Golf Swing Drills
And Golf Training Aids

I believe golf swing drills, as golfers typically use them, are a complete waste of time. Is this really a surprise? Most golfers have no clue how to practice so how are drills going to make that better?

Here is the problem—if you're using a drill like hitting off of one leg, swinging with one arm, baseball swings, etc., it is likely that the drill is different enough from your swing that your body won't recognize the drill as being a golf swing movement. In other words, you might as well be fishing! Your body is not going to be directly influenced by these drills! While you shouldn't expect a drill to change your swing, what a drill can do is change your mental image of the swing, which is where a drill's real value lies.

The way to effect swing change is to hit balls on the range with your goal being to transform your mental swing image into your physical swing, assuming you're working with correct swing thoughts. A drill can influence mental swing image, which when combined with proper practice, has the potential to improve your golf swing.

Regarding practice, almost all amateurs go brain dead when they step onto a range. Do I need to say this is bad? Every swing on the range, whether it be a drill, practice swing, or a hitting swing should have a purpose, and therefore requires one hundred percent concentration.

I also believe most training aids are basically ineffective for training a golf swing for the same reason drills are ineffective. However, if approached the same way I suggest you use a drill, then training aids may also be beneficial, assuming they actually fit their purpose and that purpose is valid (a very big "if"). I've never used one, but I think an impact bag, or something similar, is one option that could be good for golfers who throw the clubhead into the ball. One training aid I have used and have recommended is a weighted club. They probably won't help improve swing technique, but they should help strengthen and stretch the muscles you use in your golf swing and they may help your mind get a better idea of tempo and rhythm, which you may be able to transfer to your swing with proper practice. They are also good for warming up before a practice session or a round of golf.

 

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Casey Eberting Golf Instruction

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