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Thank goodness for my new camera phone! I got my brother to take some pictures of me swinging a wedge outside yesterday, and found a few things out.

First, my head follows my club as I take it back. I already knew this, and there is absolutely nothing I can do to prevent it due to fused vertebrae(sp?) in my neck, which I've had since I was born.
Secondly, as I take my club back, my entire upper body goes up. As far as I know, this shouldn't be happening. However, it is and I've got to fight this.
Thirdly, I release the club early. This may contribute to my lack of distance, but I'm not sure.
Finally, after impact and on the way to the finish, my left arm does a "chicken leg" thing - which I've read about - where it sticks up. At this point, my body moves up again. That is, my posture becomes more vertical than at impact and address.

The result: I do not have very good distance (driver goes about 200 at best, 6-iron goes 140-150), my ball-striking is inconsistent, and I had a draw when golfing season ended this fall. However, at computer launch monitors, it has been shown that now I play a fade. I don't know exactly how accurate this is, but I'll say that's how I play the ball.

So I've found a few key flaws in my swing. How can I improve them?

I don't know how far back your head is moving, but it's normal for your head to move back laterally to the inside of your back foot on the backswing. As you come down on the downswing your head should be at the same point it was at address at impact.

Don't keep your head still, just make your you move it laterally on an even plane not up or down.

Releasing the club early is one of the major problems with lack of distance. Try to maintain a good wrist cock in the backswing, start the downswing with your hips, then work your arms down trying to maintain much of the wrist cock. Another thing that might help you maintain a good release is try swinging more with your left arm instead of trying to hit it with your right. The first time I tried this, I realized how much I was swinging with my right side and putting little of my left side into use. I pulled a muscle in my back. But yes, a 6 iron going around 140-150 is a good sign of an early release, possibly a little casting. Look around on the internet and read up about the downswing, etc.

Focus on making a smooth, easy, swing. Don't think about forcing the ball, you can hit further if you are relaxed.

My advice would be to read around, possibly get a pro to help you make these changes. Practice your swing around the house in front a mirror. However, most of these things sound like beginner problems.. how long have you been playing?

Sounds to me like you can fix yourself, you seem to have a good grasp of what's going on. The big breakthrough is seeing yourself do it. And all these revelations came to you simply by seeing still photos. Get someone to video you...make comments after every shot so when you're reviewing it you'll remember what the result was. Don't be overly critical. Don't try to fix everything at once. Keep in mind that once you have found your own unique swing solution it may not look like Ernie's.

Swinging in front of a mirror is good, too. They make little parabolic mirrors with perpedicular lines painted on it as a training aid that work well. Also, position yourself with the sun directly behind you (target line) so you can see your shadow as you swing...much cheaper than video but the camcorder's the best tool.

Your head can move laterally back a little but under no circumstances should it ever move forward...stay behind the ball. To stay down on the ball without raising up you must maintain an athletic crouch all the way to the finish...when you take it back you should be loading most of your weight on to your right leg and, since you're crouching, you should really feel your balance under your right bun (for righties). At address it should feel like you're just about to sit on a stool...you don't want your knees locked because that promotes laziness and hunkering and will result in less than stellar contact.

Shade

GREAT!!!!

Video never lies... It sounds like you have identified a few things that are the result of possibly one or two things. I can not stress enough to visit a local pro who in 30 minutes or less can get you on the right track w/drills to accomadate your nuiances. It sounds like you have the love for the game and the desire to want to play better, why not invest 30.00 in a 30 minute lesson???

Not only is good for your game, but Golf Pro's have to eat too....lol

lemme know how it works out?

CAuger, what I meant to say was my head turns along with my body (a little too much, too) but since I've got that condition I mentioned above, there's little to nothing I can do about it.
BDR444, that's gonna be a major priority for me now. Thanks for the advice! And I'm entering my 3rd year of play.
shaderunner and b2, great advice as well! I'll work on that too! And lessons are at the top of my priority list for the spring!

Thanks to all!

I have just about all of the problems you mentioned above. My main problems, I think, to name two general categories, are too much body movement and early release (casting).

Just wondering, is it possible to only hit your 6i 140-150 (like I do) and not cast, esp. for someone who is fairly athletic and has a fairly strong build?

You can hit it 140 or less and not cast if your arm speed is slow. You can hit it 50 yards with a slow motion swing and not cast. Since I believe you have not better mind body connection than your brain and your dominate palm, think about holding your right palm back longer on the downswing.

Would an arm speed slow enough to hit it 140 or less be evident usually more in seniors and ladies?

I didn't quite understand your suggestion, could you please re-phrase it? Sorry about that.

I don't think this will hurt you just as long at your eyes are not following the club...even if your head may move, as long as your eyes stay focused on the ball, back of the ball, grass, or whatever it is you look at then you'll be alright. Just don't let your eyes start moving with the club on the backswing.