Background
Golf is a sport that requires constant and nearly endless practice to improve. What’s so different about is the exaggerated concept of feels, small tendencies in your swing that are so precise and difficult to gauge that sometimes recording yourself is the only way to tell if what you’re doing is correct.
Video can be extremely important and useful in getting you on the right track. This article aims to discuss how to use video properly to understand the right areas of your swing that matter.
Understanding Video’s Usefulness
The introduction of video analysis in golf has revolutionized the way players and coaches approach the game. By recording swing angles, golfers can gain objective information of their swing mechanics. This lets them actually understand the issues that are difficult to realize in real-time.
Most modern smartphones are capable of providing a golfer with the primary insight needed to gain value from it, so this should not be to hard to get started.
Setting Up for Success
The first step to start taking advantage of video analysis is to make sure you have the right setup. A smart phone with slow motion capabilities is the main prerequisite here.
The most valuable positions to set up the camera are face-on and down the line towards the direction you are hitting the ball.
Face on will allow you to see how your body position, weight shift, and general balance.
The down the line angle will allow you to understand your swing path and general direction of the swing which influences your aim primarily.
Recording Your Swing
When recording, you want to make sure the camera is about hip-high, and the camera is stable.
Make sure to take a few swings with the clubs you are looking to focus on.
Take multiple swings with various clubs to gather a comprehensive view of your swing.
Note that this can be recorded both at the range, on the course, or at home if you have room for it. It’s beneficial even if you aren't actually hitting a ball.
Analyzing the Recording
You’ll want to keep an eye on a few important components.
Posture and Alignment: Start by looking at your stance, posture, and alignment down the line. You’ll want to see your back straight but not too stiff, knees slightly bent, and feet about shoulder-width apart.
Grip: Look to see if your grip is too tight. The V created by your thumb and index finger should point towards your right shoulder (if you are right-handed)
Backswing and Downswing: Keep an eye on the general tempo here. You don’t want any jerky movements or anything.
Swing Plane: This is one of the most critical pieces to look for. Your swing plane should be following a consistent path around your body, and you are not swinging over the top across the ball (or vice versa from the inside)
Impact Position: Take a look at the position of your club at impact. The clubface should be square or facing the target you are hitting towards. Your hands ideally should be slightly ahead of the ball as well, trusting the loft to flight the ball into the air.
Finish: A complete finish is a good sign in a swing. Your body should be forward and balanced.
Using Software Tools and Apps
There are tons of tools and apps that exist to help you analyze the video itself as well. They can give you frame by frame playback, and show visualizations on top of the video itself to point out specific issues. These tools may help identify pain points without needing to make a list of what to watch out for.
Working with a Coach
Analyzing your swing yourself is important, but bringing on a coach or someone to help you analyze this information can be extremely helpful as well. They’ll give you feedback to study and work on yourself as well.
Creating a Practice Plan
Based on your analysis, make a practice plan to improve the biggest pitfalls you are running into. Pick a few areas in particular to start with, and focus only on one or two of them at a time that way you can improve incrementally but consistently. You don’t want to overwhelm yourself with too many swing tips or areas to focus on. Prioritize the fundamental aspects of the swing and resist the temptation to make huge changes based only on a single video clip. Small updates to your swing can go a long way. Throw your clubs in the bag and focus on one thing at a time.
Summary
Video analysis in golf can play a massive role in your trajectory as a golfer. Make sure to take advantage of the modern technology we have and use it to your benefit moving forward. It can have massive impacts on your progression speed.
