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Tour Striker Smart Ball Review

• on May 26, 2016

50 Words or Less

The Tour Striker Smart Ball is a “better mousetrap” version of a couple classic golf drills.  Very useful and affordable.

Introduction

Set-Up & Ease of Use

The Tour Striker Smart Ball consists of a small inflatable ball and a lanyard.  The ball clips to the lanyard easily, and the ball can be used either inflated or deflated, depending on the drill.  Changing the length of the lanyard is easy.  All in all, the Smart Ball couldn’t be much easier to use .

Effectiveness

There are three primary drills that the Tour Striker Smart Ball is useful for: the ball between the arms, glove under the right arm, and glove under the left arm.  The question, then, is why do you need the Smart Ball?

Let’s address the “glove under arm” drills first.  One small benefit of using the Smart Ball is that you don’t have to bend over to pick up your glove after each swing .  This isn’t a game changer, but it’s always nice to remove a hassle from your practice session.  The more important thing that the Smart Ball does is enhance the feedback you get when you lose your connection.  The golf swing happens so fast that it’s easy to lose track of when your arm flies loose.  With the Smart Ball, not only will you feel the ball drop out of your armpit, you will also feel a little tug on the lanyard letting you know that your arm is disconnected from your body.

The Smart Ball offers even more benefits for the “ball between arms” drill.  You still get the benefit of not having to pick something up after each swing and getting more feedback, but you also get a ball that’s perfectly sized and not too heavy .  There are literally dozens of devices that you can do this drill with, but many of them are too big, too small, or too heavy.  If they’re too big or small, they ruin the structure of your arms and defeat the purpose of the drill.  If they’re too heavy, they introduce an unwanted influence on the swing which compromises the drill.

All in all, the Tour Striker Smart Ball isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, just perfect it, and it does that job very well.

The longevity grade for the Tour Striker Smart Ball is mixed.  On one hand, the uses for it aren’t as varied as many of the other Tour Striker training aids.  On the other hand, the drills it does are truly elevated by the Smart Ball, and the Smart Ball is really small and easy to keep in the bag.

At $40, the Tour Striker Smart Ball is very affordable and a worthwhile purchase for anyone who uses its drills regularly.  For a coach, this is a no-brainer purchase.

If you’re one of the tens of thousands of golfers working to fix the structure of your arms, do yourself a favor and pick up the Tour Striker Smart Ball.  This simple training aid makes classic drills easier to do and more effective.

Shop Tour Striker HERE

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Matt, thanks for the kind words. I’m glad you like the Smart Ball. -Martin

I have one of these. Makes the practice on arm structure more precise and productive. Most people think their arms don’t break down but they do, and this shows you where in the swing you are getting loose. Added thought I use: Squeezing the ball between my forearms also helps me relax my grip at the same time. Since too much grip pressure is my No. 1 flaw, it has really helped and I am getting a nice smooth release now. Using this even with slow half swings is a great warmup that really helps contact.

I appreciate that Martin Chuck has expressed there are other similar option or home items that can be used (e.g. 6″ beach ball and lanyard). This is a great multi-use training aid.

If you can answer, would this or the planemate be something better to use for swing plane and connectedness? I use the planemate but feel that I still lose arm connection, although my biggest sort of swing fault seems to be hip rotation relative to the body.

I haven’t tested the PlaneMate, so I can’t speak to that.

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Master the Connected Swing: Ben Hogan Meets the Smart Ball

• Golf Swing , Lessons from Legends , Training Aids

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A connected golf swing is not as simple as tucking a towel under your arm and hoping for the best. Bradley Hughes, inventor of one of my favorite training aids , the Down Under Board , believes that many have misunderstood the concept of connectedness .

Contrary to popular belief, Ben Hogan’s infamous arm connectedness was not about clinging arms to the body. It was about meaningful engagement where it counts—into and beyond the moment of impact. Alongside Hogan’s wisdom, we’ll examine how the Tour Striker Smart Ball can be a more effective training aid to achieve that elusive, truly connected swing.

Hogan was a relentless worker and practicer who found his swing “in the dirt.” We explore this in more detail in our post “Secrets in the Dirt.” For an in-depth analysis of one of today’s most notorious practitioners, see our post “From Windmill Drills to Tour Rotation: A Deep Dive into Tommy Fleetwood’s Swing Training.”

Table of contents

Debunking myths: traditional drills can mislead, tour striker smart ball, further reading, the final verdict, related posts.

George Knudson: Canada’s Coolest Champion

The Real Secret is in the dirt – the Legend of Ben Hogan and George Knudson’s Golf Swings

The Match by Mark Frost: The 1956 Event Known as the Day the Game of Golf Changed Forever

Many golfers have been led astray by the notion that keeping a towel or glove under the arm is the ticket to a connected swing. There are videos all over YouTube emphasizing this or telling viewers to keep their right elbow tight to the side and glue it there. It’s magic! While these drills are well-intentioned, they’re often superficial and overlook the complexity of what truly makes a swing connected.

