Tweet
I have been struggling with achieving really crisp ball striking. For some time now I have been trying to achieve the kind of downward strike that generates those beaver pelt divots you see from the tour guys on almost every shot. However, when I consciously focus on achieving a downward strike, I usually end up hitting way behind the ball.
I think that it is probably connected with another flaw typical of high handicappers - letting the clubhead get ahead of the hands, i.e. early hitting. If instead I could maintain the club angle until my hands get ahead of the ball, then the club would be coming through the hitting zone on a more downward angle. And it would occur as a natural part of the swing, without trying to create a downward angle of attack.
Practicing tonight, I was able to trick myself into creating that late hit with an exaggerated forward press before the takeway. That seemed to pre-load the angle into my backswing, but the results were erratic. However, the few times it came through correctly, the ball striking was amazing. Not only an extra 15 yards or so of carry, but the trajectory seemed much more controlled. Definitely higher, but also a much straighter ball flight if that makes sense. However, using that kind of a gimic is not the permanent solution I am looking for even if I could become consistent with the 'right' amount of forward press.
So then - am I right that the late hit and a crisp downward strike are connected? And if so, what drills are there that can help maintain or create that late hit that leads to clean ball striking?
Sorry for such a long post, but this really seems to be the key to the game for me. I am entirely self taught, and believe I have a good understanding of the swing. But I can't seem to solve this one.
I think that it is probably connected with another flaw typical of high handicappers - letting the clubhead get ahead of the hands, i.e. early hitting. If instead I could maintain the club angle until my hands get ahead of the ball, then the club would be coming through the hitting zone on a more downward angle. And it would occur as a natural part of the swing, without trying to create a downward angle of attack.
Practicing tonight, I was able to trick myself into creating that late hit with an exaggerated forward press before the takeway. That seemed to pre-load the angle into my backswing, but the results were erratic. However, the few times it came through correctly, the ball striking was amazing. Not only an extra 15 yards or so of carry, but the trajectory seemed much more controlled. Definitely higher, but also a much straighter ball flight if that makes sense. However, using that kind of a gimic is not the permanent solution I am looking for even if I could become consistent with the 'right' amount of forward press.
So then - am I right that the late hit and a crisp downward strike are connected? And if so, what drills are there that can help maintain or create that late hit that leads to clean ball striking?
Sorry for such a long post, but this really seems to be the key to the game for me. I am entirely self taught, and believe I have a good understanding of the swing. But I can't seem to solve this one.