Global Sports: Hit the Ball Before Hitting the Golf Course

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Hit the Ball Before Hitting the Golf Course

By Clinton Maxwell


Do you want to take up the sport of golfing? Maybe you've just started out. Either way, at the beginning you'll surely be surprised at how difficult hitting a ball with precision is. On TV and in the movies, the players make everything look fairly easy. You may have decided to become a golfer because the game seems easy and relaxing. While it can be relaxing, it is definitely not easy; it takes great skill and patience.

In fact, many people give up on the sport because they get frustrated. They may take swing after swing and either miss the ball, lob it way too far or sometimes even backwards. They assume it should be so easy to hit a small ball but that's where they're wrong. You have to understand the dynamics and what role physics plays in your swing.

For many who have never played golf, they figure to get some distance to the ball you have to "scoop" the ball and therefore strike it at the bottom. This is not at all the case. Take a look at your club and you'll see that the end is angled to cup the ball. If you try to scoop the ball you'll end up trapping the ball or make it move backwards.

Instead of trying to scoop the ball, it's best to learn to hit the ball downward. When hitting downward, the angled club will propel the ball forward and your ball will travel the intended direction and velocity.

The other common misconception is that you have to place great force behind your swing but that is not usually true. In fact, many make this mistake and at first you'll be tempted to use all of your force. Once you have gotten your angle and amount of force mastered you'll see great improvements.

It's these two factors (and some others you'll learn with practice) that will determine which golf club you use. Different clubs give you different angles and different amounts of force behind your swing.

If after much practice you still don't seem to be getting the knack of it then seek some help. If you have friends who golf then ask to join them on the driving range. Golfers are usually willing to help other novice players with a few swings. Don't be afraid to ask other golfers on the driving range or, if you can afford it, spring for some lessons; they'll be worth it.




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