In order to develop good communication between the golf professional and the student, both people need to be speaking the same language. The terminology can often be a little intimidating to a beginner student, which causes problems.
I know when I am talking to a computer whiz and am trying to use the same language, part of the conversation is understood and part is guesswork to protect my ego. So whether you are protecting your ego or you are not asking for clarification because you think the light might may come on later, it is easy to see that common terms would help. I would like to use this opportunity to help you, the student, understand the lingo.
GRIP
Strong: When you look down at your grip, the back of your top hand is pointed to the sky and the top of your bottom hand is pointed to the ground.
Weak: Is the opposite of strong.
In the fingers: When you grip the club starting by wrapping your fingers around the club and then just closing your palm to the handle.
Reverse: Also "left hand low" (Right-handed golfers) This is produced by taking your left hand and gripping below your right hand. Often used in putting.
STANCE
Open: You're setting up to the ball with your chest angle more toward the target than your back. For right-handed golfers, your feet are aiming considerably to the left.
Square: Your club face is lined up at your target, and your feet are parallel to that line like a railway track.
Closed: You're probably looking over your shoulder at your target with your back a little toward the target also. Your feet for a right-handed golfer are aiming toward the right of the target.
I will be tackling this vocabulary over the next few articles, so if I don't get to the terms you need to know right away, you know where to find me.
Good luck in golf and life, and remember...
"Golf is a game that creates emotions that sometimes cannot be sustained with the club still in one hand." -- Bobby Jones
|