The "feet together, hip-hip" exercise helps you swing the clubhead smoothly down and through the ball. (Courtesy of domainestclair.fr/uk)

A better sense of balance will improve your golf game

By Karl Fischer,
Contributor

We call this golf exercise "feet together, hip-hip."

It is a balance exercise that assists us to swing the clubhead smoothly down and through the ball along the target line to the pin. It must be done without a great deal of force. You will not be able to hit very hard as your "stance or swing pedestal" is very narrow, and thus your stability is a little delicate.

Keep your heels 2 to 3 inches apart -- squarish brace foot, pinnish target foot -- so that you do not get a foot block. Remember, if you want to finish fully turned to the target, you need to have an open door or foot in order to get the job done. Stand comfortably with a tall chin, and let long arms swing the clubhead under a tall chin.

Strike a dozen balls to a target about half your normal distance away using only half, or hip to hip, swings. This will be very much like your short chipping or pitching game.

Don't try to hit the ball too hard. Think impact and direction not distance. Straight and shorter is better than long and in the bush.

Swing the clubhead down the line to the pin and "feel the steel."

August 25, 2003

Karl Fischer has spent some 35-plus plus years teaching golf nationally and internationally earning the title of "IGAD-Doctorate," "CIMTP-Certified International Master Teaching Professional," "CMCB-Certified Master Club-Builder" and "CGC-Certified Golf Clinician." He has written six golf books, thousands of editorials, tips, "Bullet-Proof Drills" and much more. He can be reached at KF@555golf.com or by phone at (817) 673-8888.