Basic golf swing tips - 1: Set Up

This is the first article of our six of the best basic swing tips instructional series. So here are the five top set up tips...

1. Ball position

In this stroke, McIlroy is using the longest club in the bag, the driver, so he has the ball just inside his left heel (if you're a right-hander) or forward in his stance. For each club less (i.e. from a driver to a wedge), move the ball an inch backwards in your stance. Therefore, using the shortest club in the bag will mean the ball sits in the centre of your stance. Also, in the top right photograph you can see McIlroy's left arm and the shaft are lined up, this gives you better ball striking for any club.

2. Stand up straight

Your posture wants to be very upright at set up. In the top left photograph McIlroy stands as tall as he can over the ball but still staying comfortable for maximum stability.

3. Form a straight spine

You want to bend your back from the waist to straighten your spine, this will give you a more consistent swing. Try not to slump over the ball.

4. Flex the knees slightly

Having a slight bend in your knees will give you extra movement during the stroke. Also, push your right knee towards your left to help keep your right foot stable on the backswing.

5. Stick out your rear end

Stick it out until you feel a slight bit of tension in  the lower part of your back. This is to counter-balance your bent over top half.

Click for basic golf swing tip - 2: takeaway