let the club overtake hands & thin it
- Top the club
- Catch the ground underneath the ball
Even if the ball is still in the reach, the mistake of releasing early results in what experts call the 'chicken wing' position. It means that shots tend to fly in all directions. This further leads to a lower golfer's ability to create lag for power.
2. Rushing through the shot
There are many good players who never seem to take their time when they play a shot. They want it done quickly, which results in rushing through the swing. Their shots tend to be badly hit, with either too much power or no power at all.
When golfers try to rush through the shot, they should keep one thing in mind: They should ensure that their wrists are not cocked while releasing & hitting the ball. If they do so, it results in thin shots and loss of power.
3. Not rotating hands after impact
It is one of the most common errors that a golfer makes by not rotating his/her hand enough. Golfers should always rotate their hands or wrists up to 90 degrees for a better result, which indicates that the clubface will be square at impact if it is rotated through 90 degrees.
If there is no rotation at all, the results are not good. For instance, if one tries to hit a low shot, he/she often tends to generate lots of backspin through this technique. On the other hand, if the clubface remains open after impact due to lack of rotation, it leads to a loss of power and accuracy.
4. Locking hands or letting them go too early
The next mistake that a lot of players make is to let their wrists go too soon during the swing. In other words, because they want to release the club immediately after impact, their wrists fall down due to gravity and it leads to loss of control.
In addition, if the player allows his/her wrists to go too soon, it results in loss of power. If they are not allowed to rotate completely, then there is no chance that shots will be accurate.
5. Early weight shift
Some golfers are under the impression that a downward angle at the start of the downswing can lead to a strike. And in an attempt to do so, they tend to have a substantial sideways movement. And unconsciously, they do it more than what's required. What happens is that they shift weight on the toes of the left foot through the right heel. This results in either:
- Blasting the ball miles to the right
- Rescuing it with the help of wrists.
And all of this results in a quick shutting and hooking of the clubface.
6. Straightening or flattening the right elbow at impact
The last common mistake is related to the angle of the right elbow. As mentioned earlier, the main idea of swinging is to rotate the hands up to 90 degrees. It also means that there should be an angle at impact, which can only be possible if the right elbow remains slightly bent after impact.
If golfers straighten their right elbow immediately after impact or flatten it, they might end up losing both, power and accuracy. Remember that the right elbow should remain bent at an angle of approximately 60 degrees & it should not be locked.
The Importance of the Right Sequence in Golf
Sequencing on the way down is more important rather than rhythm or timing. The work starts from the ground in an upward trajectory.
The feet are the first to work. Then, the buttocks turn to work until they settle gently to maintain the weight evenly. Then hands and arms get to work with the help of buttocks, which helps swish the club through.
The desired results can never be obtained if the correct sequence isn't followed.
Wrists and Elbows in the Impact Position
An optimum golf impact swing position requires:
- Wrists are still and angled.
- The right elbow is “soft” and bent like it is on set-up.
While a golfer attempts at an impact, they must rotate the forearms and straighten their wrists.
In the instance in which the club hits the ball, the elbow should be flexed slightly. However, in that very instance, the right elbow should straighten by the rotation of the forearms. This can help to give a complete finish to the swing if appropriately done at the moment of release.
These are some of the significant points that you must remember if you want to achieve a perfect golf swing impact position.
