Instruction
3 keys to improve your ball striking
There are many different viewpoints in the golf instruction world on how to swing the golf club most efficiently. I’m personally under the belief that there are many different ways to swing efficiently based on the player.
With that being said, however, I’ve taught more than 10,000 lessons and continue to see three keys that help 99 percent of club golfers. If a golfer can master these three keys, they can almost always improve their ball striking and ball flight — and of course, shoot lower scores.
FPST (Forward Pressure with Spine Tilt)
This key begins at the address position. The player should begin by feeling 60-65 percent of pressure in their front foot with their spine/upper body tilting slightly away from the target. This address position will promote limited lateral motion in the backswing while providing an efficient turn in the backswing, improving the player’s transition into the downswing.
With FPST, golfers often gain better balance and can move more efficiently through the swing, leading to an improved energy transfer for more speed and distance.
Pinnage
OK, I know “pinnage” isn’t a word! It does, however, convey the next key that I believe is crucial in the golf swing and how the golf club moves in space.
How the hands and arms work with the body in the golf swing is very important, because it has a huge affect on the plane of the golf club in both the backswing and downswing. I’ve found that golfers improve their chances of delivering the golf club on plane into the impact position if they:
- Get the lead arm pinned across their chest at the top of the backswing.
- Have a right elbow (for a right-handed player) that matches their spine angle.
Golfers who get their lead arm on the same plane as their shoulder plane and 90 degrees to the spine almost always like the results.
Stretch
The final key that I see in all good ball strikers is the fashion in which the body and arms move from just after the moment of impact until the shaft is past parallel in the through swing. In this key, the arms appear to be stretched out and extended. This movement is set up well before the impact position, but it’s a telling tale of all of the good things the player did throughout their golf swing leading up to impact.
I’ve found that if one can master my first two keys, the “stretch” position can become obtainable for anyone. It’s set up by proper body movements and swing direction, which will have a massive effect on the player’s ball striking and ball flight.
If you’d like to learn more about this subject and what the players on the PGA and LPGA Tours are doing, I welcome you to read my book The 5 Tour Fundamentals of Golf. I’ve spent time working with many of the top men and women professional in the game, and I’ve been able to come up with the true fundamentals of golf displayed I by the best players in the world!
There may be no more painful affliction in golf than the “yips” – those uncontrollable and maddening little nervous twitches that prevent you from making a decent stroke on short putts. If you’ve never had them, consider yourself very fortunate (or possibly just very young). But I can assure you that when your most treacherous and feared golf shot is not the 195 yard approach over water with a quartering headwind…not the extra tight fairway with water left and sand right…not the soft bunker shot to a downhill pin with water on the other side…No, when your most feared shot is the remaining 2- 4-foot putt after hitting a great approach, recovery or lag putt, it makes the game almost painful.
And I’ve been fighting the yips (again) for a while now. It’s a recurring nightmare that has haunted me most of my adult life. I even had the yips when I was in my 20s, but I’ve beat them into submission off and on most of my adult life. But just recently, that nasty virus came to life once again. My lag putting has been very good, but when I get over one of those “you should make this” length putts, the entire nervous system seems to go haywire. I make great practice strokes, and then the most pitiful short-stroke or jab at the ball you can imagine. Sheesh.
But I’m a traditionalist, and do not look toward the long putter, belly putter, cross-hand, claw or other variation as the solution. My approach is to beat those damn yips into submission some other way. Here’s what I’m doing that is working pretty well, and I offer it to all of you who might have a similar affliction on the greens.
When you are over a short putt, forget the practice strokes…you want your natural eye-hand coordination to be unhindered by mechanics. Address your putt and take a good look at the hole, and back to the putter to ensure good alignment. Lighten your right hand grip on the putter and make sure that only the fingertips are in contact with the grip, to prevent you from getting to tight.
