Learning from your ball flight

Thursday, November 14, 2013

The flight of your ball reveals all you need to know about your swing and what you must do to improve it. Compare your shots to the picture below, which illustrates the nine most common ball flights. When you've identified your swing fault, simply click for tips to fix it!

Identify your desired ball flight, or the fault you wish to correct

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The Straight Shot

Jack Nicklaus famously said "Any straight shot with a long club is a fluke", and indeed the touring professional almost never tries to hit the ball "straight", preferring a controlled fade or a draw to give himself more fairway to aim at. For most handicap golfers, however, keeping it "straight" is the main concern. Here's how.

Please note: all lessons refer to right-handed golfers

For the average golfer hitting the ball straight can be difficult to master, but the key to the straight shot lies in a perfectly parallel set-up position

Firstly, the club face should be aligned at 90 degrees to the target line. The body alignment (feet, knees, hips and shoulders) should then be aligned parallel to the target line. From this set-up position the player will have a greater chance of producing the in-to-square-to-in swing path, needed to hit a straight shot.

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The Fade

Favoured by many of the most accurate golfers in history, such as Harry Vardon, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus and Colin Montgomerie, the fade can help you stay on the fairway off the tee and stop the ball on firm, fast greens.

Please note: all lessons refer to right-handed golfers

Players who set up with the weight distributed in the heels with poor spinal tilt will often struggle with poor rotation of the body this can lead to the club being trapped inside the line as the arms have no room to swing through the ball.

A good posture, with the weight on the balls of the feet, will create room for the hips and torso to rotate in the downswing, leading to the arms swinging on a better path out in front of the body.

This will improve your consistency of strike and direction.

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Curing the Pull

The pull is actually a close relation of the slice, at least as far as body alignment and swing path are concerned, which is why many slicers occasionally hit a pull.

Please note: all lessons refer to right-handed golfers

A pull shot is the result of an 'out to in ' swing path with the face square to the path.

Curing the pull lies in trying to achieve an inside path into the ball. An easy way to gain this feeling is to place an alignment aid on the ground near the ball, this should be pointing right of target. The idea is to track the line of the alignment before and after impact. This feeling should improve the club path and straighten up the ball flight.

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Curing the Hook

A shot that seems to have a mind of its own, and despite its reputation as "the good golfer's fault", even the best players in the world hate a hook. Follow these simple tips and get it back on the straight and narrow.

Please note: all lessons refer to right-handed golfers

For many golfers a hook shot can be a consistent nightmare on the golf course.

This shot is usually caused by the club face being closed throughout the swing due to a poor grip.

A 'strong' hold on the club with more than 3/4 knuckles showing on the left hand and the right hand underneath the shaft will often cause this closed club face position.

Although grip changes can feel awkward at first, the grip needs to be neutral in order to control the flight.

If you are hooking the ball, check that the lines created by the thumb and forefinger on both hands point between the chin and right shoulder.

A hookers grip will point more at the right hip.

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Curing the Pull Hook

Probably the most dreaded shot in golf, the shank can cause panic when it strikes and the result is usually more shanks! Step back, breathe slowly and deeply, and work through these simple tips to eliminate it.

Please note: all lessons refer to right-handed golfers

The pull hook starts left of target and then curves further left.

It is usually the result of a strong grip and the ball too far forward in the stance which opens the shoulders.

This encourages an 'out-to-in' swing path and a closed clubface at impact.

Weaken your grip to a more neutral position (turn hands to the left).

Check your aim and alignment, pick your target and place a club along the line of your feet, place another club parallel to this one and position the ball in the middle of your stance.

Check your aim is where you want the ball to go! The ball being further back in your stance will delay the clubface closing through impact.

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The Draw

This powerful, right-to-left flighted shot, can adds yards to all your shots. Once you've cured your slice, learning to hit a controlled, soft draw will suddenly make every course seem much shorter!

Please note: all lessons refer to right-handed golfers

The Draw starts right of the target and curves left, back to the target.

A slightly stronger grip will encourage a right to left ball flight.

To hit the Draw, set up to the right of target with your clubface aiming at the target.

The swing path required for a draw is 'in-to-out'. Aim your clubface at the target and swing along your bodyline. The 'in to out' swing path and closed clubface to that path will put anti-clockwise spin on the ball and produce a right to left ball flight.

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The Push

The push is actually a close relation of the hook, at least as far as body alignment and swing path are concerned, which is why many hookers occasionally hit a push.

