The last couple of months I have given you tips to help with your wrists and shoulder turn. I hope that they have helped. One of the problems, teaching via a monthly article is there is too much time between articles. Readers will work on something for a few days and either get it or not. Most of the time , the reader will get stuck in the middle. Not the best place to be! This month I am going to give you a drill that will help you put your swing together. I would much rather have a student with terrible technique and great tempo than a student with perfect tempo and horrible tempo. Here is the drill.
1.Take your normal address position.
2.Slide your feet together so that the ball is opposite your front foot.
3.Swing back and forth slowly gaining speed.
4.Hit balls at half speed with a half swing.
5.Hit balls at full speed with a full swing.
The feet together drill is one of the most fundamentally prudent drills to do. It will help with timing, tempo, and overall consistency. Work on this drill with and without golf balls. For more tips please visit my website at www.bobschade.com.
Good luck and good golfing!
Saturday, December 05, 2009
I received a huge response to the feet together drill that I described last month. Thank you for the comments. This month I want to discuss the role of your feet during the golf swing. The feet help control the rotation of the body throughout the swing. Follow the guide below and you will have better control over the shape of your shots. Please keep in mind that this is written from a right handed point of view.
Position #1 Both Toes Square to the Target Line – This is a neutral position. If you hit the ball straight or want to hit the ball straighter try this position.
Position #2 Left Toe Square, Right Toe Fanned out away from the target. This position will slow your body down and allow your arms to swing faster. That is a recipe for a hook or draw. The more you fan out the right toe the more the ball will move right to left.
Position #3 Left Toe Square, Right Toe Fanned in toward the target. This is an anti-fat position. From this position you cannot hit behind the ball. You will always hit the ball before hitting the ground. This position is especially important when the ground is wet or you have a less than ideal lie.
Position #4 Left Toe Fanned out, Right Toe Square. This position will allow your body to move sooner on the downswing. When your body moves sooner your arms will lag behind and your shot shape will be left to right. If you are a golfer who hits duck hooks or has too much right to left in their game this is perfect for you.
Just for reference, Left Toe Square is the toe pointing at the target line. As you can see, the feet control the curvature of the golf ball. Most of you are know saying why would I want that? You want to be able to control the flight of the golf ball at all times. If you are slicing the ball off the planet, see position #2. If you are hitting a duck hook into the ground, see position #4. If you have no idea how to interpret any of the positions, GET A GOLF LESSON! Good luck and good golfing. Don't forget to visit my website www.bobschade.com for more instruction and tips.
Position #1 Both Toes Square to the Target Line – This is a neutral position. If you hit the ball straight or want to hit the ball straighter try this position.
Position #2 Left Toe Square, Right Toe Fanned out away from the target. This position will slow your body down and allow your arms to swing faster. That is a recipe for a hook or draw. The more you fan out the right toe the more the ball will move right to left.
Position #3 Left Toe Square, Right Toe Fanned in toward the target. This is an anti-fat position. From this position you cannot hit behind the ball. You will always hit the ball before hitting the ground. This position is especially important when the ground is wet or you have a less than ideal lie.
Position #4 Left Toe Fanned out, Right Toe Square. This position will allow your body to move sooner on the downswing. When your body moves sooner your arms will lag behind and your shot shape will be left to right. If you are a golfer who hits duck hooks or has too much right to left in their game this is perfect for you.
Just for reference, Left Toe Square is the toe pointing at the target line. As you can see, the feet control the curvature of the golf ball. Most of you are know saying why would I want that? You want to be able to control the flight of the golf ball at all times. If you are slicing the ball off the planet, see position #2. If you are hitting a duck hook into the ground, see position #4. If you have no idea how to interpret any of the positions, GET A GOLF LESSON! Good luck and good golfing. Don't forget to visit my website www.bobschade.com for more instruction and tips.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Last month I have you the proper way to use your wrists during the golf swing. This month we move to a bigger muscle group, the shoulders. The shoulders are one of the biggest sources of power in the golf swing. If used properly they can add enormous power to your swing. There are two exercises and one thought that you can do to help achieve better use of your shoulders.
The thought is simple. Turn the shirt seam on your left shoulder past the ball on the backswing and then turn the shirt seam on your right shoulder past the ball on the forward swing. This is a complete shoulder turn; the key to powerful golf shots.
The two exercises are also very useful in attempting to create a feel necessary to produce a bigger shoulder turn.
