Many golfers are under the impression they should arch their lower back when addressing the ball, but instructor Dave Phillips of the Titleist Performance Institute says this can lead to back pain and a bad swing.
Full Answer
Is it bad to arch your back when hitting the ball?
Don't Arch Your Back. Many golfers are under the impression they should arch their lower back when addressing the ball, but instructor Dave Phillips of the Titleist Performance Institute says this can lead to back pain and a bad swing. as ranked by Golf Digest.
Why do they put the ball further back in golf?
In order for the ball to remain low and clear branches (or other obstacles), for example in a punch shot. Higher odds of topping the ball, which is the flip side to lower odds of hitting it fat Positioning the ball further back will change the angle of the shaft in relation to the ground.
Why is the ball struck later in the golf swing arc?
Also, the reduced bounce and steeper AOA would give the club a tendency to dig into the turf more (worsened by the fact that the low point would have to be deeper and more in front of the ball to create a functional ground contact). The reverse of the above is true – a ball struck later (purple) in the golf swing arc will;
Why am I hitting behind the ball?
Why am I hitting Behind the Ball? There are many factors which can affect your shot and cause you to hit behind the ball such as; Your position over the ball. Movement during your swing. Improper weight distribution and/or transfer. Some are easier to spot than others. Ball Position. The best place to start is the scene of the crime.
Should I have an arched lower back when hitting a golf ball?
You're going to struggle to hit solid shots from this address position." Phillips says it's OK to stick out your rear end at address, but don't do it by arching your back. Instead, bend forward from your hip joints, and keep your spine neutral.
Why does my golf ball curve when I hit it?
1:057:31Why does your golf ball curve to the right? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the ball then it gets tilted and the ball spins on that axis. But that axis has been tilted. SoMoreSo the ball then it gets tilted and the ball spins on that axis. But that axis has been tilted. So the ball spins s-phase and the ball goes off to the right.
How do you keep your back straight in golf?
2:043:01GOLF SWING POSTURE FIX IN 60 SECONDS - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOn the alignment stick on the ground notice I'm getting a pressure shift into my trail side. AndMoreOn the alignment stick on the ground notice I'm getting a pressure shift into my trail side. And then from there trace the club on the way through again getting a crusher sips.
How do I stop leaning back when driving a golf ball?
0:253:04Stop Hanging Back In The Golf Swing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith my thumb foam ball arm and the idea is here really when I go and hit the golf ball if I hangMoreWith my thumb foam ball arm and the idea is here really when I go and hit the golf ball if I hang back. I'm gonna make contact with my head in the foam ball.
Why can't I hit a golf ball straight?
In order to hit the ball straight, the club face needs to impact the ball at square every time. Failure to hit the ball with a square club face results in side spin on the ball, which in turns causes you to hit either a fade, a slice or a hook.
What does curve mean in golf?
As a TrackMan parameter, CURVE is defined as the horizontal side movement perpendicular from the launch direction to carry side. As a distance, the number is given in yards (or meters) and followed by R for right or L for left to indicate the landing position of the ball from the launch direction.
What happens if you are too upright in golf swing?
0:246:22How to FIX an UPRIGHT Golf Swing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow some of the shots that you'll hit if your swing is too upright is first off you could hit theMoreNow some of the shots that you'll hit if your swing is too upright is first off you could hit the golf ball to the left very easily.
Should your back be straight on a golf swing?
You want a slight tilt with your spine away from the target so your lead shoulder is slightly higher than your trailing shoulder. Your arms should hang straight down from your body and you should then grip the club from there.
How do I improve my golf posture?
Importance of Having the Correct Posture Before and During the...Stand upright with your legs straight.Keep your arms relaxed and comfortably straight.Hold the club at waist height.Tilt forward from your hips, keep your back straight until the club touches the ground.More items...•
Should I lean back when hitting driver?
