Ben Hogan is considered to be one of the greatest golfers in the history of the sport. He is famous for developing a slow motion golf swing that all other swings are currently measured by.
One of the keys to Hogan’s success was being able to develop a swing that was more relaxed by slowing the movement down. His level of dedication to practice was legendary, and he was able to thoroughly understand his swing more than most other players could. By performing a slow-motion practice swing, Hogan was able to sense, feel and become aware of exactly what was and wasn’t working on his swing.
Neuroscience has shown that moving in slow motion has certain benefits due to the effect it has on the mind/body connection and the brain. The neural connections that are associated with movement get stronger, as more refined and detailed information is received by the brain.
A slow movement approach is used in training sessions by professional athletes from numerous sports. Slowing down allows you to feel differences in your muscular effort, and that increases the ability of your brain to correct any movement and postural imbalances.
The physical areas of your brain that are responsible for controlling and sensing movement develop strong neural linkages as a response to slow motion activities, and the sensory feedback that results. By performing your swing slowly it can help you understand it better and allow you to take consistent shots.
A typical golf swing takes around 2 seconds. However, constantly repeating it at that speed doesn’t give the space or time needed to fully develop the qualities of awareness and attention that are needed to improve. Gentle, slow movement can make things much clearer.
Have you ever notice how professional golfers are able to hit a golf ball at amazing distances with what appears to be very little effort? The professional doesn’t waste swing speed. They reach their top swing speed at just the right moment. The professional swings in the right sequence by starting their downswing with their legs and moving the motion up towards their arms and shoulders. The key is to not rush your shot. It takes time to develop the proper swinging motion.
Here is a Slow Motion Golf Swing Drill to help you improve your golf swing:
Set up to the golf ball and take a couple of deep breaths.
Swing as slowly as you can. Stay relaxed throughout this motion, and breathe normally.
Take one minute at least to complete your golf swing. Do not resist the slowness or try to anticipate the finish.
Use the stopwatch function that is on your mobile phone to time yourself. One minute is a lot longer than it appears.
Fully engage with your swing’s rhythm and balance. Pay close attention to the lower part of your body (legs and feet).
Feel the way your upper body (arms, shoulders, and waist) responds to the lower part of your body as you relax, compared to moving deliberately through the different swing motions.
Once you are able to take a full minute performing your golf swing, try doing it with your eyes closed.