We all have bad habits. We know it, and we hate it. But breaking them is not easy. In fact, it can be downright hard, especially when the habit in question is something we do unconsciously, without even thinking about it.
That’s why bad swing habits are so hard to break. They’re not something you do on purpose – they’re just a natural part of your game, something that comes automatically to you. And because they’re automatic, you don’t even realize you’re doing them wrong until it’s too late and the ball has already sailed past the fairway into the rough.
Step 1: Analyze your swing
The first step to breaking bad swing habits is to analyze what you’re doing wrong. And the best way to do that is to get a video of your swing and slow it down so you can see exactly what’s happening. This will help you identify any areas that need improvement.
If you golf with more experienced golfers nearby, you can also ask them to watch you and tell you how you’re doing. They’ll likely pick up on things you would never have noticed.
Step 2: Understand the cause
Once you know what you’re doing wrong, it’s time to understand the cause of the problem. Why are you swinging like that? Is it because you’re trying to hit the ball too hard? Or is it because you’re not keeping your head down?
Understanding the cause of your bad habit will help you figure out how to fix it.
Step 3: Practice, practice, practice
The only way to break bad swing habits is to replace them with good ones. And the only way to do that is through practice. A lot of practice. You need to ingrain the new, correct way of doing things into your muscle memory so that it becomes second nature.
This step will take time and patience. But if you keep at it, eventually, the new way will become automatic, and the old way will be a thing of the past.
Step 4: Get Some Help
If you’re having trouble breaking your bad habit on your own, don’t be afraid to seek out help from a professional. A golf instructor can give you specific tips and drills to help you correct your swing.
And if you’re really struggling, there’s no shame in taking a few lessons. It’s better to spend the money now and learn how to do things correctly than to keep struggling with your bad habit for years to come.
How Long Does It Take to Break Bad Swing Habits?
How long the process takes depends on you as a player. It may only take a few weeks of practice for some to break a bad habit. For others, it could take months or even years.
It all comes down to how badly you want it and how much effort you’re willing to put in. If you’re dedicated to making a change, eventually, you will see results.
As well as that, the way you approach it and the attitude you have will also affect the length of the process. For instance, if you’re constantly beating yourself up for making mistakes, it’s going to take you longer to break the habit.
But if you can stay positive and focus on the progress you’re making; you’ll be more likely to stick with it and see results in a shorter period of time.
Does Equipment Influence Swing?
Sometimes, players convince themselves that the reason they can’t correct a bad swing is because of the equipment they use. Is this really true, though?
The answer is that it depends. In some cases, using the wrong clubs can make it harder to break bad habits. If your clubs are too light or too heavy, for instance, it can be challenging to make the necessary adjustments to your swing.
But in most cases, it’s not the clubs that are the problem – it’s the player. If you’re using the wrong clubs, a professional can help you find a set that’s better suited to your game. But if you’re using the right clubs and you’re still struggling, it’s time to take a good hard look at your swing and see what you can do to improve it.
Conclusion
Bad swing habits are not easy to break. It takes time, patience, and practice to correct them. But if you’re dedicated to making a change, eventually, you will see results. And if you’re struggling on your own, don’t be afraid to seek out help from a professional. You can break those bad habits for good with the right tools and guidance.