Golf Tips on Swinging a Wood

Stand about 20-to-24 inches away from the ball. You want to play the ball about one ball length closer to your front leg than your back leg. Your left shoulder should be facing the target and your left foot should be directly underneath your left foot. As you prepare to take your backswing, lean to your right slightly. This is called the "power lean" and will give you a few yards of added distance.

Your first move should be the rotation of your hips to the right. As you begin your turn, you bring the club backwards until it is in the launch position. Once you have turned your hips as far as they will go, begin turning them in the opposite direction. Your arms will follow. As your hips clear the hitting zone, your hands should follow at the same rate of speed. You should be looking at the back of the ball throughout this process.

You want to keep your ball straight and get maximum distance. The way to do this is to follow through to completion of the swing. After you have made contact, continue to keep your head in the same position until your club has reached hip level. Finish the swing up high by your shoulder. This will bring maximum backspin and keep your ball moving as straight as possible.