Then, take a long, long look at the hole to fill your entire mind and senses with the target. When you bring your head/eyes back to the ball, try to make a smooth, immediate move right into your backstroke — not even a second pause — and then let your hands and putter track right back together right back to where you were looking — the HOLE! Seeing the putter make contact with the ball, preferably even the forward edge of the ball – the side near the hole.
For me, this is working, but I am asking all of you to chime in with your own “home remedies” for the most aggravating and senseless of all golf maladies. It never hurts to have more to fall back on!
Over the last couple of decades, golf has become much more science-based. We measure swing speed, smash factor, angle of attack, strokes gained, and many other metrics that can really help golfers improve. But I often wonder if the advancement of golf’s “hard” sciences comes at the expense of the “soft” sciences.
Take, for example, golf instruction. Good golf instruction requires understanding swing mechanics and ball flight. But let’s take that as a given for PGA instructors. The other factors that make an instructor effective can be evaluated by social science, rather than launch monitors.
If you are a recreational golfer looking for a golf instructor, here are my top three points to consider.
1. Cultural mindset
What is “cultural mindset? To social scientists, it means whether a culture of genius or a culture of learning exists. In a golf instruction context, that may mean whether the teacher communicates a message that golf ability is something innate (you either have it or you don’t), or whether golf ability is something that can be learned. You want the latter!
It may sound obvious to suggest that you find a golf instructor who thinks you can improve, but my research suggests that it isn’t a given. In a large sample study of golf instructors, I found that when it came to recreational golfers, there was a wide range of belief systems. Some instructors strongly believed recreational golfers could improve through lessons. while others strongly believed they could not. And those beliefs manifested in the instructor’s feedback given to a student and the culture created for players.
2. Coping and self-modeling can beat role-modeling
Swing analysis technology is often preloaded with swings of PGA and LPGA Tour players. The swings of elite players are intended to be used for comparative purposes with golfers taking lessons. What social science tells us is that for novice and non-expert golfers, comparing swings to tour professionals can have the opposite effect of that intended. If you fit into the novice or non-expert category of golfer, you will learn more and be more motivated to change if you see yourself making a ‘better’ swing (self-modeling) or seeing your swing compared to a similar other (a coping model). Stay away from instructors who want to compare your swing with that of a tour player.
3. Learning theory basics
It is not a sexy selling point, but learning is a process, and that process is incremental – particularly for recreational adult players. Social science helps us understand this element of golf instruction. A good instructor will take learning slowly. He or she will give you just about enough information that challenges you, but is still manageable. The artful instructor will take time to decide what that one or two learning points are before jumping in to make full-scale swing changes. If the instructor moves too fast, you will probably leave the lesson with an arm’s length of swing thoughts and not really know which to focus on.
As an instructor, I develop a priority list of changes I want to make in a player’s technique. We then patiently and gradually work through that list. Beware of instructors who give you more than you can chew.
So if you are in the market for golf instruction, I encourage you to look beyond the X’s and O’s to find the right match!
Most pros take months, even years, to win their first tournament. Lottie Woad needed exactly four days.
The 21-year-old from Surrey shot 21-under 267 at Dundonald Links to win the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open by three shots — in her very first event as a professional. She’s only the third player in LPGA history to accomplish this feat, joining Rose Zhang (2023) and Beverly Hanson (1951).
But here’s what caught my attention as a coach: Woad didn’t win through miraculous putting or bombing 300-yard drives. She won through relentless precision and unshakeable composure. After watching her performance unfold, I’m convinced every golfer — from weekend warriors to scratch players — can steal pages from her playbook.
Precision Beats Power (And It’s Not Even Close)
Forget the driving contests. Woad proved that finding greens matters more than finding distance.
What Woad did:
• Hit it straight, hit it solid, give yourself chances
• Aimed for the fat parts of greens instead of chasing pins
• Let her putting do the talking after hitting safe targets
• As she said, “Everyone was chasing me today, and managed to maintain the lead and played really nicely down the stretch and hit a lot of good shots”
Why most golfers mess this up:
• They see a pin tucked behind a bunker and grab one more club to “go right at it”
• Distance becomes more important than accuracy
• They try to be heroic instead of smart
ACTION ITEM: For your next 10 rounds, aim for the center of every green regardless of pin position. Track your greens in regulation and watch your scores drop before your swing changes.
