Good balance is an essential ingredient to a consistent and accurate golf swing. Golfers with poor balance typically swing with excessive lateral movement (lateral sway) and/or incomplete weight transfer (reverse pivoting) during either the backswing or follow-through.
Single Leg Balance Drill
A simple way to improve your balance is by practicing the “Single Leg Balance Drill”. To perform this exercise, simply stand on a flat, firm surface and place a club shaft along your spine to help achieve a straight back posture to balance on. Lift one foot off the floor by flexing the hip and knee to 90 degrees (see photo to the left) and attempt to balance on one leg for up to 30 seconds. Then switch feet and repeat the balance drill on the other foot. Continue balancing on one foot at a time for 10-20 reps. Once you have mastered this drill with your eyes open, then advance your balance skills by practicing the same exercise with your eyes closed!
Balance Beam Swing Drill
To integrate your improving balance with your golf swing, try the “Balance Beam Swing Drill”. To begin this drill, take no more than a wedge and stand with one foot behind the other on a 4″ x 6″ wood balance beam and assume your normal posture at address. Practice 10-20 slow, partial back and forward swings while maintaining your balance on the beam (see picture 2 a,b). Then, reverse your foot position and repeat the drill. When you have mastered your ability to balance on the beam with partial swings and shorter clubs, advance to fuller swings. You can then challenge yourself more by progressing to longer clubs and attempt to perform the drill with your eyes closed.
If you try these exercises and you find them to be too challenging or uncomfortable, do not continue, until you have consulted with your physician. All exercises for golf should be customized to your needs after a proper evaluation.
Come In and See Us
Want to take your golf to the next level? Our FitGolf® Trainers are experts at working one-on-one with you to tailor a training program to meet the specific needs of your body and help you achieve the results you are hoping to see in your golf.
Want More Resources?
Looking for more exercise resources, blog posts or monthly golf-specific exercise content sent straight to your inbox?