Exercise #1
Take your normal set up position without a club. Put your right hand on your left shoulder and your left hand on your right shoulder. Get back into your normal golf posture. Now pull your left shoulder with your right hand to a point beyond the ball. Hold this position for three seconds. Now, pull your right shoulder with your left hand towards the golf ball. Hold for three seconds and then continue pulling with your left hand until your chest is facing the target.
Exercise #2
This motion exercise is one of the best non-contact drills that I use when I teach. If done in a consistent manner you will develop a very compact strong turn away from the golf ball and through the golf ball. Take your normal address position. Without standing up, hang the golf club with both hands out in front of you pointing at the target line. Slowly move both hands like you are making a backswing. Hold the top position for five seconds. Start down slowly and move both hands to a full finish. Start this drill off at 25% power, then 50% power, then 75% power, then full speed. Here is a couple of pictures that illustrates the drill done properly.
This is a very important drill that helps almost every facet of your golf swing. Not quite as important as the feet together drill, but very close. Good luck and good golfing. Please remember to visit my website at www.bobschade.com for more drills and swing theories.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Golf Tip of the Month
By: Bob Schade
I get a great number of questions regarding what the wrists do during the golf swing. Many people think that their wrists should hinge side to side as if you were slapping someone. That is incorrect! The wrists move up and down like you are setting and casting a fishing pole. If you look at the pictures below it will define it better than I can possibly relay it with words.
Load
Unload
As you can see by my watch that the both of my wrists are basically flat at a point just past impact. The key is the angle acquired by the loading of the wrists on the back swing (Photo 1) and the unloading of the wrists on the forward swing. To get a feeling of these two positions start with an 8 iron and take half swings. Feel the loading and unloading of the wrists back and through the golf ball. Use the short range to gain the proper feel for this motion. Once your comfortable you can increase your swing and ultimately use your driver. This is a supplemental power source that if used correctly will give you a distance boost. Good luck and good golfing! For more information please visit my website www.bobschade.com or visit the club's website www.cypresswoodcc.com. Thanks and good golfing!
By: Bob Schade
I get a great number of questions regarding what the wrists do during the golf swing. Many people think that their wrists should hinge side to side as if you were slapping someone. That is incorrect! The wrists move up and down like you are setting and casting a fishing pole. If you look at the pictures below it will define it better than I can possibly relay it with words.
Load
Unload
As you can see by my watch that the both of my wrists are basically flat at a point just past impact. The key is the angle acquired by the loading of the wrists on the back swing (Photo 1) and the unloading of the wrists on the forward swing. To get a feeling of these two positions start with an 8 iron and take half swings. Feel the loading and unloading of the wrists back and through the golf ball. Use the short range to gain the proper feel for this motion. Once your comfortable you can increase your swing and ultimately use your driver. This is a supplemental power source that if used correctly will give you a distance boost. Good luck and good golfing! For more information please visit my website www.bobschade.com or visit the club's website www.cypresswoodcc.com. Thanks and good golfing!
Friday, August 21, 2009
I gave a lesson the other day to a student who wanted to gain more yardage off the tee. My first statement was who doesn't! I asked a couple of questions about his conditioning, physical well-being, and availability to practice. I then came up with a program to increase his club head speed that is so simple I thought that I would share it with all of you.
Conditioning: Being as strong as possible is a very important key to hitting the ball further. With all other things equal someone with 15% more muscle will hit the ball 15% farther. Here are a couple of simple things to do to help your conditioning.
1.When watching TV, do arm and wrist curls. Use a light weight or even a can of soup will work. Keep the weight light and do as many reps as you can handle. You should do it palm up and palm down. You should feel a good burn in your forearm when doing the palm down reps.
2.Before playing or practicing, grab two clubs. Hold the clubs at each end and then stretch in all directions. Keep your arms straight throughout all of the stretches.
Golf Physical Well-being: To me that means preparing to play. Drinking at least 16 ounces of water before you play even as the days get cooler. Eat something before you play, a granola bar, a piece of fruit, something..., Eat during the round, a banana, pretzels, peanuts, etc..., Drink at least 16 ounces of water during play. It is important to keep your body fueled.
Availability of Practice: Everyone should practice, we all know that. Every golfer can and should dedicate a few hours a week to practicing if they want to get better. There are three specific things you can do to help you hit the ball farther. First, at the end of any practice session take five balls and hit them as hard as possible. You need to condition yourself to hit the ball hard. Next, take practice swings that are longer, smoother, and slower than normal. This helps stretch out your swing in a dynamic way. Keep this in mind a restricted swing leads to restricted distance. Finally, swing multiple clubs at once. Maybe a 5 and 6 iron, but any two or three clubs will do. Make practice swings with the clubs for about 5 minutes. Then take one of the clubs and swing it as hard as you can. That sensation is the sensation you want when hitting your tee shot.
