tour striker ball size

Golf Insider

• Fairway Woods
• Range Finders
• Training Aids
• Reviews A-Z
• Instruction
• Performance
• PGA Champions Tour

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.

Related Posts:

You Might Also Like

Orange Whip Putt Master Review

WhyGolf Alignment Disc Training Aid Review

Tour Striker Impact Sling Review

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Get plugged in…

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

Recent posts.

• SWAG Handsome Too Flow Putter Review - September 24, 2024
• 2024 TaylorMade P770 Irons Review - September 23, 2024
• G/FORE Operative Collection Apparel Review - September 20, 2024

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.

Leave a Comment Cancel

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Email Address

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Golf News – September 25, 2024
• PXG Black Ops Irons Review
• SWAG Handsome Too Flow Putter Review
• 2024 TaylorMade P770 Irons Review
• Golf News – September 20, 2024

Contact Us Advertise Subscribe Privacy Policy

Advertise on this site.

Plugged In Golf

Do You Like Free Golf Gear?

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and not only will you get the latest reviews, instruction, and more delivered directly to your inbox, you’ll also be entered into regular giveaways for golf clubs and more.

Tour Striker Smart Ball Review: How Does it Rate?

Table of Content

Your cart is currently empty.

Not sure where to start? Try these collections:

• Continue shopping

Tour Striker Smart Ball Review

By Paul Liberatore

Published: July 18, 2024

Last Updated: September 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 Contents

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.

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.

Tour Striker Smart Ball

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.

• 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Latest Articles

• Sep 02, 2024
• by Paul Liberatore

Cure CX1 Putter Review

• Aug 19, 2024

Sqairz Golf Shoes Review

Callaway Rogue Fairway Wood Review

Callaway Rogue Draw Driver Review

Do Cooling Towels Actually Work?

• Aug 07, 2024

TaylorMade TP Mullen Putter Review

Titleist TS3 Driver Review

Titleist TSI2 and TSI3 Drivers Review

Titleist Vokey SM6 Wedge Review

Titleist Vokey SM7 Wedge Review

Wilson Triton Driver Review

XXIO 9 Driver Review

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
• Opens in a new window.

• How To Wear
• Stage 1 10-Day Program
• Stage 2 7-Day Program

How the Tour Striker Smart Ball Can Help You Improve Your Golf Swing

Key Takeaway Table Feature Benefit Inflatable ball attached to an adjustable lanyard Easy to use and store Fits most clubs from drivers to wedges Versatile and adaptable Molded guides for proper hand placement Improves grip strength and consistency Keeps the ball between your arms throughout the swing Ensures your arms are working together Provides realistic feedback and feel Develops muscle memory and confidence

Golf is a game that demands an ongoing commitment to honing one's skills. From mastering the grip, adjusting posture, aligning the swing plane, to ensuring a solid connection, every golfer has a unique aspect they're keen to improve. Training aids are invaluable resources in this journey towards golfing excellence, and the Tour Striker Smart Ball is one such device that has garnered a great deal of attention in the golf community. In this blog post, we delve into customer feedback on the Tour Striker Smart Ball to unveil how it could be the companion you need to refine your swing.

Customer Reviews

The Tour Striker Smart Ball has emerged as a favorite among golf training aids, boasting high ratings and a flood of positive reviews from golf enthusiasts spanning all skill levels—from novices to seasoned pros. Here's a breakdown of the recurring themes echoed in the customer reviews, shedding light on the pros and cons of incorporating the Tour Striker Smart Ball in your training regimen.

