Proper Takeaway Golf Swing

By Steve Silverman

The golf swing can seem quite complicated to the beginner or infrequent golfer. A new golfer may take a lesson or two before he starts playing, but instead of applying the lessons taught by the golf pro, he may just decide to hack away when he gets to the first tee. One of the keys to a productive golf swing is a strong takeaway--and it does not have to be complicated.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step 1

Have your arms form two pieces of a triangle as you prepare to swing the golf club. Both arms should be hanging loosely in front of your body. Your left and right forearms should hang straight down. Your hands should be about eight to 10 inches away from your body.

Step 2

Make sure your knees are bent as you prepare to swing the club. This is not an exaggerated bend, just a slight flexing of your knees that will allow your body to pivot and turn. Many golfers tend to straighten up during the takeaway and try to hit the ball with a stiff right knee, but this is a mistake. Keep your right knee bent slightly.

Step 3

Keep your arms straight during the first part of the takeaway. Once you get your hands back to hip or waist level, you will have to bend your right arm. But in the first part of the takeaway, keep your arms straight and maintain the integrity of your triangle.

Step 4

Do not allow your wrists and hands to rotate as you begin the takeaway. You want a wide takeaway that will allow you to build greater club head speed at impact. The faster the club head is moving at contact, the further the ball will travel.

Step 5

Turn your shoulders and upper torso once your hands reach waist level. Your club should be in launch position as you are ready to begin the downswing. That means the bottom of your left wrist should be pointing directly at the ball.

Tips & Warnings

Use the count (to yourself) system as you swing the club. Begin your swing on the count of 1. Start your downswing at the count of 2. Make contact with the ball at the count of 3.

Keep your head down and your eyes focused on the back of the ball as you begin your golf swing.

About The Author

Steve Silverman is an award-winning writer who has been covering sports for 28 years. He is the author of "The Minnesota Vikings: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" (Triumph Books, Chicago) and two other books on the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers.

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