Shanking the golf ball can be one of the most frustrating experiences for a golfer. It happens when the ball hits the hosel of the club, sending it off in a completely unintended direction. However, with a few simple adjustments, you can eliminate this problem and improve your game. Here are some tips on how to stop shanking the golf ball:
Check your setup: The first thing you need to do is check your setup. Make sure your feet, hips, and shoulders are aligned properly. If your stance is too narrow or too wide, it can affect your balance, making it more difficult to hit the ball in the sweet spot. Ensure that your weight is evenly distributed on both feet.
Adjust your grip: Your grip can also play a significant role in shanking the ball. A grip that’s too strong can cause you to hit the ball with the heel of the club, resulting in a shank. Try loosening your grip slightly to prevent this from happening.
Keep your head steady: During your swing, it’s important to keep your head still. Moving your head up and down or side to side can cause your swing to be off-balance, leading to shanking the ball. Focus on keeping your head in one place throughout your swing.
Practice with a towel or headcover: One effective way to stop shanking the ball is to practice hitting with a towel or headcover placed just outside the ball. This helps to prevent you from hitting the ball too far on the inside, which can lead to a shank.
Focus on your ball position: The position of the ball in your stance can also affect your swing. If you’re consistently shanking the ball, try moving the ball slightly back in your stance. This can help you hit the ball more in the center of the clubface.
Take lessons: If you’ve tried all of these adjustments and still can’t seem to stop shanking the ball, consider taking lessons from a golf professional. They can help you identify the root cause of your problem and provide you with specific drills to improve your swing.
Use a shorter backswing: An overly long backswing can lead to shanking the ball. Try shortening your backswing and focusing on a smoother, more controlled swing. This can help you hit the ball in the center of the clubface and avoid hitting the hosel.
Slow down your swing: Another common cause of shanking the ball is swinging too quickly. Try slowing down your swing and focusing on a smooth, fluid motion. This can help you maintain better control over the clubhead and hit the ball more consistently.
Use a different club: If you’re consistently shanking the ball with a particular club, try switching to a different one. Sometimes a different club can provide a better feel and help you hit the ball more consistently.
Relax and stay focused: Finally, it’s important to stay relaxed and focused during your swing. Shanking the ball can be a frustrating experience, but getting frustrated or tense will only make it worse. Take a deep breath, relax your muscles, and stay focused on the shot at hand.
Practice with a mirror: Practicing in front of a mirror can help you identify flaws in your swing that may be causing you to shank the ball. Set up a mirror next to you and take a few practice swings, paying close attention to your body position, head movement, and swing path. This can help you make the necessary adjustments to improve your swing and avoid shanking the ball.
Visualize your shots: Visualization is a powerful tool that can help you improve your golf game. Before each shot, take a moment to visualize the ball flying straight and true towards your target. This can help you focus your mind and body and make a more controlled, accurate swing.
Get in better shape: Being physically fit and flexible can help you avoid shanking the ball. Regular exercise and stretching can improve your balance, coordination, and range of motion, making it easier to maintain a proper swing and hit the ball in the sweet spot.
Play more often: Like any skill, golf requires practice to improve. The more often you play, the more comfortable you will become with your swing and the less likely you will be to shank the ball. Try to play as often as possible, even if it’s just a few holes after work or on the weekends.
Don’t be too hard on yourself: Finally, it’s important to remember that golf is a challenging game, and shanking the ball is a common problem that even the best golfers experience from time to time. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you shank a shot or two – just focus on making the necessary adjustments and enjoy the game.
In conclusion, shanking the golf ball can be a frustrating and discouraging experience, but with practice and patience, you can overcome this problem and improve your game. By making adjustments to your setup, grip, swing, and mindset, practicing with a mirror, visualizing your shots, getting in better shape, playing more often, and maintaining a positive attitude, you can become a better golfer and enjoy the game even more.
Common Causes of Shanking in Golf
Cause
Description
Correction
Drill
Example
Open club face
Club face is pointing right, towards the target
Square the clubface at address and impact
Place an object such as a tee on the toe of the club
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.