Secrets to the Golf Swing: Part 4, Make Contact

So now your swing is fully in motion, from backswing to downswing, and it's now time to make contact with the ball.

The contact you make with the ball and the direction (and loft) that it goes is determined by the flight path of your shot. If you are going for a straight shot, then the clubhead must be moving directly within the target line. If you want your ball to go left, then the path of the clubhead should be pointing left, vice versa for the opposite direction.

Deciding on the above factors when making your shot is really just simple physics. However, it's not that easy to learn how to correctly steer your clubhead in relation to where you want the ball to go. This is what takes many thousands of golf shots to master.

The downswing will ultimately release your power into making contact with the ball. The hands and forearms should rotate slightly counterclockwise (right-handed golfers). The clubhead then rotates toward the ball until it is perfectly perpendicular to your target line.

By imagining the proper technique in your mind, you can better learn to execute the release of the clubhead. Imagine your right forearm rotating over the left forearm (right-handed golfers) as you make your swing. Once you make contact with the ball, the right hand and forearm should be gradually turning towards your left. The backside of your left hand should be facing the direction of the target line after impact. And finally, the backside of your right hand should be pointing skyward.

Every swing results in a “follow through”. This describes what your club, and the body, looks like after making impact with the ball. Although the ball is well on its way flying through the air, you still need to rotate your body and the club in a smooth and graceful fashion.

Imagine if you suddenly stopped all movement as soon as the ball is hit. This would result in a loss of clubhead speed, as well as possibly injuring your wrists and hands. In addition, your follow through can also help determine whether or not your golf swing needs to be tweaked and repositioned.

Once your swing is done, your hips should be turned just enough so that your stomach area is facing the target. Most of your weight should be transferred to the left foot and your right foot should be on its toes. Your back should be somewhat straight and the club will be wrapped around the back of your shoulders.