The Golf Swing, Step by Step: From the Grip to the Finish

Paige Spiranac breaks down the swing from the beginning: grip, distance from the ball, stance, ball position, alignment, pre-shot routine, then the backswing, downswing, and finish. For each step, she provides a simple tip or an exercise to try on the driving range or in front of a mirror.

Paige Spiranac · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

What the lesson shows

The lesson begins with the Grip: Avoid the ten-finger grip, which you’ll have to change later to work on your ball control, and choose either the overlap or the interlock grip. The two “V” shapes formed by your hands point toward your shoulders; if they slip, the ball will start spinning to one side. Next comes the distance to the ball (hanging hand or arm test), a “half-sitting” posture with a straight back, a light grip pressure, a ball position just in front of the center that moves forward with the club's length, and alignment aided by a intermediate target a few dozen centimeters away.

When it comes to the swing, Paige Spiranac emphasizes the rotation: The club drags along the ground at the start; the arms rise as the body rotates; the hips rotate without leaning. At the top, the back remains facing the target for a moment longer as the hands drop and the legs bend slightly into a squat, then the hips rotate. Weight shifts from a 50/50 split at address to almost entirely on the front foot at the finish, which is extends to the peak of the trajectory.

The Exercise, Step by Step

1. Use an overlap grip (with your right pinky finger placed between your left index and middle fingers) or an interlock grip, and make sure both V-shapes are pointing toward your shoulders.
2. Adjust the distance: Place your thumb on the end of the shaft, extend your arm, and your little finger should touch your thigh; otherwise, let your arms hang down and place the club where they fall.
3. Bend your knees slightly as if you were about to sit down, shifting your weight slightly toward your heels, then bend forward from the hips, keeping your back straight, your arms relaxed, and a light grip.
4. Place the ball just in front of the center of your stance with a 9-iron, a little further forward as the club gets longer, aligned with your left heel when using a driver.
5. Behind the ball, use the club shaft to draw a line from the target to the ball, choose a reference point on the ground just in front of you, and then align your feet and shoulders so they are parallel.
6. To begin, drag the clubhead along the ground with your left arm extended, and let your arms rise as your torso and hips rotate.
7. At the top, keep your back facing the target for a moment, lower your hands as you bend your knees, rotate your hips, and then hold the finish position with your weight on your front foot.

Key Takeaways

Mistakes to Avoid

• Start with the ten-finger grip—it's hard to change later.
• If you're standing too close together and your arms are in the way, step back slightly to give them some space.
• Raise your arms without turning your body, or tilt your hips instead of turning them.
• Rushing the hands down from the top of the swing, which throws the body off-sync at impact.
• Keep your weight on your back foot at impact and at the finish.
• Stop the finish before the ball reaches its highest point.

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Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Paige Spiranac). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.