For starters, by seeing how others swing we can all recognize what a nice swing and not so nice swing looks like, and the usual results that come from those swings. Pay attention to both and look at the body positions of the golfers through the whole process of the golf swing.
The most obvious fault I see with many recreational golfers is on the follow through. Almost all high handicap golfers do not finish with most of their weight on their lead foot and their back foot turned up with the sole of their shoe showing. (see photo)
The high handicappers are usually leaning back on their back foot as they try to 'hoist' the ball into the air. If we were to throw a ball or pass/shoot a puck at a target with accuracy (and power) or try to hit a home run, we would shift our weight to the lead foot to act as a brace as the rest of our torso is carried through the action by momentum.
Poor balance is also usually evident as few casual golfers seem to 'pose' and watch their shots after impact. The next time you are at the driving range try to imitate the guys on TV and hold that proper finish position until your ball lands and/or stops rolling.
Some instructors call this learning the swing from the finish and going backwards. I believe that it can really help a lot of golfers out there because like the act of walking or swinging a baseball bat, you shouldn't (and I bet won't) be analyzing how you are swinging the club back to the top of your swing. Then just swing down at the ball and work on your balance by holding your finish.
A good drill for practising balance is stand in an open space (indoors or out) and stretch your arms out to your sides. Then close your eyes and count to thirty. Too easy? Okay now lift one leg just slightly off the ground and with your arms outstretched, close your eyes and count to thirty. Unless you are a ninja, you will be challenged at first to stay balanced with your eyes closed and arms outstretched. You should also feel the small stabilizer muscles in your lower legs working like crazy to help you stay balanced. Try it barefoot, with shoes on, on hard ground, grass, a balance board (super ninja). It is a really good exercise for getting better balance and strengthening your lead leg to help hold you in place after swinging the golf.
Don't get all psyched out when looking down at that little white ball. Just go off to the side of the range or your back yard and swing (swat) at all the dandelions or weeds (if you have them it's more fun then getting down on your knees and pulling them out). Notice how free and easy you swing and try to hold your finish for a few seconds or so. If you have full length sliding glass doors, take some practise swings in front of them and look at your reflection in the glass. Hold that finish.
Try to imitate and copy the pros on TV and soon enough you'll be hitting it like them!
