Getting in front of the ball

[mnel]

Just as I think I'm getting it right... something gives way. Lately, I find that I'm swaying in front of the ball on my downswing, causing really bad connection with a severe loss of distance and low-flying shots. Any drills to correct this? I don't know what aspect of my swing to concentrate on! This is a confidence-killer

[JPsuff]

Take an old clubshaft, (or a stick), and place it vertically into the ground so that the top of it is just above your belt line.

Take your normal address stance with your target-side hip just touching the stick or shaft, (your left hip, if you're a right-handed player). The stick or shaft should be embedded in the ground deep enough to provide moderate to firm resistance when you push against it. Take a swing and when you sway sideways, you'll contact the stick and feel it pushing against your hip. Practice swinging so that your hip does not move the stick. The feeling is similar to standing with your hip against a wall and the image of a wall should keep you from moving too far sideways.

A lateral movement towards the target is natural, but too much movement causes the results you've described. This "stick drill" will serve to remind you where your hip should be at impact. Once you get used to the feeling of slightly contacting the stick, remove it and practice shots without it. If you feel like you're swaying again, put the stick back and practice some more.

Soon, you'll build some muscle memory to avoid pushing into the stick and you'll be on your way to solving the problem.

-JP

[Chas]

All of the above, and make sure that your head doesn't drift in front of the ball EVEN ONE IOTA on the downstroke and through contact. Usually when I start pushing the ball way right, it's because my head has drifted forward, when I realise that it's quite easy to correct. And then later it happens again of course.