Wondering how to compress the golf ball? Try this fun workout that provides instant feedback.
GOLF.com
As a mid-handicap, learning how to swing the golf ball can be tricky. It is an acquired skill that requires excellent fundamentals and great control of the club. But so that I can consistently hit it the way I want to and do it maximize distance and controllearning to squeeze the ball is key.
Now that I’ve worked with all sorts of changes over the past year, it’s time to up my practice and start learning the art of compression. After all, if I’m serious about breaking 80 for the first time (Note: I’m obsessed with doing it), this is something I have to do.
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To help build this consistency, GOLF Top 100 Teachers Jason Birnbaum gave me a range lesson, talking about a few different things I need to do in order to hit the golf ball.
As it turns out, ball compression isn’t as difficult as many amateurs make it out to be—so check out Birnbaum’s tips below to see why.
Learn how to swing the golf ball with this fun drill
In the video above, Birnbaum shows me a fun 2-ball drill that not only teaches me how to swing the golf ball, but also gives me instant feedback. By practicing (and perfecting) the drill, I can develop feel for improving ball striking. So let’s dive into what he has to say.
Birnbaum’s focus begins with finding the “low point.” He then talks me through 2-ball practice, explaining how my typical miss can help determine how to use it for practice.
“If you miss hitting fairways, I’m going to put another ball (behind the ball you’re planning to hit), and you have to go down and miss that back ball,” Birnbaum tells me. “Thin contact means you’re likely to come into the ball a bit too much on the rise and you’re hitting the bottom too early. That means your low point is too far back, so you’re going to catch half the ball on the upswing.”
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Using this 2-ball drill, Birnbaum says, will force me to come down with the right angle of attack, which helps get the club low on the ball early and then earth – creating compaction and a strong shock.
On the other hand, if you’re someone who often has trouble chipping the ball or hitting it soundly, Birnbaum says this 2-ball drill can help with that loss as well.
“Just put another ball (in front of the one you’re planning to hit) and hit it over the front ball,” he instructs.
At this point I’m a little nervous, but he shows me how to execute the drill, reminding me to focus on my angle of attack more than anything else.
“To do that, we have to lower the angle of attack and feel a little more like a sweep,” adds Birnbaum.
“I like this drill because, depending on your offense, you can put the ball in a different spot — no matter if you’re struggling with fat or thin shots.”
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