Article: Your face, shoulders, hips, and feet should all be facing the ball before you swing. Your body should be parallel to the intended target. Make sure that your feet are shoulder width apart for maximum balance. When using a wood (driver, fairway club, or a club with a bigger head,) position the ball just forward of the center of your stance to get maximum control and distance. Lean forward slightly as you position the club to the ball. Bend your knees slightly and bend forward just a little from the waist to maintain proper posture. Place the hand closer to your target on top of the hand that is farther away from the target. Keep your arms straight but relaxed. Since you are leaning forward, your arms will be hanging down almost straight from your shoulders. For example, if you are right-handed, your set-up will have your left hand closer to the target. Your right hand, then, will be closer to the ground. Move the club back away from the ball. If you are right-handed, you move the club backward to the right. Your right elbow should bend slightly, but your left elbow will remain straight. Your shoulders will twist clockwise slightly. As you turn, raise the club until it is somewhere between hip and shoulder height. This should feel comfortable. Do not force your body to swing the club high. When you swing, you don't have to hit the ball as hard as you can. It should be an in-control swing, so just go easy and hit the ball smoothly. Don't try to hit the ball, but to just swing the club and let the head do all of the work. If you are left handed this will be reversed. You will bring the club backwards to the left, bending your left elbow and keeping your right elbow straight. Swing the club forcefully toward and through the ball. If you are right-handed, you will swing the club to the left. Once you hit the ball, follow through with your body turn and club. Allow the club to continue to swing over your left shoulder. At this point, both of your elbows will be bent. Keep your eye on the ball throughout your swing. Look at where you want the ball to go before you swing. This not only helps you strike the ball but also keeps your body from moving too much. If you are left handed you will swing the club to the right. As you get closer to the hole, you will want to change your swing slightly. When you putt, for example, use a shorter backswing. Lightly tap the ball. The ball should roll on the ground instead of flying through the air. Continue your follow through and keep your eye on the ball throughout your swing, pitch, chip, or putt. There are several different types of clubs in a set of golf clubs. The driver is the club that is used to hit the ball long distance. This should be used on your first hit off the tee-box. The putter is the club that is used when your ball is on the green. An iron is used for hits that are less than 200 yards (180m) away. Hybrid clubs have been developed recently that combine the benefits of drivers and irons.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Align your body with the ball. Position your hands correctly on the club. Perfect your backswing. Hit the ball. Shorten your backswing with putting. Use the correct club.