If you have been told that “hit the driver“you are not alone. The starting point and rotation speed dominate modern long-distance conversations, and most amateurs know – at least conceptually – that a positive thing angle of attack it can help them hit the ball farther. The problem? Most golfers try to produce an upward swing with swinging thoughts. And that usually makes things worse.
The best ball handlers don’t actively try to “hit” the ball. On the contrary, they organize their organization and pressure in such a way that the club naturally lags behind the ball. The rising blow is a byproduct, not a manipulation.
Below are three things golfers do wrong when hitting the ball and how to fix them.
Myth 1: “I have to help the ball in the air”
When golfers hear “hit up,” many instinctively add loft with their hands (grabbing) or tilt their upper body away from the target during the upswing. And while that helps them hit the ball, it can also lead to the addition of a very dynamic loft, higher spin speeds and inconsistent face contact.
A higher angle of attack can improve launch conditions – but only if coupled with center face contact and controlled spin. Trying to lift the ball often backfires. Hitting the ball is more about where the club bottoms and should not be achieved by flipping or removing the club head.
Myth 2: “I just need more shoulder tilt”
Shoulder tilt matters, but how you create it matters more. Many amateurs add tilt by leaning the upper body back or arching the lower spine. This often hurts the spin and leads to common driver mistakes like big blocks and big hooks. Effective tilt comes from pressure and attitude, not tilt from the target. When the swing is set up correctly, the club can travel up through the ball as the body continues to rotate.
Myth 3: “The ball must be far ahead”
Having a ball position at the front of your stance can give the club more time to reach the bottom and hit the ball on the rise, but it can also inadvertently shift your path to the left, which spells trouble for players who are already struggling a lot. Instead of trying to move the ball position forward for these golfers, you may find more luck in lowering the trail foot slightly back at address.
Why the attempt to ‘hit’ fails
Most amateurs trying to hit the driver see one (or more) of these patterns:
- Heel or low face contact
- High torque floats
- Thrusts and hooks
- Loss of balance through impact
The usual issue isn’t that they’re hitting the ball too hard, it’s that they’re trying to hit it from the wrong spot. Instead of fixing the swing, start with the setup. You don’t need a launch monitor to improve your angle of attack. You need a better starting position.
Configuration keys
- Ball position: Just inside your lead heel (unless you fight a left trail, then drop your trail leg back a bit)
- Pressure: About 55 percent on your way to the address
- Upper body: Sternum slightly behind the ball, without leaning back
- Aim: Square shoulders with feet parallel to target
This combination moves the low swing point behind the ball and allows the club to travel up through the impact naturally.
Focus on these keys and you’ll feel like you’re “staying behind it” while the body is still rolling forward. This is the difference between effective bias and false bias.
Divot board
The Divot Board is a revolutionary golf training aid that gives players instant feedback on every swing. By showing exactly where your club contacts the ground, the Divot Board makes it easy to spot mistakes and correct them on the spot. Whether you’re practicing indoors or outdoors, this tool helps you improve your ball strike, swing path, and low-point control. With continued use, the Divot Board builds muscle memory so you can hit the ball better, hit fairer shots and lower your scores. Instant Feedback for Faster Learning Research shows that instant feedback can speed up learning by 50-70%. The Divot board provides real-time feedback on your movement so you can make quick adjustments and perfect your technique instantly. Improve Consistency Did you know that 70-80% of golfers struggle with inconsistent contact? The Divot board reveals exactly where your club hit the surface, helping you identify flaws and build a repeatable and reliable swing. Train Anywhere Compact and portable, the Divot Board can be used at home, on the highway, or even in the office. Its high-quality construction ensures durability through countless practice sessions. Proudly designed and assembled in the USA. Consistent use of a Divot Board will transform your practice routine. It’s the easiest way to gain awareness, develop better ball shots and see results faster.
View Product
