What you feel in your golf swing and what you actually do are often very different. You may feel that you are making a full turn or keeping your posture, but video tells the truth. With a smartphone and a few minutes of set-up, you can film your swing, compare it with good positions and see the cause of your misses. Used well, video is one of the most powerful and affordable improvement tools in golf.
Why use video?
- Honest feedback. Video shows what you really do.
- Track progress. Compare swings over weeks and months.
- Better lessons. Coaches use video to explain faults; you can review them later.
- Remote coaching. Send videos to a coach for feedback. Read online golf lessons.
The two camera angles
Face-on
- Position: directly in front of you, facing your chest, level with your hands or chest.
- Shows: ball position, stance width, weight shift, head movement, sway, wrist hinge, shaft lean at impact and finish balance.
Down the line
- Position: behind you, in line with your hands (or feet) and pointing towards the target.
- Shows: posture, alignment, swing plane, takeaway path, club position at the top, downswing path, early extension and finish.
How to set up the camera
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Height | Around hand or chest height at address |
| Distance | Far enough to see the whole swing, including the club at the top |
| Alignment | Square to your body (face-on) or on your hand line, pointing at the target (down the line) |
| Stability | Use a tripod or phone clip on an alignment stick |
| Frame rate | Use slow-motion mode for clearer positions |
| Lighting | Good daylight; avoid filming into the sun |
| Consistency | Same position every time, so comparisons are valid |
The key checkpoints
Address
- Posture: hip hinge, flexed knees, straight back. Read golf posture at address.
- Ball position and stance width. Read golf ball position.
- Alignment of feet, hips and shoulders.
Takeaway (hip height)
- Shaft roughly parallel to the target line, toe pointing up.
- Club head not too far inside or outside the hands.
Top of the backswing
- Full shoulder turn, trail knee flexed.
- Lead arm and shaft position. Read golf swing plane explained.
- No sway away from the target.
Downswing
- Lower body starts the downswing.
- Club approaches from the inside, not over the top.
- Posture maintained (no early extension).
Impact
- Hands ahead of the ball with irons.
- Weight moving to the lead side. Read golf weight transfer.
- Hips open, head behind the ball.
Finish
- Balanced on the lead foot, chest facing the target. Read golf follow-through and finish.
How to use the footage
- Film five to ten swings with the same club.
- Watch at normal speed first, then in slow motion.
- Pause at each checkpoint and compare with the descriptions above.
- Pick one fault to work on, usually the earliest in the swing, since early faults cause later ones.
- Choose a drill to fix it.
- Film again after practising to see if it has changed.
Many apps let you draw lines on the video, compare two swings side by side and play them frame by frame. Read golf apps and online tools.
Common mistakes
- Changing the camera position between sessions.
- Over-analysing: trying to fix many things at once.
- Copying another golfer's swing that doesn't suit your body.
- Filming only practice swings, which often look different from real shots.
- Ignoring ball flight: the ball is the ultimate judge.
Combining video with other feedback
- Launch monitor data: club path, face angle and contact. Read launch monitor numbers explained.
- Impact tape for strike location.
- A coach's eye. Read golf lessons: choosing an instructor.
Filming on the course
On the course, film only when it doesn't hold up play or distract others, and respect any course rules on filming. Practice areas are usually better.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best angle to film a golf swing?
Use both face-on and down-the-line angles. Each shows different parts of the swing.
Where should I put the camera for a down-the-line video?
On your hand line or foot line, pointing at the target, at around hand height.
How often should I film my swing?
Every few practice sessions is plenty. Filming every swing can lead to over-analysis.
Do I need special equipment?
No. A smartphone with slow-motion video and a simple tripod or clip are enough.
The bottom line
Video gives you honest feedback on your swing. Film from face-on and down the line, keep the camera in a consistent position, check the key positions in slow motion and work on one change at a time. Combine video with ball flight and a coach's advice, and you will improve faster. For more ways to use technology, read golf training aids and simulators.