Stay Over the Ball for More Consistent Ball Contact and Straighter Ball Flight

Mark Oswald
General Manager
The Highlands at Dove Mountain in Marana, AZ.
Marana, AZ
oswaldpga@gmail.com

More Information

Work on keeping your head over the ball on your backswing and your downswing. On the backswing emphasize a full shoulder turn while keeping your head over the ball. Don’t sway with your head as you take the club back. Swing the club around your body and make a full shoulder rotation, which will result in your back facing the target at the top of your swing and your front shoulder tucked under your chin.

Begin the downswing with the lower body; begin shifting your weight from the back foot to the front foot. Starting down with the lower body will leave your head over the ball. If you start down with your shoulders or upper body sliding towards the target, your head will get out in front of the ball and promote a fade or slice ball flight. Begin the downswing with your weight shift and begin turning your hips and shoulders through contact with the ball and into the finish position. Right after impact, if you have left your head in the correct position taking the club back, your back shoulder will begin pushing your head forward and into the finish position. Do you ever feel your back shoulder hit your chin? If you have felt this, then your head is staying behind the ball until after impact and you’re making a good shoulder turn. If you allow your head to move out too early, prior to impact you will lessen your chance for solid contact with the ball. At the finish position your body should now be facing the target and your weight is on your front foot.

Work on a swing centered over the ball, good weight shift to start the downswing and a full body rotation.

For more help with your golf game, contact Mark Oswald at oswaldpga@msn.com.