Please note: all lessons refer to right-handed golfers

The push shot starts to the right of the target and continues straight right. It is caused by body alignment being right of target, an 'in to out' swing path and the clubface being square to that swing path.

To Cure The Push: Make sure alignment is square. When practising, use a couple of clubs on the ground one club pointing to the target then the second club parallel to this, this will keep the feet, knees, hips shoulders in the correct position helping to swing the club along the target line, and make sure you have a neutral grip.

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The Slice

The slice - a curly, weak 'banana' shot - is the classic fault of the majority of mid to high handicap golfers. And the more you slice, the further left you aim to compensate, and the more you slice! Break out of that vicious circle with these simple pointers.

Please note: all lessons refer to right-handed golfers

The Slice classically starts left of the target but finishes right of the target.

It is caused by the swing path being 'out to in', a weak grip and the clubface being open at impact.

To cure the slice: Swing on a more 'in to out' swing path (a feeling of the club swinging more around you and into the ball). Use a slightly stronger grip (turn your hands to the right) with the clubface square at impact.

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The Push Slice

Not only is the push slice generally a weak shot, it will also leave you far from the fairway or green, in the thick stuff or out of bounds.

Please note: all lessons refer to right-handed golfers

The push slice starts right of the target and curves further right.

Any of three possible swing paths can help to cause it, so follow these easy steps to keep it at bay...

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The Swing

No two golf swings are exactly alike, but all good swings are built around the same fundamentals. After working on the correct Set Up, these simple pointers will give you all the basics you need for a sound golf swing.

Please note: all lessons refer to right-handed golfers

• Good posture is vital to create a consistent swing.

• The feeling when stood over the ball should be tall, balanced and relaxed.

• The backswing should be smooth and full, be sure to get a 90 degree shoulder turn.

• At the top of the swing you should feel you have turned your back to the target.

• The downswing again should be smooth; be patient at the start of the downswing, do not hit AT the ball.

• Complete the swing with your belt buckle facing the target and maintain good balance.

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Distance

We'd all like more distance on our shots, but how to get it?

Hitting the ball far is not just a matter of strength and effort. Good swing mechanics are every bit as important. Try these tips and remember: you're trying to swing the club through the ball, not hit at it.

Please note: all lessons refer to right-handed golfers

• Try teeing the ball a little higher than you are used to, this encourages a more sweeping action putting less backspin on the ball and an improved launch angle.

• To increase distance you need to increase club head speed. When hitting for distance soften the grip pressure, it is impossible to get the maximum speed through the ball if you are gripping too tightly, the softer hands will allow for a better release, giving those extra yards.

• Swing through the ball do not hit at it! Practice with a tee peg in the ground, trying to brush the very top of the tee.

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Pitching

Modern golfers have the advantage of a wide choice of pitching clubs, or wedges, to help make the business of pitching easier. But whatever your choice of weapon, the basics of the short pitch are the same. Sharpen you short game with this simple tip.

Please note: all lessons refer to right-handed golfers

• Accurate pitching reduces your golf handicap. Turning three strokes into two by pitching close to the pin cuts strokes from your scores. Learning to pitch accurately is crucial to improving your game.

• The tendency for many amateurs is for the swing to be either too long, in which case the club head decelerates through impact, or too short, in which case the club head is flicked through impact. Either way it costs you strokes.

• Next time you are practicing your pitching, picture yourself standing in a clock face, with your left arm as the 'hour hand' swing the club as far through as you swing back, for example 8 o clock to 4 o clock, 9 o clock to 3 o clock etc.

• This method will encourage you to keep the club accelerating through impact.

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Chipping

However well you play, you're going to miss greens. Even the 2010 PGA Tour's Greens in Regulation leader (John Senden) only hit 72.5% of them! Getting it 'up and down' around the green and consistently turning three shots into two is one of the keys to good scoring. Practice and master this, and your handicap will tumble!

Please note: all lessons refer to right-handed golfers

• If you struggle with chip shots around the green and tend to stub the club into the ground or shoot the ball across the green, there is a very good chance that you have a chipping style that is making the leading edge too prominent.

• Set up with the club shaft vertical rather than pushing the hands and handle too far in front of the ball. This will put a slight hinge in the back of the left wrist; try to maintain this hinge throughout the swing.

• The aim of this swing is to brush the grass and finish with the clubface just short of waist high and facing the sky; a good image is to see if you think you could hold a glass on the clubface.

