Too much Shaft Lean at Address

Golf is a sport that requires precise technique and attention to detail in order to play well. One aspect of a golfer’s technique that can greatly affect their swing is the amount of shaft lean at address. In this article, we will explore what shaft lean is, how it affects your swing, and how to correct it if you have too much.

What is shaft lean at address?

Shaft lean at address refers to the angle at which the shaft of the golf club is leaning towards the target when the golfer is standing at address. This angle is created by the positioning of the hands in relation to the ball and the clubhead.

How does shaft lean affect your swing?

The amount of shaft lean you have at address can greatly affect your swing. Too much shaft lean can cause the clubface to close too quickly, resulting in a hook shot. It can also cause the golfer to hit the ball too low and too far to the left. On the other hand, too little shaft lean can result in an open clubface, causing the ball to slice or push to the right.

How to correct too much shaft lean

If you have too much shaft lean at address, there are a few things you can do to correct it. The first is to check your grip. If your grip is too strong (meaning your hands are turned too far to the right), this can cause too much shaft lean. Try adjusting your grip so your hands are more neutral on the club.

Another way to correct too much shaft lean is to adjust your setup. Try moving the ball slightly back in your stance, which will naturally decrease the amount of shaft lean you have at address. You can also try standing a little taller or bringing your hands slightly further away from your body.

Additional Details

Here are some additional tips and considerations for correcting too much shaft lean at address:

  1. Check your posture: Your posture at address can also affect your shaft lean. If you are hunched over or have a rounded back, this can cause too much shaft lean. Make sure your back is straight, your shoulders are back, and your chin is up.
  2. Use a mirror or video: Sometimes it can be difficult to see exactly how much shaft lean you have at address. Using a mirror or video can help you visualize your setup and make adjustments accordingly.
  3. Practice with alignment sticks: Using alignment sticks can help you check your setup and ensure that you are aiming correctly. Place an alignment stick on the ground parallel to your target line and another stick perpendicular to it, pointing towards your feet. This will give you a reference point for your setup and help you adjust your shaft lean as needed.
  4. Experiment with different clubs: Different clubs have different shaft lengths and angles, which can affect your shaft lean. Experiment with different clubs to see which ones feel most comfortable and produce the best results for you.
  5. Don’t overcorrect: While it’s important to correct too much shaft lean, be careful not to overcorrect and end up with too little. This can cause its own set of problems, such as an open clubface and slicing the ball.
  6. Focus on your weight distribution: Your weight distribution can also affect your shaft lean. Make sure your weight is evenly distributed between your feet and your body is balanced. This will help you maintain a more neutral position at address and reduce the amount of shaft lean.
  7. Use training aids: There are various training aids available that can help you correct too much shaft lean. For example, a shaft lean trainer can help you develop the correct amount of lean at address and maintain it throughout your swing.
  8. Practice with different ball positions: Experiment with different ball positions to see how they affect your shaft lean. Moving the ball forward in your stance can increase your shaft lean, while moving it back can decrease it. Find the position that works best for you and stick with it.
  9. Be mindful of your wrist position: Your wrist position can also affect your shaft lean. If your wrists are too far forward or back at address, this can cause too much or too little shaft lean. Make sure your wrists are in a neutral position and aligned with the clubface.
  10. Practice, practice, practice: Correcting too much shaft lean at address takes time and practice. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel and the more consistent your shots will become. Make sure to practice with purpose and focus on making small adjustments until you find the right position for you.

