Form practice can be defined as practice that works on how you swing a golf club. As TPI certified, this is known as practicing the Big 15. These are 15 common swing characteristics that affect how you swing the golf club.
As discussed before, there is a difference between performance practice and form practice. With form practice, this should only be done without caring about what the golf ball does. This type of practice can be very frustrating but is necessary to improve your performance and course management.
This type of practice is what most people envision when they think about practicing golf. “Today, I want to work on not coming over the top.” Or “I want to stop Early Extension,” and there is a place where this is needed. However, there is another important aspect to consider: can you physically accomplish what you are doing?
While working on this type of practice, there are two things to consider: one being, do I have a physical limitation that is leading me to show a swing character causing a swing flaw, or do I have the physical ability to make the change but lack the technical knowledge to be able to make the change?
If you have a physical limitation that is leading to a swing characteristic, there are two different options that are open to you. One is that you work on that limitation in the gym, i.e., with a physical trainer or physical therapist. Alternatively, you can receive coaching that focuses on working around your physical limitations. Occasionally, you can’t do anything in the gym to help your physical limitations, so you must work around them.
If you belong to the second group, which lacks the technical knowledge necessary to make changes, then you will find it easier to adjust your form. These golfers need to learn how to diagnose the true problem of, or be coached about, their swing so they can make the right change at the right time. The worst thing to do is try to eliminate a swing characteristic that you do need in order to make good contact with the ball because you think that your form is off.
Throughout the exploration of this SSG pillar, we will talk about all kinds of swing characteristics and how to combat them if they are a true swing flaw and not just how your swing looks.
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