How to Perfect Your Golf Swing: Using "Connection" and the Seven Common Denominators

by Jimmy Ballard and Jimmy;Quinn Ballard

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0671623176
• Release Date: May 1986
• Publisher: Golf Digest/Tennis
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.77 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Possibly the best ever

In my humble opinion based on reading perhaps 1,000 books on golf over the past 40+ years, this may be the single best golf instructional book ever written. It's short, it's clear, it's well-illustrated, and it's an approach to instruction that WORKS. As I recall, Ballard was selected as the "teacher of the decade" for the 1980's by Golf Magazine, and with good reason. His fundamental principle of "connection" is, as he says, not merely the key to golf but to any number of sports. He has identified the fundamental principle that distinguishes the great ball-strikers from the hacks and also-rans. Regardless of what they may SAY they do, or FEEL they do, Ballard has identified what the great ball-strikers really DO. I recently took some lessons at the Kapalua Golf Academy and came home thinking "That sounds just like what Jimmy Ballard was saying 20 years ago." I picked up a copy of this book and confirmed that it indeed was what Ballard was saying 20 years ago. You may need some professional guidance to confirm that you are grasping what Ballard is saying, but I'm convinced that what he is saying is pretty much the one overriding key to the golf swing. I'm astounded that this book is out of print because it deserves to live alongside of Hogan's Five Lessons and a handful of other indisputable classics.

Try this drill

If you want to test Ballard's theories, try the drill on page 60: "Another way to get a feel for [connection] is tohit some medium or short irons with a handkerchief underyour left shoulder. If you drop the handkerchief, you'veunplugged, or disconnected, allowing the arms to work independently of the body." You may have seen Vijay Singh hit practice shots with a headcover under his left armand wonder what he was doing. That's what he's doing.I've played 40 years, including college golf, and have a single digit handicap. I am 5'8", small framed, under 150lbs. Without the big muscle approach, I'm toast. His common misconceptions alone will help you. This title should be put back in production. It wouldeliminate a lot of human suffering.

The only golf swing book you should read.

Having read many golf books and playing par golf for a few years I began trying to teach the game with poor information. My teaching was average, to say the least, until I truly understood the swing with Jimmy Ballard's help. If you are unable to have lessons from a teacher who understands and uses swing connection, then the next best thing is to study 'How To Perfect Your Swing'. You only need Jimmy's book a mirror and some swing sequences of Hal Sutton, Curtis Strange, Jim Colbert, Tiger Woods, Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Peter Jacobsen or any of the pros Jimmy has worked with. Study the seven common denominators, see how the best ball strikers apply them, then copy them and check yourself in the mirror. This is not for the range, because what you feel you are doing is usually different to what you are actually doing. This book is simply the easiest golf book to understand. It gives the true fundamentals which all the best strikers have used, do use and will use, whether they are aware that they are applying them or not. You need only learn the seven common denominators and practice them for as long as you wish to improve.

Best Golf Book Ever!! By the Best Golf Instructor

I've read many golf books and magazine articles but not until I read Ballard's Book, did I understand the golf swing. I now can strike the ball consistently rather than occasionally hit at it. This encouraged me to get lessons from him personally. Golf is too simple now. Just ask Jim Colbert and Hal Sutton. Two perfect examples of Ballard's swing. To some, it may appear to be an unconventional swing but it produces incredible results. Don't let anyone touch your swing that isn't at least familiar with Ballard's teachings. I have learned in a short time to hit the ball straighter and longer, dropped from an 18 hncpd to a 10, have hit as many as 15 greens in a round and have dropped at least one club for each distance. Ballard's system is particularly good for the 'non athlete', the elderly or for new golfers and children just learning the game. Ballard's "Connection" is the key to consistently good golf. I hope for golf's sake that the publishers of this put it back into print. Obviously, either they are not golfers or have never wanted to improve their game.

The Best golf swing book ever!

As a long time duffer and avid reader I've probably read 100 different golf books...the golfing machine, hogan's five lessons, power golf, Greg Norman, Tom Kite, etc. This simple book outshines them all. It wasn't until a friend told me about this book that I truely understood the golf swing. And yes, Virginia, it really is rather simple. Ballard ties the swing to other athletic movements such as hitting a baseball. He also stresses balance and using the "large muscles" to hit the ball. No more trying to manipulate the ball with a flick of your wrists...unless you're Cory Pavin it doesn't work. I found myself forgetting about my hands and forearms and guess what?...presto, a free release, solid contact, draw and good-bye slice. I went over the seven steps in one summer and shaved 10 strokes off my handicap. Now I'm not nervous when hitting off the first tee with onlookers waiting nearby. The best golf advice every? GET THIS BOOK, READ IT, LEARN IT, LOVE IT...I DID.