Have you felt confused and frustrated upon trying several different pieces of information you may have heard or read in magazines or books and found little success? This by no means is stating the information is incorrect and of course gaining knowledge and having key guidelines for the golf swing is a fantastic aide to better your game, this is merely to help explain where some frustrations may stem from and the importance of understanding the chain reaction in the golf swing.

Every action in the swing has a reaction and the less reactions and compensations we have to make pre, during and post impact, the easier and more repeatable the game becomes. Let’s say for example you feel your impact or follow through position does not feel as it should, maybe you are finding it difficult to transfer your weight post impact. Very often something happening earlier on in your swing has caused this to happen and the sensation you are feeling is purely a compensation to help you make contact with the ball or to help you keep your balance. This of course cannot be guaranteed every single time and we must also consider any physical limitations that may be causing it to happen but it would certainly explain frustrations upon working on an exercise you may have read to fix this and finding to your frustration little success and more confusion.

The key is to figure out the cause and effect, isolate the start of the chain reaction. This is where a qualified golf professional can massively help with the process. A good understanding and disciplined routine within the set up can also help. From a coaching perspective I would say a high percentage of times a position within the setup and or takeaway is having a big effect on what the body is able to do both in the remainder of backswing and consequently in the downswing and follow through.

Having an understanding of your own swing and where the start of your chain reaction may lie can then help any confusion in trying several different exercises or tips. Of course impact is the critical area and we cannot guarantee that a perfect set up and backswing position will deliver a perfect impact position but it will certainly help it happen more often. If you do go for a golf lesson ensures you understand why you are working on the position you have been given and what effect it has on the ball. When you have an understanding of your own golf swing and how it affects the ball flight you will not only become your own coach but be less likely to succumb to the frustration of trying several different methods you may have read or heard from your well-meaning golfing partner!