A Simple Technique to Get Rid of Tension in Your Golf Swing

Updated January 20, 2022

In the 1950s a book was written by a man named Ike Handy, and the title of the book was 'It's the Damn Ball.' What he meant was that people seemed to be able to make good swings until you introduce the ball to the swing.

What Causes Tension in Your Golf Swing?

You have seen it, you go out with your friends and they will go up there and take a practice swing and the swing will come through and be nice and fluid. Then they step up to the ball. When they get up to the ball you can see it right away, the tension is starting and there is the bad swing.

The Pendulum

So let's give you a thought or two about how you might be able to get through the ball rather than swinging to it. First let me give you an example of this, what is that? Well, it's a pendulum. It has consistency, it has positive acceleration and it has rhythm. Wow, what a great description of a good golf swing. But you know what happens when we make a swing at the ball this happens, squeezing and tightening the hands. That kills the swing and that is why when you swing and only finish halfway through it is because you are too tight.

So here is a drill to help you get over that. Start At The Finish! Swing the club to the finish and hold your position, and then start your swing from there in this drill. Take your club back to your backswing and then say to yourself that you are going to where you started, the finish. Take the ball out of your mind and think of going to the finish. It is a great way to keep the tension out of your body and hands.