Hitting down on the golf ball is an essential skill that can improve your game and help you achieve greater accuracy and distance. Here are some drills that can help you practice hitting down on the golf ball:
Ball Position Drill: Start by placing a golf ball in the middle of your stance. Then, move the ball back slightly, so it is closer to your back foot. This will help you to hit down on the ball, creating a more descending strike.
Shaft Lean Drill: To achieve a more descending strike, you need to create a forward lean with your clubshaft at impact. To practice this, take your normal golf stance, but move your hands forward so that the clubshaft is leaning towards the target. This should help you make a more downward strike on the ball.
Towel Drill: Place a towel under your lead foot and practice hitting balls without letting the towel move. This drill will help you to keep your weight forward and create a more descending strike.
Divot Drill: Place a tee in the ground, then take your normal stance and try to hit down on the tee. This will help you to create a divot after the ball, which is a sign that you are hitting down on the ball correctly.
Impact Bag Drill: An impact bag is a training aid that can help you practice your swing and create a more downward strike. Simply hit the impact bag with your club, trying to hit down on the bag and create a solid impact.
One-Handed Drill: Take your normal golf stance and grip the club with only your lead hand. Practice hitting balls using only your lead hand, making sure to keep your weight forward and create a descending strike on the ball. This drill will help you develop a more solid and consistent impact position.
Weight Shift Drill: Start by taking your normal golf stance and then shift your weight to your back foot. From there, make a swing and try to hit down on the ball, creating a more descending strike. This drill will help you develop a better weight shift and create a more consistent impact position.
Slow-Motion Drill: Practice making slow, deliberate swings where you focus on hitting down on the ball and creating a more descending strike. This drill will help you develop a better sense of timing and create a more consistent impact position.
Launch Monitor Drill: Use a launch monitor to track your ball flight and monitor your swing path and angle of attack. This drill will help you identify any areas where you need to improve and track your progress as you practice hitting down on the ball.
Clubhead Awareness Drill: Take a few practice swings without a ball and focus on the position of your clubhead. Try to make a more downward strike and pay attention to the sound and feel of the clubhead hitting the ground. This drill will help you develop a better sense of clubhead awareness and create a more consistent impact position.
Swing Drills to Improve Your Golf Ball Impact
Drill Name
Purpose
Setup
Execution
Tips
Towel Drill
To prevent scooping at impact
Lay a towel on the ground near the ball
Swing as normal, trying to avoid hitting the towel
Keep your hands ahead of the clubhead at impact
Gate Drill
To create a descending strike
Place two alignment rods or clubs in the ground, parallel to your target line and on either side of the ball
Swing through the gates, hitting the ball first
Focus on keeping your hands ahead of the clubhead
Punch Shot Drill
To hit a low, penetrating shot
Tee the ball low, and place it slightly back in your stance
Take a shorter backswing and swing down sharply, creating a punch shot
Ray Barnes, our Senior Staff Writer and a Golf Analyst with a PhD in Sports Analytics, is a beacon of insight in the golfing world. With a deep understanding of the sport's nuances, statistical analysis, and a talent for demystifying complexities, he provides in-depth analysis and captivating narratives that engage golf enthusiasts worldwide.
