Golf-FAQ.com

why i hit the golf ball high and low off the heel with my woods

by Dr. Makayla Kihn Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

Too much weight on your toes can cause the body to counterbalance in the downswing which causes you to either hit the golf ball off the heel or even the toe. To fix you need to feel as though you have more weight in the arches of your feet at address.

Full Answer

Why do I hit the golf ball off the heel?

Too much weight on your toes can cause the body to counterbalance in the downswing which causes you to either hit the golf ball off the heel or even the toe. To fix you need to feel as though you have more weight in the arches of your feet at address.

Why are my shots hitting off the heel of the clubface?

If you tend to hit shots off the heel of the clubface – the portion closest to the shaft – the solution likely lies in your address position. Here are three common causes. Standing too close to the ball: From this position you'll extend the arms on the downswing past their address position, pushing the club outward and initiating heel contact.

Why do I hit the golf ball hard on the downswing?

Because you are too close to the golf ball at address, on the downswing your arms will naturally extend past the address position pushing the golf club out pass the golf ball causing heel contact. When addressing the golf ball, stand up straight first.

Why do I keep hitting heel shots on uphill?

Hitting the ball a half inch below the center can turn a 10.5 degree driver into an 8 degree driver – a distance killer on uphill or wet fairways. Hitting a half inch towards the heel can add as much as 500 rpm spin, another distance killer. During a fitting, we look at a number of things that could be causing heel shots.

Why am I hitting the golf ball off the heel?

Too much weight on your toes can cause the body to counterbalance in the downswing which causes you to either hit the golf ball off the heel or even the toe. To fix you need to feel as though you have more weight in the arches of your feet at address.

How do I stop hitting the golf ball off the heel?

8:5511:35HOW TO STOP HITTING HEEL SHOTS - Hit The Golf Ball PureYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBecause guess what your body is already trying to do the ideal. Move. So we need to extreme. It theMoreBecause guess what your body is already trying to do the ideal. Move. So we need to extreme. It the other way we need to make sure we're doing over exaggerating.

What causes heel contact golf?

If you yank the club down from the top with your hands and arms, you move it away from your body. This causes contact on the heel because the clubhead swings across the ball from outside the target line. To fix heel hits, you need to keep the club to the inside.

How do you fix a heel strike Driver?

5:1512:38Hitting Driver Off Heel Of Club Strike Dead Centre - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHere swing straighten look with the club head ends up it's on the outside of the ball the only wayMoreHere swing straighten look with the club head ends up it's on the outside of the ball the only way of hitting it. It's cutting back through on the inside exposing that heel.

Can standing too close to the ball cause a shank?

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.

How do I stop hitting the ball on the hosel?

4:1210:41Common Cause & Effect of the 'Hosel Rocket' - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDown the shoulder goes to that spot or slightly inside that spot which will then allow you to hitMoreDown the shoulder goes to that spot or slightly inside that spot which will then allow you to hit the middle of the club. Face. Well if you go to the top of your swing or the back in your backswing.

Does hitting off the toe cause a hook?

So while a toed shot causes the club head to open up clockwise, the ball is twisted counter-clockwise (more accurately, the spin axis of the ball is tilted slightly more to the left). This causes the ball to have more draw/hook spin, or less fade/slice spin, depending on the impact conditions.

Why do people hit drivers off their toes?

Toe hits can hit the road A common cause of off-center hits on the toe is found in the downswing when the club handle remains too close to the body, instead of extending out toward the ball as it reaches impact.

How do I stop toe strikes with my driver?

4:467:01UNDERSTAND A TOE STRIKE - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we've got this really simple drill set up here using a head cover this doesn't require anythingMoreSo we've got this really simple drill set up here using a head cover this doesn't require anything to taking that off your bags. And on a graph any investment.

Why am I hitting the heel with irons?

Coming over the top with an outside to inside swing path is probably the most common reason for a heel hit with the driver. The club head cuts across the target line during the outside to inside swing path. In addition, the swing path creates unwanted side spin that results in a slice.

How do I stop hitting my wedges on the heel?

6:5410:59GOLF TIP | How To NEVER HIT THE HEEL Of Your Wedge AgainYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPutting your toes on it to elevate your toes. And then just working on that sensation of balance.MorePutting your toes on it to elevate your toes. And then just working on that sensation of balance.

What causes hosel rockets?

When a golfer hits a "hosel rocket," the impact of golf club and golf ball happens in the wrong place. Instead of making contact on the center of the clubface — or anywhere else on the striking face of the club (such toward the heel or toe, as is common for recreational golfers) — the contact occurs at the hosel.

How do I stop hitting shanks?

3:567:27Golf Instruction: How to prevent a shank | School of Golf | Golf ChannelYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSaid get the heavy. End get the head end over the grip end so the club feels light if it's way backMoreSaid get the heavy. End get the head end over the grip end so the club feels light if it's way back here it'll feel heavy you want the club to feel light in your hand they still like backswing.

