You have probably read scores of articles about improving the most basic aspect of your golf game—namely the swing. But that is probably the biggest part of the problem because too many swings that have something terribly wrong with them are as a result of being complicated excessively by too much thinking and generally trying to do too much and work too hard at improving.
Like in everything else in this life the best advice is you should keep everything simple. All you need to develop is a good rhythm and endeavor to keep your movements as natural as you possibly can.
It all starts with the backswing which incidentally starts with the arms—and NOT the hands. The left shoulder and hips should turn naturally to allow the weight to shift smoothly to the right side. As the golf club continues in the back swing to the top, accordingly the shoulders should continue to turn. Over-swinging at the top will break the rhythm and cause slower club speed and awkward movement.
The next stage of the rhythmic movement is the downswing. The idea is to return the club head to the ball with maximum speed. Yet the idea should not be to apply strength to hit it hard. This breaks the rhythm. As much as possible you should relax and allow the movements of your body to create the motion and power you are looking for. The most common mistake with downswings is stiffening the body to make an effort to use strength to hit the ball as hard as possible. Too hard of a down swing will always cause bad golf shots and a swing that is far from being superior.
A good finish is very important. The finish needs to be high. Most beginners tend to finish low or to the left. This causes topped shots and it is usually that more difficult to get the ball airborne. The follow through motion should be steady while maintaining the same direction and continue to a high position. The correct position of the body in the finish is your right knee facing the target and your right foot up so that all spikes are visible. The hands should be close to your left ear and very high.
The perfect or superior golf swing is where your body finds the rhythm and feel to make the right movements with minimal straining. Your body should find the most natural way to indulge in the motions while keeping the basics that I have just described in mind.