Impact Zone: 4" drill

I read the book, but I am no experts instructor.  From my understanding, the impact zone for the irons is a descending strike meaining the club impacts the ball before the bottom or low point of the swing arc.  So what you are focusing on 4"  in front of the ball is supposed to be that bottom or low point. 

Therefore with a sweeping swing on the hybrid, you don't want contact to be as much prior to the low point.  You still want to hit the ball before the bottom consistently though, or else you lose directional control and consistency.  I speculate that the "shape" of the hybrid sole helps prevent the golfer from digging into the turf since you are trying to "time" the arc bottom with the ball.

I hope this helps, I could probably draw it easier than I can explain it.

I use it for everything except wedges and driver.  When I practice, I focus on getting my weight to shift so that my focal point is the low point.  On the course, it is just the focal point and no other swing thought.

It really helps when you are struggling and lots of negative thoughts pop into your head.  Clear your mind and focus on the point.

Can you elaborate on this drill? Sounds like it would help me ALOT

If you are at a range with mats, place a small piece of masking tape 2-3" in front of the ball.  Focus on the tape and swing.  You are trying to move the tape and swinging through the ball to get it. With grass ranges, put a broken tee down 2-3 inches in front of the ball, pushed down level with the turf, and do the same thing.  The point Clampett is making is the ball is not the focus, the low point is.

Quote:

Originally Posted by boogielicious 

If you are at a range with mats, place a small piece of masking tape 2-3" in front of the ball.  Focus on the tape and swing.  You are trying to move the tape and swinging through the ball to get it. 

That's a great idea. All my ranges are mat ranges. In the summer they'll usually let you hit off the grass if you go to the far end but in the winter (dome) there are no options but to hit off of mats. I'll be bringing a roll of painter's tape next time I go. Thanks a ton for the idea.

I have a cut down rubber tee that extends maybe 1/4" above the surface of the mat.  I place the tee so that it's about 3" - 4" in front of where I place my ball.  On good swings I can hear the club strike the top of the tee after contacting the ball. 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ernest Jones 

That's a great idea. All my ranges are mat ranges. In the summer they'll usually let you hit off the grass if you go to the far end but in the winter (dome) there are no options but to hit off of mats. I'll be bringing a roll of painter's tape next time I go. Thanks a ton for the idea.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by newtogolf 

I have a cut down rubber tee that extends maybe 1/4" above the surface of the mat.  I place the tee so that it's about 3" - 4" in front of where I place my ball.  On good swings I can hear the club strike the top of the tee after contacting the ball. 

 

 

Yeah, I've done that too. I like the tape even better because its visual and you can be positive you hit it because you'll tear it, scuff it or move it. Next time out I plan on laying down a strip off tape left to right about 3" ahead of my ball position and I'll just work my way down the line, kinda like the drill in the SnT book or the sand drill in Clampett's book.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by boogielicious 

If you are at a range with mats, place a small piece of masking tape 2-3" in front of the ball.  Focus on the tape and swing.  You are trying to move the tape and swinging through the ball to get it. With grass ranges, put a broken tee down 2-3 inches in front of the ball, pushed down level with the turf, and do the same thing.  The point Clampett is making is the ball is not the focus, the low point is.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ernest Jones 

That's a great idea. All my ranges are mat ranges. In the summer they'll usually let you hit off the grass if you go to the far end but in the winter (dome) there are no options but to hit off of mats. I'll be bringing a roll of painter's tape next time I go. Thanks a ton for the idea.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by newtogolf 

I have a cut down rubber tee that extends maybe 1/4" above the surface of the mat.  I place the tee so that it's about 3" - 4" in front of where I place my ball.  On good swings I can hear the club strike the top of the tee after contacting the ball. 

 

 

Went to the range the other day with my roll of masking tape with the intention of laying down a line 4" in front of the ball and trying to hit the tape on every swing. Unfortunately the tape didn't stick very well as the mats had fairly dense bristlely (sp?) surface and just didn't work out the way I had hoped.

Went home and thought about other options and I think I've come up with my new favorite home made training aid: Cheerios! Super cheap and plentiful! Place a cheerio 4" in front of the ball and try to explode the cheerio on every swing. Bio-degradeable and squirrels love them! Next time out to the range I'll bring a ziplock of cheerios and see how it works out.

I'll report back for anyone who is interested but I think this will work great!

Quote:

Originally Posted by boogielicious 

I use it for everything except wedges and driver.  When I practice, I focus on getting my weight to shift so that my focal point is the low point.  On the course, it is just the focal point and no other swing thought.

 

It really helps when you are struggling and lots of negative thoughts pop into your head.  Clear your mind and focus on the point.

Why don't you use it with wedges? I can understand with the driver, even though Clampett insists that you need to hit down with the driver I'm not sure I agree 100% with that. Then again, I am a hack so who am I to question! LOL.

As far as Clampett's theory with the driver...I don't disagree  IF the player has a lower handicap and has a tendency to hit the ball high (usually by flipping). The thought of hitting down can reduce the flip. BUT if you say "hit down" to a higher handicapper, they will come over the top and actually take turf!  not good.

To clarify, for full wedge shots I focus in front of the ball.  For pitching and chipping, I focus on the ball.

Ernest, Cheerios are a great idea!  The tape works better in indoor mats.  Also, I just use a small piece of tape, about 1/2", not a whole strip.