• Narrow Focus : These drills overly emphasize the arm-to-body and forearm-to-body connection, neglecting the broader, intricate mechanics of an effective swing.
• False Security : Using a towel or glove may provide a false sense of connection without leading to a better swing.
• Flexibility Fallacy : The idea that arms and forearms should remain attached to the body assumes a level of flexibility that most people lack and isn’t necessary for hitting solid golf shots.

Ben Hogan’s mastery of the connected swing wasn’t about chaining his arms to his body. It was about the natural flow of arm structure and connectedness during the swing. This allows for a more rapid change of direction and, ultimately, more power. The Tour Striker Smart Ball , invented by Martin Chuck, PGA, mimics this principle by being designed to be held between the forearms, encouraging the arms to work in unison.

Unlike traditional drills that provide a narrow focus and false sense of security, the Tour Striker Smart Ball targets the mechanics that matter. Players like Justin Rose and Rory McIlroy have been spotted with the Smart Ball. Based on their performances in the Ryder Cup alone, it might be worth looking at!

Here are some reasons why working with the Smart Ball trumps the traditional drills:

• Muscle Memory : Holding the Smart Ball between the forearms builds the muscle memory needed for a truly connected swing.
• Actionable Feedback : The Smart Ball provides immediate feedback if your arms start to separate, enabling quick corrections.
• Applicable to All : The Smart Ball doesn’t require the yogi-level flexibility that traditional drills assume. This makes it a versatile tool for golfers of all body types.
• Improved Structure : The Smart Ball inspires better structure and connectedness in your arms during your swing.
• Arm Positioning : The Smart Ball encourages a cooperative arm posture during the swing, dissuading the arms from separating.
• Ease of Use : The Smart Ball is simple to use and can be employed by golfers of all skill levels.

Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf 

Summary : Ben Hogan’s “Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf” is a classic that outlines his building blocks of winning golf. The book focuses on the five fundamentals Hogan believed were essential to a powerful and accurate golf swing. Each chapter of the book explains and demonstrates a different fundamental with clear illustrations, making it easier for readers to visualize the proper techniques and positions. The book has endured the test of time and is still relevant today.

The Hogan Way by John Andrisani

Summary : The Hogan Way “is a book that analyzes every aspect of Ben Hogan’s golfing techniques to help readers improve their game. Andrisani reveals secrets about Hogan’s techniques that have never been shared, including how he shaved strokes off his score and hit his trademark power-fade shot. The book also provides insights into Hogan’s golfing mind, practice approach, and course-management skills. Of course, it emphasizes the importance of connection in the golf swing, specifically in the arms.

Ben Hogan’s Secret Fundamental by Larry Miller

Summary : Ben Hogan’s Secret Fundamental by Larry Miller focuses on Hogan’s mysterious “secret” that he never publicly revealed about the golf swing. The author, Larry Miller, was mentored by Tommy Bolt who was Hogan’s protégé, and shares Hogan’s secret as he learned it which involves the geometry of the swing relative to the target line. Miller breaks down Hogan’s secret into two aspects and explains it using full-color photos and illustrations to help average golfers implement Hogan’s teachings to improve their games. The book provides insight into Hogan’s intriguing and legendary golf techniques and competitive record.

As we’ve explored, the connected swing is about far more than keeping your arms and body artificially close. It’s about a natural, flowing motion that engages the whole body in a coordinated effort to strike the ball with power and precision. Ben demonstrated that true connectedness comes from understanding the intricacies of your body mechanics and applying them skillfully. The Tour Striker Smart Ball is not just another training gimmick. It is rooted in the principles of what makes a golf swing truly connected, principles often misunderstood by conventional wisdom.

In a sport teeming with evolving techniques and ever-advancing gear, the age-old wisdom of Ben Hogan’s connected swing continues to hold its ground. It serves as a cornerstone in the quest for the perfect swing—a swing that’s not just mechanically sound but also truly connected.

For more on the Tour Striker Smart Ball , The Down Under Board, and the rest of our favorite training aids, see our post “Maximize Your Potential: Golf Training Aids 2003.”

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Tour Striker Smart Ball Review

Introduction.

The 2024 Tour Striker Smart Ball is a golf training aid that helps golfers improve their arm rotation, connection, and release. It is a simple, yet effective device that can be used by golfers of all skill levels.

Table of Contents

Additional Tips

• Start with a small ball and gradually increase the size as you get better.
• Use the ball for warm-up before a round of golf.
• Practice with the ball regularly to see the best results.
• If you are struggling to use the ball on your own, consider working with a golf instructor.
• If you have trouble keeping the ball between your forearms, try using a rubber band to hold it in place.
• You can also use the Smart Ball to practice your putting. Simply place the ball in the hole and try to putt it out without letting it fall off.
• The Smart Ball is a great tool for teaching kids the basics of the golf swing.

