Balance - How's Yours?

As golfers, we all know that balance is a major component in performing a good golf swing. It's a given.

Therefore, it is important to recognize your own capabilities as related to balance and whether or not you need to work on yours. If you find it difficult to hold a good follow through posture, then you have a balance issue. It could be as simple as you having too much weight on your toes in your set up position (a common problem). With just a little effort, you will improve your balance which will in turn improve your swing and enhance your enjoyment of the game.

Here is a simple assessment/exercise you can perform that will immediately tell you how your balance stacks up.

Start by standing up straight with your hands at your side and your palms facing forward. Then raise your right leg, balancing on your left leg, so your foot is about 6" - 8" off the floor. For some, this in itself is a difficult position to hold for any length of time. Try to hold this position for 10 - 15 seconds. You may have to make a few attempts at this just to get the "feel" and awareness signalling your brain to help you balance. Don't be discouraged. With just a few attempts, you should be able to hold for 10 seconds or so.

Now, lift your left leg in the same manner and notice the difference...because there will be a difference. All of us have a strong side. You will pick that up right away.

Here is a helpful tip: Before lifting your leg, pick out a spot on the floor about 6 - 8 feet in front of you and focus on that spot while balancing on one leg or the other.

There are two ways to add a degree of difficulty to this exercise:

1. As you are balancing on either leg, bring your gaze upward towards the ceiling and off that spot on the floor in front of you. Wow! That makes for a different feeling.
2. Again, as you balance on either leg...close your eyes. For most of you attempting this for the first time, it will be difficult to hold this position for more than a few seconds, if that.

You can perform these balance exercises in bare feet, golf or in athletic shoes. Either way you will feel your body and brain working hard to keep you upright for as long as possible.

Here is Tom Pernice in the PGA Tour Fitness Trailer performing a more advanced version of this exercise.

Good luck with this exercise. Sticking to it will definitely help your balance.

The GolfGym Team