Correcting a shank.

[solid_ONE]

I've got a major problem shanking the ball. Especially pressure shots. The more I try to correct it, it seems, the worse I shank it. I would probably shank my driver, if it was possible(heel shots). Any tips on fixing a shank.

[Q.Q.Quillume]

Yikes. You used the "S" word five times in five seconds! I'm going to avoid this thread like I'd avoid the plague! And, good luck with your issues . . .

[Fourputt]

I've got a major problem shanking the ball. Especially pressure shots. The more I try to correct it, it seems, the worse I shank it. I would probably shank my driver, if it was possible(heel shots). Any tips on fixing a shank.

In my experience, you don't "correct" a shanking problem, you fix the swing and the problem goes away. But fixing the swing usually takes professional help. The best advice I can offer is to see your course pro.

[solid_ONE]

Yikes. You used the "S" word five times in five seconds! I'm going to avoid this thread like I'd avoid the plague! And, good luck with your issues . . .

Thanks buddy... lol...

bummer for me... isn't there a drill or something I can do myself? anything?

[Q.Q.Quillume]

I wish I could help you, but I don't know what causes a player to shank or what to do to correct the problem. Good luck.

[Q.Q.Quillume]

I just "googled" "correcting a shank" and got this: http://www.keepmygolfscore.com/blog/...olf-shots.html . Maybe this will help . . .

[solid_ONE]

I just "googled" "correcting a shank" and got this:

I love you...

[lamebums]

If you're shaking the wedge, try backing up half an inch and repeating your swing. I tend to hit on the inside of the club anyways, so I rarely catch the toe.

As to the driver, I hit it off the heel occasionally too--most often when I'm trying to kill the ball.

[solid_ONE]

After trying some of the things mentioned in that article, I was able to controll my sh**k. But it* still pops back out, specially after I crank out a long one with my driver. When I go driver to wedge, my easy approach with a wedge becomes a nightmare...

And like lamebums, I tend to "kill" my shots... force of habbit. Perhaps that is contributing to the Shhhhhh.... if not the cause. somthing to think about at the practice range..

Watching the Masters... GO TIGER GO!!!!

[tembolo381]

you are moving too much and/or could be a swing path problem that is making the ball come off the extreme heel and causing that shankie. get your swing on video....so you see what's actually going on!

[Cleveland Gunmetal]

Yikes.... I probably should just avoid this thread altogether.

Well... "the laterals" are obviously hitting the ball on el hosel. You may be swinging down on the ball outside/in. Do you hit a cut? One drill you can try is by placing a board or another club pointing at your target just outside the ball. Hit shots using this board or club positioned there. IF you hit down on it from the outside you will hit the board with your club. It will force you to come inside - square - inside on the correct swing path. Sorry for your troubles, I hope you work it out soon... I don't wish that on my worst enemy

[solid_ONE]

I dont realy hit cuts unless I set up for one. Most of the time my ball flight is right to left. I believe I may have an extreamly inside to outside swing path. I tend to hold the angle of the shaft right before impact, a la Ben Hogan.

I will definatly try recording my swing. I have done so actually, but with an inferior camera. so everything was a blurr. What's the minimum fps (frames per sec.) required to be able to effectivly analyse my swing?

I know people tend to dart away when they hear the S word. So I greatly appreciate all the input I have recieved so far. Thanks again for the tips, and concern. I hope I work it out soon too. got a class tornament next week.

[Big Don]

I really sympathise as a serial "sh@*&ker;" I now how frustrating it is. There is no worse feeling than hitting a Sh%$k, it drains confidence out of your body.

One drill that's quite helpful is to place a wooden block about 0.5" - 1" behind your ball. The fear of hitting the block makes you hit towards the centre of the club face. Be careful not to hit the block it will give your arm a terrible jar and might damage your clubs.

[kevntri]

Focus on keeping your head VERY still and do not loop the swing at the top.
This will keep help keep the club on plane.....
Good luck....

[jb1982]

I had a case of the shanks for 2 weeks last year. I spent hours at the range and reading articles. I tried every drill I could. I was getting to the point I didn't even like playing! I finally got so fed up on a league night I got trashed and quit thinking. I suddenly starting hitting the ball straight and forgot about it. So my advice is......

Fix a case of the shanks with a case of beer!!

Probably not the best advice. But for me it was purely mental. The more I thought about not hitting the hosel the more I did. Once it was in my head, I was done for.

[Cleveland Gunmetal]

I had a case of the shanks for 2 weeks last year. I spent hours at the range and reading articles. I tried every drill I could. I was getting to the point I didn't even like playing! I finally got so fed up on a league night I got trashed and quit thinking. I suddenly starting hitting the ball straight and forgot about it. So my advice is......

lol... You say probably not the best advice, I say it might be the best advice. Kinda like that scene in Tin Cup. It is true... the more laterals you hit the worse it gets.

Also - good point in the previous post as well but I think when someone has this problem it is tough not to loop the swing. Can't just stop it... that's why I recommend the drill where you put a board just outside the ball facing the target. You get offline you will hit the board.

[jb1982]

lol... You say probably not the best advice, I say it might be the best advice. Kinda like that scene in Tin Cup. It is true... the more laterals you hit the worse it gets.

I think being drunk is one of the ONLY ways to correct the shanks. I just wasn't sure if I should be promoting heavy drinking on here. But hey. I am from Montana so...

[Cleveland Gunmetal]

I think being drunk is one of the ONLY ways to correct the shanks. I just wasn't sure if I should be promoting heavy drinking on here. But hey. I am from Montana so...

Haha... yeah. There are some decent drills to help but nothing beats heavy drinking

Nothing wrong with golf and the occasional drink. I'm sure I'm not the only one who keeps a flask in his golf bag (tequila is the preferred beverage).... am I?