High-handicap golfers often struggle with properly shifting their weight during the golf swing, which can have a significant impact on their overall performance on the course. With the help of modern technology such as GOLFTEC’s OptiMotion technology, coaches can easily identify flaws in a golfer’s swing and provide guidance on how to improve. This technology allows coaches to analyze weight distribution, a key component of the swing that affects both clubhead speed and the control of the low point.
One of the most common mistakes that amateur golfers make is shifting their weight away from the target for too long during the backswing. While it is important to shift weight away from the target in the backswing, amateurs often do so incorrectly. Tour pros typically have 75 percent of their weight on their trail foot at some point in the backswing, but they stop shifting their weight away from the target before the backswing ends. Instead, they begin moving their weight more towards the center when their lead arm is just past parallel to the ground, creating a proper weight distribution.
In contrast, amateur golfers, especially those who struggle with consistent contact, do not follow this same weight distribution pattern. They tend to shift only a fraction of the weight towards the target by the top of the swing, rather than the 20 percent shift that pros typically make. One way to check this on your own is to film your swing and draw a line on the outside of your trail leg down to your ankle. At the top of your swing, you should be slightly moving towards the target relative to where you started at setup. If you are moving away from the target, you may need to make adjustments to your weight distribution.
While it may feel awkward at first, shifting your weight towards the target in the backswing is a crucial move for generating solid contact and increasing clubhead speed. This movement may feel early in the swing, but it is essential for achieving the proper weight distribution that is seen in the swings of Tour pros. For those looking to improve their weight distribution and overall swing, booking a swing evaluation with a GOLFTEC coach can provide personalized guidance on how to make the necessary adjustments.
Overall, understanding and mastering proper weight distribution in the golf swing is essential for high-handicap golfers looking to improve their game. By utilizing technology such as OptiMotion, coaches can pinpoint flaws in a golfer’s swing and offer targeted instruction on how to improve weight distribution. Making adjustments to shift weight towards the target in the backswing, as seen in the swings of Tour pros, can lead to more consistent contact and increased clubhead speed, ultimately improving overall performance on the course. Book a swing evaluation with GOLFTEC to get personalized guidance on how to improve your weight distribution and elevate your game.
