The smart ball is a fantastic aid for creating connection and synchronisation between the body and the arms in the golf swing (which is something that amateur golfers often struggle with). What I also love about the smart ball is how it keeps the arms closer together and allows the trail shoulder to externally rotate. This is a key component required for a solid, powerful delivery and is excellent for getting golfers to understand what an in to out swing path feels like.
I also use the smart ball for putting and chipping. It encourages players to move the club by engaging their larger muscles rather than just flicking their wrists at the ball which can often create inconsistent strike patterns and a lack of distance control.
The DST Compressor 8 Iron warm up club with a curved shaft. This replicates the shape of a normal shaft under its maximum load during impact.
A common fault among amateurs is the club head moving past the hands before impact, resulting in high, weak shots, scuffing the ground before the ball and thinning the ball. The DST Compressor forces you into a position where your hands lead the club face through impact and control it until after the ball has been struck. This movement is essential for consistent, solid ball striking as proven by some of the greatest ball strikers in history. The DST Compressor forces you to locate, train and perfect the optimal impact position and can help golfers of all abilities improve their ball striking.
What I like most about a set of alignment or ‘tour’ sticks is the simplicity and the variety of fantastic drills that they can be used for.
I personally always carry a set. I would never hit balls before a tournament without an alignment stick on the ground. It ensures my body is aligned correctly which prevents any compensatory swing faults from creeping which tends to happen if my alignment is poor.
As well as alignment, alignment sticks can be used for hundreds of fault fixing drills. The vast majority of swing faults I work with on a daily basis can be addressed and fixed using a drill with alignment sticks.
Alignment sticks are suitable for golfers of all levels and ages and in my opinion all golfers should have a set in the boot of their car!