What does heel hit mean in golf?

Heel hits with the driver typically result in a slice and loss of distance. Coming over the top with an outside to inside swing path is probably the most common reason for a heel hit with the driver. The club head cuts across the target line during the outside to inside swing path.

How to fix heel hit on golf club?

Next, place a ball on the tee and try to hit it. Therefore, to fix the heel hit, place a ball on the inside tee and set up with the club behind the outside tee.

How to shank a golf club?

Shanks occur when you can not pinpoint the middle of the clubface and the hosel moves forward toward the ball at impact. Place a tee in the ground between you and about an inch from the ball. Practice making swings so the heel of the club strikes the tee through impact. If the hosel returns to the tee you can not shank the ball.

How to hit a shank in golf?

Allow your hands to return back to impact in a similar position as your set up. Shanks and heel hits sometimes occur when the arms and hands extend out and closer to the ball through impact. Therefore, swing your hands and arms closer to your body, specifically your left thigh. If your hands and arms extend a few inches out at impact the clubface will also move out a few inches. Contact with the ball moves from the center of the clubface to the hosel resulting in a shank.

What does it mean when a golf ball shanks?

A shank occurs when the ball strikes the hosel of an iron and causes the ball to shoot off to the right (for a right handed golfer).

How to swing without hitting the box?

Swing without hitting the cardboard box. When you can swing without hitting the cardboard box you have successfully altered the outside to inside swing path. Follow Through.

What happens when the body moves closer to the ball?

When the body moves closer that can also push the arms, hands and club closer to the golf ball. Consequently, when everything moves closer to the ball you increase the likelihood of a heel hit or shank. Without a compensation early extension can lead to heel hits.

How to hit the heel of a golf club?

The flatter you swing the club, the more likely you are to hit the heel. What goes around comes around, they say, and the ensuing heel hits slice and kill distance. If this is your problem. you need to feel a swing that is more up and down with the hand path staying in under the shoulders, closer to the body. Try putting a tee inside the ball you’re hitting and hit IT. This may help you feel more down and in coming into the ball.

Why do golfers hit their heel?

Hitting the heel of the club occurs most often because of one of two things: A hand path that moves outward from the body. A “wide” cast of the club.

How far from the center of the club face is the heel and toe?

And when you consider the fact that the heel and toe are less than than 1 inch from the center of the club face, it gives you an idea of how hard our game can be.

Why do I hit my toes?

Most toe hitting is the result of a the golf club coming into impact more upright or vertical than it was at address. I see this a lot in my students who start down from the top of their swing far too steeply, and have to raise the handle of the club into impact — one of the most common reactions to a steep transition. Typically, a video of their swing shows an early extension of the lower body and the raising of their swing center.

What is double cross golf?

A golfer sets up for a fade, which requires an out-to-in path, but then contacts the shot on the toe, which creates hook spin. If that’s your ball flight pattern, try a little more neutral grip, which will help you to release the club correctly.

How to see impact on golf club?

Before we start, I might recommend that you purchase a can of Dr. Scholl’s Foot Spray powder. Spray it on your club face before you hit a shot, and you’ll be able to see where your impact actually is. Face tape works as well, but it can skew the spin on the golf ball as well as your launch monitor numbers if you’re practicing with one.

Is chipping a good short game?

I think that’s because both chipping and putting are primarily “feel” shots. Yes, technique is important, but I’ve seen good chippers with all kinds of form and fundamentals.

What is heel shot in golf?

A golf heel shot is when the golf ball strikes the far left portion (not the hosel) of the clubface. Most commonly hitting the golf ball on the heel results in golf slices that curve around to the right and into trouble.

What happens when you come over the top in golf?

Coming over the top with outside to in and how to fix. The over the top golf swing causes a multitude of problems in golfers, not the least hitting heel golf shots. It also leads to toe shots, fat shots and thin golf shots as well. When an over the top golf swing combines with a weak grip and an open clubface, heel shots often occur.

How to know if your golf club grip is weak?

To fix you firstly need to grip the golf club correctly which means showing 2 knuckles on your left hand so your grip is strong enough so it squares the clubface on the downswing. No knuckles showing on the left hand is a sure sign your grip is too weak!

Why do my arms extend past the address position?

Because you are too close to the golf ball at address, on the downswing your arms will naturally extend past the address position pushing the golf club out pass the golf ball causing heel contact .

How to address a golf ball?

Next, bend your knees slightly, grip the golf club and let your arms hang down naturally by your sides. Now, the butt end of the golf club should be pointing at your belt buckle and your hands should be approximately right beneath your chin line.

Why do you keep your golf club back?

Keeping it back will ensure the golf club gets delivered on a more inside to out swing path and a better chance of solid contact.

Can you fix heel shots in golf?

The good news is with just a slight change to your set up, grip and swing plane you can fix your golf heel shots and hit the golf ball more consistently.

How to fix heel contact?

