What is the proper width of a golf stance?
Mar 29, 2022 · Determining the proper golf stance width is one of those things in golf instruction that there’s a lot of conflicting information on. You've certainly heard all of these before from various golf instructors: Stand really wide so you can be really stable. Stand really narrow so you can rotate better. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart ...
What is the best golf stance?
Nov 26, 2021 · Most golf instructors say the width of your stance will depend on the club you are hitting. For driver, your feet should be slightly wider than shoulder width. For irons and wedges, they should be shoulder width apart. For pitching and chipping, your stance should be slightly narrower than shoulder width.
How close to the golf ball should you stand?
Apr 15, 2021 · “Consequently, the most efficient width of stance should be no wider than shoulder width for most full swing shots, including your driver. With this width you will more likely maintain a dominant rotary force. This will lead to greater club head speed and better dynamic stability.”
Why should you open your stance during the golf swing?
How, When to Adjust the Width of your Golf Stance Normal Stance. A normal – or default – stance is one that sees the distance between your feet match the width of your... Wide Stance. In order to assume a wider stance you will need to position …
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Mar 20, 2021 · Ultimately, the goal is to find a stance width (one for wedges/short irons/irons/hybrids and woods) that allows you to shift and rotate enough without overdoing it. Match the correct knee position ...
Is a wider stance better in golf?
What happens if golf stance is too wide?
How wide should your stance be when putting?
In order to maximize balance and stability, spread your feet out slightly wider than your shoulders during your set-up. The best way to do this is to stand with your feet at shoulder-width apart, then move each foot one to two inches away from each other.
Is a narrow golf stance better?
How far should my feet be apart golf?
Can a wide stance cause a slice?
Should hands be forward when putting?
Should I forward press when putting?
How far should you stand from the ball when putting?
How wide should my squat stance be?
Why is my stance width important in golf?
Your stance width needs to allow you to get on your left side at impact to rotate freely and avoid injuries. You don’t see a lot of injuries happening during the golf backswing because there’s not as much force and speed happening. But the downswing can cause issues such as back problems, hip problems, and knee problems.
How to determine proper stance width?
Determining the proper golf stance width is one of those things in golf instruction that there’s a lot of conflicting information on. You've certainly heard all of these before from various golf instructors: Stand really wide so you can be really stable. Stand really narrow so you can rotate better. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart like ...
What should the setup width be based on?
The setup width should be based on the fundamentals of your anatomy and the fundamentals of what you’re trying to achieve in the golf swing.
Why is proper stance width important?
Having the proper stance width is imperative for reducing injury. So, let’s figure out what the proper stance width is from an anatomical perspective and how you determine that.
What swing method do tour pro use?
More TOUR PROS Use RST Fundamentals Than Any Other Swing Method!
Which side of the golf swing is the most important?
The most important part of the golf swing is getting perfectly stacked on the left side at impact so that you can rotate freely. This is where some of the highest forces in the golf swing occur on your body, on this left side coming in the downswing and into impact. And so this is where a lot of injuries occur.
How to be more stable in sports?
Stand really wide so you can be really stable. Stand really narrow so you can rotate better. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart like you do in other sports. All these recommendations are misinformation even though the intentions may be good.
Is it better to have a wide or narrow stance in golf?
Having a stance that is the correct width for each club will provide optimal results than a stance that is too wide, or too narrow. For this reason, wider is not necessarily ‘better’. A stance that is too wide may restrict rotation, just as a too narrow stance may leave you unbalanced.
How wide should my stance be in golf?
No club is the same when it comes to the width of your stance. It’s important to adjust your set-up position to cater for this. Below, I’ll elaborate further on the correct stance for every club.
What happens if my golf stance is too wide?
A stance that is too wide will likely have a negative impact on your golf swing as it will restrict your hip turn, both in the backswing and downswing.
How does width of stance affect your golf swing?
Typically, a golf stance that is too narrow may lead to an unbalanced or unstable swing – especially when playing a full shot. On the other hand, a stance that is too wide can cause restriction of the hips, which may cause unwanted inefficiencies in your swing.
Final message
When it comes to the width of your stance in the golf swing, it’s important not to overcomplicate things.
What is the shoulder width rule?
Being short, tall, stout, thin, or average will have a direct impact on the width of your stance. The shoulder width rule (your feet shoulder width apart) is an okay guideline, but flexibility will definitely impact your foot position. The more flexible, the wider your stance.
Is shoulder width a good rule?
The shoulder width rule (your feet shoulder width apart) is an okay guideline, but flexibility will definitely impact your foot position. The more flexible, the wider your stance.
What does a wide stance look like?
Specifically, a good wide stance sees the outside of your shoulders line up with the inside of your feet.
What is a very narrow stance?
Very Narrow Stance. Certain types of shots require a narrower stance still. In order to adopt a very narrow stance you will need to position your feet so that the width of your shoulder dwarfs the distance between them.
Why should shoulders line up with feet?
Because this is the default athletic position in golf in can be used for most ‘normal’ shots. Erring away from that position is done in order to achieve specific objectives or ...
What is the best way to use a chip in golf?
As such, it is best used with very delicate shots that require the smallest of swing amplitudes. For example, small chips from tight lies can be best performed with such a stance while a long drive will almost see you losing your footing in the process of executing your swing.
How are your feet positioned relative to each other?
In addition to how they are positioned relative to the ball, your feet can also vary in how they are positioned relative to each other and specifically the distance between them. Indeed, they can be placed very near one another in a narrow stance or they can be placed far from each other in a wide stance.
How does lowering your center of gravity affect your swing?
Another effect of lowering your center of gravity is that it tends to lower the bottom of the swing arc. This in turn can lead to greater odds of hitting fat shots – where the club penetrates the ground before making impact with the ball.
