Rating: 
Summary: Former caddie at Augusta National rates Ballard.
Review: As a former caddie at Augusta National, as well as other golf clubs in the U.S., I have seen a lot of golf swings. And yet, even after seeing so many, I have to say that there are basically only two types: good and bad. You can see the athleticism in a good swing, and it is beautiful to watch. Ballard's book is graceful like that; he can tell you what gives a swing "grace." As he explains and I can vouch for, a good swing results from economy of movement. That is why the book is so powerful: it focuses on a few keys to the swing. This reductionism has a psychological benefit as well: if you are not thinking about so many different ways in which the swing can go wrong, it's a lot easier to get it right. Not only that, but the book's style is equally as spare-but-powerfully-athletic as what Ballard has to say. Aside from the specifics of what he teaches, that is a rare thing to see in a golf book. Bob Jones might be impressed.
Rating:
Summary: The Best golf swing book ever!
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Clear, concise, excellent
Review: Being in the sport of Judo for thirty years, I know a little bit about how the human body functions, the weak points and the strong. Jimmy Ballards efforts are right on the mark in explaining how the body's strengths can be maximized using clear and understandable terms. If I keep his 7 denominators in mind, my infamous slice disappears. His book was my best golf investment and I recommend it to anyone trying this maddening sport!
Rating:
Summary: The only golf swing book you should read.
Review: 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 pratice them for as long as you wish to improve.
Rating:
Summary: Jimmy Ballard made me a better teacher and player
Review: I have taught the golf swing for many years but until I read and re-read this book I never had a clear concept of the golf swing as a whole. From beginning to end Ballard will guide you through the swing in it's entirety. After understanding how the address position is of the utmost importance the idea of a connected swing will feel powerful and accurate. My students thank me all the time for showing them these concepts and recommending the book. I know it will help you understand the golf swing and help you become a better ball striker.
Rating:
Summary: Expertly teaches the "large muscle" swing
Review: I took the Colbert-Ballard class and decided to get the book also. The book explains how a natural swing is the perfect swing, and I beleive it. At the beginning of every season I read the book again to reinforce what I have learned. My game improved so much that I am becoming a golf addict. I reccomended this book to all of my golf friends and relatives.
Rating:
Summary: This really works
Review: I took the Colbert-Ballard class and decided to get the book also. The book explains how a natural swing is the perfect swing, and I beleive it. At the beginning of every season I read the book again to reinforce what I have learned. My game improved so much that I am becoming a golf addict. I reccomended this book to all of my golf friends and relatives.
Rating:
Summary: It's simply the best!
Review: I won't bother repeating what's already been said
by all the other reviewers--this book is the golf
swing bible for me. The writing and illustrations
couldn't be better. What a bargain at any price!
Rating:
Summary: Best Golf Book Ever!! By the Best Golf Instructor
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Best Golf Book Ever!! By the Best Golf Instructor
Review: 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.
|
