eight shift and balance are key to a good golf swing.  Many beginner golfers misunderstand how their weight shifts during the golf swing, and because of this they don't hit the ball as well as or as far as they could with a well balanced swing.  Poor weight shift and poor balance rob golfers of distance and accuracy.

     In the illustration below, the center figure is at setup and weight is balanced equally on both feet.  As the club is brought back and to the top of the backswing, weight shifts slightly on to the right instep.  The right foot at this position is supporting anywhere from 70 to 90 percent of the weight.  During the downswing weight shifts from right to left, finishing with a majority of the weight balancing on the left heel.  In case of a left-handed golfer, the opposite would be true.

     The shifting of weight combined with a balanced finish allow the golf club to run smoothly around the body in an elliptical plane for a perfect golf swing.  A good indication of an unbalanced swing is illustrated in the image below, on the left.  This is a swing with poor balance and a bad finish, resulting in a loss of power and accuracy.  The image on the right illustrates good balance and a good finish.

Poor Balance	Good Balance

     To improve your balance and finish, practice swinging the golf club without hitting a ball.  Try not to over swing in either direction.  Bring the club to the top of your backswing, while letting your weight shift naturally to your right.  Your right instep should be supporting most of your weight.  Try not to sway; simply rotate your body as if you were inside a barrel.  With a slight pause at the top of your backswing, let gravity bring the club back down to impact and up to a balanced finished position.  During the downswing, allow your weight to shift on to your left heel naturally.  Hold your finish for three seconds as you work to perfect your balance and form.  Try this tip, and before long you will be hitting the ball further and more accurately.