Tips for Properly Executing Golf Stances
Before taking a swing, a golfer needs to take a proper stance. Assuming an incorrect or improper position would lead to poor motion in the golf swing and difficulty accurately returning the clubface to the impact position. The golf stance assists golfers in aligning the clubface and maximizing distance and forgiveness from each shot. Achieving a proper stance is something that even professional golfers focus on improving.
When taking a correct stance, the first thing to pay attention to is how your golf club is held. It would be best if you used both hands, holding it within your fingers, with both thumbs at the opposite sides of the midline of the grip. Your top hand’s two or three knuckles should be visible when the club is handled correctly.
Then, you should pay attention to your weight distribution. This factor is usually determined by the type of stance you want to employ, but you should distribute the weight between both feet for a basic stance. After that, an athletic stance should be assumed with knees bent slightly so that the upper body can bend forward. With this stance, you should feel the weight in the balls of your feet and the butt of the club. In assuming your stance, your leg muscles should be engaged, and your knees flexed, with your backside bent out slightly behind you.
In golf, there are three standard types of stances. These stances are employed based on the golf club being utilized; the driver stance, the wood and iron stance, and the wedge stance. For a golf driver, the driver stance is used. Here, the feet are placed shoulder-width apart, that is, the insides of the feet aligned with the outsides of the shoulders. The ball is placed across the left heel, your lead heel. It would help if you flared your toes towards the target a little. This posture allows for stability and a clubhead path that ensures greater distance and height.
The feet are placed in a more narrow stance for the wood and iron stance, with the ball toward the center. The shorter the length, the closer your feet, and the closer your ball should be to the middle. This means that as the golf club drops down in length, the feet should be slightly closer. This stance can be adjusted to suit the golfer’s comfort.
Where wedges are to be used, the wedge stance is employed. Here, your feet are placed directly below your shoulders, with the ball centered. This stance enables the golfer to achieve a downward strike, creating accuracy and backspin. The outsides of the feet should be aligned with the outsides of the shoulders or just beneath them.
Perfecting the correct stance for the swing is a crucial part of the game, which many amateurs fail to give adequate attention to. You can adopt specific tips in achieving a better stance. Slightly opening the right foot helps add length to your backswing and creates a better turn, subsequently leading to more incredible speed and distance. It is also beneficial to pick a specific target. This helps align your shoulders and feet to this point of reference, mainly when you’re not aiming directly at the hole.
Choosing a specific target like a tree in the distance would help with a great and confident stance. Note that comfort is essential when taking a stance as well. It is not wrong to adjust your stance to what makes you comfortable, especially where you have injuries or lack flexibility.