Don't lean back to help the ball up! It may feel like you're sliding left at first, but as long as you continue with a solid "bump" and rotation through the downswing, it's not a slide. It's how the downswing should look and feel! It seems I see the same mistakes with pitch shots over and over again.
Should you cover the ball with driver?
2:0512:45HOW TO COVER THE GOLF BALL - BETTER COMPRESSION - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo by the time we strike the golf ball we want to feel like our Center is pretty much over the topMoreSo by the time we strike the golf ball we want to feel like our Center is pretty much over the top of the golf ball with an iron in our hands. So covering the golf ball for me will be maintaining.
Can you stand too close to the golf ball?
Standing too close to the golf ball will result in a posture that's too upright, which could result in inconsistent shots and no control over the ball. Standing too close to the ball can result in slices and shanks, which are very common among average players.
What would happen if the ball was hit in an earlier part of the swing arc?
Also, due to the ball being hit in an earlier part of the swing arc, there would be a tendency (depending upon how similar the motions before/after were) to. have reduced dynamic loft. have reduced bounce on the club. have a steeper angle of attack.
What does the black line on the golf ball mean?
The black line represents the lowest point of the golf swing. From this angle, if the golf ball was hit in the earlier (yellow) part of the swing arc (relative to the same swing)
What is the swing path in golf?
Swing path along the golf swing arc. Many people have heard of swing path – it is the direction the club is swinging during contact with the ball. It could either be swinging to the right (commonly known as in to out) or swinging more to the left (commonly known as out to in).
Is a golf swing a circle?
The golf swing is circular (I know the swing is not a perfect circle, but for purposes of this article, the definition suffices) in nature, as shown in this image of Tiger Woods;
Does the swing path change depending on where you hit the ball in the golf swing arc?
However, not many people know that the swing path changes depending upon where you hit the ball in the golf swing arc. To explain this more, take a look at the below image of the swing arc, as viewed from a golfer perspective (right handed).
Is it rare to hit a golf ball after the low point?
It is very rare that we actually hit the ball after the low point of the golf swing arc.
Do you hit the ball after the low point of the swing arc?
The later in the golf swing arc we hit the ball, the more exaggerated the effects are. It is very rare that we actually hit the ball after the low point of the golf swing arc. This is because, with every ball which rests on the ground, it is usually more effective to have the low point in front of the ball.
Is Your Golf Swing Hurting Your Back, Or Is Your Back Hurting Your Golf Swing?
When most golfers are working on their swing mechanics, they’re trying to fit themselves into a certain style of swing or mimic what other’s are doing, and that makes perfect sense. If you want to hit it farther, why wouldn’t you try to swing like Dustin Johnson or Brooks Koepka. It’s working for them, right?
Stickney: The only 2 ways to hit a golf ball farther
If I had a dollar for every time someone walked into my Academy (myself included!) and asked how to hit it farther I’d own a bank by now. Golf course agronomy has evolved and the rock-hard fairways of yesterday are gone and have been replaced by soft conditions that require more and more carry off the tee.
Stickney: The evolution of necessary technology in golf instruction
Over time technology has improved so that we (as teachers) can see and understand motion and forces in action during the swing.
The Wedge Guy: You can change your stripes
Over my 40-plus years in the golf industry and a lifetime in the game, I have had the opportunity to observe thousands of recreational golfers of all skill levels. I believe the common thread between all of us – from scratch player to high-handicapper – is that we all would like to get better.
What does it mean when a golf ball is placed further back?
Positioning the ball further back will change the angle of the shaft in relation to the ground. Also known as the shaft lean, this will lead to a reduction in your clubface’s loft angle in contrast to what it would be if the ball was located in the centre. Ultimately, a reduced loft angle will lead to a lower flight path.
What does it mean when a golf club hits the ground before hitting the ball?
Indeed, a fat shot occurs when the club penetrates the ground before it makes contact with the ball. On the flip side, it will increase your chance of topping the ball. Topping the ball occurs when the club will strike the top half of the ball on a descending blow.
