"Topping" Question

[Zippo 129]

Is there any easy way to tell, on the course, if the ball you just topped was struck with a descending or ascending blow? Thanks.

[Piz 549]

I think topping has more to do with the point of contact, between the club face and the ball, than it does the path of the club head.  

[iacas 10,103]

No way to tell, no.

[phillyk 516]

7 hours ago, Zippo said:

Is there any easy way to tell, on the course, if the ball you just topped was struck with a descending or ascending blow? Thanks.

Come out to Lake Padden and I’ll let you know which way is more likely. 

[Zippo 129]

15 hours ago, iacas said:

No way to tell, no.

Thank you. I was afraid that would be the answer.

15 hours ago, phillyk said:

Come out to Lake Padden and I’ll let you know which way is more likely. 

Thanks for the offer, @phillyk. I do plan on playing Lake Padden again in the late spring when the weather has improved.

[Zippo 129]

22 hours ago, Piz said:

I think topping has more to do with the point of contact, between the club face and the ball, than it does the path of the club head.  

If the bottom of my swing is a bit too far forward that might cause the club to contact the ball while still descending. Bottom too far back could cause the opposite. Not sure both would be caused by the same swing fault(s) and thought/hoped there might be a way to tell which when on the course.

[iacas 10,103]

3 hours ago, Zippo said:

If the bottom of my swing is a bit too far forward that might cause the club to contact the ball while still descending. Bottom too far back could cause the opposite. Not sure both would be caused by the same swing fault(s) and thought/hoped there might be a way to tell which when on the course.

Tons of people have the bottom too far back and thin the ball.

[Piz 549]

3 hours ago, Zippo said:

If the bottom of my swing is a bit too far forward that might cause the club to contact the ball while still descending. Bottom too far back could cause the opposite. Not sure both would be caused by the same swing fault(s) and thought/hoped there might be a way to tell which when on the course.

When I top a shot I have usually come out of my stance.  It happens most often when I swing too fast and/or the ball is below my feet.  I think my brain decides, mid-swing, that there isn't enough room between me and the ball to allow for the full extension of my arms.  So I straighten up a bit...which doesn't work out very well.

[Zippo 129]

8 hours ago, iacas said:

Tons of people have the bottom too far back and thin the ball.

Thanks. Is it wrong if I make two assumptions?

1. The difference between a "top" and a "thin" is where on the ball the clubhead strikes it, and

2. In either case it's usually the leading edge of the club contacting the ball instead of the "sweet spot"?

[iacas 10,103]

A top is an extreme thin.

[uitar9 74]

For me, the bottom changes. I don't play on a perfectly flat surface , like a range mat. The course is rolling terrain.

Up hill, down hill, side hill, grass height...effects where the club bottoms, sometimes closer to the lead foot, sometimes closer to the rear foot. 

I can hit them thin in any position if I don't adjust for that.