• Grip Alignment & Pressure : One of the fundamental merits of the device is its ability to help golfers with grip alignment and pressure. Achieving the right grip is the stepping stone to a successful swing, and the Smart Ball is lauded for its effectiveness in this area.
• Swing Technique Refinement : Golfers have found that the Smart Ball is instrumental in honing swing techniques. Whether it's about maintaining the right width, adhering to the correct plane, or ensuring a solid connection, this training aid has proven to be a reliable ally.
• Enhanced Ball Striking, Distance, & Accuracy : With the aid of the Smart Ball, many have seen notable improvements in ball striking, which in turn has had a positive ripple effect on the distance and accuracy of their shots.
• Putting Practice : Beyond the swing, some users have found the Smart Ball to be a valuable asset in putting practice, underscoring its versatility.
• Durability & Comfort : The robust construction of the Smart Ball ensures it withstands the rigors of regular use, while its comfort-oriented design makes it a joy to use during practice sessions.
• Ease of Use & Adjustment : The simplicity in design translates to ease of use and adjustment, which is a huge plus especially for those who are new to using training aids.
• Portability & Lightweight : Whether you're practicing indoors or on the green, the Smart Ball is your portable companion. Its lightweight nature makes it a hassle-free addition to your golf kit.
• Cost-Effectiveness : For the value it brings to the table, many customers agree that the Smart Ball is a cost-effective solution to some common golfing challenges.
• Fit Issues : A handful of customers have pointed out that the Smart Ball may not fit some clubs or grips, which could be a setback for some.
• Grip Style Compatibility : Different golfers have different grip styles and preferences, and a few reviews indicate that the Smart Ball may not suit all.
• Wear and Tear : Like any physical product, the Smart Ball is subject to wear and tear over time. Some customers have reported that it may wear out or tear with extensive use.
• Initial Odor : A minor point of contention is the odor that is present when the Smart Ball is first opened, although this seems to dissipate over time.
• Inflation/Deflation for Optimal Use : Depending on personal preference, some users may find the need to inflate or deflate the Smart Ball for optimal use.

Customer Experience Stories

The true essence of a product is often captured in the stories of those who have used it. The Tour Striker Smart Ball has been the protagonist in many such stories where it played a pivotal role in helping golfers overcome their swing hurdles.

• Fixing Hooks : One golfer recounted how the Smart Ball helped him rectify his hook to hit straighter shots.
• Aiding Beginners : Another user, a beginner, found the Smart Ball to be a great asset in learning the correct grip, which is the cornerstone of a good swing.
• Grip Check Reminder : A seasoned golfer appreciated the Smart Ball as a reminder to check his grip before every shot, reinforcing good habits.
• Improving Swing, Chipping, and Pitching : The journey of one customer saw a marked improvement in swing, chipping, and pitching—thanks to the Smart Ball.
• Indoor Simulator Setup : For those with an indoor simulator setup, the Smart Ball proved to be a perfect addition, enhancing the practice experience.
• Better than Other Mats : In comparison to other mats, one user found the Smart Ball to be a superior choice.
• Understanding Connectivity and Rotation : Delving deeper into the mechanics of a swing, a customer noted how the Smart Ball facilitated a better understanding of the connectivity and rotation necessary for a proper golf swing.
• Gift Material : The Smart Ball also made its way as a cherished gift for a golf-loving father, emphasizing its appeal across different age groups and skill levels.
• Fun & Addictive : Lastly, the element of fun and addiction to using the Smart Ball was a sentiment echoed by another satisfied customer, highlighting how training with it can be an enjoyable endeavor.

Transitioning to a more technical perspective, let's delve into how the Tour Striker Smart Ball engages with the mechanics of a golf swing, and what makes it a cut above the rest.

Technical Analysis: Unpacking the Mechanics

The Tour Striker Smart Ball is not just a hit among golf enthusiasts due to its ease of use or affordability. Its real charm lies in the technical edge it provides to golfers keen on elevating their swing game. Let's dissect the mechanics of how the Smart Ball interacts with the golf swing, and why it's a worthy investment for those on a quest for that perfect swing.

Grip Enhancement

The grip is the golfer's sole connection to the club, and as such, it's paramount that this connection is both secure and correctly aligned. The molded guides on the Smart Ball provide an ergonomic platform for golfers to place their hands, aiding in achieving a grip that's both comfortable and technically sound.

Swing Plane Correction

The swing plane is a critical aspect that influences the direction and trajectory of the ball. The Tour Striker Smart Ball, by virtue of its design, encourages a more consistent and correct swing plane. By keeping the ball between the arms throughout the swing, it helps in aligning the swing plane in a way that's conducive to hitting straighter and more accurate shots.

Connection and Rotation

A common challenge many golfers face is achieving a solid and synchronized rotation of the upper and lower body during the swing. The Smart Ball aids in keeping the arms and body connected throughout the swing, which in turn fosters a better rotation and, consequently, a more powerful and controlled swing.