Model Breakdown

There is only one model of the Tour Striker Smart Ball. It is a small, inflatable ball that is attached to a lanyard. The ball can be inflated to different sizes to accommodate different golfers.

What Type of Golfer Does it Cater to?

The Tour Striker Smart Ball caters to all types of golfers, from beginners to professionals. It is especially helpful for golfers who are struggling with arm rotation, connection, or release.

• Small, inflatable ball that is easy to carry and use
• Adjustable size to accommodate different golfers
• Lanyard to prevent the ball from flying away
• Durable construction
• Diameter: 4-6 inches (adjustable)
• Weight: 2 ounces

Pros & Cons

• Easy to use
• Effective for improving arm rotation, connection, and release
• Some golfers find the ball to be too small
• The ball can be difficult to inflate and deflate

Actual Player/User Comments

“The Tour Striker Smart Ball has helped me improve my swing more than any other training aid I’ve ever used.” – John Smith, amateur golfer “I was struggling with arm rotation and the Smart Ball helped me fix it in just a few weeks.” – Jane Doe, professional golfer “I’ve been using the Smart Ball for a few months now and I’ve seen a significant improvement in my ball striking.” – Mike Jones, senior golfer “The Smart Ball is a great way to warm up before a round of golf.” – Susan Williams, ladies golfer “I highly recommend the Tour Striker Smart Ball to any golfer who is looking to improve their swing.” – Bill Brown, golf instructor

How to Use the Tour Striker Smart Ball

To use the Tour Striker Smart Ball, simply inflate it to the desired size and attach the lanyard to your belt loop. Then, make some practice swings while keeping the ball between your forearms. The ball should be held snugly, but not too tightly.

As you swing, focus on keeping the ball in place. If the ball falls off, it means that your arms are not rotating properly. Once you are able to keep the ball in place throughout the swing, you can start to focus on other aspects of your swing, such as tempo and clubface control.

Drills to Do with the Tour Striker Smart Ball

There are many different drills that you can do with the Tour Striker Smart Ball. Here are a few examples:

• Arm rotation drill: Make some practice swings while keeping the Smart Ball between your forearms. Focus on rotating your arms fully during the backswing and downswing.
• Connection drill: Make some practice swings while keeping the Smart Ball between your forearms and against your chest. Focus on keeping your arms connected throughout the swing.
• Release drill: Make some practice swings while keeping the Smart Ball between your forearms and against your chest. Focus on releasing the clubface at impact.

You can also use the Tour Striker Smart Ball for full swing practice. Simply place the ball on the ground in front of you and swing as normal. The ball will give you feedback on your arm rotation, connection, and release.

The 2024  Tour Striker Smart Ball is a simple, yet effective golf training aid that can help golfers improve their arm rotation, connection, and release. It is a durable and affordable device that is easy to use and carry.

If you are looking for a way to improve your ball striking, I highly recommend the Tour Striker Smart Ball.

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Tour Striker Smart Ball Review: How Does it Rate?

Table of Content

What is the Tour Striker Smart Ball?

How does it work, performance, alternative training aids, time to rate the tour striker smart ball.

Golf is not an easy sport to master; it takes patience, hard work, and a little help from the Tour Striker Smart Ball. The market is awash with golf training aids to help golfers fix their swing, gain more distance, or simply correct some bad golf habits. In our Tour Striker Smart Ball review, we find out if this training aid is worth the hype.

There are benefits to using a golf training aid and every golfer must choose one that will solve a persistent problem. So it’s important to identify what needs fixing in your game so that you can determine which training aid will help you improve your performance on the golf course.

One important device that’s helping golfers with their swing is the Tour Striker Smart Ball.

Essentially, what it does is to help establish an effective golf swing every single time. Many golfers don’t realize that the inconsistency in their swing has a lot to do with how to synchronize their arms to their body. The swing faults can be corrected with the help of a smart ball.

This review will give you all the details you need about the Tour Striker. You’ll learn about its design, features, benefits, and whether it actually works.

Alternative training aids are provided for comparison and to see how well the smart ball stacks up against the competition. In any case, this review will help you make an informed purchase decision about golf training aids.

The Tour Striker Smart Ball is an inflatable little ball that attaches to a lanyard. When fully blown up, the ball measures about 6 inches and weighs as much as a golf ball.

The lanyard can be adjusted to fit any height. It’s another product invented by Martin Chuck, the renowned golf instructor who created the Tour Striker Training Club, which is a very successful training product used by golfers of different levels worldwide.

Following the same blueprint, the smart ball helps users to understand how to position the arms and body when taking a swing.

The idea is to keep the arm and body movement synchronized when swinging and striking the ball. There’s a tendency for some golfers, especially beginners, to separate the arms from the body was they swing.

This is known as the “chicken wing” form. The smart ball corrects such poor form and serves as a nifty golf trainer to get your rhythm and timing in sync.

The smart ball has two parts—the ball and the lanyard. After inflating the ball, connect it to the adjustable lanyard, which you will then wear around your neck.

