How to Make a Successful Golf Swing – The Takeaway
The takeaway just might be the most important part of the golf swing. If things go wrong within the first foot or so back away from the ball, you will have little hope of saving it later on. Your hands should be passive during the start of the swing, using the big muscles to move the club head on the proper path and set your body up in a good position to complete the rest of the swing. Much like working on your grip, practicing the takeaway isn’t very exciting, but it can pay big dividends if you put in your time.
If you would like to work on your takeaway, considering trying one or more of the following three tips.
- Roll a ball away. Place a basketball or soccer ball behind your club head and try making some practice swings by rolling the ball back away from the target as you start your swing. The heavier weight of these balls will force you to use the big muscles in your shoulders and torso to start the takeaway. You should be able to roll the ball straight back along the target line, and then continue on to complete your swing. Make sure the basketball or soccer ball is successfully out of the way so you don’t impact it on the downswing.
- Lead hand only. Try making practice takeaways only by using your lead hand (left hand for a RH golfer). With only one hand on the club, you won’t have the same amount of strength in your hands, so you will be forced to use the bigger muscles. After several repetitions of a one-handed takeaway, put the other hand back on the club and hit a few shots. Hopefully, you will quickly notice a difference in the feeling of your takeaway.
- Maintain knee flex. A common mistake during the takeaway is standing up out of your posture and losing the flex in your knees. Focus on keeping the amount of knee flex that you have constant throughout the backswing and into the downswing. If you can accomplish this, your takeaway will be in better shape and you should have an easier time making solid contact with the ball. The golf swing is an athletic motion, and keeping your knees properly flexed will engage your whole body and help you to make the best swing you can make.