Muscle Memory and Confidence

Practice with the Smart Ball translates to better muscle memory as it provides realistic feedback with each swing. Over time, this consistent feedback loop fosters confidence in one’s swing, which is indispensable on the golf course.

Technical Takeaway Table Aspect How Tour Striker Smart Ball Helps Grip Enhancement Provides ergonomic molded guides for proper hand placement Swing Plane Correction Encourages a correct and consistent swing plane through arm positioning Connection and Rotation Aids in synchronized body rotation by keeping arms and body connected Muscle Memory and Confidence Realistic feedback fosters muscle memory and builds confidence

Comparison with Other Training Aids

The market is awash with a plethora of golf training aids, each with its unique set of features and benefits. However, the Tour Striker Smart Ball stands out for a variety of reasons when pitted against other training aids.

Versatility

The Tour Striker Smart Ball is adept at addressing a wide spectrum of common golf swing issues, be it grip, swing plane, or body rotation. This versatility is something not all training aids can boast of.

Ease of Use

With its simplistic design and intuitive use, the Smart Ball lowers the entry barrier for golfers new to using training aids. Its ease of use is a big draw, making it less daunting for beginners while still being effective for more experienced golfers.

Cost-effectiveness

In a sport where training aids can sometimes carry hefty price tags, the affordability of the Tour Striker Smart Ball is a breath of fresh air. It provides a cost-effective solution without compromising on the quality of training it offers.

Portability

The design of the Smart Ball allows for easy storage and transportation, making it a convenient choice for golfers who are always on the move.

In conclusion, the Tour Striker Smart Ball is a well-rounded training aid that caters to a broad range of golfers regardless of their skill level. Its technical benefits coupled with its ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and portability make it a valuable addition to any golfer's training arsenal. So, whether you are a novice golfer or a seasoned pro, investing in a Tour Striker Smart Ball could very well be a step towards achieving your golfing goals.

List of Comparable Golf Training Aids

• The Impact Snap Device
• The SKLZ Gold Flex
• The Orange Whip Trainer
• The Izzo Smooth Swing Trainer
• The Matzie Assist Swing Trainer

The journey towards golfing excellence is a rewarding yet challenging one, and having the right training aids by your side can make a significant difference. The Tour Striker Smart Ball is indeed a worthy companion in this quest, making the elusive perfect swing a tangible reality.

The Magic Move

Force External Rotation Into Your Trail Arm

No Swing Thoughts Needed as levering torque twists your trail arm from transition to impact; helping to drive with your right elbow and lead from out in front.

Right Way To Rotate

Get A Tour Level Rotational Body Swing Sequence

Starting shallow correctly unlocks positions you couldn't rotate into before. RAPTOR forces hip and lower body rotation to lead everything else into place; generating tour power at impact.

RAPTOR Shallow Force Golf Swing Training Aid

• In Stock, Ready To Ship
• Inventory on the way

Conquer a transformation from being a  steep over the top  player to a ball striker that's consistently  shallow from the inside . Invest in yourself, and be rewarded for the rest of your life with rounds filled with a  majority of flush shots and more joyful grin moments.

Our dual pulley lever system forces your trail arm into external rotation in the downswing using leveraged torque generated by leading lower body rotation. All connected and held together with sturdy gym level construction of quality materials through battle tested and proven designs.

WAIST SIZE : Adjusts 32" to 44" ARM SIZE : Adjusts 9.5" to 16.5" DEXTERITY : Both RH and LH

SET INCLUDES : Belt, arm strap, all three level force bands (30 Starter, 40 Medium, 50 Heavy), drawstring bag, instructions and Training Course .

A set includes all three force bands.

The 30lb Starter is suggested for first time users as it can sufficiently handle most golfers and can also be fine tune adjusted by turning the belt. Also, ideal for pitch and half swings.

The 40lb Medium is suggested for users needing more strength to tame a more stubborn trail arm. Also, ideal for compacting and structuring backswings, and full swings.

The 50lb Heavy is suggested for very strong users who overpower the Medium. Ideal for full swings.