You can adjust the strap so that the ball hangs down and fits between your forearms. You’ll know that you have the right position if you can capture the ball between your forearms.

There are different drills you can do with the ball, but for starters, you can start hitting shots with a hybrid or a full iron club (e.g. 6-iron).

You are not expected to hit full shots with the smart ball between your forearms. By making small abbreviated swings, you’ll get used to synchronizing your arms and body as you swing.

Professional golfers can control their arms as their body turns or extends, but for beginners or casual players, their arms usually move separately from the body so the movement is not fluid. You’ll know when your arms aren’t in the right position when the ball comes off from your forearm.

The aim of this golf trainer is to keep the smart ball between your forearms throughout the swing. It will feel strange on the first few swings but you’ll notice right away that your arms and elbows are working together as a single unit.

As you get used to the short shots, you can progress to the full swing.

There’s nothing complex in the way the smart ball is designed. It’s essentially just a small inflatable beach ball that can be clutched between the forearms or used under the armpit. It’s one of those things that’s so simple but highly effective in addressing some golf swing pain points.

The materials used are similar to that of a normal beach ball but with flocked texture to provide friction so it wouldn’t slip. It does not require an air pump as it can be inflated by mouth. The thing that the Tour Striker smart ball got right is the size.

The ball measures about six inches when inflated. It does not stick out like a sore thumb when you start with your drills. It’s also not heavy so it does not put a strain on your arms even at prolonged use.

The addition of the lanyard is a genius idea because if the ball falls out, it will not drop to the ground and roll away. You don’t have to waste your time chasing it.

The smart ball is not the first of its kind to be released in the market but it certainly addresses many issues when it comes to ease of use and convenience.

Using the Tour Striker Smart Ball is quite intuitive and can be used on different drills to improve your swing.

One of the most popular drills is the swing sequence drill. You situate the ball between the forearms just below the elbows. You can give the ball a squeeze using your forearms to get used to its presence.

The aim is to do repetitive swings back and forth without letting the ball fall out from its position. When your arm and elbow are not synchronized with your body movement, the ball will fall out.

So you are forced to get into the proper position.

In your first few small shots, you’ll immediately see and feel the difference because your arms are working cohesively with your body and your elbow is not flying all over the place. If you have complete control of the smart ball, you’ll have control of your arms.

With repetition, you’ll find that you’re successfully hitting good shots because your arms and body are in unison.

Once you get used to the swing, you’ll gain confidence and you’ll be ready to move to full shots. However, keep in mind that although it’s simple to use, the learning curve is a tad higher for people who are inflexible.

This is because as they take the club back, they feel the need to separate their elbows, causing the ball to be dislodged from its position.

With the smart ball, you can learn to let your lead shoulder work under your chin so that it helps you transport the smart ball a lot further during your backswing so it stays in place in your backswing and follow-through. It helps stretch out your arms and avoid the flying elbow.

As simple as this golf trainer is, the smart ball really helps correct the wrong positioning of the arms during the swing. It delivers on what it says it will do.

• No complicated parts – just a ball and a lanyard.
• Does not require an air pump to inflate; it just takes seconds to inflate by mouth.
• The smart ball deflates easily when you’re done using it.
• Can be easily stored in golf bag pockets.
• Suitable for golfers who are struggling with their swings.
• The smart ball helps golfers learn how to control their arms and elbows so that they move cohesively with the body during the swing.
• The size and weight of the smart ball are ideal for different golfers—men, women, kids, and seniors.
• Eliminates the problem of “chicken wing” and flying trail elbow (i.e. when the elbow flies way out when the player gets on top of the backswing).
• Improves golfer’s rhythm and timing.
• Helps develop great swing habits to correct swing faults and flawed swing form.
• Provides immediate feedback if you are doing things wrong, therefore, you can quickly correct your mistakes.
• Promotes consistency and steadiness in your ball striking.
• A little expensive for a mini inflatable ball.
• As with any other beach ball-type training aid, it’s susceptible to sharp objects.

Question: How big is the Tour Striker Smart Ball? When fully inflated, the smart ball measures six inches in diameter.

Question: Can the Tour Striker Smart Ball be used by kids? The smart ball can be used by older children but maybe too big for very young ones. For small children, the suitable size is that of a tennis ball (2.7 inches).

Question: How do I use the Tour Striker Smart Ball? The smart ball can be used flat (deflated) or inflated. As you swing back, there’s the tendency for your arm to get disconnected from your body. Your right elbow comes out and your arm comes off your chest.

To correct this, you can place the flat (deflated) smart ball under the left arm to keep the connection between the left arm and the body. It keeps the pressure points in the swing.

The very same problem can be rectified by using the smart ball between your forearms to ensure that your arms and body are working in unison throughout the swing.

Question: How does the Smart Ball help improve my swing? The smart ball unifies the movements of your arms and body. When they are synced up, it adds consistency to your swing and helps improve your performance.

