Practicing without a Ball

I get a lot of satisfaction out of seeing my students progress in their game.  It is awesome to hear about how they have shaved strokes off their round of golf.  When I ask, " What made the difference?" undoubtedly, the response is "I did what you told me to do."  Now that can vary from student to student.  One may need to relax, another may need to visualize the shot, while many need to start focusing on their swing and not the ball. 

I cannot count the amount of times, I have had to remind my students that the ball just gets in the way of the swing.  In order to help them understand this, I tell them to practice their swing without a ball.  This allows them to focus on feeling the club and it following it to complete the swing.  If they can do this and appreciate what I am trying to teach them, they will improve. 

An article in Golf magazine backs up my suggestion.  You can read it below and then please start practicing without a ball.