For more information please visit my website www.bobschade.com or visit the club's website www.cypresswoodcc.com. Thanks and good golfing!
Conditioning: Being as strong as possible is a very important key to hitting the ball further. With all other things equal someone with 15% more muscle will hit the ball 15% farther. Here are a couple of simple things to do to help your conditioning.
1.When watching TV, do arm and wrist curls. Use a light weight or even a can of soup will work. Keep the weight light and do as many reps as you can handle. You should do it palm up and palm down. You should feel a good burn in your forearm when doing the palm down reps.
2.Before playing or practicing, grab two clubs. Hold the clubs at each end and then stretch in all directions. Keep your arms straight throughout all of the stretches.
Golf Physical Well-being: To me that means preparing to play. Drinking at least 16 ounces of water before you play even as the days get cooler. Eat something before you play, a granola bar, a piece of fruit, something..., Eat during the round, a banana, pretzels, peanuts, etc..., Drink at least 16 ounces of water during play. It is important to keep your body fueled.
Availability of Practice: Everyone should practice, we all know that. Every golfer can and should dedicate a few hours a week to practicing if they want to get better. There are three specific things you can do to help you hit the ball farther. First, at the end of any practice session take five balls and hit them as hard as possible. You need to condition yourself to hit the ball hard. Next, take practice swings that are longer, smoother, and slower than normal. This helps stretch out your swing in a dynamic way. Keep this in mind a restricted swing leads to restricted distance. Finally, swing multiple clubs at once. Maybe a 5 and 6 iron, but any two or three clubs will do. Make practice swings with the clubs for about 5 minutes. Then take one of the clubs and swing it as hard as you can. That sensation is the sensation you want when hitting your tee shot.
For more information please visit my website www.bobschade.com or visit the club's website www.cypresswoodcc.com. Thanks and good golfing!
Thursday, August 06, 2009
I gave a lesson the other day to a student who wanted to gain more yardage off the tee. My first statement was who doesn't! I asked a couple of questions about his conditioning, physical well-being, and availability to practice. I then came up with a program to increase his club head speed that is so simple I thought that I would share it with all of you.
Conditioning: Being as strong as possible is a very important key to hitting the ball further. With all other things equal someone with 15% more muscle will hit the ball 15% farther. Here are a couple of simple things to do to help your conditioning.
1.When watching TV, do arm and wrist curls. Use a light weight or even a can of soup will work. Keep the weight light and do as many reps as you can handle. You should do it palm up and palm down. You should feel a good burn in your forearm when doing the palm down reps.
2.Before playing or practicing, grab two clubs. Hold the clubs at each end and then stretch in all directions. Keep your arms straight throughout all of the stretches.
Golf Physical Well-being: To me that means preparing to play. Drinking at least 16 ounces of water before you play even as the days get cooler. Eat something before you play, a granola bar, a piece of fruit, something..., Eat during the round, a banana, pretzels, peanuts, etc..., Drink at least 16 ounces of water during play. It is important to keep your body fueled.
Availability of Practice: Everyone should practice, we all know that. Every golfer can and should dedicate a few hours a week to practicing if they want to get better. There are three specific things you can do to help you hit the ball farther. First, at the end of any practice session take five balls and hit them as hard as possible. You need to condition yourself to hit the ball hard. Next, take practice swings that are longer, smoother, and slower than normal. This helps stretch out your swing in a dynamic way. Keep this in mind a restricted swing leads to restricted distance. Finally, swing multiple clubs at once. Maybe a 5 and 6 iron, but any two or three clubs will do. Make practice swings with the clubs for about 5 minutes. Then take one of the clubs and swing it as hard as you can. That sensation is the sensation you want when hitting your tee shot.
Conditioning: Being as strong as possible is a very important key to hitting the ball further. With all other things equal someone with 15% more muscle will hit the ball 15% farther. Here are a couple of simple things to do to help your conditioning.
1.When watching TV, do arm and wrist curls. Use a light weight or even a can of soup will work. Keep the weight light and do as many reps as you can handle. You should do it palm up and palm down. You should feel a good burn in your forearm when doing the palm down reps.
