Sir Shanks a Lot!

[cipher]

I have been battling the shanks in my wedges for about 3 years.  It does not happen much when I play, maybe once a round when I am having problems.  When I go to the range it seems to get out of hand some times.  It really is only happening on my full 54 degree wedge shots.  Any thoughts thoughts that you guys might have on what is causing this?  I have some ideas after watching the videos that I made, but am not sure.  The videos are of a shanked wedge shot and a normal wedge shot.  One of each in real time and then the same two shots in slow motion.  If you look at the shot that was not a shank, I actually pull that shot a bit left.  When it starts to get in my head that is what I start doing, which I am sure makes things worse.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.   This has become very frustrating.  Also if anyone knows a good swing coach in the Milwaukee area, let me know.

[xmanhockey7]

It looks like to me you're coming from out to in. Which is one reason why you're hitting a pull shot (look up ball flight laws). It also looks like at the top you come a bit over the top (another reason you're coming out to in). Feel like on your back swing you go outside then on when you start down you bring it on the inside. That should get rid of the s***** (it's a swear word in my book!) and you won't hit that pull shot.

[Sandwedge74]

hey Cipher,

my handicap isnt where your is at so take that account with what I say - not only do I agree with what was said above by xman. I would also say that it looks like your back swing for a wedge (even longer clubs) is really long and that you collapse a little bit at the top. I have found that controlling wedges is more about consistency of contact and distance control. Also the is a lot of lower body movement possibly due to the longer back swing. For me  a controlled 54 wedge is about 100 to 105 yards...I rarely try to get more out of that club but often try to get less! good luck - the shanks are a really destructive shot - I feel your pain!

[cipher]

Yeah it definitely looks like I am coming out to in.  I am not sure how my swing has progressed to this but it has.  It looks like I am even setting up closed to the target as well.  Seems like my left hip has no room to clear as well...?  Not sure though.  I will try and open my stance a bit more, and focus on and in to out swing path.  When I have done this in the past I hit slight draws with my wedges, which I am not a big fan of.  I prefer to try and swing down the line and hit them straight, but obviously that is not what has been happening.  Anything is better than a shank though.  The hard part has to be that I don't start to taking the club too far inside.  That is what I am afraid that I will do.  I think a shorter backswing would be better as well, thanks for that tip.  I usually play a slightly shorter one in rounds.  The problem is more on full backswings, so that is why I wanted to record that type of swing.   Anyone have any additional thoughts? Also please don't worry about handicap with me.  I am not one of those people.  The only thing that has gotten me to single digits is getting up and down more often.  I still can't hit any freaking greens. :)

[Zeph]

The out-in path can contribute to shanks. You are very flat with the shoulders, which can be part of the reason for this. Check out this thread: http://thesandtrap.com/t/39667/driveway-sticks-and-shoulder-pitch Perhaps you get a bit too close to the ball in some swings?

[cipher]

Originally Posted by Zeph

The out-in path can contribute to shanks. You are very flat with the shoulders, which can be part of the reason for this. Check out this thread: http://thesandtrap.com/t/39667/driveway-sticks-and-shoulder-pitch

Perhaps you get a bit too close to the ball in some swings?

Makes sense, that video is really helpful as well.  With to flat a shoulder turn, the natural way to get back to the ball might be be to come over the top?

[cipher]

Went to the range today at lunch.  Focused only on posture and making a steeper shoulder turn.  Took some video to verify what I was doing.  It looks much better.  I found the center of the club face and I have not done that in three years.  It has always been between the center and the hosel on my wedges.  The only issue I had with the changes was that when using longer clubs like the driver or three wood, a sleep turn seemed very unnatural.  Are you supposed to have a flatter shoulder turn with longer clubs?

[Th3R00st3r]

Originally Posted by cipher

Went to the range today at lunch.  Focused only on posture and making a steeper shoulder turn.  Took some video to verify what I was doing.  It looks much better.  I found the center of the club face and I have not done that in three years.  It has always been between the center and the hosel on my wedges.  The only issue I had with the changes was that when using longer clubs like the driver or three wood, a sleep turn seemed very unnatural.  Are you supposed to have a flatter shoulder turn with longer clubs?

I know this should be readily available information in my brain, but I would also like to know the answer.

[Zeph]

You will naturally have a flatter turn with longer clubs because you stand more upright. The longer the club, the more upright you stand. You are the most bent over when hitting a wedge. Your posture pretty much dictates how steep the shoulders turn. The point is that you turn around the inclination to the ground you create at setup. It may feel weird with longer clubs, but you want to do it through the bag.

[Apotheosis]

Looks to me like your over swinging, especially for your wedges.  Check out this thread about your right arm, and really try and focus on keeping your arms as straight as possible throughout the back swing.  It should naturally shorten your swing keeping closer to the ideal plane/clubface angle.

http://thesandtrap.com/t/35195/shorter-probably-better-swing-keep-the-right-arm-straight

[FuzzyB1]

You are definitely over swinging.  Also, with your over swing you are "casting" your hands at the ball and that is giving you a very inconsistent swing path...hence the reason for one hit going left the other going right. I refuse to say the "S" word.

I'd say try to get the club more upright at the top of your back swing and shorten it up a little.

[cipher]

Here is what I worked on today.  Mainly just focused on making a steeper shoulder turn and setting up a bit more with my posture to do so.  I hit every ball at my target and found the center of the club face for once.  I know I still have issues with casting and I am definitely over swinging but I will work on that after I fell I am getting the proper shoulder turn and swing path down.  I think my knees should be a bit more bent as well.  It feels weird so it will take some time in getting used to.  Does this look a little better though?