Some players, including pros, fix heel contact simply by addressing the ball slightly toward the clubs toe. That way, when the arms extend on the downswing the clubface meets the ball on the sweet spot.

How to balance weight on the arches of your feet?

Flex your knees to balance weight on the arches of your feet. Bend over from the hips – not the waist — and let the club fall into place behind the ball. If the clubface doesn’t reach the ball, or sits beyond it, maintain your knee flex, spine angle and arm position and move your feet forward or back until the club is properly positioned.

What happens if you lean over too much?

Weight toward your toes: If you’re leaning over too much, the club will trace a downswing path farther from your body than the route it followed on the backswing. This tipping motion can happen during the swing, even if your balance is solid at address.

What to do if your clubface doesn't reach the ball?

If the clubface doesn’t reach the ball, or sits beyond it, maintain your knee flex, spine angle and arm position and move your feet forward or back until the club is properly positioned.

What does it mean to stand too close to the ball?

Standing too close to the ball: From this position you’ll extend the arms on the downswing past their address position, pushing the club outward and initiating heel contact.

How to hold a golf club straight?

With the ball in front of you at a distance that feels appropriate, stand up straight (as though standing at attention) and bend your knees slightly. Take your normal grip on the club and hold it straight out in front of you, at a right angle to your spine, with the butt end pointing at or just above your belt buckle.

How to get rid of hosel rockets?

Jim, it's a common issue, as you can see. Fortunately, the solution is easy. Your downswing is starting with your upper body (arms and shoulders) causing your hands to move away and crating an "over-the-top" swing path. this also happens a lot on punch shots as they are very arm dominate swings, Work on starting down with your hips and feeling the arms and club lagging behind just a bit. Your swing will then return to the inside and your "hosel rockets" should disappear. Let me add, don't get in too big of a hurry to start down - give the "lag" time to form before you hit the ball. Too many people swing entirely too hard and start too quickly.

What is the track around the ball for the clubhead?

Or; Think of three tracks around the ball for the clubhead: the inside/heel track, the center of the face track, the toe track.... If you are heeling it, the only track the clubhead is on is the "toe track" and it's he heel that is on it. Start thinking you need to get on the heel track.

Why does my ball shank?

Also make sure your weight is balanced between the balls of your feet and heels. Losing balance by falling forward is a cause of a shank and this happens by standing TOO FAR from the ball. Main problem is arms too close to the body and standing too close to the ball.

How to avoid shanks in golf?

"You hit it on the hossle really does not help. Haney, Peltz and others suggest putting a row of tees or a board about an inch above your ball as you address it which creates a barrier that will prevent you from shanking---but you might hit the board! But the board will help to ingrain in your mind where the target line really is since the board is parallel to the target line. With most clubs you would not want the tip of your club going beyond the target line that is firmly implanted in your mind as you address the ball. The club face will be closing as it approaches the target line, will be square to target at impact, will start closing to the inside after impact. No chance for a shank exists if you can do this.

How to stop shanking on golf ball?

To stop shanking, try ignoring the ball. Focus on a spot about an inch inside the ball and try to hit that spot with the shaft. It takes a bit of practice to do this (after years of fixating on the ball), but it does work. It also takes your mind off "hand action" through impact and is particularly effective for hitting really crisp chips.

How to hit the sweet spot in a sport?

tennis, baseball, png pong, cricket, the grip and the shaft are always in line with the sweet spot. Point the handle at the ball, get your distance to the ball right and you will hit the sweet spot. The face angle or path may be wrong, but you should be on the sweet spot.

How far is the sweet spot on a golf club?

The sweet spot of a golf club is offset about 2 inches from the shaft. To hit a ball on the sweet spot, the shaft of the club has to be pointed about an inch inside the ball at impact. When we get careless, our instincts take over and we swing the shaft directly at the ball and we get a shank. Once we shank, the panic sets in causing us to act even more instinctively, which, in this case, means really aiming the “stick” at the ball. Now you have become a serial shanker.

How Can I Hit My Irons Better?

Practice, practice, practice. This is one of the best bets, you could also slow your swing down a bit and improve your tempo.

What irons are called B21?

One of the most top club makers in golf Callaway, their new Big Bertha B21 Irons carry on the famous name are amazingly forgiving and will really help you get the ball up in the air.

How to fix a driver's flight?

Teeing the ball higher and hitting up on the ball is one of the best ways to fix the flight of your driver and it will give you distance.

Why do golfers struggle to get height on the ball?

Many golfers struggle to get height on the ball, but why is this? There are many potential causes for this including an inappropriate shaft, set-up issue or swing flaw.

How to get better at bottoming out?

Try moving the ball slightly forward in your stance , this will help you improve the “bottoming-out” point of your swing in relation to the ball and should give you a better impact on the face.

How to make contact better in golf?

Take extra club and swing smoother, it will help you make better contact.

What is set up in golf?

The set-up is a part of the golf swing that you have full control over so you need to get it right.

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