Punch Shots - Greatly Improved Swing/Results

I was playing with a buddy on Friday when he noticed that I hit my best shots whenever I was in the trees and had to attempt to hit a low stinger punch type shot to get out.  Some of my shots were very low liners that scorched underneath the tree branches and some I just hit incredibly solid right into the tree(frustrating!)

Anyway, he brought this observation to my attention and told me to pretend I was hitting every shot like I had a tree in front of me and had to keep it low underneath the branches.  Since then I've been hitting the ball better than I ever have.  Most of my mishits(thin shots) are completely gone.  I've gained 15+ yards on all of my clubs.

I feel like I'm hitting more "down" on the ball and the punchy feeling during my swing is resulting in a lower and more compact follow through and finish.  Beyond that I can't quite say what's going on with my swing mechanically but I'm obviously loving the results so far.

Post your swing.

You definitely want to swing down but not punch like.

I'm working on it re: recording a video of my swing.

It's not a true punch shot where I'm holding up my follow through.  I actually just found this recent article on Jonathan Byrd that is seemingly the type of swing I'm talking about. http://www.pgatour.com/2011/tourlife/instruction/01/11/fultonblog_0111/index.html

Not sure how accurate that article is on the nuances of the swing and what is actually occurring during the shot, but it sounds like it makes sense.

Haven't seen your swing but I'm willing to bet your weight was forward at impact. You should check out the S&T; thread and see if a few bells go off.

OK, you are now feeling what solid impact is all about.  I would suggest you start reading The Impact Zone to learn more.

I start every range session hitting punch 8 irons 50-75 yards and then I work to hitting the punch to a full finish.  Finally, after 10 balls or so of solid contact, I try to feel that impact in my regular swing.  The thing that you are feeling is that when you hit a shot like this, your left wrist is not breaking down.  A tree punch may exagerate it, but that "feeling" is what is critical when you hit a normal shot to develop a piercing trajectory and consistent ball flight.

Well not when your punch shots end up shanks ;b

I agree with the idea of trying to hit down on the ball vs. hitting up or sweeping.  Regardless, the realization that you have come to with the idea of hitting punch shots has effectively (in a round about way) got you to maintain the "flying wedge" on your downswing.

On your full swing, I would be willing to guess that you more than likely flip the club at impact which hurts distance, ball flight and accuracy.  With the feeling of "punching" and hitting down on the ball, you are naturally (without realizing) maintaining more lag and getting a forward shaft lean with your hands in front of the ball at impact.

Of course, without being able to see your swing makes this all a theory but the results that you explained with the added distance and improved ball flight leads me to suggest that some of what I explained is happening.

Build on the feeling and practice.  Also, check out some of the flying wedge drills that have been previously discussed on the forum.

I end my range sessions with what I call the "120 yard drill" (actual distance varies depending on tee location, but I"m sure you get the concept) where I hit all my irons and wedges to 120 yards. In the process, I hit about every kind of shot and practice every kind of feel that I need to. I start my range sessions with my 3 iron now...half shots up to about 80%...then I start with the wedge. Blah. I have reasons for that too. Regardless, punch shots help.