Shipping is FREE of charge to customers with U.S.A. addresses. Orders are shipped out on the following business day (Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm PST) via UPS Ground. Read More

We have a No Questions Asked 30-day return policy starting from the date you receive delivery of your item to request a return. Read More

Infringement violations are strictly enforced for liability and damages, and pursued severely to the fullest extent of the law. Read More

• Remember me Not recommended on shared computers

Forgot your password?

• Create Account
• Training Aids, GPS Devices, Apps, Accessories & More!

Tour Striker Smart Ball worth it?

By TexasFullSend October 1, 2020 in Training Aids, GPS Devices, Apps, Accessories & More!

• Reply to this topic
• Start new topic

Recommended Posts

Texasfullsend.

What's up y'all!

As our summer comes to an end, I was wondering if anyone of you guys have used the Tour Striker Smart Ball to improve their game. What Pros and Cons did you get out of it and overall thoughts? 

Driver: Taylormade Sim 2 Max

3 Wood: Callaway Epic Max

Driving Iron: Titleist u510

Hybrid: Taylormade Gapr

Irons: Taylormade P760

Wedges: Vokey Jet Black 52/56/60

Putter: Taylormade Spider X

Ball: ProV1x

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

Vegan_Golfer_PNW

Following this. I have the planemate but this sounds great to help keep the body connected.

Follow my journey to enjoying golf and going low

Bag: Vessel VLX 2.0

Grip: Lamkin Sonar +  Midsize 

My Reviews:

Caley 01X Driving Iron Review  2023

Max Swing Speed Training and Speed Progress : Current Speed 120  in the MGS Speed Challenge (updated 3/15/23)

• mpatrickriley

I really like Martin Chuck's content and training aids, but have a very difficult time swallowing a nearly $45 price tag for a ball on a lanyard. There are various generic versions (I have one and have used it), and a DIY version would be pretty simple.

I think the concept of the Smart Ball is helpful, perhaps better than the various bands (or shirts) for holding the arms together. In general, I think it's better for a training aid to  resist  the correct motion, forcing you to do the correct motion in response, than to  force  the correct motion, where you're resisting the correction. In this regard,  having  to hold the ball in place is better than having a device that holds your arms in place.

Full WITB with pictures

Twitter             @THEZIPR23

"One thing Golf has taught me, is that my muscles have no memory."

22 minutes ago, GolfSpy MPR said: I really like Martin Chuck's content and training aids, but have a very difficult time swallowing a nearly $45 price tag for a ball on a lanyard. There are various generic versions (I have one and have used it), and a DIY version would be pretty simple. I think the concept of the Smart Ball is helpful, perhaps better than the various bands (or shirts) for holding the arms together. In general, I think it's better for a training aid to  resist  the correct motion, forcing you to do the correct motion in response, than to  force  the correct motion, where you're resisting the correction. In this regard,  having  to hold the ball in place is better than having a device that holds your arms in place.

So is this a two fold answer. The ball helps because the force of holding the ball helping maintain that feel. As well, i think you indirectly also commented here on the planemate, which has you resist, resist and then relax the band.  In both cases, I am assuming you mean these are both good training aids?

10 minutes ago, rbsiedsc said: So is this a two fold answer. The ball helps because the force of holding the ball helping maintain that feel. As well, i think you indirectly also commented here on the planemate, which has you resist, resist and then relax the band.  In both cases, I am assuming you mean these are both good training aids?

Sorta. I have a PlaneMate and intend to use it heavily this offseason. But in an ideal world, the PlaneMate would actually pull the shaft  steeper , which would force your body to learn how to shallow, rather than forcing you to do the correct move.

To be clear: I'm not at all saying that training aids that force you into the correct movement are  bad . But I increasingly favor aids that press the opposite direction.

8 minutes ago, GolfSpy MPR said: Sorta. I have a PlaneMate and intend to use it heavily this offseason. But in an ideal world, the PlaneMate would actually pull the shaft  steeper , which would force your body to learn how to shallow, rather than forcing you to do the correct move. To be clear: I'm not at all saying that training aids that force you into the correct movement are  bad . But I increasingly favor aids that press the opposite direction.

Makes sense. I wonder if you can backwards use the planemate, and get it to pull steeper. I know then you likely cant swing through since you'll get caught up but it could teach the feel.

