There are many different tricks and techniques that can help you improve your game. The most important of those techniques are the golf swing basics. Learning the basics will have a bigger impact on your game than almost anything else that you may try.
Before you step up to the tee, your golf swing begins. Many amateurs lose focus and end up making a bad shot. Letting your surroundings impede on your focus is one of the biggest mistakes a golfer makes. If you can maintain your focus you have a much better chance at getting a great shot.
Another easy mistake happens during the backswing. Raising the club will cause you to not get the distance that you are aiming for. The energy from your swing is transferred to the ball upon impact. If you raise the club during the backswing, even if it is only slightly, it will greatly affect the shot.
Your grip is a very important part of your golf swing. When you grip the club too lightly then chances are you will slice the ball. On the other end of the spectrum, too tight of a grip can be just as bad. Rather than slicing the ball, you will probably hook it instead. It is important to find the grip that is both comfortable and effective before you go into the backswing.
The downswing is also highly important. It is recommended that your downswing is approximately 30-35% faster than your backswing. Mastering this is one of the hardest parts of the golf swing basics.