Do you think that you’re just cursed with a very poor golf swing and that there’s nothing you can do about it? It’s true that some people may lack a certain amount of physical coordination and natural abilities when on the links, but in truth most can have a better golf swing if they apply a few simple and basic tips to their approach. There’s no guarantee of course, but most if not all golfers will see a better golf swing if they follow a few guidelines.

First, be mindful of the arc of your own swing. You may have heard of the barrel trick, where you imagine that you’re swinging while standing inside a large barrel. Far too many golfers pull their club virtually straight behind them and then come back down in an angle that is far too vertical. For a better golf swing, think of that half circle that you want to follow and remember that your club should end up in the same arc after your follow-through. In other words, it follows the same path on your forward swing after you hit the ball as it did on your backswing. If your club is pointing too far in front of you when your swing is over, you’re not following that arc or angle properly. A better golf swing is a lot about how you approach the swing mentally, so imagine that barrel surrounding you and follow that soft circular motion throughout your entire swing.

How you approach the ball itself will also contribute to a better golf swing. Remember to lay your club face down next to the ball and then back up from that, allowing the length of the club to determine how far away you stand. Too many amateur golfers make the mistake of crowding up close to the ball and then aligning their club, or standing too far back and stretching to reach. Often they do this without realizing it. For a better golf swing, let your club be your guide. If you’re having problems with the length of the clubs determining how far away you stand, you may be using the wrong size clubs. Club lengths vary not just for the type of shot you’re facing but also to be comfortable for the golfers of different heights and arm lengths. Try talking to someone at your local pro shop about the best club length for you and see if that doesn’t help you get a better golf swing.

Don’t ignore advice you get from others when it comes to a better golf swing. When you golf you may be fighting your own instincts when it comes to holding your club and actually swinging, but sometimes a conscious effort to change can mean all the difference in the world. Remember that the person giving you advice on a better golf swing can see what you’re doing more than you can, so swallow your pride and consider their words carefully!