“Stand like a Mountain, Move like a River”
I’m sure you’ve noticed how golf’s elite tour players make the golf swing look so easy and effortless? Yet, when you try to re-create this in your own game, the results are far from satisfactory? The reason is probably that like most players (recreational and professional!), you’re spending too much of your mental energy on ‘getting your technique right’ rather than being relaxed enough to develop a strong base and allow your movement to flow naturally (as per the above quote, which is an ancient principle of Tai Chi).
Let me share with you a few swing drills which I’ve developed, based on three decade’s worth of T’ai Chi practice, to help you take the emphasis off swing thoughts and start the transformational process of becoming more relaxed both mentally and physically – a much better platform from which to produce a rhythmic, powerful and consistent swing.
It was the great Jack Nicklaus who coined the term ‘Swing Feelings’ and since he was the most consistent champion of all time, it’s worth paying attention! So here are some drills to get you ‘out of your head’ and in touch with your body and your swing.
Drill # 1 Chi Kung Swing (Breathing into your centre)
Set up to the ball and take a few deep breaths. Loosen your shoulders, empty your chest, and relax your jaw. Now focus on your feet, aiming to fill up your footprints and really connect to the ground. From this balanced and relaxed start position, simply breathe-in while you move to the top of your back-swing, and then breathe-out all the way through impact and to your finish position. Focusing on your breathing like this will keep your mind quiet and stops any nervousness or anxiety and this in turn helps your swing to flow.
Drill # 2 Wu Chi Swing (Holding the posture)
Find a ‘problem’ area in your swing; something you are striving to perfect. It could be making sure your hands are ahead of the club-head at impact or getting your right elbow into position at the top of your back-swing. Hold the correct posture and be still for at least 30 seconds, focusing on your breathing and allowing your mind and body to memorize how this correct position feels. When you can manage 30 seconds comfortably, try for 60 seconds, 90 seconds and so on. The emphasis should be on relaxed strength, meaning you can comfortably hold the position for the allotted time, without being tense.
Drill # 3 T’ai Chi Golf Swing (Slow motion drill)
Set-up to the ball and take a few deep breaths, relaxing your body and sinking into your footprints. Start and complete your swing as slowly as possible, breathing normally and staying relaxed throughout the motion. Take at least 30 seconds to complete your swing, without resisting the slowness or anticipating the finish. It’s longer than you think! The average golf swing usually takes just 1.8 seconds to complete, which hardly gives you time to really feel what’s going on. Swinging in slow motion develops an acute level of awareness and control over your body, most noticeably in the area of balance.
Try each of these 3 drills “empty-handed” to start with, just using the motion of your body, without a club in your hands, and then take a few swings with a club, but without attempting to hit any balls. Once you have done this, start to hit some balls, staying focused on the internal processes and letting the outcome of each shot take care of itself.
For more drills and Tai Chi-based practises to help you break through the performance barrier and hit more great golf shots, please download my e-book ‘Stand Like a Mountain, Move Like a River – What I’ve Learned about Playing Better Golf from 30 years’ of Tai Chi Training’ available now for just £14.95