2.Before playing or practicing, grab two clubs. Hold the clubs at each end and then stretch in all directions. Keep your arms straight throughout all of the stretches.
Golf Physical Well-being: To me that means preparing to play. Drinking at least 16 ounces of water before you play even as the days get cooler. Eat something before you play, a granola bar, a piece of fruit, something..., Eat during the round, a banana, pretzels, peanuts, etc..., Drink at least 16 ounces of water during play. It is important to keep your body fueled.
Availability of Practice: Everyone should practice, we all know that. Every golfer can and should dedicate a few hours a week to practicing if they want to get better. There are three specific things you can do to help you hit the ball farther. First, at the end of any practice session take five balls and hit them as hard as possible. You need to condition yourself to hit the ball hard. Next, take practice swings that are longer, smoother, and slower than normal. This helps stretch out your swing in a dynamic way. Keep this in mind a restricted swing leads to restricted distance. Finally, swing multiple clubs at once. Maybe a 5 and 6 iron, but any two or three clubs will do. Make practice swings with the clubs for about 5 minutes. Then take one of the clubs and swing it as hard as you can. That sensation is the sensation you want when hitting your tee shot.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Golf Tip of the Month
By: Bob Schade
Last month I did a tip on chipping. I hope it helped! This month's tip is a small number of tips designed to help you through the transition of winter grass to summer grass.
Putting:
1.Position the golf ball more in the center of your stance.
2.Position more weight on your front (left) foot.
3.Position the grip end of the putter slightly in front of the golf ball.
4.Stroke the ball with a short, crisp back swing and pop the ball on the forward swing.
Sand Play:
1.Position the golf ball more in the front of your stance.
2.Dig in your heels only.
3.Position your weight 70% on your left foot.
4.Aim 1 inch behind the golf ball.
5.Swing hard!
Fairway play:
1.Position the golf ball farther back than normal in your stance.
2.Play less lofted clubs to keep your ball flight low and under control.
3.Choke up on the club of choice; maintaining control is critical.
4.Strive to stay in the fairway even if that means taking a club that you know will not give you the distance required to reach your target.
Driving:
1.Tee the ball slightly lower than normal.
2.Position the ball opposite your left chest.
3.Grip the club a little firmer.
4.Position your weight more on your back (right) foot.
5.Swing under control to maintain accuracy.
These simple tips will help you overcome the problems the transition presents. Please email me with your thoughts at cypresswoodcc@gmail.com.
By: Bob Schade
Last month I did a tip on chipping. I hope it helped! This month's tip is a small number of tips designed to help you through the transition of winter grass to summer grass.
Putting:
1.Position the golf ball more in the center of your stance.
2.Position more weight on your front (left) foot.
3.Position the grip end of the putter slightly in front of the golf ball.
4.Stroke the ball with a short, crisp back swing and pop the ball on the forward swing.
Sand Play:
1.Position the golf ball more in the front of your stance.
2.Dig in your heels only.
3.Position your weight 70% on your left foot.
4.Aim 1 inch behind the golf ball.
5.Swing hard!
Fairway play:
1.Position the golf ball farther back than normal in your stance.
2.Play less lofted clubs to keep your ball flight low and under control.
3.Choke up on the club of choice; maintaining control is critical.
4.Strive to stay in the fairway even if that means taking a club that you know will not give you the distance required to reach your target.
Driving:
1.Tee the ball slightly lower than normal.
2.Position the ball opposite your left chest.
3.Grip the club a little firmer.
4.Position your weight more on your back (right) foot.
5.Swing under control to maintain accuracy.
These simple tips will help you overcome the problems the transition presents. Please email me with your thoughts at cypresswoodcc@gmail.com.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
GOLF TIP OF THE MONTH
By: Bob Schade
I am going to break away from the full swing this month to give a short game tip. This chipping tip will help your tidy up your shots around the green. This is always the fastest way to lower your handicap. Try this technique and you will be amazed at how consistent you will be.
1. Take your normal stance.
2. Move your feet so that they are only 2 inches apart.
3. Open your stance 15 degrees.
4. Position the golf ball adjacent your right big toe.
5. Position the majority of your body’s weight on your front foot.
6. Position the grip end of the club opposite your left thigh.
Now keeping your weight on your front foot, make a putting-like stroke at and through the golf ball. This stroke should be slow and smooth. Mistakes are made when the golfer makes too big of a motion. That causes the body to move and inconsistent contact. Keep it simple and follow the guidelines outlined above.
