Balance Training for Your Client’s Golf Swing

Part Two: A Matter of Balance

Balance, as defined by definitions.net is: “(n.) a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal distribution of weight, amount, etc.” With the golf swing, balance is of significant importance. In just about all our daily activities as humans, balance is in play. As we age, balance fades a bit, requiring some strengthening on our part.

Here are some balance drills easily done in your gym or at home:

1. One-foot hand offs to left and right with ball, or light plate (3 sets 15-20 reps on both feet). Weight varies and you’ll need a partner for this one. Feel your core moving? Good!
2. Uphill/downhill swing drill. To properly align shoulders to terrain your drive landed on, put one foot on a stool or ball, then complete smooth, full swing 15-20 times along the proper terrain line. For downhill lies, swing along the plane of the hill you may be on. The reverse applies for uphill lies. Let the club do the work for you. This drill will take practice and may look strange to you at first. The alternative is continuing to hook the ball out of bounds on uphill lies or topping it on the downhill (3 sets of 15 – 20 reps).
3. With empty hands, complete the back swing then, smoothly through the ball to finish position. Hold for 5 second count on front foot (3 sets 10-15 reps). At the finish position notice if your balance has brought you to a position where your torso faces the desired ball flight path.
4. Half swing drill using a light weight, balanced on one foot at a time (3 sets 10-15 reps). This drill will show you more about weight transfer done smoothly from backswing to finish.
5. Heavy ball toss to partner, or off a wall, on one foot then other foot. (3 sets 10-15 reps). Notice what your front abs are doing on the throw and the catch. I imagine they’ll tighten. I used this to show the importance of your core to good balance.
6. Eyes closed using full swing (light weight 15-20 reps). With both feet down, and both eyes closed, smoothly imitate your golf swing with both eyes closed. Not so difficult was it? Now, place a ball in the proper stance position for a short iron. Using the same smooth swing and eyes closed, hit the golf ball and go to your finish position. This may take some practice so be persistent if you want better swing balance and a lower handicap. No peeking folks.

Once the “eyes closed” drill takes hold, hit some balls on your front foot and back foot. While keeping your eyes closed, of course. You aren’t swinging so fast anymore are you? Congratulations! Try all of these drills often. Smooth, powerful, graceful and balanced, from your core, are good mental images for your swing to have.