Golf Stance: Tips for a Solid Foundation

Body mechanics are important in the everyday activities we do. When we carry our bodies properly, we prevent strain and injury to our muscles and joints. Lifting objects, walking and running become easier and more efficient.

This is also true in the game of golf. Basic body mechanics like proper posture, alignment and control are the crucial first lessons to be learned. It must come before techniques on making the proper golf swing since it is the foundation of your golf game. If you know how to do a proper golf stance, then you’re already halfway into perfecting your swing. This is because the correct golf stance will not only give you that much needed balance, it will also enable you to give power to your every swing.

A correct golf stance begins with good balance. To achieve good equilibrium, your feet must be the proper distance apart depending on the kind of golf club you use. If you’re using mid irons, place them shoulder width apart. For long irons and woods, make them 5 centimeters wider and for short irons, make them 5 centimeters narrower. How you point your foot matters too. So you can smoothly rotate during your downswing, your front feet should point 20 to 40 degrees towards the target while your back foot should be square to it.

Another crucial point to your golf stance is proper weight distribution. First time golfers make the mistake of putting their weight on their heels or toes. What you should do, however, is to keep your weight centered on the balls of each foot. You must also distribute your weight evenly depending on the kind of club you’re using. Distribute your weight evenly on both feet if you’re playing mid irons. If you’re using the short iron, 60% of your weight should be on your front foot. The opposite occurs when you’re on long irons and woods. Here, about 60% of your weight should be on your back foot.

Flex your knees slightly as you begin to address the ball. They must be directly over the balls of your feet. Let your hands hang slightly forward of your midline. Keep your elbows pointed towards your hips so that it forms a sort of a triangle with your shoulders and arms.

To establish alignment, keep your shoulders, hips, knees and feet in the same line as the target line. To get this, lay the club on the ground, pointing towards the target. Position your toes just off the club then see to it that all else is in line with your feet.

The foundation to a powerful golf swing is a proper golf stance. Take the time to practice your stance and you’ll reap the benefits of a good swing to give you a good game for life.