How many times have you been on the range struggling with your
swing and there
’s no instructor in sight? So you try to make changes on your
own and things just get worse. We’ve all been there, but sometimes
there’s a chance you can fix the problem. First, you must
understand some ball flight laws. The two major factors why the
ball curves are the path in which the clu
b travels, and clubface position at impact. Simple!
How many times have you been on the range struggling with your swing and there’s no instructor in sight? So you try to make changes on your own and things just get worse.
We’ve all been there, but sometimes there’s a chance you can fix the problem.
First, you must understand some ball flight laws. The two major factors why the ball curves are the path in which the club travels, and clubface position at impact. Simple!
Next time you’re on the range pay attention to how the ball starts out in relationship with the flag. Example for the right handed golfer, if the ball starts left of the target line then curves right, that means the path of the club is traveling from outside to in with the club face is open. Conversely, if the ball starts right of the target and curves to the left of the target the club is coming from the inside with the clubface closed.
To correct these problems, first you need to work on the swing path. For the most common the left to right ball flight, tee up a ball with a six iron, make a few exaggerated three-quarter speed practice swings from inside to out. Then hit a few shots. If the ball starts slightly right of the target, this means your swing path coming more from the inside, which is correct. If the ball still curves to the right don’t worry this means the clubface is open. To correct the clubface issue, make sure your grip pressure is light and relaxed. Swing the club allowing the wrists to hinge on the backswing and unhinge on the forward swing closing the clubface and re-hinging on the follow through. If the ball starts to the right of the target then curves to the left towards the target you’re on the right track. Remember path and clubface determines how the ball curves.
Knowing these ball flight laws can help you solve the problems.
If you’re still having trouble, give us a call at (408) 463-1800.
Don Leone is the Director of Golf Instruction at Coyote Creek Golf Course. For information about classes, email
dl****@ca*********.com
or call 463-8024.
