Head instructor Tom Stickney explains how using different positions of the golf ball can lead to different trajectories and types of shots.
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Most golfers reading this understand that moving the golf ball either forward or backward will do this. affect the outcome of the shot. This is why it is recommended to position it on the front leg when using the driver (to help swing and launch it) and why it is suggested to move it to the back when you are looking for a lower shot.
But how much does ball position affect your swing path?
It’s a topic of conversation that Master Teacher Tom Stickney recently spoke to me about, so I thought it would be good for him to elaborate on it below.
The effect of your golf ball position on the swing path
“The position of the golf ball in the stance will greatly affect things within your swing through the hitting zone,” says Stickney. “Factors such as angle of attack, swing path, ball trajectory and dynamic loft are all affected by changes with his position.”
Golfers most often play the ball from the middle of their stance, so this is your normal ball position. Stickney suggests tracking the ball flight and score when you are able to move freely from this position.
“When the ball is in this neutral position, which is where you normally play it from, it should give you a sense of a predictable angle of attack and trajectory. “Graph these results during your driving distance sessions for reference,” he says. On the contrary, when the golf ball position is more forward, you will see the opposite happen and you will sweep the ball a touch more with a path that is more inside-out.”
Rethink ball position on decisive clean shots from 75-100 yards
Nick Dimengo
Adjust your aim as you change your golf ball position
Since you know the swing path changes when ball position changes, Stickney reminds players to adjust their aim as they move position since ball flight and spin change.
“When you put the ball back into your stance and closer to your track foot, your trajectory will become lower because you’re giving the ball less dynamic loft,” he says. “Since your swing path will be more to the right of the target from this position, you need to account for this by setting more to the left at address. Also remember that the shorter the club, the more you hit – so the further to the left you should aim.”
Conversely, when the position of the golf ball is further forward in your stance, Stickney says the swing path is farther from the target, so you need to adjust accordingly for that as well.
“When the ball is further forward in position, you won’t drive down as much, and the drive will shift more to the left as a result,” he says. “Every time you move more up on the ball, you’re going to add dynamic loft and increase the height of the ball.”
So when playing with ball position in your golf swing, be sure to keep Stickney’s advice in mind. Not only will your club choice (due to loft) be affected, but so will your angle of attack and ball trajectory. Understanding these subtle changes can help you hit more greens and be in better positions to score low.
Tom Stickney is a golf instructor at Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club in Jupiter, Fla.
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