The Putter That Stayed Cool Under Fire
Woad started the final round two shots clear and immediately applied pressure with birdies at the 2nd and 3rd holes. When South Korea’s Hyo Joo Kim mounted a charge and reached 20-under with a birdie at the 14th, Woad didn’t panic.
How she responded to pressure:
• Fired back with consecutive birdies at the 13th and 14th
• Watched Kim stumble with back-to-back bogeys
• Capped it with her fifth birdie of the day at the par-5 18th
• Stayed patient when others pressed, pressed when others cracked
What amateurs do wrong:
• Get conservative when they should be aggressive
• Try to force magic when steady play would win
• Panic when someone else makes a move
ACTION ITEM: Practice your 3-6 foot putts for 15 minutes after every range session. Woad’s putting wasn’t spectacular—it was reliable. Make the putts you should make.
Course Management 101: Play Your Game, Not the Course’s Game
Woad admitted she couldn’t see many scoreboards during the final round, but it didn’t matter. She stuck to her game plan regardless of what others were doing.
Her mental approach:
• Focused on her process, not the competition
• Drew on past pressure situations (Augusta National Women’s Amateur win)
• As she said, “That was the biggest tournament I played in at the time and was kind of my big win. So definitely felt the pressure of it more there, and I felt like all those experiences helped me with this”
Her physical execution:
• 270-yard drives (nothing flashy)
• Methodical iron play
• Steady putting
• Everything effective, nothing spectacular
ACTION ITEM: Create a yardage book for your home course. Know your distances to every pin, every hazard, every landing area. Stick to your plan no matter what your playing partners are doing.
Mental Toughness Isn’t Born, It’s Built
The most impressive part of Woad’s win? She genuinely didn’t expect it: “I definitely wasn’t expecting to win my first event as a pro, but I knew I was playing well, and I was hoping to contend.”
Her winning mindset:
• Didn’t put winning pressure on herself
• Focused on playing well and contending
• Made winning a byproduct of a good process
• Built confidence through recent experiences:
- Won the Women’s Irish Open as an amateur
- Missed a playoff by one shot at the Evian Championship
- Each experience prepared her for the next
What this means for you:
• Stop trying to shoot career rounds every time you tee up
• Focus on executing your pre-shot routine
• Commit to every shot
• Stay present in the moment
ACTION ITEM: Before each round, set process goals instead of score goals. Example: “I will take three practice swings before every shot” or “I will pick a specific target for every shot.” Let your score be the result, not the focus.
The Real Lesson
Woad collected $300,000 for her first professional victory, but the real prize was proving that fundamentals still work at golf’s highest level. She didn’t reinvent the game — she simply executed the basics better than everyone else that week.
The fundamentals that won:
• Hit more fairways
• Find more greens
• Make the putts you should make
• Stay patient under pressure
That’s something every golfer can do, regardless of handicap. Lottie Woad just showed us it’s still the winning formula.
FINAL ACTION ITEM: Pick one of the four action items above and commit to it for the next month. Master one fundamental before moving to the next. That’s how champions are built.
PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. You can check out his writing work and learn more about him by visiting BEAGOLFER.golf and OneMoreRollGolf.com. Also, check out “The Starter” on RG.org each Monday.
Editor’s note: Brendon shares his nearly 30 years of experience in the game with GolfWRX readers through his ongoing tip series. He looks forward to providing valuable insights and advice to help golfers improve their game. Stay tuned for more Tips!
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SLS
Jun 5, 2015 at 9:16 pm
I found this one “gentleman’s” comments to be quite amusing although useless so……………….
My 1st question to STEVE would be, how old are you as you are coming across as a 2 year old….
My 2nd question to STEVE would be how many drinks did you consume while “commenting?”….
