Swing mechanics can be practiced and improved using several devices I’ve purchased. They promote proper hand and body positioning at impact. Let’s take a look.
What prompted me to write this article was a recent golf lesson that I took. The PGA professional stressed keeping my arms connected longer in my backswing. In other words not having a flying right elbow at the top.
He demonstrated what he wanted me to do with a “two pack” of paper towels still in the plastic wrapper. Hint: This is the cheapest way to go.
The two items I purchased to help with swing mechanics were called “Impact Ball” and “Tour Striker.”
Neither one is cheap.
The idea with both of these is to keep the device between your arms without it dropping out of position during the backswing and follow through.
It’s just my opinion that I wouldn’t try to hit balls with either one. (Hint: Read the Customer Reviews if you purchase them)
However, both are advertised to be used hitting a golf ball or not hitting a golf ball.
Impact Ball
This swing mechanics practice aid comes in 3 sizes. Small, Medium and Large.
I bought the large. I’m male and 6 foot tall.
They suggest Small for a young person, Medium for women and Large for men.
The ball is a soft rubber product that is round like a ball, but has grooves molded into the ball so it fits snuggly between your arms just below the elbows.
It helps create a triangle between your chest and arms.
You lightly squeeze it during your backswing and if it falls on the floor you know you need work.
The idea is for it to stay between your arms all thru your swing.
I use a half swing or hip level to hip level without hitting a ball.
I have seen people online hitting golf balls using it.
From their website: The Impact Ball fixes multiple flaws at once
Take a few swings every day and there will be tremendous improvement shown through increased distance by training the body and club to move together through impact, control of direction by squaring the face through proper forearm rotation, a solid strike by getting the handle to lead through impact without scooping the ball, and an improved putting stroke by reducing body movement with the ball between the knees and forearms. By correcting the position of the hands and body at impact, the Impact Ball lowers handicaps and strengthens your golf game.
Tour Striker
I’ve had my eye on this one for awhile. It’s a ball that you blow up and attaches to a lanyard.
The idea is the same as above and that is to create a triangle between your chest and arms.
It appears to be a great tool to practice swing mechanics and with the lanyard it doesn’t fall on the floor or ground.
My hesitation was a really high price for what you get. So far, it’s holding air and isn’t coming apart.
Now that I have one, I like it because it’s light and doesn’t end up on rolling away from you. It stays around your neck.
I have seen people making full swings with this one online also.
From their website: Why Use Smart Ball?
- Gets rid of the dreaded “chicken wing”
- Swing like a tour-level ball striker
- Hit more consistent shots
- Generate effortless driving power
- Avoid mis-hits
- Helps you “get through” the shot — no quitting!
- Instant feedback – “feel” the proper swing right away
Note: It does not come with an air pump. For the price it should come with an air pump.
Conclusion
I have a specific need to use one of these or something like this because of a swing mechanics flaw.
I understand why my coach uses a two pack of paper towels left in their wrapper. Paper towels are cheaper.
The bad thing about this type of thing is they do fall on the floor or roll around if you have swing flaws.
That makes me lean toward the Tour Striker because it comes with a lanyard to keep in attached around your neck.
There are cheaper versions of the tour striker or impact ball online for a quarter of the price.
The Impact Ball ($40 approximately) is a ball and will not come apart. It’s just kind of expensive.
The Tour Striker ($47 holiday mark down) is pretty flimsy and doesn’t come with an air pump. I’m not doing anything with it that would make it fail like a full swing.
Anyway, here are some videos of these swing mechanics practices devices in use.