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Is it really possible to "compress the ball against the ground"?

gibbous

By gibbous,
in Instruction and Playing Tips

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gibbous Established Member

gibbous

I've seen this phrase tossed around plenty of times from plenty of sources when referring to an iron shot struck with a descending clubhead. But is it really possible to compress the ball against the ground when you're hitting it with an object that is pointing away from the ground (like any lofted golf club)? And would a shot that was actually hit into the ground really come off with as consistent a trajectory as solidly struck iron shots do?

I have a real problem believing this is physically possible. It's true that the downward movement of the clubhead would impart a downward force on the back of the ball. But since the loft of the face of the club that is actually striking the ball is going to force the ball away from the ground in a big way, it seems to me that the other smaller downward force could only increase backspin or slightly offset the upward force imparted by the loft of the club.

Someone set me straight if I'm wrong, but I think this is a logical fallacy that just makes it easier for people to imagine making the right type of swing.
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Pinseeker81 Dedicated Member

Pinseeker81

It's just a feeling. If you really compressed the ball into the ground with a metal stick going 90MPH you'd bury it.

...the world is full of people happy to tell you that your dreams are unrealistic, that you don't have the talent to realize them. - Bob Rotella

Driver - Taylormade R1.
Fairway - Taylormade R9 15º.
Hybrid - A3OS 3 Hybrid.

Irons - Cast CCI 4-AW.

Wedge - SV Tour 56º wedge.

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gibbous Established Member

gibbous

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This topic has had the hell beat out of it.

Okay, never mind then. I guess I didn't look closely enough for other threads on this...

It's just a feeling. If you really compressed the ball into the ground with a metal stick going 90MPH you'd bury it.

That's what I thought. Maybe it doesn't matter, but I've even seen this used in one of Tiger's instructional articles and it seems very misleading to me.

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iacas Hall of Fame Member

iacas

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But is it really possible to compress the ball against the ground when you're hitting it with an object that is pointing away from the ground (like any lofted golf club)?

Yes: if you top it.

But yeah, it's just a mental image. Given post #4, I don't think you'll mind if I close this one off.

Erik J. Barzeski — ⛳ I knock a ball. It goes in a gopher hole. 🏌🏼‍♂️
Director of Instruction Golf Evolution • Owner, The Sand Trap .com • Author, Lowest Score Wins
Golf Digest "Best Young Teachers in America" 2016-17 & "Best in State" 2017-20 • WNY Section PGA Teacher of the Year 2019 :edel: :true_linkswear:

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Note: This thread is 5499 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!
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