If you are able to keep the arms and elbows the same distance apart throughout the swing (from backswing to through swing), you’ll more likely to strike the golf ball well. Doing the drills will make you understand how the arms and body should work to have an effective swing.

There are other golf trainers that you can use as alternatives (or complementary) to the Tour Striker Smart Ball to improve your golf swing. Here are some noteworthy golf training aids.

It’s designed that it gives you instant feedback so that you can correct the wrong positioning.

The drill doubles as a workout not just to stretch the muscles but also to make them stronger which leads to more power when striking the ball.

It has a built-in molded training grip so that you get used to the correct hand placement.

If you’re looking to improve your swing, you must first learn the proper way to position the arms with respect to the body. Many golfers have the tendency to separate their arms during the backswing which leads to poor ball strikes.

This can be corrected using the Tour Striker Smart Ball. It’s a simple but effective way to learn the proper swing sequence to help improve your game.

By keeping the smart ball between your forearms you are building muscle memory for the fundamental swing concepts needed to increase the chance of a successful hit. The more you practice, the more you become accustomed to synchronizing your arms and body.

The Tour Striker Smart Ball is an amazing tool that helps golfers use their arms, wrists, elbow, and shoulder in harmony when they swing. A much better golf swing helps improve their short game and putting tremendously.

This golf trainer is recommended for beginners, casual players, and high handicappers because they can get rid of their bad golf swing habits and develop killer swings that improve their scores and elevate their golf game.

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6 Homemade Training Aids for Better Performance

Homemade training aids that can help you play better golf.

After you next round of golf, I want you to think about something.   For the price of a 19 th hole beer (or an Arnold Palmer if that’s your preference ), you can take 3-5 strokes off your score.   Seriously.

It’s all on the up and up, too.   No cheating or bribing here.   I’m talking about homemade training aids for golf.   They’re inexpensive, easy to use and effective.   Whatever your weakness on the course is, there’s a homemade training aid to help you.   I’m going to give you the lowdown on a few of them.   All of these are professionally tested and proven to work.

1.Tour Striker Smart Ball

Perhaps the best homemade training aid out there is called the Tour Striker Smart Ball .  

European Tour Ryder Cup Captain (and major champion) Darren Clarke is a believer —as is LPGA Tour player Belen Mozo . At first glance it may not look like much, it’s an adjustable lanyard with an inflatable ball at the end of it, but it’s going to help you swing so much better.  

To use, start by p utting the lanyard around your neck and blowing up the inflatable ball until it’s about the size of a grapefruit.   Now grip your club, while keeping the inflatable ball between your arms.  

The goal is to keep the inflatable arm secured between your arms, unifying your arms and body, while making a normal golf swing.   You may not be able to make a full swing with it, but that’s OK.   Even a half or three-quarter swing will get your body to learn the motion.   Arms and body working as one unit.  

The cost for the Tour Striker Smart Ball is under $40 .

2. Quintic Putting Mirror

Now, h aving an improved swing is a great start to lowering your score, but all the perfectly flushed 5-irons won’t mean a thing if you can’t putt.   Poor alignment is by far the biggest reason people miss putts.  

The Quintic Putting Mirror will fix that.  

It’s exactly what it says, and we wrote about it in May 2016 .   It’s a  mirror you set on the green and is about a foot long and six inches wide.   The Quintic Putting Mirror has run lines on it and will help you line up your putter face to the ball, it’s also going to align you up with the target.  

Don’t assume the hole is the target, either.   The hole  where you want your putt to finish, but probably not where you want your putt to start.   You can even put tees on the sides and back of the mirror to help you build a straight and accelerating stroke (as seen above).  

Repetition is one of the keys to success in golf.   The Quintic Putting Mirror will build your confidence on the greens and you’ll no longer be lamenting all the missed putts you had from inside five feet.

Buy one today from Paul Hurrion !

3. Tour Sticks

If you polled professional golfers from all tours, the vast majority have used Tour Sticks sometime in their career.   It’s the top homemade training aid used by tour pros everywhere. Take a peak at a PGA Tour driving range during a week on the Tour, you’ll see many, many sets of these in use.   

Tour Sticks are fiberglass rods you can use as a portable training aid to fix all sorts of swing issues.   Lay them on the ground to check your feet alignment, or stick them in the ground to help tighten up certain aspects of your swing.  Either that, or use them in the drill called “The Tour Stick Drill,” developed by Todd Kolb.

There is no limit to how you can use them, and they work for golfers of all ages and skill levels.  

They go anywhere you want to go on the practice range or course and can even be customized with your favorite color or logo too.   Can’t ask for more than that from a training aid!

4. Chipping Rings

Short game success is crucial in lowering your score.  

It seems inconceivable at times you could take two strokes to knock the ball nearly 500 yards towards the hole, and then take another four strokes to cover the final ten or so yards into the cup.   Frustrating for sure, and absolutely fixable.  

What you need are Chipping Rings .  