• Done correctly this will ensure you start to use the bounce of the club as it was designed.

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The Lob Shot

You might not become Phil Mickelson overnight, but these few tips will help you add this vital scoring shot to your short game repertoire. Confidence, trusting your swing and letting the club do the work are all essential here, so practice it well before you try it on the course!

Please note: all lessons refer to right-handed golfers

• Today players have a selection of different lofted wedges to choose from, with the 60 degree wedge often referred to as the lob wedge. This club is capable of getting the ball up quickly and stopping almost as soon as it lands.

• The lob shot however is a high risk shot. The first thing you must assess is how is the ball lying? To play a lob shot successfully the ball needs to be "sitting up" as this enables you to slide the club under the ball.

• The key to playing these shots is to open the clubface before taking your grip; you will have your thumbs on what is normally the left side of the handle/grip. This grip enables you to keep the clubface open throughout the swing.

• Hinge your wrists early and accelerate through impact, trust that the club will pop the ball in the air for you.

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Getting out of Bunkers

You've heard on television - most pros would rather be in sand, than on a tight lie on grass around the green. Yet bunkers often strike fear into the heart of high-handicap golfers. Learn these simple tips, then spend some time gaining confidence in your local practice bunker, and banish that fear of the sand forever!

Please note: all lessons refer to right-handed golfers

• If you struggle to get the ball out of bunkers or have difficulty controlling the distance of your bunker shots, there is a good chance your angle of attack into the sand is too steep.

• The tour players have great control out of the bunkers because they come into the ball relatively shallow, and never dig the club head into the sand.

• This is a great drill to improve your angle of attack and give you a shallower swing arc. Lightly put a foot print in the sand and place the ball 2 inches in front of the heel. Set up with the ball slightly ahead of centre and through impact try to remove the footprint with the club head.

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Putting tip and drill

"Drive for show - putt for dough". Depending on your handicap, putting is anywhere from a third to a half of all the strokes you take in a round.

It may not be as much fun as booming away big drives on the range, but practising reliable approach putting and good holing-out are two of the most valuable skills you can learn.

Please note: all lessons refer to right-handed golfers

• Many club golfers struggle to hit a consistent speed with their putts and also struggle to hit their intended line.

• One of the main reasons is their wrists are hinging excessively throughout the stroke, affecting the path and the loft of the putter.

• A great drill to improve your stroke and reduce the activity of the wrists is to use an alignment stick. Place the stick into the back of the putter and into your sternum; make sure the stick is parallel to the putter shaft. As you make your stroke ensure the stick remains parallel to the shaft.

• Done correctly this will massively reduce the involvement of the wrists and provide you with greater control of the path and the loft of the putter resulting in a consistency of strike and better distance control.

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Playing from Awkward Lies

Even if you can stay out of the thick stuff, there will be times in a round when your ball is not on a perfectly flat lie, either above or below your feet, up- or downhill. Stay calm. With a few small adjustments, you can turn these 'awkward' lies into simple shots.

Please note: all lessons refer to right-handed golfers

• Uneven lies tend to fill amateurs with dread and can easily lead to a poor strike and be the ruin of many a card.

• With uphill and downhill lies, the key is to get your spine perpendicular to the slope. This gives the feeling that you are playing from a flat lie and you can make as normal a swing as possible.

  

With sidehill lies:

• When the ball is above your feet, grip down the club so you can assume a posture as normal as possible.

• If the ball is below your feet, widen your stance and flex your knees a little more helping you to get the club down to the ball.

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Curing the Thin / Top

You're all set for that soaring five wood to the heart of the green, or a towering wedge that drops right by the hole - and what do you get? Your wood runs 50 yards, all along the ground, or the wedge shoots ankle-high straight through the green into the rough behind. The thin or top is a horrible feeling - put a stop to it now!

Please note: all lessons refer to right-handed golfers

• If hit a lot of iron shots thin or fat, or if you are one of the many club golfers who suffers from hitting the ball too high, not getting enough difference in length between your longer irons, there is a very good chance that your impact position requires attention.

• All good, consistent ball strikers have the club shaft and lead arm in line as they strike the ball, and not before!

• To get a feel for this position, try this drill. Put a coat hanger down the left side of the handle of the club and take your grip as normalyl as possible. The coat hanger should be up against the inside of your left forearm. The aim of this drill is to keep the connection of the coat hanger and your left forearm throughout the swing.