My 3rd Question to STEVE would be when do you start your therapy as it’s quite obvious it should be SOON !
Bill Schmedes III
Jun 4, 2015 at 10:09 pm
Billy, Good to hear. Hit ’em straight!
Jafar
Jun 1, 2015 at 11:26 am
Hey I just read your book on Amazon Kindle and I really enjoyed using the techniques to help find a consistent swing. Look forward to more articles from you on this site.
Bill Schmedes III
Jun 1, 2015 at 7:16 pm
Jafar,
Thanks for the kind words and happy you enjoyed the book!
Bill Schmedes III
Jun 8, 2015 at 8:18 pm
Jafar, thanks again for the comments. If you enjoyed the book I’d welcome you to leave me feedback on Amazon. Thanks so much!
tom
May 31, 2015 at 5:07 pm
hi Bill,
the stretch term is a helpful term for me to not collapse and finish the swing. in my 50s now i have some trouble turning and finishing swing. this is one swing thought that is an easy key for me.
thanks
Bill Schmedes III
Jun 2, 2015 at 2:08 pm
Happy to hear Tom. Thanks for the feedback!
MattSihv
May 31, 2015 at 1:45 am
Wow! This Steve kid is a piece of work. Grow up, little guy. Just relax and enjoy your summer vacation.
I like this article, Bill. I hope you ignore the childish know-it-alls on this site and keep writing. They annoy me as well.
I have been struggling with my ball striking the past two years and have noticed a significant loss of distance. My biggest problem is sway and not catching the ball first. What would you suggest as a visual or aim point?
Steve
May 31, 2015 at 8:15 am
Really, start bowling. This sport isnt for you. Worrying about visual? Have to be able to hit the shot you paint, i dont think chunks and sculls.
MattSihv
May 31, 2015 at 12:53 pm
Honestly kid. Give up. I was a division I college athlete. I don’t take lessons, can break 80, and have only been playing for three years. This game is for anyone who wants to put in the work. I may not know the proper thought processes or have flawless technique honed by years of lessons, but I will keep asking questions to try to continue getting better.
Steve
May 31, 2015 at 1:15 pm
Fantastic
Cliff
Jun 1, 2015 at 8:51 am
Sounds like someone watched ‘Seven Days in Utopia’!
Bill Schmedes III
May 30, 2015 at 12:35 pm
Steve, If you ask any of my students they would tell you I’m far from “cookie cutter”. This is an article that is meant to help many of the amateur golfers that struggle with the common theme’s of body sway, posture issues during swing, path issues, and low point issues. You may want to get to know someone a bit better or at least ask more questions before you blast them.
There will always be a .1 percent of players that do it differently and that still do it well. Unfortunately that doesn’t help the masses. I’ve worked with 14+ tour players and have had great success helping a large amount of golfers get better and improve. I’ve seen a lot and have studied both the body and the golf swing. I feel confident that this article can help the majority of players out there. Enjoy your weekend!
Steve
May 30, 2015 at 1:31 pm
You sure sound like you are. Of the top golfers how many swing like you describe? Your theory has been beaten to death Hogan, rotary, Haney and 100’s more have all walked this beaten road before you. Maybe you “worked” with 14 tour players. That is the past, how come 14 tour players no longer work with you is the question? I agree that what you describe is good for some. You say that .1 percent of players do it differently well. So you must be cookie cutter if only .1 percent can play well differently, 99.9 percent get the cookie cutter. Enjoy your weekend
TR1PTIK
Jun 1, 2015 at 12:47 pm
You are the reason I hate golfers… And, I say that as a fellow golfer. Have a nice day.
Steve
Jun 1, 2015 at 7:57 pm
Must be hard hating yourself then.
