ROPE IN YOUR SWING

GLENN WHITTLE - MANAGER
NATIONAL COACHING PROGRAMS PGA

Many juniors I have seen practicing lately seem to be focusing on their technique and are neglecting two really important aspects required to play golf consistently well – rhythm and timing.

A very simple but effective drill for young players to improve this area of their game is to swing a rope. To do this drill, cut a piece of rope, which is approximately the length of your 7-iron.

As with any golf shot, check to ensure no one is too close to you (never underestimate safety). Now take your stance and grip the rope the same way you would a golf club. You will notice the bottom of the rope will flop to the ground (pic 1).
From your address position, simply make your backswing as you would normally (pic 2) and when the rope hits you in the back, start to swing down (pics 3 & 4) and through to the finish position.

If you do this drill correctly, the rope will hit you under the left armpit in the backswing and the right armpit in the follow through. A good tip is to continuously swing the rope back and forth several times without stopping and you will notice that your rhythm and balance improves the more you do it.
Don’t be dejected if you have trouble at first. Keep at it as this drill is a simple but very effective on for improving your timing.

From the May 2006 issue of Golf Australia magazine.

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