The Value of Video in Helping Your Swing

In the age of radar and 3-D measuring systems, video analysis has somewhat taken a backseat. I think that’s unfortunate for a few reasons. Video is readily available, can be accessed continually, and is very easy to read. It does, of course, have limitations; it is ultimately a 2-D image of a three-dimensional motion. As well the camera cannot detect true path, see plane, and can be misleading if not positioned properly. That said, I still use it on every lesson, because in my experience, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. Things like posture, ball position and aim can all be seen clearly when the camera is positioned exactly as it should be. In-swing observations such as maintenance of posture, club angle, the arms in relation to body, getting ahead of the ball, hanging back on the rear foot, early release and much more, can all be a great help to any student. Your instructor will guide you through the swing analysis and give you instant feedback on what you need to do to improve.

But the real value is what I call the “feel versus real” syndrome. None of us, from professional to beginner, can know what we are actually doing. The very first reaction I get upon viewing, is “wow, I’m doing that?” Yes, you are. You did NOT pick up your head as you thought you were doing, but you ARE lifting well out of your posture. You are NOT coming “over the top”, but your aim is well left of where you think you’re aiming. Your club is pointing well right of your aim point at the top of the swing, the golf club gets excessively steep as you begin your downswing, your lead arm is bowed at impact, the clubhead is passing your hands before impact, your wrists are cupped or bowed and on and on!

These positions may be a problem but some may be totally irrelevant. That is what you need to examine with your instructor. Remember the golf swing has to be functional, not “pretty”. I know plenty of players who have one or more of the moves just described, and they are really fine players. It’s all about impact, and how you’re getting there that matters. I never evaluate video without knowledge of ball flight or impact. If one were to observe a less-than-conventional swing, perhaps a Jim Fury as an example, without knowing how he put matching components together, it might seem like a problem. But I doubt any teacher would change Jim’s swing very much! Great players have matching components, lesser players do not! IMPACT is king!

I have a video analysis program, as I’m sure your instructor does as well. It can always help to take a good, close slow-motion look at what is actually happening in your swing.  It takes very little time, and the results can be tremendously beneficial to your golf swing. The question is this: what goes with what? “Picture perfect” positions mean nothing if the club face is wide open at impact! The only way to observe how to “match your parts” is to see your golf swing on video. Good luck.