Golf Tips and Instruction- January 30, 2008
How To Break 80 Newsletter
January 30, 2008
“The Web’s Most Popular Golf Improvement Newsletter”
===============================================
In this issue we’ll discuss…
1) Don’t Scoop The Pitch Shot
2) Foot Positioning - A Key To Shotmaking
3) Question of the Week - Create A Wider Swing Arc For More Power
4) Article - Igniting Your Swing With The Right Side
5) Article - Choosing A Ball That Fits Your Game
Jack’s Note: Did you guys see Tiger’s win last weekend? I mean is that guy scary-good or what? I myself think he’s going to have a career season and I look forward to watching as he breaks old records and sets new ones. What did you guys think? I’d love to hear your thoughts. You can read more on my Tiger rant on my blog.
===============================================
1) Don’t Scoop The Pitch Shot
===============================================
Mastering the pitch shot is essential if you want to reduce your golf handicap. It turns three shots into two and occasionally into one, as I’ve said previously. However, to master this part of the game, you must learn to hit crisp, accurate shots. That’s hard to do for many recreational golfers, who have a tendency to scoop the ball off the ground instead of hitting it.
Here are six tips on eliminating the tendency to scoop the ball:
* Use a more lofted club
* Play the ball back
* Lean the shaft forward
* Increase the angle of descent
* Keep the wrist flat through impact
* Pick out a target
Using a more lofted club helps eliminate the tendency to scoop the ball. Many golfers use an 8- or 9-iron to hit a pitch shot, the traditional club of choice for pitch shots. However, using a higher-lofted club, like a sand wedge, helps curb the golfer’s tendency to scoop the ball.
Using a more lofted club also lets you play the ball back a little in your stance. This in turn forces you to increase the shaft’s forward lean and the downward angle of attack through impact—both of which are critical to hitting good shots. Increasing the downward angle of attack also increases consistency when hitting from different lies because you strike the ball higher on the clubface.
Finally, make sure you pick out a landing spot on the green. Tiger Woods thinks it’s critical to pitching. And he should know. Experience and playing conditions will tell you just how close the target should be to the hole and how much roll you’ll need to get it close. And keep the left wrist (for right-handers) flat through impact.
Eliminating the tendency to scoop the ball off the ground is a critical step in learning to hit crisp, accurate pitch shots. It also improves accuracy and increases consistency from different lies. Mastering the pitch shot is vital if you’re really serious about reducing your scores.
===============================================
2) Foot Positioning - A Key To Shotmaking
===============================================
Sometimes small things in golf can make a big difference. Ernie Els uses a simple swing technique to help him control the speed of his swing and focus on what he needs to in order to hit the ball well. As he starts his backswing, Els thinks “Low and slow.” This simple swing thought reminds him that he needs to start his club off low and take a slow backswing before transitioning to his downswing. Judging from Els’ success on the tour, this swing thought works.
Another small adjustment that helps recreational golfers improve shotmaking is foot position at address. Basically there are three positions for your feet at address.
* Straight Ahead
* Fade
* Draw
Each of these positions contributes significantly to your ability hit the type of shot you want when you want to hit it.
With the straight-ahead position, the stance and foot position are parallel to the target line. The front foot is flared open just a bit, which allows your hips to clear more easily during your swing, and the back foot is square to the target. Use this position when you’re trying to the ball straight down the middle of the fairway.
With the fade position, the stance and foot position are slightly open to the target line. In other words, the hips are facing slightly to the left of the target line for right-handers, or slightly to the right of the target line for left-handers. In addition, the front foot is flared open slightly and the back foot is toed in a bit. Use this stance and foot position when hitting a fade.
With the draw position, the stance and foot position are “closed” to the target line. In other words, the stance and foot position are pointed to the right of the target line, if you’re right-handed, and to the left of the target line, if you’re left-handed. The font foot is square to the target, and the back foot is flared open slightly. Use this position when you want to hit a draw.
Check your foot position every time you hit the ball. Make sure it is appropriate for the type of shot you’re trying to make. If it is, then you can swing away with confidence.
===============================================
3) Question of the Week - Create A Wider Swing Arc For More Power
===============================================
Q. Hi Jack, I’m not sure what you mean exactly by launch angle. Is that standing further away from the ball and having a wider arc? I struggle to get the distance I know I am capable of getting off the tee with my driver. I use tees of just over 3 inches and I’m one of those players who try to get extra distance by muscle power and faster downswing. What should I do?
Regards
Damian Davies (Australia)
A. Great question, Damian. Launch angle is the initial elevation angle of the ball (with respect to the ground) immediately after impact with the clubhead.
If you want to generate power off the tee, develop a better technique and work on creating a wider arc, which is what really produces power and provides the added distance we all want.
Greg Norman does two things to create a wider arc and generate more power: (1) he points his left toe toward the hole slightly, encouraging his left side to clear out more easily through impact, and (2) he hovers the club above the ball, promoting a smooth one-piece takeaway and building rhythm. Together, these two moves help him widen his swing arc.
Here are 5 additional keys to a great drive:
1. Widen your stance for stability
2. Hover the clubhead above the ball
3. Make a full shoulder turn
4. Don’t rush the back swing
5. Hit hard with your right hand
Above all, don’t rush your backswing. Rushing narrows your swing arc and creates a tendency to swing straight down on the ball, sapping your power. Also, maintain a straight left arm during the backswing, re-establishing the radius of your swing and generating power at impact, and hit hard with your right hand. It’s almost impossible to hit too hard with your right hand.
In addition to improving your technique, taking advantage of the playing elements helps generate more distance. Those elements include the wind. Use a following wind to add extra distance to your drive. Also, teeing the ball higher than normal generates higher ball flight, with more carry through the air, so that you can get more distance.
If you’ve got a golf question you’d like answered, send an email to us at questions@howtobreak80.com and we’ll review it. I can’t guarantee that we’ll use it but if we do, we’ll make sure to include your name and where you’re from.
===============================================
If you want to truly discover the secrets of shooting like the Pros and creating a more reliable and consistent swing, check out: http://www.HowToBreak80.com
Also, for past issues of this newsletter and some of my most recent articles, visit our blog at www.HowToBreak80.com/blog
To view this newsletter online, please visit:
http://www.howtobreak80.com/newsletter01302008.html
Here are some of my recent articles:
4) Article - Igniting Your Swing With The Right Side
http://www.howtobreak80.com/articles/igniting-your-swing-with-the-right-side.html
5) Article - Choosing A Ball That Fits Your Game
http://www.howtobreak80.com/articles/choosing-a-ball-that-fits-your-game.html
Until next time,
Go Low!
Jack
P.S. Feel free to share this newsletter with family and friends. If you would like to subscribe to this newsletter, send a blank email to break80ezine@aweber.com
===============================================
About the Author
===============================================
Jack Moorehouse is the author of the best-selling book “How To Break 80 and Shoot Like the Pros!”. He is NOT a golf pro, rather a working man that has helped thousands of golfers from all seven continents lower their handicaps quickly. His free weekly newsletter goes out to thousands of golfers worldwide and provides the latest golf tips, strategies, techniques and instruction on how to improve your golf game.
