To much tension in the golf swing is the primary cause of poor golf shots. So often, I see a golfer rush to the practice range before a round and immediately pull out their driver. They hit the first few golf shots poorly and then start swinging harder and harder.
When I warm up for a round of golf I like to hit 30-35 range balls. I start with the sand wedge and progress through the bag hitting 2-3 shots with each club. After I finish hitting the driver, I hit a couple extra sand wedges before heading to the first tee. During the entire session, I focus on maintaining minimal swing tension in the swing.
I know golf swing tension can affect my golf shots, so I work to ensure tension free swings and let the clubhead do the work. Tempo and feel are my top priorities. I achieve these by focusing on keeping tension out of my swing. My goal is not to rush or swing hard during my practice session.
So often we as golfers think our swing has changed from day to day, but in reality what has changed is the tension in our golf swing.
The following are my tips for minimizing tension in the golf swing. Work on these every time you practice and focus on a couple specific ones when warming up for your round. When ready move to the first tee and have a specific swing thought for keeping tension out of your swing on the day:
- Feel the clubhead during the entire swing
- Focus on a tension free golf swing whether practicing or playing
- Realize that to much tension slows the clubhead down and results in less distance
- You gain clubhead speed by having relaxed muscles
- Apply enough grip pressure without creating tension in the forearms, wrists and shoulders
- A slice occurs because of to much stiffness in the hands and forearms
- Shoulder tension does not allow the arms to swing freely
- Start each practice session with short fluid golf swings
Pre-Shot Tension Routine
- Light grip pressure
- Relax forearms, elbows and shoulders
- Feel the weight of the clubhead
- Relax feet, ankles and knees
Optimum Grip Pressure
- Learn to hold the club with proper grip pressure
- Grip pressure range is 1 to 10 with 1 the lightest
- Find the best grip pressure for you that allows you to keep tension out of your wrists, shoulders and forearms
Practice Swing Routine
- Focus on good swing feel during your practice swing
- Once you have the right feel for the shot you are going to hit, stand over the ball and duplicate your practice swing
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