The Fundamental Importance of Having Rhythm and Balance in Your Swing
During my time teaching golf, I have come across two common swing flaws on a regular basis, rhythm and balance. These two skills are ones that elude the majority of my students the most. Golfers all over the world are plagued with the lack of Rhythm and Balance in their golf swings.
It is not to say that the game cannot be played somewhat effectively without having one of these two skills, but I would have to say that such a player more than likely makes up their lack of balance and/or rhythm with great eye-hand coordination. Without these two skills working together, you would quickly reach a plateau in your game, in other words you would be maxed-out in your potential.
Consistency and accuracy stems from having good Balance and Rhythm.
The following are explanations on how your balance and/or rhythm should feel at specific positions during a full golf swing.
| Set Up: | Balance should be even Left to Right and often forgotten, Back to Front. (50/50) (Most common is for players to lean back on their heels.) |
| In Motion: | A player should attempt to make an even-tempo swing between the back swing and the down swing. The effort that it takes to make the back swing, not the speed, should be the same effort used to follow though to your finish position. (Do not go slow on the way back, and then speed up on the way down. Keep your body moving in the same tempo throughout the golf swing) |
| Finish Position: | In the end your balance should be in complete control, thus if you have even rhythm during the swing, it will be much easier to hold your finish in balance, with all of your weight resting on your lead leg (leg closest to target), and your body facing the target. In other words your belly button or belt-buckle should be facing the target. |
The key to lowering your score will depend greatly on your ability to find your own effortless rhythm and sure-footed balance. Therefore, I ask that before you pick up your favourite magazine for your next technical golf lesson, please work on your rhythm and balance so that when you apply these technical tips you will do it with a sound fundamental swing motion.
Good luck, keep it loose and keep it easy!
Yours in Golf,
Mat Vachon
Teaching Professional
Northern Swing Golf Centre
