Shaft angle / hand postition at address

[gohardorgohome]

I'm having a difficult time understanding the proper position of my hands relative to the shaft and club head at address for the different clubs. I don't know how far forward-to-back in my stance my hands should be relative to the ball. This also relates to the angle that the club shaft makes when viewed from the front.

From face on view pictures I've seen of the pros with irons, the shaft makes a vertical line when viewed from the front. Sometimes it leans slightly to the right with the hands in a bit of a forward press. The face on pictures of the pros show this in this Swing Check article: http://thesandtrap.com/swing_check/s...ck_troy_worden Since the ball moves forward in the stance for the longer clubs, then this implies that the hands move forward in the stance as well. Is that what should be happening as I address successively longer clubs?

I've also seen driver setups where the hands are behind the ball as address with the shaft leaning to the left when viewed from the front. Tiger's setup here shows this: http://thesandtrap.com/swing_check/g...enkel_analysis Is this just a special case for the upward strike for the teed up wood?

I'd appreciate anyone who can set me straight. Thanks!

[gir]

Of what I understand, the short-mid irons want some bit of forward press to encourage a descending blow. The long irons want to be even with the ball, or they can have some forward press too. And the driver wants to be even or slightly tilted back to strike the ball on the upswing or bottom of the arc.

I think the general rule of thumb is that, excepting the driver, none of the clubs should have the shaft tilting backwards at address.

[MiniMoe]

Let's make it simple... The hands should be in the center of the body... always. (or close)

Close your eyes while gripping a club. Put the club shoulder high, then bend the waist until the club is on the ground. The hands are centered.. it is a natural position.

[cphpaco]

Ur ball position at address varies through the length of clubs...which u can figure out. but the most important thing is, u want the back of ur left hand (if ure right handed) to be visually in line to the first crease on the left of zipper to ur trousers no matter which club this helps determine the lean of the shaft. or if no crease the first thing ur belt goes through(not sure wut its called).

Hope it helps

[supronator]

Of what I understand, the short-mid irons want some bit of forward press to encourage a descending blow. The long irons want to be even with the ball, or they can have some forward press too. And the driver wants to be even or slightly tilted back to strike the ball on the upswing or bottom of the arc.

Absolutely; couldn't agree more

[supronator]

Ur ball position at address varies through the length of clubs...which u can figure out. but the most important thing is, u want the back of ur left hand (if ure right handed) to be visually in line to the first crease on the left of zipper to ur trousers no matter which club this helps determine the lean of the shaft. or if no crease the first thing ur belt goes through(not sure wut its called).

Quite. There's an additional benefit to be had from this advice: it is much easier to set up with the shoulders square or closed to the target line, which is essential to preventing the awful slice.

[gohardorgohome]

Ur ball position at address varies through the length of clubs...which u can figure out. but the most important thing is, u want the back of ur left hand (if ure right handed) to be visually in line to the first crease on the left of zipper to ur trousers no matter which club this helps determine the lean of the shaft. or if no crease the first thing ur belt goes through(not sure wut its called).

Thanks a lot! This sounds like a great rule. I'll try it next time I practice.

It's good to have rules like this to follow. When people say stuff like "let your arms hang naturally" it doesn't help me because whatever I've been practicing feels natural, but it might still be wrong!