How to Practice without a Ball
Is it difficult to improve your game in the off-season without being able to hit a ball? Absolutely not. Actually, I think the opposite is true: If you're trying to make swing changes, the best way to do it is without the distraction of the ball. In other words, improve the motion, then worry about the ball flight. Most players are so focused on making the ball move that they stop moving their bodies and just flick at the ball with their hands and arms. To get better, you have to move your body in a dynamic way. I'll show you how to do that--even if there's eight inches of snow on the ground.
Most players take their grip with the club in front of them, then stretch their arms out to the ball. When you start like that, the club immediately moves too steep and off plane, and you're compensating right from the start.
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A good lateral hip shift is critical to getting the club moving on the correct inside path on the downswing. To start the hips shifting, you have to push with your feet and use the ground for leverage.
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What should you look for when you practice in front of a mirror? Get into your address position, and hold a club across the base of your neck. The club should be parallel with your hips and feet. Your toes should be able to wiggle a little in your shoes--a sign that your weight isn’t too far forward.
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