The Picture-Perfect Golf Swing: The Complete Guide to Golf Swing Video Analysis [Paperback]

Michael Breed (Author), Greg Midland (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 13, 2008

Video swing analysis revolutionized the way golf is taught, but players have had to rely on teaching professionals to analyze their swing videos -- until now. The Picture-Perfect Golf Swing is the first-ever complete guide to using a digital video camera to develop the perfect golf swing, on your own.

One of Golf Magazine's Top 100 Teachers, Michael Breed has long used video analysis to correct the swings of his students. At the core of Breed's teaching approach is the idea that seeing is believing: when you actually see the flaws of your swing, you can truly understand what you are doing wrong, and you can fix the problem more quickly and effectively. By using this book, golfers won't have to rely on professionals to tell them what they're doing wrong -- they can see it for themselves. The Picture-Perfect Golf Swing offers practical guidance for analyzing, assessing, and correcting your mistakes just like a professional -- but without paying a professional rate.

Whether as a complement to swing analysis software or on its own, The Picture-Perfect Golf Swing is a must-have tool for everyone using digital video to master their swing. Fully illustrated with photographs showing fundamentally sound swing mechanics, the book also includes instructions on setting up a camera, choosing the best accessories for filming, selecting the correct shutter speed, using a remote control, and much, much more.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Michael Breed's teaching with video swing analysis was instrumental in my development as a Tour Professional. This is more than just another instructional book -- it will become your teacher." -- Darron Stiles, PGA Tour Professional and five-time Nationwide Tour winner

"Michael Breed has pioneered the use of video swing analysis in golf instruction. From beginner to professional, players of all levels will benefit from this comprehensive, revolutionary guide." -- Mike Summa, Head Golf Professional, Stanwich Club, ranked #1 in Golf Digest Best Teachers in Connecticut 2005-2008

"With key insights into how to film and interpret your swing, The Picture-Perfect Golf Swing has instantly become the most important instructional guide on the market." -- Dave Allen, senior editor, Golf for Women

"As a fellow analyst on the Golf Channel, I have gotten to know firsthand Michael Breed's passion and deep knowledge about using video swing analysis to significantly improve your game. If lowering your score is important to you, this is a must-read!" -- Curt Byrum, PGA Tour winner and Golf Channel analyst

About the Author

Michael Breed is Head PGA Professional at Sunningdale Country Club in Scarsdale, New York. A frequent analyst on the Golf Channel, he was named the 2000 Metropolitan Section PGA Teacher of the Year, received the Metropolitan Section Horton Smith Award in 2006 and 2007, and is one of Golf Magazine's Top 100 Teachers. He lives in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Greg Midland is the editor of The Met Golfer, the official publication of the Metropolitan Golf Association.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Atria Books; Original edition (May 13, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743290275
• ISBN-13: 978-0743290272
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #362,493 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book for the Intermediate or Advanced Golfer, June 27, 2008

By 

Paul Sherrington (Marietta, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Picture-Perfect Golf Swing: The Complete Guide to Golf Swing Video Analysis (Paperback)

I was rummaging through a book store on vacation and saw this one on the shelf. It looked interesting and I figured it would at least give me something to read for a few days. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it and have now re-read it several times.

Bottom line: This is a very good book for the more analytical student of the game. It is a great choice for the intermediate or advanced golfer looking to refine his or her swing without risking yet another swing change by going to a pro. If you have a video camera and want to look at details of your swing, this book will be a terrific support tool. What is demonstrated looks to be a so-called "modern swing" with two-plane technique as is used by the vast majority of golfers.

Best features: There are 176 photos as counted by the author and publisher. The format makes for fast reading and easy understanding yet it is not a simplistic book aimed at beginners.

All aspects of the setup and swing are described in text and demonstrated in photographs. In areas where there is room for misinterpretation or where errors are common, typical mistakes in setup or swing are also clearly demonstrated. While you will get maximum benefit from the book if you do have a video camera, the latter is not necessary to get plenty of help and ideas from the material.

If you are analytical and have played the game for awhile, you might want to give Michael Breed's book a try. My only reservation for beginners is that I think the material might overwhelm the novice though the photos would be of benefit. Best wishes.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A pro in your home, November 28, 2009

By 

Paul G. Schempp (Athens, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Picture-Perfect Golf Swing: The Complete Guide to Golf Swing Video Analysis (Paperback)

I first got to know Michael years ago when I served as a consultant to GOLF Magazine in selecting their Top 100 Teachers in America (a list Michael was well-qualified to make). A few weeks ago, he and I had a conversation and I told him about a study we were planning on doing with the PGA of America on how to effectively use video analysis to improve golf swings. Michael sent me this book, and I was deeply impressed for two reasons. First, he covers all the bases on how to use video to improve golf swings. Second, Michael has written a book, not for the golf professional, but for the average recreational golfer. In other words, this highly talented and successful golf instructor shares with the average golfer the secrets for successfully using technology to develop a better golf game. The information in this book is just like having a golf pro in your home available at anytime. The easy to follow suggestions provide a formula for long-term success in golf. This fresh approach brings average golfers into the world of top teaching pros in an engaging, informative, innovative and fun format. Any one seriously interested in improving their game needs this book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of Breed., September 23, 2009

By 

Ryan (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Picture-Perfect Golf Swing: The Complete Guide to Golf Swing Video Analysis (Paperback)

Great book, especially if your swing is working well but missing some of the subtle nuances he details. This book answered the why of several questions I had and the how. I am a 13 handicap and like to read and study golf instruction books. As such I have read a lot of them. This is one of my top 5.