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How To Break 80 Newsletter
July 9, 2008
"The Web's Most Popular Golf Improvement
Newsletter"
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In this issue we'll discuss...
1) Achieving Putting Consistency
2) Senior Golf: Maintain Flexibility
3) Question of the Week - Struggling with Second Shots
4) Article -
Hit it How You Want, When You Want
5) Article -
Making Practice Pay Off
Jack's Note: After watching the Women’s US Open recently, it dawned on my how big the ladies tour has really become. Used to be “uncool” to watch ladies golf but I gotta be honest…sometimes it’s more exciting than the men’s tour. More importantly, I think women’s golf is growing and in a good way. In fact, every day we have new subscribers who are women and for months I’ve been promising something to these ladies. I’m happy to announce after over a year of planning and hard work it’s finally complete. I’ll send you a quick note next week so keep an eye out ;)
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1) Achieving Putting Consistency
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Whether you're playing in your weekly foursome, a club tournament, or a PGA event, putting rules. Good putting is a key to winning the match. Check the stats of your favorite player next time he or she wins a big tournament, chances are good the player had great putting stats. The key to achieving good putting numbers match after match is consistency.
If there is one thing that hurts consistency, it's ball position. If you place the ball too far back in your stance or too far forward in your stance, consistency suffers. The ball should be about an inch or two back from your front heel, with your head almost directly over the ball. Ball position should be a key checkpoint in your putting stance.
Below are four other tips encouraging putting consistency:
* Get comfortable
* Use shoulders only
* Swing the same distance
* Release the clubhead freely
* Be aggressive
Putting is an individual thing. But there are certain things every player must do to achieve consistency. One is using the right stance. Find a stance that feels comfortable, one that's not too narrow and that provides a stable base, and use it every time you putt.
Also, use the right stroke. The modern putting stroke features little wrist or elbow movement. Instead, a rocking motion of the shoulders powers the putterhead. The clubhead travels the same distance in the front stroke and backstroke.
In addition, be aggressive. Ideally, you want to putt the ball with enough force so that the ball travels slightly beyond the hole. Putts that never reach the hole have no chance of going in. Just be careful when it comes to downhill putts.
Putting Drill
Playing games and doing drills make practice fun while honing technique. Here's a drill designed to enhance consistency. Go around the hole putting tees about a step apart—all at a distance of about four feet from the pin. Try to make four putts in a row from each spot. Concentrate on speed and alignment. When you make four in a row, move to the next station. Go right around the hole.
Putting from all directions at the same hole forces you to work on left to right and right to left breaks, helping to improve consistency. Try this drill next time your on the practice green. It works.
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2) Senior Golf: Maintain Flexibility
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Loss of flexibility is one of the biggest obstacles to senior golfers. We all have some degree of flexibility when were young. But as we get older, we lose some of our flexibility, which has a major impact on both our swing and our game. However, we can do things to compensate for a loss of flexibility and put some enjoyment back in the game of golf.
Here are five tips on adjusting to a loss of flexibility:
* Focus on accuracy
* Swing within yourself
* Adjust your turn
* Think low and slow
* Get regular exercise
The majority of swing flaws with seniors come from trying to hit the ball like they used to do. That's difficult if you've lost some flexibility. While senior golfers may not be able to hit for power like they once used to, they can still hit for accuracy. Hitting your targets compensates somewhat for the loss of power.
Also, learn to swing within yourself. That means swinging within the natural boundaries of your sense of balance. Flexibility and balance can't be maintained, however, if you swing too fast. Slow your swing down. Find a comfortable swing rhythm and tempo that keeps you in balance. Start by making a nice smooth takeaway. Try saying "low and slow" to yourself when starting your swing.
In addition, focus on your shoulder turn. As you get older, making a 90-degree shoulder turn may not be possible. You need to make other adjustments to compensate. Once you've found your maximum coil, adjust your rhythm, tempo, and timing to fit it. Keep the same swing dynamics and principles the same—just use a condensed version of your swing.
The older you get, the more flexibility you lose. Do exercises, like Tai Chi or Yoga that target flexibility. Improving it—whether a young golfer or an experienced one—benefits your game. More importantly, learn to make adjustments to your game and swing that make up for your loss of flexibility.
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3) Question of the Week - Struggling with Second Shots
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Q. Hi Jack, I play off a 22 handicap and have been playing for a long time, but I don't seem to get any better. My main problem is my second shot, which I invariably fluff by digging into the ground very heavily. I can feel myself dipping (lifting my body on the back swing). Have you a drill to help?
Regards,
Mike Catterall
A. Thanks for the question, Mike. What you need to do is re-program your downswing so that you're using the proper fundamentals. Below is a drill that teaches that. It's great for learning the proper sequence of the downswing:
To begin, hold a medicine ball or soccer ball with both hands. Begin your downswing with both your feet and legs driving the movement of your arms. As you approach the bottom of the swing, throw the ball "down and out" and into the ground. Keep doing the drill until you've ingrained the correct downswing motion. Then go out and hit some practice balls. Keep in mind when hitting balls that you need to swing down and through the ball, creating a divot on the other side of the ball.
A medicine ball is better for this drill because it is heavier than a soccer ball. It gives you the feel of needing to through the ball with the muscles of your core rather than you arms and legs. But a soccer ball will do. Just keep the difference in mind.
If you've got a golf question you'd like answered, send an email to us at questions@howtobreak80.com and we'll review it. I can't guarantee that we'll use it but if we do, we'll make sure to include your name and where you're from.
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If you want to truly discover the secrets of shooting like the Pros and creating a more reliable and consistent swing, check out: http://www.HowToBreak80.com
Also, for past issues of this newsletter and some of my most recent articles, visit our blog at www.HowToBreak80.com/blog
P.S. Feel free to share this newsletter with family and friends. If you would like to subscribe to this newsletter, send a blank email to break80ezine@aweber.com
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About the Author
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Jack Moorehouse is the author of the best-selling book "How To Break 80 and Shoot Like the Pros!". He is NOT a golf pro, rather a working man that has helped thousands of golfers from all seven continents lower their handicaps quickly. His free weekly newsletter goes out to thousands of golfers worldwide and provides the latest golf tips, strategies, techniques and instruction on how to improve your golf game.