I have one and I swear by it: I don’t use it as much anymore, but it does keep my arms and body working together. If you live somewhere that doesn’t allow for year-round golf it’s great for getting your swing back in shape. But it’s also easily DIY’d and at a certain level/handicap you won’t need the lanyard anymore. Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Driver - Cobra LtDxLS

3 Wood - Ping g410 LST

2iron - Titleist U505

Irons - Ping i59

Wedges - Vokey Sm9

Putter - Mizuno Mcraft IV

Yes, I like it.  Works great for practicing the chipping and pitching motions, rotating the chest and torso through the ball with the arms extended.

I have tried to use it for full swings, I just don't have the flexibility to keep it all together.

• 2 weeks later...

heavygolffeels

Just bought a $15 knock off on Amazon. I've been putting a red solo cub turned sideways to replicate the feel and I like the motion it generates. 

GARSEN GRIP TESTER

• Driver: PING G400 MAX, Ventus Blue 6x
• Woods: COBRA F6 Baffler AD DI 8S
• Hybrid: CALLAWAY Apex Pro, Ventus Blue 8s
• Irons: SRIXON ZX5 mk2 5-6, ZX7 mk2 7-PW, Modus 120x
• Wedges: EDEL 50 C grind, 54 V grind, CLEVELAND 60 RTX6 Low
• Putter: YES Abbie!

• GolfSpy AFG

I have both the PlaneMate and the SmartBall.  I agree with @GolfSpy MPR that it is on the expensive side, but since I got mine for Free 99 I was okay with it!

As to the ball's effectiveness, yes, definitely.  Like PlaneMate it is effective at teaching you to keep your arms and body in sync, and it especially effective at correcting folding arms in the backswing or chicken wings in the through swing.  That said, I find PlaneMate to be a lot more effective overall, so if you're choosing between the two PlaneMate is the choice.  My two cents...

• mpatrickriley and TexasFullSend

• 3 years later...

Renewing this thread because I started using my smart ball (knockoff) again this week and was wondering if any one still uses theirs? 

5 minutes ago, vandyland said: Renewing this thread because I started using my smart ball (knockoff) again this week and was wondering if any one still uses theirs? 

If it helps, lots of pros are still using it. It’s one of the best training aids out there Imo. 

Best training aid ever for me. Helps tremendously with my connection issues. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ping G430 Max Driver 10.5 Degree Titleist TSR1 4, 5, & 6 Hybrids  Titleist T350 Irons 7 - W48  Cleveland CBX ZipCore  52 56 & 60 Degree Wedges LAB Mezz Max Broomstick Putter / TPT Shaft  (Platinum @ 45/78)

On 11/15/2023 at 2:57 PM, vandyland said: Renewing this thread because I started using my smart ball (knockoff) again this week and was wondering if any one still uses theirs? 

Yep, use mine when I start to feel all out of sync. 

Heavygolfeels mentions it for putting. Smart Ball and putting...going to have to try that.

Golf cart MGI Zip Navigator

• 5 months later...

I'm surprised this doesn't get more attention. I think it’s one of the better training aids out there. It’s a simple concept, but most ideas are. I tend to revert to this whenever my strike is becoming inconsistent. It helps soften my hands and force me to lengthen my swing so I am not collapsing. 

GT2 10° Project X HZRDUS 6.0 Black 5G 60   GT2 16.5° Project X HZRDUS 6.0 Black 5G 70 TSR2 18° HZRDUS Black 6.0 4G  2 Iron T200 Utility HZRDUS Black 6.0 4 Iron T200 Utility HZRDUS Black 6.0 T150 5- PW (44) Nippon Modus 3 Tour 105 Stiff Vokey SM9 48.10 F Grind,  Vokey SM9 54.10 S Grind,  Vokey SM9 60.08 M Grind,  L.A.B DF3 Armlock Grip Master Tour Wrap Grips Garmin Z30

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

×   Pasted as rich text.    Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.    Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.    Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

• Insert image from URL
• Submit Reply

Who's Online    53 Members , 0 Anonymous, 291 Guests (See full list)

