Problems with my drive.

[davic09]

My main problem with my golf game is my drive. When I attempt to do all the "proper" things formwise its like its an awkward position for my body and I feel stiff. I just can't seem to hit the ball right like that, then when I loosen up I can't seem to keep from slicing or hooking. Neither is dominant either its about 50/50. Any tips for a better driving stance that is stable yet keeps my body loose and natural?

[bkoguy07]

How do you set up?

[davic09]

I set up with my feet square to the ball with the ball at the very front of my stance. I can't seem to find the "right" positition for my club at the top of my swing.

[bkoguy07]

Well what exactly is this "proper" setup that you speak of?

[davic09]

I was taught to judge my distance by my club length and put the ball just behind the left foot in my stance and to keep my feet pointed straight, perpendicular to the line of my shoulders. Aim my shoulders at the green aand bend my knees just slightly, and pull the club back with my forearms forming a "V" shape.

[bkoguy07]

I was taught to judge my distance by my club length and put the ball just behind the left foot in my stance and to keep my feet pointed straight, perpendicular to the line of my shoulders. Aim my shoulders at the green aand bend my knees just slightly, and pull the club back with my forearms forming a "V" shape.

That sounds about right for driver, the proper golf swing isn't something you feel "naturally" at first. At least thats what I've heard and experienced myself. The stiffness is an issue, try losing up and if you feel too stiff just step away from the ball and setup again. What happens when you do hit the ball like that? You just said you can't seem to hit it the ball "right like that" but slicing and hooking isn't hitting the ball correctly either lol.

[he4dhuntr]

A video might help, or else, a lesson is always a good idea to get the fundamentals down.

Your address position should have your lower back straight and feet about shoulder-width (can varry by individual preference). You can set up the ball closer to your front foot and even open up the front foot slightly (again, by preference). Your arms should be hanging down from your shoulders and when you look down (without moving your head), you should usually be able to see 2 knuckles on your hand. Your feet and shoulders should be parallel to your ball target line.

A takeaway should have you pulling the club back with your shoulders and rotating until your shoulder can't go any further back. Your left arm should stay straight (for a right-handed golfer) the whole way through and at the top of the backswing. To help this along, you can think of pushing the club away from you with your right hand. At the top of the swing, your club should ideally be pointing parallel to your target line (if you are flexible enough), and your hands should be above your head (again pushing the club away from you in order to keep that left arm straight). Don't overswing (past parallel) and don't try and go further than the point where your shoulders stop rotating. Try and keep your head and back leg steady throughout the backswing. The downswing should start with a hip slide and rotation, followed by your shoulders. Basically, bringing your weight onto your front foot. Try and keep that head pretty steady all the way through impact (until your right shoulder hits your chin).

But again, this is just theory (and one way of doing things). Your best bet is a lesson. Second best bet would be recording your swing and showing people here for feedback.

Cheers,

[davic09]

I end up topping the ball usually or hitting it with the tip of the club plus I can't get and power behind the ball. When I do make contact with the ball that way I occasionally slice but never hook.

[davic09]

I'll try that, I'll see if I can't get a video posted as well.