Instrutional Golf Terms
These terms focus on instructional golf words and phrases you’ll hear or use when learning, practicing, or working with a coach. Whether you’re completely new or just brushing up on the basics, this glossary explains each term in simple, easy-to-understand language. It’s organized alphabetically so you can explore at your own pace, helping you feel more confident about your game.
A
Alignment: Positioning the body parallel to the target line.
Angle of Attack: The vertical direction the clubhead is moving at impact.
Arc: The curved path the club travels around the body.
Athletic Posture: A balanced, ready stance with slight knee and hip flex.
B
Backswing: The motion that takes the club away from the ball.
Balance: Even weight distribution throughout the swing.
Ball Position: Where the ball sits relative to the stance.
Body Rotation: Turning the torso to create power.
C
Center of Mass: The body’s balance point during the swing.
Center Contact: Striking the ball on the middle of the clubface.
Club Path: The direction the clubhead travels through impact.
Connection: Keeping the arms and torso moving together.
D
Deceleration: Slowing the club before impact (a common fault).
Delivery Position: The club’s position just before impact.
Dynamic Loft: The loft presented at impact.
E
Early Extension: Hips moving toward the ball during the downswing.
Extension: Straightening of the arms or spine through the swing.
External Rotation: Rotating a joint outward (often trail shoulder/hip).
F
Face Angle: The direction the clubface points at impact.
Flexion: Bending a joint (often wrist flexion).
Forward Shaft Lean: Hands ahead of the ball at impact.
Foot Pressure: How weight shifts through the feet during the swing.
G
Ground Forces: Using the ground to generate power.
Grip Pressure: How tightly the club is held.
Ground Contact: Where the club interacts with the turf.
H
Hinge: Wrist cock during the backswing.
Hip Turn: Rotation of the hips to create space and power.
Hand Path: The direction the hands travel during the swing.
I
Impact Position: The body and club alignment at the moment of strike.
Internal Rotation: Rotating a joint inward (often lead hip/shoulder).
In-to-Out Path: Club moving from inside the target line to outside.
J
Joint Mobility: Flexibility in key joints affecting the swing.
K
Kinematic Sequence: The order in which body segments fire for power.
Knee Flex: The bend in the knees at address and during the swing.
L
Lag: The angle between the lead arm and clubshaft in the downswing.
Launch Direction: The initial direction the ball starts.
Lead Side: The side of the body facing the target.
M
Move Off the Ball: Lateral movement away from the target in the backswing.
Motor Pattern: The learned movement sequence of the swing.
N
Neutral Grip: A grip that doesn’t favor a draw or fade.
Neutral Spine: A natural, athletic posture at address.
O
Open Clubface: Face pointing right of target (RH golfer).
Over the Top: Club moving outside the target line on the downswing.
P
Plane: The angle and tilt of the club’s swing arc.
Posture: The body’s setup position before the swing.
Pivot: The body’s rotational movement around the spine.
Q
Quiet Hands: Minimal hand manipulation during the swing.
R
Release: The rotation and extension of the club through impact.
Rotation: Turning of the body segments to generate speed.
Rhythm: The overall flow and timing of the swing.
S
Sequence: The order of movements in the swing.
Shallowing: Flattening the club’s angle in the downswing.
Spine Angle: The tilt of the spine at address and during the swing.
Stability: Control of body movement throughout the swing.
T
Tempo: The speed and pacing of the swing.
Transition: The change from backswing to downswing.
Trail Side: The side of the body away from the target.
U
Upper Body Tilt: The angle of the torso relative to the target line.
Under Plane: Club traveling too far under the ideal swing plane.
V
Vertical Force: Upward pressure applied to generate speed.
Visualization: Mentally rehearsing the intended shot.
W
Weight Shift: Moving pressure between feet during the swing.
Wrist Set: The hinging of the wrists in the backswing.
Width: The distance between hands and body during the swing.
X
X-Factor: The separation between hip turn and shoulder turn.
Y
Y-Shape: The arm‑club structure at address in putting or chipping.
Z
Zeroing Out Path: Neutralizing club path to reduce curvature.