Hello, back again for another blog. This week we are going to talk about relaxing during your swing. Whether it is a putt, chip, pitch shot, or full swing, you need to learn to relax so your swing is fluid and nothing is held back.
First you need to realize that I am not talking about pure relaxation; this is something you cannot attain and shouldn’t in the golf swing. There is another type of relaxation that I am talking about – active relaxation. To be actively relaxed is to be neither limp nor tense, but to have live tension in the parts of the body that will be doing the work.
This active relaxation starts with the legs; the knees must be properly flexed and the legs must be supple but at the same time they must have live tension. There should be more tension from the knees down; the lower part of your legs should feel very springy and strong, loaded with elastic energy. The rest of the body will pick up this athletic temper from the legs. In fact, all the movements in your swing become easier and more integrated.
Let’s talk about tension in the grip since this is where most average players have too much tension and this transmits throughout the body. When you have too much tension in the grip it tightens the cords in the arms and renders them so stiff, and so deaf that they are unable to give you a muscular response when you start your swing. Too tight a grip will also immobilize your wrist……so relax a little. We want our hands to be “active”, the kind of pressure that makes your hands feel alive and ready for action.
Here’s one last tip that will help take the tension out of your swing:
You’ve addressed the ball, done your waggles, taken that one last look at your target, and you’re ready to pull the trigger and start the swing. Take in one last breath before you start the swing. As you start the swing exhale (exhale throughout the entire swing). Most players will hold their breath when making their swing and this causes tension throughout their body. Try it.
That’s it for this week, hope it helps you out.
Later,
Al Pehrson, PGA Professional
