How Do I Deliver The Club Into The Ball??

One of the biggest questions I get is 'what do the arms and hands do when approaching impact'. The best way to have the ideal delivery to impact is firstly ensuring the backswing is in the correct position. This would entail making sure the left shoulder passes under the chin while the head is stable and also that the left arm and the hands form a 90 degree angle. (Opposite for a left hander) Also when trying to establish a 90 degree angle at the top of the swing, you want to also have the left arm reasonably straight.

Now once you start down, the weight should start to move onto your left foot whilst trying to maintain your wrist hinge at 90 degrees. You want to try and maintain this 90 degree angle right up until your hands reach your inner left leg. Once you reach this position, it will mean your hands are staying in front of the clubface at impact. Maintaining wrist hinge is vital for power and control over your trajectory. Most people unhinge their wrist too early on the downswing causing their hands to be behind the clubface at impact. When this happens, the end result is 'topping' or 'thinning'.

Now once you can have the hands ahead of the clubface at impact, you then want to focus on how the club releases through the ball. What you want to make sure of is that when the club reaches hip height after impact, the 'toe' of the club is pointed to the sky. If you were to film yourself, you shouldn't see your left hand at this position. If you master this position, it will mean that you're arms are rotating correctly through impact which increases your chances of hitting the ball straight!

One of the best drills to feel what the arms and hands are doing through impact is the 'split hand' drill. This is where you you separate your hands on the club (around 4 inches) and firstly swing the club to the top of the backswing until the left arm and wrists form a 90 degree angle. You want to then maintain this wrist angle right up until impact where the hands are opposite your inner left leg, finishing with a full release through the ball with the 'toe' pointing up at waist high after impact. The reason for splitting your hands is that it is easier for your hands to hinge when they are separated. A final note is that you can hit some balls with the 'split hand' drill or you can do a number of practice swings with this drill and then grip the club normally, trying for the same feel.

If you'd like any further help in understanding the correct impact position, just contact myself at David Waters Golf located at Emerald Lakes Golf Coaching Centre.