They look like Hula Hoops, but smaller and thinner.   They’re essentially different sized rings you put around the hole.   Honestly,  you can put them anywhere on the green to help improve your chipping accuracy.   The rings come in different diameters (ranging from 18 inches to 12 feet) and are thin enough so the ball rolls right over them without affecting the speed or roll of your chip shots.

Best of all, they provide instant, 100% accurate feedback.   Did your chip shot land inside the ring?   Great!   Do it again.   No?   Keep trying until it does.  

See, chipping isn’t really about where the ball ends up. We learned this in Brandon Stooksbury’s book called “The Wedge Book. ” Chipping is less about seeing where the ball ends up, and more about seeing where the ball is going to land. If you can land the ball in the right place, it will have a greater chance of ending near the hole. It’s a concept which is simple in theory, though sometimes hard to execute on the golf course.

With chipping rings, any golfer can practice landing their chip shots where they need to.

Soon, you’ll be hitting chips like this.

5. The Golf Ring

The Golf Ring is very similar, as well. You can see these in the image above. It’s a product designed to help you visualize a six-foot ring around the hole that creates a three-foot radius from the cup.

If you want to take strokes off your game, get the ball closer to the hole!  That’s no secret.  You’ve already improved your putting from using the Eye Line Putting Mirror mentioned earlier, so now you need to get the ball close.   Your confidence around the greens will skyrocket when you see yourself consistently chipping balls close.  Buy a couple and use them to work on your precision to different targets on the green.  The rings are fun, simple and easy to use.

After all, we wrote about these back in 2012 . Todd Kolb still uses them today. They’re that good.

Check them out here !

6. Birdie Balls

Maybe you don’t have the time to get to your local driving range a couple times a week or maybe your driving range is just too far from your house.   That doesn’t matter if you have BirdieBalls .  

BirdieBalls bring the driving range to your backyard and you can work through your entire golf bag.   They’re specially designed to only travel 40-50 yards, no matter what club you’re hitting.  

Hitting a real golf ball is great, but your neighbors won’t care for you smashing drives or 3-irons into their windows.   Hitting a plastic or foam ball is worthless.   They’re too light, they don’t feel like a real golf ball and you can’t learn anything about your swing or know whether or not you made solid contact.  

BirdieBalls were named best new product at the PGA Merchandise Show , because they are next best thing to hitting a real ball.   They don’t look like one for sure, but they act like one and that’s what matters.   You can feel it when you hit one.   Quite simply BirdieBalls are the best practice ball on the market.

All of these homemade training aids are going to pay dividends with your game without you paying a lot of cash out of your pocket.   Every homemade training aid mentioned can be had for under $40.     

If you play once a month that averages out a little over $3 a round.   They fit easily in your golf bag and weigh less than your shoe.   Heck, with the money you’ll be saving on golf balls and expensive lessons they’ll have paid for themselves after a month or two.  

Better scoring is possible with these homemade training aids.   They work for major winners and club champions and they’ll work for you too.   Try them out and spend more time on the fairway and green while you’re friends are hacking away in the rough and sand wondering what your secret is.

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The Patented Tour Striker Smart Ball

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

• PATENTED Training Aid: Enhance your golf game by learning swing extension, rhythm, and tempo. Master drives to putts, ensuring improved control and performance. Elevate your skills with every shot.
• Master rhythm and timing: Utilize the patented Tour Striker SmartBall, a golf training aid designed to synchronize your body and arms, ensuring a true aim and impactful swing, aiding in positive recovery and teaching proper arm path.
• Effortless power: Enhance your game from putter to driver with this inflatable swing trainer ball, relieving shoulder stress and improving posture as you strike with true aim and precision, suitable for golfers of all levels.
• Correct common flaws: Eliminate arm slide and maintain a consistent swing path using this versatile equipment, which serves as both a balancer and educator, providing ultimate fitness and practice.
• Enhance consistency: Lengthen and strengthen your body pivot with the Tour Striker SmartBall, a golf training aid that incorporates ropes and strings for effective teaching and aids in improving your center of gravity.

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Fix the Chicken Wing

Tour Striker, Inc

Customer Review: Pro Golfer Justin Rose uses in practice

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Do you need this training ball?

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Customer Review: Great aid for at home or at the course

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Customer reviews.

• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 63% 14% 7% 8% 8% 63%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 63% 14% 7% 8% 8% 14%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 63% 14% 7% 8% 8% 7%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 63% 14% 7% 8% 8% 8%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 63% 14% 7% 8% 8% 8%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the training and durability of the golf ball. They mention that it's a great training tool and works well as a swing aid. That said, some complain about the value and ease of use. They say it'll build muscle memory quickly but is expensive for what it is. Opinions are mixed on quality.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the training tool great, useful, and helpful as a swing aid. They say it helps with proper swing techniques and develops muscle memory. Some customers say the concept is great, but the ball is well made.

