If you can use a shovel, you can hit a golf ball. Here’s why

Nobody’s saying that swinging a golf club is easy, but when you can relate the motion to other activities in life — like using a shovel — it can often help you understand how the body all works in unison.

Personally speaking, I needed to swing a hockey stick to really exaggerate some side tilt (especially with my driver), which helped me feel where different parts of my body should go in my golf sequencing. By incorporating that same sensation into my golf swing, I’ve been able to make better contact.

As a visual learner, these types of drills help me a lot — especially since I can then go out and try them for myself.

If you’re someone who learns the same way, GOLF Teacher to Watch Addison Craig has a good visual to try to dial in your golf swing: Use a shovel.

It may sound a little bit bizarre at first, but Craig explains how using a shovel can actually help imitate (and then improve) your golf swing. Check out his tips below.

How a shovel can help your golf swing

“When you’re picking up dirt with a shovel, there’s more similarities to swinging a golf club than you might think,” Craig says.

The image below shows how a good finish with both a shovel and golf club should look.

And the following image shows how a bad finish looks with both a shovel and golf club.

“Here are a few checkpoints for you to think about the next time you’re hitting a golf shot from around the greens,” adds Craig.

Step 1: The further you take it back, the more potential power you’re creating for yourself.

Step 2: The more weight you have on your trail leg at and through impact, the more likely your low point is going to be before your intended impact spot.

Step 3: Optimize good contact by getting the bigger muscles more involved (like your legs), and then create leverage with the upper body.

Step 4: Limit how active your wrists are — despite them being a big part of the golf swing. They control where the clubface is pointed at impact, and, when they become overly active, can alter or dictate your true loft and angle of attack.

Step 5: Stay in your posture throughout your finish. Whether it’s using a shovel or swinging the golf club, the equipment will do the work for you.

If you’re struggling to dial in your golf swing, it might be time to pick up a shovel and do some landscaping — because there are lots of similarities between the two.

Rukket Sports Pathfinder Impact Mat™

$69.99

Are you looking for a golf training mat to help your golf game? The Rukket Pathfinder Impact Mat™ was designed with input from professional golfers and golf teachers to help players of all abilities improve their game. The strike mat tracks club face alignment and helps ensure clean contact with the ball while the foam pylons can be used to keep your swing on plane. Use all four pylons to practice hitting straighter shots or remove pylons to practice hitting draw or fade shots. It’s the most versatile golf swing practice mat available and works with every club in your bag!
Features

2-in-1 golf swing training mat combining the features of an impact mat / strike mat and a swing path trainer to help golfers quickly identify and correct common swing problems like hooks and slices.
It’s a golf swing impact / strike mat to help identify and correct club face alignment. Use the “velvet” turf to ensure you’re making clean contact with the ball.
It’s also a golf swing training aid to help with swing plane alignment. Use it to fix a slice or a hook, and to practice hitting draw and fade shots.

What’s in the Box

(1) Rukket Pathfinder Impact Mat™
(4) Foam Pylons
(1) Instruction Booklet

Product Specs
25in x 13in x 0.8in
RUKKET FAIR PLAY GUARANTEE & LIFETIME WARRANTY: At Rukket Sports we know you came to win. We also understand that in order to win you need to train hard, so that’s why we’re proud to offer the Rukket Fair Play Guarantee & Lifetime Warranty for no-risk purchasing plus outstanding USA-based customer service!

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Nick Dimengo

Golf.com Editor