Distance from the ball

[RIduffer]

Was watching my swing on video today, and my hands appear very close to my body at address--like 2-3 inches from my crotch. Compared to most pros (with the exception of maybe Furyk), my set-up looks very cramped, forcing my arms on a steep plane.

I tried getting into a more orthodox set-up, and I like how it creates more room for my arms to swing. Unfortunately, I hit every shot thin this way.

Is this worth working on?

[Rexx]

Any chance of uploading your swing video to give a better chance of diagnosing (both down-the-line and front views if possible)? Thin golf shots can be the result of any number of things: pulling arms inward, lifting of head/body, scooping, etc. I like the idea of the club being slightly farther from you than a couple of inches. Wedges tend to be the closest at 3-4 inches, up to a driver at 4-6 inches away from you.

[RIduffer]

I have never uploaded a swing before, and I only have access to video at this indoor facility I practice at. I will see if they can help me post a swing video.

[DeanS]

I tried getting into a more orthodox set-up, and I like how it creates more room for my arms to swing. Unfortunately, I hit every shot thin this way.

Yes. The clubhead should be a hand length from your crotch. I had the same problem, took a lesson and was told to do this so to make room for the swingpath called it the slot. The idea is the swingpath is angled to the target path. When the hips clear and the hands release the clubface will square and the ball flight is down the target line. If you push the ball your hips didn't clear, if you pull the ball you have swung too fast, if your right hand isn't cupped then you are out of position at the top. My fundamentals.

[westcyderydin]

I just noticed the same thing with my swing as well. it made my hips move forward and back more than naturally turning like they are supposed to do. this along with bad posture made my back hurt really really bad. now my swing feels better and my back doesnt hurt as much. i try to keep my hands dangling straight down for most of my clubs, and a little more out for my driver...but im still working on it, mostly in my living room.

[Travtex]

I'm wondering how much of this is a body type issue.

As noted in the other thread regarding club/ball alignment at address, I pretty much can't get too close to the ball. With arms in tight and the ball set up completely inside the clubface I get much better contact. Any further out and it's toe hit city. Even working in that close I've probably hit only one or two s***** in the past six months.

I also have a relatively thin chest and freakishly long gibbon arms... I've read that plays a part.

[westcyderydin]

make sure that your posture is good. then dangle your hands strait down so your arms and body kind of form a triangle when your hands are on the club. when i do this my hands are about the width of my hand away from my body.

i kind of like to feel that as a starting point for my swing.