Set Up

Once you have determined the grip that works best for you, you need to focus on your set up.

Golf, like most sports, requires a player to be in an athletic position to make a full golf swing. This is referred to as setting up to the golf ball.

Being in an athletic position in golf is similar to a short stop’s position prior to a baseball being pitched, or a tennis player getting ready to receive a serve, or a basketball player shooting a free throw.

Here is how to set up for a golf shot:

• Set your feet shoulder width apart facing the golf ball
• Flex your knees slightly until you are comfortable (you don’t want too much knee bend nor should your legs be straight with your knees locked)
• Bend forward from your hip sockets
• Allow your arms to hang naturally (not out too far or in too close towards your thighs)

At this point, you should have a straight line from your armpits down to the center of your feet.

Now…

• Your weight should be distributed evenly between both of your feet and between the balls of your feet and your instep
• Do not have your weight out on your toes or back on your heels
  (Tip: To check that your weight is evenly distributed, have someone slightly push on you from your front and back. If you fall backwards your weight is too far on your heels and if you fall forward your weight is too far on your toes. )

These steps will put you in a solid athletic position and on your way to making a full golf swing. Spend some time getting comfortable with your set up position. Being comfortable in your set up position will result in less tension in your body. This is important because tension is a golf swing killer.

Learn more about the fundamentals of golf.