Swing Self-Analysis for Golfers
August 14th, 2009 | 
Author: 
Face On Camera Angle
There is so much in the form of technology available to golfers today that you would be missing out if you did not take advantage of the benefits that can be gained from its proper use. And I do emphasize proper!
Should you have the desire to record and analyze your own swing here are a few important items you will need:
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You do not need an expensive or HD video camera. Anything with a shutterspeed of 1/1000th of a second or higher should work nicely. The camera I use every day runs $200! Flip Video makes a functional and fun camera.
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A tripod is a must have! And no, your golf bag is not a tripod! There are several small and lightweight tripods available that fit in a golf bag comfortably. A tripod is important as it presents a steady image – any movement of the camera will render lines or reference points drawn on the screen useless.
- A good swing analysis software program is a must and I have found none better than the V1 Home system. It allows you to compare swings side by side, draw lines (with angles!) and just about anything you could hope to do while viewing your swing. Purchase and install this software on your computer and get to work!
Once you have the above items you are just about ready to begin. When analyzing your swing it is very important that you establish a few rules and guidelines:
- Never over use your new technology! Remember you want to shoot lower scores, not make prettier swings. Although the two might work hand in hand to a certain degree, never allow the look of your swing to take precedence over the function of your swing. Only evaluate and analyze once a month.
- Make sure that your camera and tripod are placed in the same position every time. Subtle changes here can result in large changes in the appearance of your swing. Make sure that the tripod is positioned in the same fashion as the two photgraphs used in this post.
- It is very important for the ‘down the line position’ to be consistent. Try to position the camera between the toes and the ball. A little practice and you’ll have it down!
Down the Line Camera Position is Key
Get the correct equipment, record and analyze on a monthly basis, obey the guidelines you set out for yourself, and don’t try to be perfect – just better!
Things to Ponder:
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Is anybody overly excited about golf making it to the Olympics? Ho hum…
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I find it interesting that the top three finishers from Firestone, Woods, Harrington and Allenby are the top three players after round one of the PGA. Supports the saying that golfers make 80% of their money in 20% of their events!
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When will architects learn that you do not make a course (Hazeltine?) better by making it longer? How about a little creativity? Anyone seen the 16th hole this week?
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I am not a fan of the way Tiger is playing his golf at the moment. Greg Norman and Nick Faldo played golf the way it was supposed to be played. Tiger seems to overpower the course and by blasting the ball everywhere, getting it up and down and making putts he continues to win. Almost like a modern Seve Ballesteros! Successful but not proper.
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Is John Daly up to his old tricks again? I noted a WD next to his name yesterday. Maybe it was just that recurring rib injury he suffered when someone took a picture of him in his backswing……..?
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I look for Tiger to continue to lead after round two (71) and for Phil to close the gap with a 67 of his own in the morning……
Thanks for reading and enjoy the PGA.
Posted in Practice | 
Tags: allenby, camera position, flip video, greg norman, Harrington, john daly, nick faldo, olympics, PGA, swing analysis, swing software, tiger, V1
Do you think video analysis has helped or hurt Charles Howell III’s chances of being a annual winner on the tour? Maybe if CH3 wasn’t so technique driven he could learn how to putt. Yet CH3 is on the big tour and I make tee times. Later Andrew.
Wayne,
Let’s not forget that the vast majority of golfers on the world tours would be there without assistance from golf gurus. CHIII is a very talented player and has been successful at every level. I agree with you that he has been over taught and that has effected the course of his career. Whether he would be better, worse, or even be a better putter I cannot say. I know his current teacher is working to get him to play more naturally and instinctively. What’s done is done and you make the most out of where you are today!
Thanks for the interesting question.
Andrew
Hey Andrew,
Have you ever used the P3ProSwing or other swing analyzer that measures what your club is doing? What about other systems that measure what the ball is doing?
Do you think that analyzing all aspects are better than just video?
Keep your eye on the ball,
Cory
Hi Cory,
Thanks for reading and I appreciate your comments. I have not used the swing analyzer that you mentioned, but I would agree that at certain, appropriate, times as much information as possible is good for a golfer to determine what it is that needs attention. Too much info too often, starts to take away from a golfers ‘naturalness’.
If you have access to video, a Swingia, and Trackman all at once that would be fabulous, but as we both know very costly, so make the most out of what you have access to. Dance with who ya brung!
Sincerely,
Andrew