Causes of too much shaft lean at address

CauseDescriptionEffectSolutionPractice Drill
Forward PressHands too far forward at addressLow ball flight, reduced distanceMove hands back at addressPlace a tee behind the ball and make swings without touching it
Weak GripGrip too much in palms of handsClosed clubface at impact, reduced distanceStrengthen grip, move hands back at addressGrip the club with the fingers rather than the palms
Poor PostureHunched over at addressInconsistent ball contact, reduced distanceStand taller, straighten backPractice hitting balls with a club held against back to maintain proper posture
Ball PositionBall too far back in stanceReduced distance, low ball flightMove ball forward in stancePlace alignment sticks on ground to ensure proper ball position
Overactive HandsHands too active during takeawayEarly wrist hinge, reduced distanceRelax hands, focus on a smooth takeawayPractice taking the club back with one hand at a time

Effects of too much shaft lean at address

EffectDescriptionCauseSolutionPractice Drill
Low Ball FlightShots fly too lowForward Press, Weak GripMove hands back at address, strengthen gripTee the ball higher and make a more upward strike
Reduced DistanceShots don’t travel as far as intendedWeak Grip, Poor Posture, Overactive HandsStrengthen grip, stand taller, relax handsFocus on making a full shoulder turn and following through
Inconsistent Ball ContactShots struck all over the facePoor Posture, Overactive HandsStand taller, relax handsUse face tape to identify impact location and adjust accordingly
Closed Clubface at ImpactShots veer left of targetWeak GripStrengthen grip, move hands back at addressFocus on keeping clubface square to target
Early Wrist HingeClubface opens during backswingOveractive HandsRelax hands, focus on smooth takeawayPractice taking the club back with one hand at a time

Solutions for too much shaft lean at address

SolutionDescriptionCauseEffectPractice Drill
Move Hands BackHands too far forward at addressForward Press, Weak GripLow ball flight, reduced distancePlace a tee behind the ball and make swings without touching it
Strengthen GripGrip too much in palms of handsWeak Grip, Closed Clubface at ImpactReduced distance, shots veer leftUse a stronger grip and practice holding the club more in the fingers
Stand TallerHunched over at addressPoor Posture, Inconsistent Ball ContactReduced distance, inconsistent ball strikingPractice hitting balls with a club held against back to maintain proper posture
Relax HandsHands too active during takeawayOveractive Hands, Early Wrist HingeReduced distance, clubface opens during backswingPractice taking the club back with one hand at a time
Adjust Ball PositionBall too far back in stanceBall PositionReduced distance, low ball flightPlace alignment sticks on ground to ensure proper ball position

Practice Drills for too much shaft lean at address

Practice DrillDescriptionCauseEffectSolution
Tee DrillPlace a tee behind the ball and make swings without touching itForward PressLow ball flight, reduced distanceMove hands back at address
Grip Pressure DrillHold the club with a comfortable grip pressureWeak GripShots veer left, reduced distanceUse a grip that allows you to hold the club in the fingers rather than the palms
Alignment Stick DrillPlace alignment sticks on ground to ensure proper ball positionBall PositionReduced distance, low ball flightAdjust ball position, move ball forward in stance
Posture Alignment DrillUse an alignment stick to ensure proper posture at addressPoor PostureInconsistent ball striking, reduced distanceStand taller, straighten back
One-Handed Takeaway DrillPractice taking the club back with one hand at a timeOveractive Hands, Early Wrist HingeReduced distance, clubface opens during backswingRelax hands, focus on smooth takeaway

Tips to prevent too much shaft lean at address

TipDescription
Check Your SetupEnsure your hands are not too far forward or too far back at address
Use Proper GripHold the club in the fingers, not the palms, and use a grip strength that’s comfortable for you
Focus on PostureStand tall with a straight back and relaxed shoulders
Practice TakeawayFocus on a smooth takeaway with minimal hand movement
Use Proper Ball PositionPlace the ball in the correct position in your stance for the shot you’re hitting

Remember, correcting too much shaft lean at address takes time and practice. It’s important to be patient and persistent, and to work with a golf instructor or coach if you’re having difficulty making the necessary adjustments on your own. By improving your setup and technique, you can improve your consistency and accuracy on the golf course.

Finally, you can work on improving your overall swing technique. If you have too much shaft lean, it may be a result of other swing faults such as a steep downswing or an overactive upper body. Working with a golf instructor can help you identify and correct these faults, leading to a more consistent and efficient swing.

Author

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  • Ray Barnes

    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.

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