A Well Balanced Golf Stance

Maintaining your balance throughout the golf swing is paramount if you wish to generate maximum power and accuracy. Having a poor setup or posture will often cause you to make adjustments during your swing. Anytime you are forced to make an adjustment during your swing you are going to lose both distance and control. GolfSpyder can help you learn about the fundamentals of a well balanced golf stance and get you in the correct position to consistently make a good golf swing.

Foot Spacing and Alignment

Stance Alignment Place your feet about shoulder width apart and keep your toes parallel to the target line. Your feet should also be squared up to the target line, meaning your toes are not left open or pointed inwards. Placing your feet in a different postion could throw off your balance or promote unwanted ball movement.

Open Stance
An open stance (front foot back from target line) promotes an out to in swing that can cause a fade or slice.
Right-Handed Golfer Open Stance -->

Closed Stance
A closed stance (rear foot back from target line) promotes an in to out swing that can cause a draw or hook.
Right-Handed Golfer Closed Stance -->

Weight Distribution - The Balls of Your Feet

Your weight will transfer from one foot to the other throughout the course of your golf swing, so don't try and help it along with your stance. It is important to keep your weight centered on the balls of your feet (area between the heel and toe) and spread evenly between the front and back legs. Having your weight on your heels will immobilize your lower body, stealing power from your golf shots. Having the weight on your toes will have you leaning to far forward which will keep you off balance during the swing. If your weight is placed unevenly on the front or back legs, your body is likely to become tilted and could also cause you to rock back and forth instead of rotating during the golf swing.

Posture - Erect and Relaxed

One of the keys to a good golf swing is having good posture. The keys to proper posture are aligning your spine at the correct angle and keeping your shoulders and back relaxed. Having good posture allows your body to rotate freely during the golf swing. If your posture is too stiff or too slouched you will not be able to properly channel your core power into the golf swing, and you may end up with a sore back.

Follow these steps to improve your golf posture:

Stand up straight, but stay relaxed.
Bend at the hip until your chin is inline with the end of your toes.
Slightly flex your knees.
Slide your rear end backwards until it is a little past your heels.
Let your arms hang down naturally.

Check your golf posture by drawing an imaginary line from your chin, through the bottom of your grip, to the tips of your toes. Keep your spine straight and your shoulders relaxed.

Knee Flex

A common mistake for many golfers is locking their knees in place. This inhibits an athletic movement by locking the lower body into a stationary position. Your knees should remain slightly flexed throughout the golf swing. Keeping a slight flex in your knees ensures that your legs are going to be ready to make an athletic and balanced swing.

Arm Position

Let your arms hang down naturally and keep them relaxed. A good golf swing is made with the whole body. The arms are just the conduit to the club. You'll generate much more power by keeping your arms relaxed and allowing your shoulders and body to swing them then by tightening your arm muscles and trying to smash the ball.

Remember, a good golf shot starts with a good golf stance. Get your body in position to make the best golf swing possible each and every time.

Keep your feet shoulder width apart, square, and parallel to the target line.
Center your weight on the balls of your feet and distribute it evenly across both legs.
Flex your knees slightly and bend forward at the hips.
Draw an imaginary line connecting your chin, bottom of your grip, and the tips of your toes.
A closed stance promotes an in to out swing that can result in a draw or hook.
An open stance promotes an out to in swing that can result in a fade or slice.
Many golfers make the mistake of centering their weight on their heels, and not on the balls of their feet.