Hitting behind the golf ball is a common issue among golfers, and it can be a frustrating problem to fix. When a golfer hits behind the ball, it typically results in some nasty shots that lack power, distance and may even cause you a penalty. There are several reasons why this occurs.
One of the most common reasons is an improper swing path and your body swaying. Furthermore, if a golfer's swing path is too steep, they may have a tendency to hit fat shots.
This can be caused by a number of factors, including improper grip, incorrect posture, or an incorrect takeaway. Body sway refers to the lateral movement of your lower and upper bodying during your backswing.
It is primarily caused by an incorrect weight distribution resulting in you losing balance and control over your swing path.
Another reason for hitting behind the ball is an improper ball position. If the ball is positioned too far forward in your stance, it can cause you to hit behind it.
This can be due to a number of factors since there has been no other changes to compensate for the ball being further up in your stance.
So, what can be done to fix this problem?
The solution to hitting behind the ball depends on the cause of the problem.
For example, if the issue is an improper swing path, the golfer may need to work on their rotation or posture to correct their swing.
If the problem is an improper ball position, the golfer may need to adjust their ball position to better suit their swing.
But here are some common solutions that can help you never hit a fat shot again.
1) CHOKING DOWN:
Choking down on the club means gripping the club lower down on the grip which is an underrated technique.
This can help golfers avoid hitting fat shots as it allows them to position the ball farther back in their stance.
By positioning the ball farther back in the stance, the golfer can create a more descending contact and avoid scooping the ball off the turf. Choking down on the club can also help golfers maintain better control of the clubhead and improve their accuracy.
But be aware, by choking down on your club you will hit it a bit shorter with an increased roll-out.
2) PAUSE DRILL
This well known drill has been the natural swing of pro player Hideki Matsuyama for years.
The pause drill is a technique that helps you develop better control and timing in your swing. It’s one of the simplest drills to learn and can be implemented while you hit balls.
Here's how to do it:
-
Set up to the ball with your natural golf posture.
-
Take your normal backswing, but pause when you reach the top of the swing for a count of 1-2 seconds.
-
Then, resume your swing and hit the ball as you normally would.
The pause at the top of the swing forces you to check your posture and alignment, which can help you create a more controlled and accurate downswing.
More importantly, this drill helps develop the correct tempo for the perfect swing.
You can also try pausing for longer counts, or pausing at different points in your swing to focus on specific areas of your technique.
Treat each pause as a chance to check over your swing positions before you hit the ball.
3) STAND ON THE BALL
Standing on a golf ball with your back foot is a drill that can help you improve your balance and control in your golf swing.
Just like the pause drill, it’s very simple and can be implemented while you hit balls.
Here’s how to do it:
-
Place a golf ball under your back foot (the foot on the side of your body opposite your target).
-
Take your normal stance and grip, making sure the ball is positioned directly under your heel.
-
Practice your swing, as it’ll feel as if your body is being limited to rotate. The more you feel this limitation, the more control you’ll have over your swing and body.
The goal of this drill is to help you feel the proper balance and weight distribution in your golf swing.
By forcing you to balance on the ball with your back foot, this drill helps keep the center of your pelvis directly over the ball.
By developing better control and stability in your lower body, will help you eliminate swaying and improve your overall swing technique.
4) FLAMINGO DRILL
The Flamingo Drill is a balance and stability drill that can help you improve your control and power in your swing eliminating those nasty fat shots. It only involves one simple step and can be done anywhere.
Here's how to do it:
- Take your normal stance and grip, but place your back foot behind your front foot so that you're balancing on only one leg.
- Practice your half swing, focusing on maintaining your balance and control on your front foot as you swing.
The goal of this drill is to help you develop better balance and stability in your golf swing.
By forcing you to balance on one leg, this drill helps you feel the proper transfer of weight from your back foot to your front foot as you swing.
It also helps you develop a more stable base, which can improve your power and accuracy.