Steve
May 30, 2015 at 10:51 am
Another one size fits all golf instructor. Jack had a right elbow that was parallel to the ground, he did pretty good. Dustin, Bubba to name a few dont subscribe to your theory. 95% of golf instruction is destructive using this guy as a example. He will take every student and use a cookie cutter instruction mentality, which is more destruction mentality. 5% of instructors will analyze your swing and work from there. Using what is more natural and easier to repeat. Find the 5% or forever try to find a swing
devilsadvocate
May 30, 2015 at 12:02 pm
Wow really? I know 95% of the instructors working today? Get real buddy
Steve
May 31, 2015 at 1:23 pm
When they have a election poll do they ask every voter? Have to think sometimes, before you churp in.
JHM
May 30, 2015 at 6:35 pm
so I gues you would say Five Lessons and Golf My Way we’re both cookie cutter approaches as well??
Steve
May 30, 2015 at 7:11 pm
I will explain the difference to you. Jack’s book was about the way he approaches golf. Hogans was a bit more instructional, but still his way of playing. They are top 5 golfers, maybe top 3 golfers of all time. So interest is natural. Hogan’s book was ground breaking at the time, to break a swing down like that. What is printed here is just a rehash of Hogan, been there done that a million times. Is what is written here new to you? Also Jack and Ben were two different ends of the spectrum. Proving there is not one way to play. But this teaching pro thinks 99.9% should be taught the same swing
Bill Schmedes III
May 30, 2015 at 7:27 pm
Steve, it’s extremely immature of you to keep saying that I believe that everyone should be taught the same swing. You don’t know me or how I coach and it’s obvious you don’t care to get to know me or my thoughts on golf instruction.
I was just about to comment on your previous message but at this point it’s not worth my time as it’s obvious you have an agenda. We get asked to write for these forums, sites, or magazines to help the majority of golfers out there and thats what we try to do. Many great coaches/instructors stop writing for forums like this because of people like you. You have no interest in having a constructive conversation you’re only here to attempt to damage one’s character
Steve
May 30, 2015 at 7:42 pm
You were going to comment, but it’s not worth your time. But you comment anyway?
Your words not mine that only .1 percent can play well doing different then your article.
Craig
May 30, 2015 at 6:49 pm
Way to show some class Steve. Angry little fella you are
Steve
May 31, 2015 at 1:42 pm
It’s the weekend, no class
WOW
May 31, 2015 at 1:40 am
Well…I can say, without a doubt, that Steve doesn’t read well.
The first paragraph says
“I’m personally under the belief that there are many different ways to swing efficiently based on the player.”
And he also goes on to say CLUB GOLFERS. Not pros…and isn’t saying it’s all cookie cutter. 3 tips he sees constantly help the normal person who he gives lessons to.
Maybe learn to read before you start dishing it out there, Steve-o.
Steve
May 31, 2015 at 8:20 am
I can say without a doubt that you didnt read everything. In his comments he states that only .1 percent can play well without this advice in the article. So you do the math. Tell mom to pour another bowl of captain crunch and think about it
Dave N.
May 29, 2015 at 10:58 pm
Hi Bill- I’m having trouble understanding your point # 2 in the pinnage section: right elbow matches spine angle. Is that illustrated in either of the pictures you posted in that section? Could you elaborate or maybe explain this concept another way? Thanks!
Bill Schmedes III
May 30, 2015 at 7:42 pm
Dave, thanks for your comment. The angle that’s created when looking at the inside of my right arm (wrist down to elbow) should come close to matching the position of the spine (angle of the upper body at top of backswing when in sidebend). The reason for this would be to allow for the golf club to move somewhere close to the shoulder plane in the beginning of the downswing, keeping the golf club “light”, and working infront of the body as it rotates. This helps avoid the hands getting deep (under shoulder plane and flat or “laid off”) or the opposite (above shoulder plane and steep). This helps a player have fewer manipulations which can improve consistency. Hope that answered your question. Thanks!
Dave N.
May 31, 2015 at 9:19 pm
Perfect, thanks!
Billy
Jun 4, 2015 at 10:47 am
Good article, I had this problem and got a bit laid off, but sorted it out by using the elbow matching the spine angle theory/thought. Steve might not agree….