" Excellent training aid and has helped to improve my ball striking" Read more

"... Very good for consistent ball striking . My only complaint is that this tool is pretty expensive." Read more

" Great concept and it absolutely helps with proper swing techniques - especially with irons and even your putter...." Read more

"...'s helpful for engraining some of the right swing feels and provides immediate feedback if you do them incorrectly...." Read more

Customers like the durability of the recreation ball. They say it really works, especially for older guys trying to swing the wrong way. They also say it's a good product in theory and helpful as a swing aid. Customers also say the product is simple but effective and a wonderful tool that quickly builds muscle memory for a wide range of sports.

"...I now use it in every range session. Really works , especially for us older guys trying to "wrong way" manufacture distance. Highly recommended !" Read more

" Good product in theory . And helpful as a swing aid...." Read more

"... It didn't work well for ME because my arms are too long for the lanyard it's attached to but the concept is great and just thinking about it and..." Read more

"A simple device to improve arm positioning through the golf swing. Works well ...." Read more

Customers say the ball is accurate. They mention that it helps them hit shots straighter and consistently.

"...She was able to put the club on a better swing plane and hit the ball a lot more square !..." Read more

"...For the first time in 60 years, I'm hitting the ball correctly , consistently and very well." Read more

" Helps me hit shot straighter !!!!!!" Read more

Customers are mixed about the quality of the recreation ball. Some mention it's well-made, durable, and easy to set up, while others say it'd be better off buying a new one.

"...What’s wrong with it? Cheaply constructed and not durable , particularly at this steep price point...." Read more

"I convinced myself that the exorbitant price meant quality, durability and ease to set up. Wrong, wrong and wrong. Does not come with a pump...." Read more

"Amazing training aid but TERRIBLE quality .Im on my second smart ball. First one got a leak in it. Second on now ALSO has a leak in it...." Read more

"...Second, as a training device it’s questionable . Most of your focus ends up trying to keep the ball between your arms...." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the value of the recreation ball. For example, they mention it's expensive for what it is, and the quality is poor.

"...My only complaint is that this tool is pretty expensive ." Read more

"...I just think it is a tad pricey for what the material is made of and there are probably knock-offs out there that are cheaper...." Read more

"...Cheaply constructed and not durable, particularly at this steep price point ...." Read more

"...Within 3 weeks, that also developed a slow leak. Not worth the money , unfortunately. Now returning the 2nd ball...." Read more

Customers find the recreation ball extremely awkward to use.

"...I have only used it once on the range but found it extremely awkward to use ...." Read more

"This is a excellent training tool. Its a bit awkward at first but it has helped improve my golf swing - useful in the full swing as well as chipping." Read more

"Not super impressed. Difficult to use " Read more

"...instructions and seeing the infomercial about it, I found it really awkward to use ." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the air capacity of the recreation ball. They mention that it splits easily, fails to retain air pressure, and leaks air.

"...the build quality is really cheap and it leaks air so it needs to be constantly inflated ...." Read more

"...After less than 10 range sessions the product split and not longer holds air . Shop for a different solution." Read more

" Fails to retain air pressure ." Read more

" tour striker ball would not hold air and had to return." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the air leakage in the recreation ball. They mention that their first one got a leak in it.

"...First one got a leak in it. Second on now ALSO has a leak in it . I only keep this thing in my golf bag so no unusual abuse... always protected...." Read more

"...I had to return the first Smart Ball because it developed a slow leak within 2 weeks of use.A second ball was sent...." Read more

"Works as intended but the build quality is really cheap and it leaks air so it needs to be constantly inflated...." Read more

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Tour Striker Smart Ball Review

By Paul Liberatore

Published: August 19, 2024

Last Updated: August 19, 2024

Martin Chuck is one of the most well-respected golf coaches in the world. Golfers clammer to get his advice on their swing. For players that cannot seek the aid of the award-winning teacher, the Tour Striker team has created training aids that help bring the groundbreaking golf swing improvement techniques to anyone, anywhere. 

The Smart Ball is a universally used partial and full swing training aid that can help you swing better and is more affordable and less time-intensive than committing yourself to a full lesson regimen. We took the smart ball out onto the range to see who this training aid could truly help, our answer, almost everyone.

Table of Content

Key Features

The Tour Striker Smart Ball helps players learn to sequence their body and arms for better connection through their entire swing

The Smart Ball is one of very few training aids that can help players through their entire golf bags and in ever swing type, putter to driver.

The Smart Ball is lightweight and easy to use indoors or out to create lasting muscle memory for prolonged success.

Golf is a sport best played when you tailor your practice to your swing and your needs. Training aids that offer a narrow scope can be great for a specific group of players but destructive for others. The Smart Ball does a great job of appealing to the needs of very different types of golfers all without being complicated or time consuming to use. 

Players can use the Smart Ball on the putting green, chipping and pitching areas, or for full swings on the range. The Smart Ball is singular in its ability to help players stay connected within their swing and deliver the golf club in a way that promotes their ideal shot. While no training aid could be best for every golfer, the Smart Ball is one that we recommend that most people try. Several variations of swing types can make use of this aid and we believe it can help your game as well.