• Siamese Moose
• Off Map Oscar
• GolfSpy_APH
• GolfSpy_BEN
• Max Thompson
• vamosjackets
• Parshooter36
• Rico_de_Gallo
• ClevelandGirl
• Mr. Mushball
• GolfSpy_KFT
• TheHollow11
• Paul Dovishaw
• UpInTheAir10
• BillyEnforcee

Recently Browsing

• No registered users viewing this page.
• Buyers Guides
• Testers Wanted
• Forum Testing Reviews
• How To Be A Tester?
• CONTENT CORNER
• Breaking News and Debate
• Deals & Contests
• Articles of Interest
• MEMBER COMMUNITY
• Introduce Yourself/ WIYB (What's In Your Bag)
• The 19th Hole
• Virtual Tour and Competition
• General Q&A
• Spy Meetups
• GOLF PRODUCT REVIEWS
• Member Reviews
• GOLF EQUIPMENT
• General Equipment Talk
• Golf Balls/Shafts/Grips
• Golf Technology
• Golf Bags & Carts
• Club Making/Repair & DIY Projects
• Fashion & Style
• Junior Golf - By All Kids Golf Clubs
• Golf Education and Experiences
• Lessons, Drills, Mental Game, and Fitness Tips
• Golf Rules Discussion
• Golf Courses & Travel
• Staff Announcements
• Suggestion Box
• Bugs and Site Issues
• WMGS Forum - MyGolfSpy Women's Exclusive
• LPGA Events and Discussion
• Women's MyGolfSpy (WMGS) General Discussion Forum
• Equipment Chat!
• Women Spies - Contests and Competitions
• Lessons, Drills, Fitness and Training Aids
• Suggestion Box - Reach out to the Forum Staff (Open for All Member Responses)
• Daily Threads
• MyGolfSpy Forum Staff Articles

MGS Virtual Tour

• Current Week
• YTD Leaderboard
• MGS VCT Tour Card
• Moral Codes
• Leaderboard
• Member Streaks
• Forum Staff
• Classifieds

My Activity Streams

• Recent Content
• This Time Last Year
• Photo Stream
• Create New...

Master the Connected Swing: Ben Hogan Meets the Smart Ball

• Golf Swing , Lessons from Legends , Training Aids

• Partner List
• We may earn commission on sponsored links
• SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
• Partner LIST
• We earn commission on sponsored links

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.”

Best Golf Swing Training Aids 2024

Links Legacy: American Golfers and The Old Course at St Andrews

Fairway Funnies: How Charles Schulz Incorporated His Love of Golf into the Peanuts Comic Strip

Lost Links: Holy Island Golf Club

Essential Rain Gear for Your Scottish Golf Trip

10 Essential Tips for Playing Links Golf Courses

Contact Us         Privacy Policy         Legal         Posts         About Us

Copyright © 2024 LevelUp Sporting, LLC. All rights reserved.

RECEIVE CODES FOR $25 CREDIT & 15%  OFF AT OUR PRINT STORE

IMMEDIATE ACCESS TO OUR FULL LIST OF PARTNER DISCOUNT CODES

WEEKLY UPDATES ON NEW POSTS & EXCLUSIVE DEALS

​​​Tour Striker Smart Ball Review

The Tour Striker Smart Ball is one of the few training devices that can help you throughout your entire swing. It is a functional partial swing trainer, meaning it can help in certain areas of your swing. It is also a full swing trainer, which means it can be used through the entire swing as well. We have a list of golf swing training aids that we use daily with our students. With the increasing popularity of the Smart Ball, we decided to test it out to see if it could make our list of favorite trainers.

What is the Tour Striker Smart Ball?

​The Smart Ball is an inflatable ball connected to a lanyard that hangs around our neck. The way you use the Smart Ball is by hanging the inflated ball from your neck. You approach the ball (or just get in your swing stance if not using a ball) and now the ball is hanging freely. 

Tour Striker Smart Ball

​​Now you place the ball between the forearms and, as you swing your club, you try to keep the ball in place between your forearms. This training tool is what is known as a connection device. It is meant to train the arms to work synchronously, and it is meant to train the arms to work in unison with your body, especially the shoulders and hips.

As your arms work together with each other and your body, the result is a more unified contact which leads to cleaner contact and straighter, more powerful shots.

