Master Your Golf Swing: Key Drills to Enhance Ball Striking

Learn the secrets used by PGA Tour pros to achieve cleaner contact and better compression in your golf swing. Uncover two powerful drills and the vital numbers that can transform your game.

Introduction — The Key to Consistent Ball Striking

Many amateur golfers struggle with a wide downswing, leading to fat or thin shots and poor compression. However, top golfers like Scotty Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau combine a wide swing with effective body movements to achieve optimal ball contact. The secret lies in a proper lateral shift, weight transfer to the lead foot, and maintaining centered head positioning.

Step 1: Perfect Your Weight Transfer

Feel the weight rolling to the outside of your lead foot with your belt buckle forward. This position trains a forward low point and improves compression.

Why it matters

Shifting weight forward without moving your head allows you to strike the ball first and compress it. Aim for these two critical numbers:

• Lead knee angle: Below 70 degrees at impact.
• Low point: Approximately four inches ahead of the ball.

Practice the Finish Drill

1. Address a ball and make a half swing, focusing on the finish.
2. Shift your weight forward through impact.
3. Ensure your belt buckle remains in front.
4. Hold the position for 5–10 seconds and repeat.
5. Gradually progress to full swings.

Step 2: The Shift-and-Lift Drill

Hold two clubs, slide your left hand to your belt line, and feel your body creating separation between hips and shoulders to achieve the forward hip position at impact.

Executing the Drill

1. Grip two clubs and assume address.
2. Slide your left hand up, feel the hip move forward.
3. Bend the lead knee accordingly.
4. Repeat until natural, then practice with slow swings.

How to Measure Success

Utilize tools like Swing Slap to track your progress in:

• Knee angle under 70 degrees.
• Low point four inches ahead of the ball.
• Shaft lean averaging 12 degrees.

Practice Plan — Integrating Drills

1. Warm-up: Light mobility and short swings.
2. Dry drills: Practice without balls, focusing on shifts and finishes.
3. Slow swings: Hit balls at half speed, checking form.
4. Full swings: Gradually increase speed.
5. Reflect: Review video and adjust.

Common Faults and Solutions

• Sliding hips: Use the two-club slide for balance.
• Head movement: Keep your head centered.
• Excessive tilt: Aim for a moderate shaft lean.

Tracking Your Improvement

• More consistent ball flight.
• Stronger, deeper divots.
• Confirmed angles in video analysis.

How Long Until You See Results?

With regular practice, expect improvements in 3–6 weeks. Consistency and feedback are keys.

FAQs for Golfers

Can I use these drills for a wide downswing?

Yes, particularly effective for correcting issues related to wide swings.

Will forward shifting affect my balance?

Practice gradually, focusing on stability.

Are these applicable to drivers?

Absolutely, the principles apply to all club types.

Conclusion — The Path to Better Ball Striking

Maintain your natural swing and enhance compression with the right techniques. Use drills such as finish-hold, shift-and-lift, and measure your progress diligently. These practices can transform your game and solve common faults.

Remember: Consistency and feedback through filming and measuring are your allies in achieving a more reliable golf swing.