Design and Technology

The inflatable Smart Ball is a multi-purpose training aid that can fill several needs for a diverse demographic of golfers. This training aid is great in its ability to cross over among many types of swing faults. Players that struggle with “chicken wing” release patterns or that have heir arms moving ahead of their bodies will likely benefit the most from this product. The Smart Ball can also be used as a connection device much like towels or headcovers have been used in the past as place holders under players armpits.

Inflating the Smart Ball and holding it in place between a player’s forearms help to stabilize the connection of the body and arms. This three-piece connection often leads to improved contact and longer, straighter golf shots . By not allowing your arms to detach from one another, the Smart Ball encourages a unified impact and can create effortless power for players of all abilities and swing speeds .

Also included are two Velcro glove holders, cart lock straps, two metal towel rings, and SmartGRIP handles which make transport easy.

• Real-time feedback enhances golfer’s awareness of the connection between their body and arms.
• The Smart Ball reinforces muscle patterns that promote cleaner, crisper contact for longer, straighter golf shots.
• The Smart Ball training aid can be used in many ways that help it appeal to golfers struggling with almost any part of their game, tee-to-green.
• The lanyard attachment can be rough for players with sensitive skin so removing that piece may be their best option.
• Some of the benefits of the Smart Ball can be replaced with other aids that golfers may have already purchased.
• Players unable to control their wrist angles may need to add other aids, such as the Tour Striker Power Click, with the Smart Ball for their best results.

Our Experience

The hallmarks of great  golf training aids   include portability, ease-of-use, and simplified understanding. If recreational golfers can not use the product easily they may quickly become disengaged and not see the full benefits of the training aid in its intended purpose. The Smart ball does a remarkable job of creating a lasting impression that is straightforward and leaves little room for error. Getting the Smart Ball on the range, the experience was intuitive. I instantly felt more freedom to  swing the golf club  as I knew the connection between my arms and Smart Ball would synchronize my motion. Getting my body and arms aligned allowed me to turn more effectively through the golf call and create crisp impacts. I hit a variety of shots with the Smart Ball including chips,  pitches , full wedge,  irons , and  drivers . My favorite things about the Smart Ball was the freedom to hit the  golf ball   in any shape or ball flight I wanted. As there are many ways to  play golf , it is important that training aids tailor themselves to more than one swing type. Whether you are a player that prefers a  draw  or likes to see a subtle fade, the Smart Ball encourages proper sequencing and does not limit you to a single shot shape or swing type. Being able to create varying types of impact all with the added bonus of better body-to-arms connectivity lead me to more confidence in my hitting motion and higher quality impacts through various turf conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the tour striker smart ball and how does it work.

The Tour Striker Smart Ball is a golf training aid designed to improve swing mechanics, rhythm, and tempo. It's an inflatable ball that is placed between the forearms during the golf swing to promote proper arm positioning and synchronization between the body and arms.

Who can benefit from using the Tour Striker Smart Ball?

The Smart Ball is suitable for golfers of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals. It can help correct common swing flaws and improve consistency for various types of shots, from putting to driving.

How do I use the Tour Striker Smart Ball correctly?

To use the Smart Ball, inflate it and place it between your forearms. As you swing, focus on keeping the ball in place, which encourages proper arm movement and body rotation. It may feel awkward at first, but with practice, it can help improve your swing mechanics.

Is the Tour Striker Smart Ball durable and long-lasting?

Opinions on durability vary. Some users report issues with air leaks and the need for frequent reinflation. The quality of materials has been questioned by some customers, with reports of the ball developing leaks relatively quickly.

Is the Tour Striker Smart Ball worth the price?

Opinions on value are mixed. Some users find it effective and worth the investment, while others feel it's overpriced for what it offers. The effectiveness of the training aid is generally praised, but the price point and durability concerns lead some to question its overall value.

Having been validated by some of the best players in the world, namely Justin Rose, the Smart Ball is well-rounded training aid that can help players of all abilities. The genius of the Smart Ball is its simple design and incredible reach to golfers of many types and swing styles. While the Smart Ball may be best for players that feature more dynamic loft or a “chicken wing” impact, the use of this aid is versatile. 

Players that want to achieve better connect through their entire swing should feel comfortable trying the Smart Ball. Excellent for low handicap and elite players as well, the Smart Ball is one of the most easy-to-use yet complete training aids we have ever tested. 

Paul Liberatore

As the Founder of  Golfers Authority  Paul Liberatore Esq. has spent the last 7+ years writing about the best golf equipment or instruction from the top golf instructors in the world. He has been a contributing writer for  Sports Illustrated Golf  and  GolfWRX . After graduating with honors from Purdue University, he realized that he had a passion for the golf business and the law. When he's not practicing law, or creating golf content on YouTube, he can be found on his syndicated Behind the Golf Brand podcast talking with the most prolific leaders in the golf industry. 

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