Hit it long...

Using a free-wheeling swing!

What is in the follow-through that helps you hit it long?

Balance, smoothness, composure to name but three. I think that every follow-through tells the story of what has gone before. If we turn to Timothy Gallwey's "back/hit" routine, we can pop our level of concentration onto a new plane.

I advise my students to hold the follow-through until the ball lands at the end of its flight. I see this discipline in the swings of many modern players, Adam Scott or Justin Fasth to name but two, and I find this possibly the most disregarded part of the swing.

Get onto the range or the golf course and try the following drill and you will discover accuracy, length and consistency reign supreme.

I mentioned Gallwey's "back/hit" drill which is discussed at length in his book, 'The Inner Game of Golf'. To those of you unfamiliar with it, read his great book or for now click here.

When I am working with my students, I add to this and ask them to say,

"Back/hit/through."

The reason is obvious.

If I see a swing that has a very awkward looking follow-through, I'll drop back/hit and ask to hear "through" at the end of the swing.

I do insist that the player says "through" only when all body movements have come to a halt. It also helps to say this clearly and proudly expressing that you sense that it was balanced, smooth and composed.

It is imperative for your success and enjoyment of this process that you disregard what is happening to the ball. I have seen this drill be ruined by students being too involved with the latter.

Another common struggle with this drill is that the word "through" is either said far too quietly or not proudly enough. In this case it is better to ask a partner to judge the quality of your voice.

Please have fun with this and post any comments on your success or progress to me.

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