Striking down on the ball

[Golfer71]

Working with my pro we have identified that I strike a majority of my golf shots with an level or sometimes upwards blow (I've seen it on the camera). I'm aware that the low point in my swing should be after striking the ball and that this will lead to more solid contact and higher shots through more back spin. It's also clear from the TV footage of the pros where clearly the low point in their swings comes after they have hit the ball.

I'm having a hell of job making the swing change and seek your feedback if this has ever been an issue for you. I'm often ok on half shots and can feel a crisp contact but cannot carry this through to a full swing.

The drills I have been working with include:

- placing a barriar 6-10 inches behind the ball which I have to come over before hitting the ball (a tee/golf towel/another golf ball etc) as a means of promoting a steeper / descending blow.

- i've working with a stronger grip and getting my hands further forward and lower through impact (again I can do on half swings but not full swings).

- swinging a ladies club to get the feeling of stressing the club shaft throughout the swing.

Anyone else struggled with this swing change and able to share how they got through it?

[Dr. Slice]

im having the same problem, im used to putting the ball up in my stance and for me to hit down on the ball i have to have it more in the middle,

when i do this most of the time i do it down on the ball it always goes left, im guessing because im not getting my hands through fast enough because im used to the ball being more ahead.

[enduro]

It sounds like you're picking the ball.

Try and focus on hitting the ball into the ground. Go to a range with natural tee boxes and a tight lie and try and focus on striking down on the ball.

Working on mats is often deceiving because the club can bounce on the mats right before the ball and produce a "great" shot but in reality it would be a fat shot. Try and find a tight surface that would definitely slow your club if you hit it fat.

It isn't easy to learn this, but when you finally are really striking down on the ball it becomes worth it as the true potential of your clubs are unleashed.

[thenormankid]

Have to go the same route as enduro focus on hitting the ball into the ground with punch shots at a grass range. Once you know the feeling you are trying to achieve try to do the same in a full swing. Biggest thing is don't become discourage.

[shortstop20]

I should so make one of those. That would be great for practicing swing plane.

[CalBoomer]

It sounds like you're picking the ball.

I have heard this advice a lot, but it never worked for me personally. It just caused me to chunk the ball or take a divot that practically broke my wrists. My solution was to set up with my hands forward, the ball a touch back, so that the bottom of my swing would occur just at the forward edge of the ball. Then I don't think about anything other than just swinging the club. The club will be moving downward as it strikes the ball.

[zRam]

I learned this here on this website....

Just focus your attention on the front (target side) of the golf ball, not the back. This made dramatic improvements for me.

[PowerPutter]

Have you tried simply moving the ball backward in your stance on iron shots? Maybe you should try that before messing with your swing. Just a thought.