Why is stability important in golf?
This gain in stability is particularly helpful in very windy days, allowing you to confidently go about your swing without fear of falling off balance. It is also helpful whenever your feet are on a sidehill, again helping you maintain balance.
What happens if your stance is too narrow?
Conversely, if your stance is too narrow, your lower body becomes way too active — good for the dance floor but not when you’re looking to catch shots solid on the course. An overactive lower body throws off your timing and balance.
What happens if you set up too wide?
Here’s what happens: If you set up too wide at address, you’re going to have a doozy of a time opening your hips through impact and transferring your weight to your lead side , especially if you’re not as flexible or athletic as you used to be.
Should you put your feet in the correct position before starting the club back?
It should never happen in the first place, because let’s be honest: Setting your feet in the correct position before you start the club back is probably the easiest thing you can do in this game. After 30 years of teaching, I’m still amazed how most recreational golfers choose to ignore fundamentals such as stance width.
What is the stance of a golf swing?
Most golf swing professionals claim that the stance must be shoulder-width, or sometimes wider.
What is the most important factor in determining a golf stance?
Important Factors of Golf Stance Width. The most important determining factor of a golf stance width is your hip joints’ position. In fact, the limbs that shape your stance width are fastened to your body at the joints of your hip. Your stance should provide proper stability.
Why is my golf swing faulty?
One of the reasons behind a faulty golf swing is improper setup. In fact, proper golf setup is something that, with practice, can guarantee 100% success in the golf swing. There are many conflicting instructions about the proper stance width of the golf swing. Most of these instructions are in fact misleading if not harmful to your golf swing ...
How to swing a golf ball fast?
If you want the ball to swing very fast, all you need to do is to let your fingers make a small, rotational movement, pulling against the ball’s weight. You can utilize centripetal power to speed the ball up and therefore pull it toward the center. Although this golf swing’s analogy is simple, it’s considered great.
What happens if your body joints aren't aligned properly before swinging?
Let’s underline an instance of this: if your body joints aren’t aligned properly before swinging, this can lead to strain and or injure your back, left knee, hip, and joints. Those injuries are easily avoided; all you need to do is to use your body properly and employ a correct stance width.
Why is it important to have a stable stance?
Your stance should provide proper stability. If it is narrow, then it will be difficult for your body to have a stable foundation as you rotate your body. Moreover, it’s necessary for your stance to pave the way for a proper series of movement, the correct use of your muscles, and your body’s proper position.
How to hit a golf ball?
In golf game, the ball doesn’t move, and its weight is a few ounces. In order to hit a golf ball, you should hit it with a fast-moving club head; forcing your own weight behind the shot will not be helpful. The best method to accelerate the club speed isn’t by pushing it.
Why is a wide stance important in golf?
The biggest benefit of the wide golf stance is the stability . When you have a wide base, your lower body is going to be well planted into the ground, and you will have a stable base of support to get the speed that you need.
What is a narrow stance in golf?
A narrow golf stance is typically one that is slightly more narrow than shoulder width. The standard golf stance is about shoulder width apart with your feet; narrow stance golfers will have their feet even closer than this.
What does it mean when your golf stance is narrow?
Something you will notice about golfers with a narrow stance is that they tend to stand a bit more upright when they address the golf ball. Something about the feet being closer together can sometimes bring players a bit closer to the ball and increase their spine angle.
Why is a narrow stance better?
The main benefit of the narrow golf stance is that a golfer can have a much better rotation. Since your feet are not all that far apart, you can turn your body back and through the ball quite a bit easier . This type of rotation can also help some golfers start to hit the ball quite a bit straighter.
Why do golfers use narrow perspective?
Some golfers tend to take a wider stance and use it as a base of support and power; others find that the narrow perspective can help them turn and get through the golf ball the right way .
What are the disadvantages of wide stance golf?
The main disadvantage of the wide golf stance is going to be in the short game. It is nearly impossible to hit a small chip shot with finesse if your feet are more than shoulder width apart. The stance allows for too much power and too wide of an arc and that will not be necessary.
Why is a narrow stance better for junior golfers?
Some juniors do better with a slightly wider stance because they can feel more balanced and in control. Women seem to have an easier time turning and creating a better tempo when the stance is narrow.
How to work on golf stance?
There are lots of ways to work on the golf stance, but the best possible way is to see what you look like. You can use a mirror on a driving range, or you can have a friend take some pictures or a video of your swing.
How to get into proper golf posture?
The best way to get yourself into the proper posture is to stand tall, holding the golf club out in front of you.
What is the stance of a wedge shot?
The stance for a wedge shot is much more narrow, and the ball may appear closer to the back foot, but it should still be close to the middle of the stance. 4. Balance and Weight Distribution. An essential part of a proper golf stance is making sure that your body weight is distributed correctly.
Why is posture important in golf?
The most important thing about posture is to ensure you have the proper spine angle and that your arms can hang freely.
Why do you put weight in the center of your golf ball?
Having the weight in the center will help your stance to stay more in control, and it will cause a lot less leaning forwards and backward as you get into the impact position. When you set up to hit a golf ball, it is ok to have just a little more weight on the right leg (for right-handers).
What happens when you hit a golf shot with an iron?
When you hit a golf shot with an iron or a wedge, you need for there to be a descending blow. This is what causes the ball to launch correctly on the short irons and to spin as it should.
What happens when your feet are shoulder width apart?
When your feet are shoulder-width apart, your body will have the proper mix of rotational ability and balance. These two factors are most significantly affected by how wide your golf stance is. When your feet are more than shoulder width apart, you will have a lot more balance, but it is difficult to rotate and transfer weight properly.
