You might be reading this article because your ball striking is slightly off, and you want to achieve the perfect iron strike just like the best players do. With this in mind, you might be curious to know how to hit down on the golf ball.
Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. When told to hit down on a golf ball, you may not clearly understand what this means and how you should hit the ball before the turf.
Swinging Down on the Golf Ball
One of the main issues with most amateur golfers is that they fail to translate “hitting down on irons” into an actual swing move. Sure, their coaches might explain what they need to do, but they usually nod their heads and do something else altogether.
If you have been experiencing an issue with your swing, you may have noticed that you strike the turf before the ball, which shouldn’t happen. The right swing movement will ensure you hit the golf ball first, and the turf will follow.
Hitting down on the golf ball requires a specific angle of attack, and this is what this simple guide is all about.
How Do You Hit Down on a Golf Ball With Irons?
When thinking about how to hit down on the golf ball, the main thing that should come to mind is that you should strike the ball first before the club head comes to its lowest point. So whenever I’m helping aspiring golfers improve their technique, I usually advise them to aim for a downward angle of attack.
One thing I believe here is that the best way to achieve that scooping golf swing is to understand weight shift. To do this, the club’s grip should be in front of the ball during impact. You can’t achieve this position when the body is behind the golf ball.
Most students go for a full swing, which leads to a massive shift to their trailside. This movement almost makes it impossible to hit down on the golf ball.
From my experience, I think that students go for this move because they might have been told that they have to slide to the trail leg to get a strong hit. Another reason this might happen is that students try to maintain a rigid lower body posture. But the key issue is to understand how to make a good turn that keeps them more centred over the ball.
Tips for Hitting Down on the Golf Ball
One effective strategy that will help you get the right angle of attack is to think of the club head like an aeroplane finding the right angle to land. In this regard, the goal is to prevent the club head (aeroplane) from crushing down. From this angle of attack, a golfer should hit the golf ball before the turf.
A common thing I notice with most armature golfers is that the idea of hitting down gives them the wrong impression and, ultimately, the wrong angle of attack. Students usually are too steep, which leaves the club head (aeroplane) crushing down.
Another critical issue to hit down on a golf ball is that you must focus on your finish. An improper finish position will leave you hitting the ball in the wrong direction. I normally notice that golfers who tend to scoop the golf ball during impact tend to hand on their trail leg and stay there for some time.
So, how do you stop scooping the golf ball?
How To Stop Scooping The Golf Ball
You can avoid scooping the ball by being keener with the right side of your body when taking the swing. Strive to shift how you perceive the swing, and you will notice a significant improvement in your next shots.
Scooping the golf ball isn’t just bad for your game, but it also harms your back. I have seen many golfers injure their backs because of this simple error. The worst thing is that most of them don’t know how they suffered such injuries.
To avoid scooping the ball, ensure you brace the club using your right index finger. Straighten this finger along with the handle. If the right index finger bends, you might get a hooked shot.
Your right shoulder should be in position when taking the swing. Lifting your shoulder will only make you scoop the ball. So, ensure you’re fully aware of your right shoulder position and aim to keep it steady.
Maintain a firm grip and loosen your upper body. Find the right balance between holding the club tightly and loosening your upper body. Don’t stiffen your body thinking that this will help you achieve a firm grip.
More importantly, straighten your clubface. You might open your clubface without even knowing it. This is what I normally see with most students as they aim to get more height on the ball.
However, this only leads to a poor aim and loss of distance. Instead, ensure the clubface is straight, and you will see a massive difference in your hitting technique.
Hit Down on the Ball Consistently
Practice makes perfect. Hitting down on the golf ball using the pointers discussed herein will help you improve over time. You might get a good hit today, but it doesn’t mean that you’ve mastered the art of hitting down on irons.
This requires consistent practice. Moreover, there is always something new to learn about getting the right angle of attack. The more you practice, the more you notice that the best hit is all about your mind.
Remember, before you get it right, you need to get it wrong. So, practice as many times as you can without getting discouraged. Every time you stumble, pay attention to your mistakes and correct them. Be mindful of your body movements. Apart from focusing on how to hit down on the golf ball, it’s essential to enjoy the game.