One of the claims of those that tout the greatness of the Tour Striker Smart Ball is that players of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, will benefit from training with it. Furthermore, it supposedly works with every club swing (drives, iron shots, chips, putts, etc.).

We, of course, were skeptical of this claim. Having thoroughly tested dozens of different training products, there are only a select few that can actually provide benefit to most golfers.

Testing the Striker Smart Ball

As is always the case when we test new products, we started with our own team members and took the Smart Ball to the range. The Smart Ball is very simplistic in its design, which lends itself to being very easy to use. Put the lanyard around your neck. Inflate the ball. Keep the ball between your arms during your swing. No instructions or further help from videos was necessary. It may be the easiest to use trainer we've tested to date. On our team we have a good mix of intermediate to advanced golfers and everything in between. All of us enjoyed using the Smart Ball. The simple design and ease of use are great and among the best we've seen. And we were amazed at how it truly could be used through the entire golf swing, from the beginning of the backswing all the way to the top of the follow through on both drives and iron shots. It gave each of us something slightly different to focus on based on our individual swing differences and tendencies, which was remarkable. As we moved on to testing the device with pitches and chips, the Smart Ball continued to impress. Again, each of us found that it was helpful in creating better contact throughout our shots. When we took it to the putting green, it didn't prove to be very helpful. It also didn't hinder us. It just felt arbitrary, which might be because we already have the fundamentals down in our putting swings.

​Whenever we get positive results through our own testing of new training aids, we start to incorporate them into our instruction with students. This is where we really can measure effectiveness and improvement. Most of our students really enjoyed using the Smart Ball, and it helped them feel how the arms and body move together. Using before and after videos, many of our students saw marked improvement in their swing, most commonly in the backswing and downswing. Where the Smart Ball fell short was with brand new to beginner golfers. For many, swinging a golf club can feel really strange at first. And some take a while before they start feeling somewhat comfortable swinging a club. When we added the Smart Ball to the mix with these types of players, the result was mostly frustration. Interestingly, however, newcomers and newly beginners did benefit a lot from using the Smart Ball to learn proper putting form.

​Our Tour Striker Ball Final Verdict

​​​The Smart Ball is one of the simplest to use trainers we've ever tested. It is also one of the most affordable swing aids out there. We do not recommend the Smart Ball for newcomers to the sport, except for learning to putt. For you newcomers, our top recommendation would be the Orange Whip . For more intermediate to advanced players, we fully endorse the Tour Striker Smart Ball. This tool will absolutely benefit you by unifying arm and body movement through your swing in almost every type of shot, including pitching, chipping, iron shots, and drives. This versatility truly makes this a remarkable tool.

• Smart Ball Sleeve
• Tour Striker Toolbox
• Tour Striker Pitching Wedge
• Impact Sling
• Tour Striker Super Bundle!
• Tour Striker Alignment Sticks (3-Pack)
• Tour Striker 7-Iron
• Tour Striker Pro X 7
• Tour Striker Bundle - PW & 7-Iron
• Tour Path Putting System
• Tour Striker S.A.M.I.
• Teeless Driver
• Tour Striker Gift Cards
• Open Box Deals
• Anniversary LIMITED EDITONS
• Tour Striker Plus (TS+)
• ReciPe for Better Golf
• BOMBS: Consistently Smash the Driver [Digital Streaming Series]
• PlaneMate 2.0 Lesson Series
• Video Swing Analysis
• Tour Striker Golf Academy

What is the S.A.M.I. and how can it help you?

S.A.M.I. is an acronym for  S tructural  A wareness  M otion  I nstrument  and it is designed to help you:

• Maintain Arm Structure & Extension
• Learn Proper Clubhead Control
• Master Hand & Path Awareness
• Understand ‘Hinging’ vs. ‘Flipping’
• Improve Short Game and Putting Technique

Watch these videos below to learn how to practice with the S.A.M.I.

Tour Striker S.A.M.I. Video Playlist

Please note:  Customs policies and fees vary from country to country. International shipping  does not include customs or duties  imposed by each country, so if your particular country imposes a duty or customs fee, they will charge you independently from our shipping fee.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

You may also like