Improving Your Golf Balance
By Jason
Griffin
The need for balance for golf just sounds so simple and
easy. As a golfer, you know that maintaining proper golf balance is a
key to a good golf game. And it's more than just having the correct
stance.
Optimum golf balance depends on three aspects: your
visual perception, the signals from the inner ear, and signals from your
muscles and joints. Sometimes these aspects get out of sync, causing a
balance disorder. Most of which can be easily fixed with some simple
ideas.
A lack of balance usually occurs when your head position
changes, which is a good reason to keep your head still during your
swing! How many times have you been told or noticed yourself that you
looked up during your swing? Everybody wants to see where their ball is
going and when you move your head and throw off your balance, the ball
doesn't usually go anywhere. At least not where you wanted it to go. So,
keep your head down and still and let your playing partners watch for
your ball.
Migraines can attribute to a balance disorder. So if you
have frequent migraines, seek medical attention. These headaches can
affect your golf game in ways you may never have thought of. Not to
mention being just plain painful and debilitating.
Also, don't go spending a fortune on new golf equipment
hoping for better play before you check your medicine cabinet to see if
any drugs you're taking affect your balance. The condition "ear
poisoning" seriously affects your balance. Ear poisoning is usually
caused by side effects of some medications. Always be aware of the
possible side effects of any prescription drugs you may be taking. This
is just good advice all the way around, let alone it having an effect on
your golf game.
Diuretics can pose a problem as well. So if you're
taking any of these and you start feeling dizzy, get medical help!
Sometimes the dizziness can literally become a lifelong problem, so
don't delay in seeking help.
If your golf balance is a little off in your game, you
may want to do some simple exercises to improve it. Just kicking a ball
around your backyard can help. You can also set up a little obstacle
course and weave in and out of it to improve your balance. If you have
kids, they will have fun with the course, too! Actually, they may even
set up one for you!
You can also buy a balance board to help you with your
center of gravity. You can easily make one yourself out of some scrap
wood or you could find a nice one online or at a local fitness equipment
store. These boards are challenging and fun to use. Once you can balance
for an extended period on one, pick up a golf club. Then practice your
backswing while balancing yourself. This will dramatically improve you
golf balance.
In addition, working with flexibility exercises helps
increase your golf balance by releasing muscle tension. Try some simple
yoga stretches to help with loosening up tight muscles. Yoga or pilates
can be a real benefit for the golfer. These types of exercises tend to
create long lean muscles and promote flexibility. Just what the golfer
needs for the right golf balance and a fluid swing.
Another useful item is a yoga ball or exercise ball.
Even just sitting on one of these balls requires balance - so try using
one for part of the day. Work up gradually until you can sit on the ball
for 30 minutes at a time. These ball exercises can help you develop
proper posture, increase the mobility of your lower back, and develop
overall control of your body core. Improving your core strength and
flexibility will help you develop the correct golf balance.
Since balance is fundamental to every aspect of your
golf game, spend some time each day working on developing it. Who knows?
You could find your swing and your score improving significantly, and
who couldn't use that!
About the Author: Jason Griffin is a regular golfer who
loves playing golf and trying to help other typical golfers, hackers and
weekend players get more enjoyment out of the game. He is the guide
behind the Guide
to Golf Equipment - Your Information Source for Equipment Used for
Golf. Get a little help finding the right golf equipment at http://www.guidetogolfequipment.com |