How does a ball forward affect loft?
Positioning the ball forward in your stance changes the normal loft angle in your club. Indeed, because contact is made past the middle of the stance the angle of the clubface will point towards the sky more than it normally would. This in turn will lead to a higher ball flight.
How to position the ball forward in stance?
In order to position the ball forward in your stance you have to slide your feet and body away from the target slightly so that the left foot is closer to the ball than the right foot is.
How to move the ball back in stance?
Moving the ball back in the stance is achieved through moving your feet and body forward towards the target until the ball is closer to the right foot than it is to the left.
Why does impact occur sooner in swing arc?
Impact Occurs Sooner in the Swing Arc. Because of the ball’s relative back position, the club will struck it sooner than it normally would and it will do so while the clubhead is descending towards the ground. In turn, this will decrease your chances of hitting it fat.
Where is the ball center in golf?
Ball Center. A normal – or default – ball position in golf would be one that sees it located in the middle of the stance, in the center. In other words, the ball is located the same distance from the left foot as it is to the right. The following adjustments can be made to that position with the associated consequences listed below.
What happens when you hit behind the ball?
Hitting fat, hitting heavy, chunking the ball, grounding the club, whatever you call it, hitting behind the ball can cause huge issues in your game. Hitting behind the ball causes a divot to get between your club and the ball, resulting in an ugly mis-hit which tends only to jump 5 or 10 yards forwards. Hitting behind the ball can happen ...
Why does my head move forward in golf?
Moving your head forward causes your weight to shift incorrectly, changing your position over the ball before the club makes contact, causing it to hit the ground.
What does it mean when your back shoulder drops?
Dropping the Back Shoulder. Similarly to a loose leading arm, dipping your back shoulder can give the same issue from the opposite side of your body. Allowing your back shoulder to drop causes you to make a scooping motion towards the ball, rather than hitting right through. The scooping motion causes you to take a divot and lose the shot.
Why release the club early?
Releasing the Club Early. Also known as ‘casting’, releasing the club too early disrupts your swing plane, causing you to hit across the ball rather than through it . Not only is this an issue by itself, but it also promotes the hip movement we spoke about earlier.
How to avoid hitting the ball?
To avoid this, focus on your movement after striking the ball and ensure you are doing the following: Follow your swing and allow the momentum to turn your body towards your target. Keep your front foot planted and pivot your back foot to aid proper rotation.
How to keep your lead arm straight?
Your lead arm should be kept straight throughout your swing as if it is bent at the point of impact. Bending the lead arm will shorten your swing and cause you to miss the ball and hit the ground instead. Concentrate on keeping your arm straight, but not tense, at the point of impact.
How to follow through on a golf shot?
Using these tips, your follow-through should become natural and smooth for every shot. Remember; if your follow-through is off balance or inconsistent, your shot will be as well.
What Does Hitting Down On The Golf Ball Actually Mean?
Hitting down on the golf ball means your swing is on the downward motion when making contact with the ball.
Why You Should Hit Down On The Ball Instead Of Hitting It Upwards
It’s important to remember each of your clubs comes with a specific loft, which is the angle formed by a line that runs down the center of the shaft and a line running down the face of the club.
4 Steps To Hitting Down On The Golf Ball Every Time
Get in a shoulder-width stance, with your weight equally distributed on both sides of your body and golf ball directly in the middle of your stance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hitting down on the golf ball and compressing it will help you hit the ball further, higher, and more consistent than ever before.
How to stop hitting golf ball too high?
In order to stop hitting the golf ball too high, you need to ensure you have the proper setup position and equipment. You also need to correct any swing faults that are contributing to the issue.
Why is my golf ball flying high?
One of the most common causes of a high ball flight is tempo. When people swing too fast, they struggle to make contact with the sweet spot of the club. Without doing this, it’s difficult to achieve a consistent trajectory.