• Done correctly your left wrist will be a lot flatter at impact, your right wrist will have a slight hinge and the club and left arm will be in line. This will also give you the feeling of swinging down into the ball.

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Curing the Fat / Duff

Few shots in golf are more frustrating than a big, fat duff. All that effort and care, then you hit behind the ball, take a huge divot and the ball goes nowhere... Work on these simple tips next time you're on the range, and start hitting the ball crisply and cleanly.

Please note: all lessons refer to right-handed golfers

There are several reasons why these shots occur:

• Gripping the club too loosely or tightly

• Playing the ball too far back or too far forward in the stance

• Leaving your weight on the right side at impact

• Actively moving the lower half of your body too quickly through the golf shot leaving the club to come down on a steep downward swing

• Un-cocking your wrists (or releasing) too early on the down swing and trying to lift the ball into the air is also a common cause of the duff shot.

• A simple drill to help correct these faults is by hitting some shots with your feet and knees together, remembering to hold the club firmly but not tight - about 5 on a scale of 1-10.

• Move the body weight to the left from the top of the backswing through impact, release the wrists as late as possible, by driving forward with the right hip and hand and get the feeling of driving into the back of the ball with the club still descending.

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Playing from Plugged Lies

When your ball is lying partly buried in its own pitchmark, it is said to be 'plugged'. Local rules, particulary when courses are very wet, will often allow a free drop from a plugged lie, but otherwise you'll have to play the ball as it lies. OK, you've been unlucky - now, make the best of things by following these simple tips.

Please note: all lessons refer to right-handed golfers

To play a 'plugged' ball:

• Select a lofted club such as a pitching wedge or 9 iron

• Grip the club firmly but in the normal grip position

• Play the ball position back in your stance with hands slightly forward, ahead of the ball position

• Play a three quarter length swing to 'punch' the ball forward.

The key points to remember are: 

• Take a lofted club, grip it firmly and play the ball back in your stance

• Keep your weight on the left side throughout the swing, hitting down into the ball with a restricted 'punch' follow through.

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Curing the Shank

Probably the most dreaded shot in golf, the shank can cause panic when it strikes and the result is usually more shanks! Step back, breathe slowly and deeply, and work through these simple tips to eliminate it.

Please note: all lessons refer to right-handed golfers

The shank occurs when the ball is hit by the neck of the iron, and flies violently to the right. The shank is caused by:

• Too much tension in the grip;

• Too much weight on the toes in the downswing;

• An excessive out-to-in swing path, often when trying to hit the ball too hard.

To cure the shank:

•  Make sure you hold the club firmly, but not too tight - about 5 on a scale of 1-10.

• Feel the weight in your heels at address and during the swing, but stay balanced.

• Check your aim and alignment at address to make sure you are not standing open. Keep your feet parallel to the target line and swing the club along that line.

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Club Selection & Distances

No two golfers hit the ball exactly alike, and external factors such as temperature, altitude and wind will influence distance. Most of us don't hit the ball as far as we fondly imagine, with the result that we tend to take too little club and then hit too hard. Take some time to measure out your average distances, take enough club and play within yourself - you'll be far more consistent!

Please note: all lessons refer to right-handed golfers

• Our Top Tip is to calculate your average hitting distance on the range with a 7 iron, using a gentle easy swing. Once you have this calculation, you plus or minus 10 - 15 yards up or down the club scale, for example if you average 150 yards with a 7 iron you will probably achieve 160 - 165 yards with a 6 iron and 135 - 140 yards with an 8 iron.

• Other factors to determine correct club selection are whether you are hitting uphill or downhill, and the gradient of the slope. As a general rule take an extra club when playing uphill and a club less when playing downhill.

• An uphill lie increases the loft of your club and will encourage the ball to fly higher reducing distance. A downhill lie reduces the loft of your club and will result in a lower ball flight and more distance.

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Basic Knowledge of the Rules

The complexity of the Rules of Golf, not to mention the Decisions on the Rules, is such that few can have exhaustive knowledge of them.

But the most basic rules can and should be known by all. The following cover most everyday situations you will encounter, and if they don't:

a) play the course as you find it, and b) play the ball as it lies.

Please note: all lessons refer to right-handed golfers

BEFORE YOU BEGIN YOUR ROUND

- Read the Local Rules on the score card.

- Put an identification mark on your ball. If you can't identify your ball, it's lost.

- You are allowed a maximum of 14 clubs.

