Hitting thin/topping the ball - can't get it in the air

[Tugglife2]

On nearly every swing with my driver, long irons/hybrids, I am topping the ball or hitting it very thin. I am going to work on getting a video of my swing this week, but what are a few of the things that could be causing this? Could I be lifting in my downswing?

When I try overcompensating for this, I keep my lower body very quiet and end up chunking it. I can't for the life of my hit the ball in the air. At best I'm hitting extremely low line drives/hard ground balls.

[Chilli Dipper]

I'm having the same problem with my long clubs. I've been working on a lateral hip move on the downswing to improve my ballstriking with my irons (which is working), but it has absolutely ruined my driver and fairway wood. I can't hit either of them in the air, and the problem with the fairway wood is exacerbated by a massive hook. I'm really starting to get frustrated by it.

[Cornbread]

I would suggest that quite possibly you are getting stiff legged, especially the back lag. Try flexing the knees more at address, and keep them flexed during the swing.

[crayputter]

On nearly every swing with my driver, long irons/hybrids, I am topping the ball or hitting it very thin. I am going to work on getting a video of my swing this week, but what are a few of the things that could be causing this? Could I be lifting in my downswing?

You might definitely be raising your body as you downswing, mate...

Ray

[Tugglife2]

Are there any drills or swing thoughts to keep in mind that would help me not lift up on the downswing?

[Scott_K]

I make a conscious effort to focus on the spot where the ball was sitting. By doing this, it helps keep my head steady and down through impact. Let the follow through of the swing bring your head up and you'll be able to find the ball once it's airborne.

Practice with half swing wedge shots and make it a point to keep your eyes on the ground.

[pavespawn]

This helped me a lot:



Also, I will tend to want to stand up on the ball if I am bent over more. If I stand more upright I know that I can't stand up anymore.

[Slammin' Sam]

You might definitely be raising your body as you downswing, mate...

I concur with Ray. You're either raising your body or lifting your head. Scott K's advice is spot on.

[motteler621]

man ernies swing is like butter. I agree with whats being said but I will also add that while it is 55-60 percent technique, the other percent is actually athletic ability and skill that comes with practice. You could have the perfect fundamentals going and still hit the ball off the toe or thin if you dont have the skill to hit the ball accurately.

everyone on the tour didnt get there from only having great technique and teachers, no they are extremely talented in ball striking.

[Zeph]

I concur with Ray. You're either raising your body or lifting your head. Scott K's advice is spot on.

Or bending the left arm, or having the weight too far back etc.

A video would remove any guesswork.

[iacas]

Or bending the left arm, or having the weight too far back etc.

Zeph beat me to it. Most people don't top the ball because they lift their heads. Most top the ball because they're sick of hitting the ball fat, so they pull their elbows apart.

The weight's too far back. I'm not even gonna say it's guesswork - a video would confirm this.

[bruce]

It sounds like a reverse pivot to me.