Good luck and good golfing! Lessons are available, members 3 lessons for $50 and non-members 3 lessons for $75. Please call 324-6174 or email me at cypresswoodcc@gmail.com for your reservation.
By: Bob Schade
I am going to break away from the full swing this month to give a short game tip. This chipping tip will help your tidy up your shots around the green. This is always the fastest way to lower your handicap. Try this technique and you will be amazed at how consistent you will be.
1. Take your normal stance.
2. Move your feet so that they are only 2 inches apart.
3. Open your stance 15 degrees.
4. Position the golf ball adjacent your right big toe.
5. Position the majority of your body’s weight on your front foot.
6. Position the grip end of the club opposite your left thigh.
Now keeping your weight on your front foot, make a putting-like stroke at and through the golf ball. This stroke should be slow and smooth. Mistakes are made when the golfer makes too big of a motion. That causes the body to move and inconsistent contact. Keep it simple and follow the guidelines outlined above.
Good luck and good golfing! Lessons are available, members 3 lessons for $50 and non-members 3 lessons for $75. Please call 324-6174 or email me at cypresswoodcc@gmail.com for your reservation.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Last month I gave you a tip that would help create patience at the top of your swing. This will make the transition area very smooth and consistent. I hope that you put that tip into your practice routine.
This month I want to give you an exercise that will create extension through the hitting area. Follow the instructions carefully and you will see a fantastic increase in club head speed. That increase in speed will result in an increase in distance.
1. Take your normal address position with your driver.
2. Slide your left foot towards your right foot, stopping when the toe of your left foot is adjacent to the back of the ball.
3. Slide your right foot to the right, therefore taking your normal stance width again. The ball is now five or six inches forward of normal.
4. Now watch the ball and take your normal swing and hit the ball.
This drill maximizes your extension through the ball resulting in an increase in distance and quite possibly ending your days as a slicer! Good luck! If you have any questions, please email me at cypresswoodcc@gmail.com. By the way this is a new email address. You can also visit my website www.bobschade.com for all kinds of golf information.
This month I want to give you an exercise that will create extension through the hitting area. Follow the instructions carefully and you will see a fantastic increase in club head speed. That increase in speed will result in an increase in distance.
1. Take your normal address position with your driver.
2. Slide your left foot towards your right foot, stopping when the toe of your left foot is adjacent to the back of the ball.
3. Slide your right foot to the right, therefore taking your normal stance width again. The ball is now five or six inches forward of normal.
4. Now watch the ball and take your normal swing and hit the ball.
This drill maximizes your extension through the ball resulting in an increase in distance and quite possibly ending your days as a slicer! Good luck! If you have any questions, please email me at cypresswoodcc@gmail.com. By the way this is a new email address. You can also visit my website www.bobschade.com for all kinds of golf information.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
GOLF TIP OF THE MONTH
By: Bob Schade
One of the most common problems I see on the practice tee is a quick transition from the back swing to the forward swing. This area of the swing is problematic because most of the golfers think it is an area that produces power. That is a wrong assumption. That area of the swing is critical for getting the club in the correct slot on the forward swing. If the golfer can get the club in the slot the rate of success goes up exponentially!
Here is a drill that will help you get the club in the slot!
1. Take your normal set up position. Start with a 7 or 8 iron.
2. Take your normal back swing and stop at the top.
3. Count one one thousand, two one thousand.
4. Then swing the club forward and strike the ball.
This drill, if done enough, will calm down the transition area of the swing. This will make you more accurate and produce a more powerful golf motion. Good luck! If you have any questions, please email me at cypresswoodcc@gmail.com. By the way this is a new email address. You can also visit my website www.bobschade.com for all kinds of golf information.
By: Bob Schade
One of the most common problems I see on the practice tee is a quick transition from the back swing to the forward swing. This area of the swing is problematic because most of the golfers think it is an area that produces power. That is a wrong assumption. That area of the swing is critical for getting the club in the correct slot on the forward swing. If the golfer can get the club in the slot the rate of success goes up exponentially!
Here is a drill that will help you get the club in the slot!
1. Take your normal set up position. Start with a 7 or 8 iron.
2. Take your normal back swing and stop at the top.
3. Count one one thousand, two one thousand.
4. Then swing the club forward and strike the ball.
This drill, if done enough, will calm down the transition area of the swing. This will make you more accurate and produce a more powerful golf motion. Good luck! If you have any questions, please email me at cypresswoodcc@gmail.com. By the way this is a new email address. You can also visit my website www.bobschade.com for all kinds of golf information.
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