- During the round, don't ask for ‘advice’ from anyone except your partner or caddie. Don't give advice to anyone except your partner.

PLAYING THE BALL

- Play the ball as it lies, don't improve your lie, the area of your intended swing or your line of play by moving, bending or breaking anything fixed or growing except in fairly taking your stance or making your swing. If your ball lies in a bunker or a water hazard don't touch the ground in the bunker, or the 

ground, or water in the water hazard, before your downswing.

- Playing a wrong ball (except in a hazard) - in match play you lose the hole. In stroke play you incur a two-stroke penalty and you must then play the correct ball.

ON THE PUTTING GREEN

- You may repair ball marks and old hole plugs on the line of your putt but not any other damage, including spike marks.

- You may mark, lift and clean your ball on the putting green but always replace it on the exact spot.

Ball played from putting green strikes flagstick - in match play you lose the hole; in stroke play you incur a two-stroke penalty.

LIFTING, DROPPING AND PLACING THE BALL

- If a lifted ball is to be replaced its position must be marked. If a ball is to be dropped or placed in any other position (e.g. taking relief from GUR, etc.) it is recommended that the ball’s original position be marked.

- When dropping, stand erect, hold the ball at shoulder height and arm's length and drop it within two club-lengths of where the ball lies, not nearer the hole.

LOST BALL OR OUT OF BOUNDS

- Check the Local Rules on the score card to identify the boundaries of the course. If your ball is lost outside a water hazard or out of bounds you must play another ball from the spot where the last shot was played under penalty of one stroke i.e. stroke and distance. You are allowed 5 minutes to search for a ball, after which if it is not found or identified it is lost. If, after playing a shot, you think your ball may be lost outside a water hazard or out of bounds you may play a ‘provisional ball’. You must state that it is a provisional ball and play it before you go forward to search for the original ball. If the original ball is lost or out of bounds you must continue with the provisional ball under penalty of one stroke. If the original ball is not lost or out of bounds, you must continue play of the hole with it and the provisional ball must be abandoned.

- Under a penalty of one stroke, you may drop a ball behind the hazard as far back as you wish keeping the point of entry in line with the flag or you may play from where you played the original shot.

WATER HAZARDS (yellow stakes)

- Ball in water hazard (yellow stakes and/or lines) - play the ball as it lies or, under penalty of one stroke,

a) play again from where you hit the ball into the hazard, or

b) drop any distance behind the water hazard keeping a straight line between the hole, the point where the ball last crossed the margin on the water hazard and the spot on which the ball is dropped.

LATERAL WATER HAZARDS (red stakes)

- Under a penalty of 1 stroke you have 4 options.

a) drop the ball within 2 club lengths to the side where the ball entered the hazard, not nearer the hole.

b) drop the ball behind the hazard as far as you wish keeping the point of entry in line with the flag.

c) play another ball from your original position.

d) drop a ball on the other side of the hazard, within 2 club lengths but not nearer the hole.

IMMOVABLE OBSTRUCTIONS

- Check the Local Rules on the score card for guidance on immovable obstructions (e.g. surfaced roads and paths etc.).

- Movable obstructions (e.g. rakes, tin cans etc.) anywhere on the course may be moved. If the ball moves it must be replaced without penalty.

UNPLAYABLE LIE

- It is your privilege (and you are the sole judge) to declare the ball unplayable at any place on the course except when the ball lies in or touches a water hazard, you may under penalty of one stroke,

(a) drop within two club-lengths of where the ball lies not nearer the hole,

(b) drop any distance behind the point where the ball lay keeping a straight line between the hole, the point where the ball lay and the spot on which the ball is dropped, or

(c) replay the shot.

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Course Management

Good golf is not just about hitting good shots. If you can't think your way round the course, you won't score well. Most handicap golfers could save several shots a round if they would learn to play the percentages and not attempt the impossible.

Please note: all lessons refer to right-handed golfers

• On a tight hole where the fairway narrows or bunkers loom, always play percentage golf

• More birdies will come with an 8 iron from the middle of the fairway than a wedge from the rough - so think about a three wood or a five wood from the tee

• Try not to play a shot that you have not practiced, and if in doubt, always play safe

• Tee the ball up as close to the trouble as you can - this way you are always hitting away from the danger.

• Remember - in golf, there is always a good place to hit a bad shot on every hole!

• A 'golf playing lesson' with your pro can also help identify your strengths and weaknesses and help with course management

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