Golf swing analysis to improve your golf swing

If you just can't seem to get it together, if your slice is deteriorating rather than improving, if you can't figure out why your upper arms are sore after every golf excursion, it might be time to get a golf swing analysis.

You can do this in two ways. One is by talking to the golf pro. This means you get to pay him by the hour, and most of his golf swing analysis for you is based on his subjective observations, not necessarily science.

The other way is computerizing: using golf swing analysis software. This is not as complicated as it sounds. The best golf swing analysis software lets you use your videotape of yourself, from specified angles, as input. It analyzes the position of your body in relation to your club head to determine what problems you might really have with your swing.

There are dozens of golf swing analysis software packages out there, so you can be choosy about what you buy. The better computer golf swing analysis packages take your body movements, track them carefully, and then compare them to a database of pros built into the package. They teach you the good habits to watch for, and then let you take apart your own swing to locate and eliminate the bad habits. Built-in golf swing speed analyzers give you an estimate of how fast the club head is moving at impact, and how fast it sends the ball off - then give you ways to maximize that speed by changing little things about your stance or backstroke.

The simplest golf swing analysis packages require a good computer and, at minimum, a webcam for input data; better packages give instructions on how to input data from hand-held camcorders or cameras that can capture video. More advanced packages include golf swing analysis equipment: using Wii-style motion capturing clubs, for instance, or complex backdrops and pads to better enable the camera to capture your personal style. Here's the thing, though: complex is not always better. If you're a golf pro or instructor, you might want to invest in something like this. But with an electronic golf swing analyzer, you're investing your time and brainpower as well as your money, and you may not have the patience to learn how to properly use the package if you're the only one using it. Often, simpler is better.

Remember, if you're shopping for golf swing analyzer software, cheaper is usually not better. Golf is an expensive game, and if you're serious enough about it to start taping yourself, you're serious enough about it to buy a good golf swing analysis package. Remember, a poorly-analyzed swing can introduce new problems into your swing, rather than eliminate old ones. Be smart, and get the right package the first time.

Don't forget the limitation of a golf swing analysis system. You may be able to get the perfect scientifically-adjusted swing - but if you don't find the harmony in the stroke, you will never be able to master your swing. Golf is an art as much as it is a science. All the analysis in the world won't help you find the heart of your game.