In previous segments in relation to golf fitness and the golf swing, we’ve discussed the important of flexibility, the need for flexibility within the golf swing and the benefits flexibility training can provide for your overall golf game. We now switch gears to what I consider the most misunderstood but the greatest beneficial side of golf fitness training in relation to improving your golf fitness and golf game -- balance.

We know in order for the body to execute a golf swing correctly we must move the club on the proper swing path. Developing better balance within your body and golf swing is one way we can improve the development of a repeatable swing and a consistent swing path.

We hear about balance all the time from swing coaches, the media and TV commentators in reference to a player having great balance and a balanced finishing position. What we forget is that balance is not only a component of our swing mechanics, but in addition, is a component of your body. Improving the physical components of balance and stabilization in the body will undoubtedly improve your golf swing.

To understand the relation of balance in the golf swing, we must first understand the definition of balance. In scientific terms, balance is the ability of your neuromuscular system (nerves and muscles) to maintain proper alignment and center of gravity during any biomechanical movement. In terms we can actually understand, balance is the ability of the body to maintain control of itself during any physical activity. In relation to the golf swing, it’s the ability of the body to maintain proper postural alignment and center of gravity during all phases of the swing.

Throughout the entire sequence of movements contained in the golf swing, it’s necessary to maintain proper posture of the spine, perform rotational and linear movements simultaneously and execute each biomechanical movement in correct sequence and correct timing.

To perform this properly, you must be able to maintain balance of your body as a unit and control every body part. Improving our balance capacity physically will allow your body to maintain the proper anatomical positions required by golf swing. This will then take less effort to control your body amounting to greater efficiency in your swing and greater clubhead speed.

In previous articles, we have discussed balance training and benefits of balance training. A nice balance exercise specific to golf to get you going on the right path to improving balance in the golf swing is the single leg cone reach. Performing exercises such as this and other balance exercises will improve your balance within your golf swing.

Next week, we’ll delve further into concept of balance training and provide more golf -- specific balance exercises to improve golf game.

Sean M. Cochran is the personal strength and conditioning coach for 2006 Masters winner Phil Mickelson. He is co-owner of BioForceGolf.com and the author of several books, including most recently, Your Body & Your Swing. Cochran, who has worked as a strength and conditioning coach for the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres as well as working individually with players like Chicago Cubs pitcher Mark Prior, started working with professional golfers, most notably Mickelson (who won the 2004 Masters and the 2005 PGA Championship), in 2002. Recognized as one of the world's foremost authorities in golf-specific strength training, he has spoken at numerous seminars and clinics around the country. BioForceGolf.com was founded in late 2004 to respond to the need of the amateur golfer for quality information on golf-specific-strength training. The site provides subscribers the highest quality information in the areas of golf training, nutrition, and general instruction.