How to fix wrists in golf swing?
The fix: Instead of actively hinging your wrists in the swing, loosen your grip on the golf club. Then, swing back as though you are only using your hips, arms, and shoulders. Because you now have a lighter grip on the club with less tension, your wrists will hinge naturally as you swing the club back.
What causes a high ball flight?
There are a number of things that might be responsible for causing a high, weak ball flight, including: 1 Improper setup 2 Swing faults 3 Bad tempo 4 Improper equipment
What is the loft of a golf club?
Golf Club Loft. Most iron sets will have a standard loft for each club. For example, the standard loft of a 9 iron is 41 degrees, the loft of an 8 iron is 37 degrees, and so on. However, when it comes to the driver, there’s some variability. You can buy a driver with a loft of anywhere between 8 and 12.5 degrees.
What happens if the ball is too far forward?
The ball is too far forward in your stance. The more forward the ball is in your stance, the less lag the club will have at the point of impact. This means that extra loft is added to the club. Not only will less lag produce a high, weak ball flight, but it will also significantly reduce distance. The fix:
What happens if you put too much weight on your back foot?
If you place too much weight on your back foot, you risk hitting the golf ball too high. This is especially true when hitting driver off the tee. The fix: Instead, make sure your weight is a 50/50 split between your feet or slightly favoring your lead leg.
Sketchy Putts
As we wrote about in a recent article that was based off a 2012 study, low-skilled putters tend to shift their focus around rapidly while they stand over their putts, keying-in on a number of different spots on and around the golf ball.
Fat Shots
As reported in a 2005 issue of GOLF Magazine, sometimes a change in perspective is all it takes to fix a fault…
Slices
Hitting a slice? You’re likely swinging too far out-to-in with an open clubface. To fix it, try swinging more in-to-out by aiming for a spot on the inside the golf ball and hitting that.
Hooks
And finally, the opposite of that is true, too. If you’re swinging too far from in-to-out with a closed clubface, resulting in some nasty hooks, look at a spot on the outside of the golf ball and try hitting that.
Why do you stay behind the golf ball?
Staying behind the golf ball will allow you to get the face of the club square to your target line at impact for frequently, leading to straighter shots. From your wedges all the way through your driver, keeping your head back at impact is a fundamental that requires your attention.
Why do baseball players stay back?
You may have heard baseball players talk about “staying back” when hitting. The idea is to keep the body from spinning out before bat meets ball. Rotate too early and the hands lag well behind the hips and shoulders, sapping power and causing poor contact.
What side of the ball do you hit your head on?
Hit into a solid left side and it is almost a certainty that your head will be behind the ball at the bottom of your swing. Expect Some Changes. If you go from hitting shots with your head to the left of the ball to staying behind your shots successfully, you can expect to see some changes in your ball flight.
Why is staying behind the ball important?
Staying behind the ball is a good way to reduce the amount of movement in your swing because you will be taking out most of the lateral motion that you may have been using. The best golf swings are the ones that stay balanced from start to finish, as good balance is the best way to simplify your technique.
What leg do you put your club head on when hitting the ball?
As you send the club head into the back of the ball, think about posting up on your left leg. When the left leg goes straight at impact, there is a great chance that you have stayed behind the ball nicely. Players who slide past the ball in the downswing usually have a soft left leg at impact, with a bent left knee.
Why do you keep your head back in the downswing?
Also, if you are able to keep your head back in the downswing, there is a good chance that your eyes are looking down at the ball. Staying behind the golf ball isn't the only important fundamental in golf, but it is a good way to check on the overall health of your swing mechanics.
What happens when you strike the golf ball cleanly on an iron shot?
When you strike the golf ball cleanly on an iron shot, the face of the club is able to impart maximum spin on the ball. There is nothing wrong with a higher spin rate on your short iron shots, and it can actually be a great advantage, but it is something that you need to be aware of when picking your targets.