Introduction
Shanking is one of the most common mistakes in golf. It occurs when the ball is struck off-center, usually near the heel of the clubface, resulting in a shot that travels far to the right of the target line. A shanked shot can be embarrassing and often ruin a round of golf. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent shanking and correct your swing.
Check Your Grip
The first thing to do is check your grip. Make sure you’re not holding the club too tightly with your hands. This can lead to tension in the arms and shoulders, which will cause the clubface to close during the swing. This will cause the ball to go straight right off the clubface, resulting in a shank.
Make sure you’re not squeezing the handle too hard and that your hands are relaxed. You should also avoid closing the clubface as this can cause a shank.
Adjust Your Stance
Your stance can also have an effect on whether or not you shank. Try standing slightly open to the target line. This will help you keep the clubface open through the swing. Additionally, make sure your feet are just wider than shoulder-width apart. This will help you maintain balance throughout the swing.
Focus on the Ball
It’s important to keep your eyes focused on the ball throughout the swing. This will help ensure that your body is in sync with the swing and that you don’t miss-hit the ball. If you look up before making contact with the ball, it can cause you to shank.
Use an Impact Bag
An impact bag is a great tool for improving your swing and preventing shanks. It’s a padded bag that you hit with your club. By hitting the bag, you can feel the correct swing path and learn to strike the ball correctly. This will help you avoid shanking.
Get the Right Club
Mis-hits can also be caused by using the wrong club. Make sure you’re using the right club for the shot you’re trying to hit. For example, if you’re trying to hit a long shot, don’t reach for a short iron. The wrong club can cause you to mis-hit the ball and result in a shank.
Take a Lesson
If you’re still having trouble with shanking, it may be time to take a lesson. A golf instructor can diagnose the issue and provide drills to help you fix it. They can also give you advice on what you need to do to improve your swing and stop shanking.
Practice
Finally, the best way to stop shanking is to practice. Take the time to ingrain the correct swing in your muscle memory. Practice until you can consistently hit the ball without shanking. It’s also important to practice under different conditions so you can become comfortable hitting shots from various lies.
Conclusion
Shanking is a common mistake in golf, but it doesn’t have to ruin your game. By following the steps outlined above, you can learn how to stop shanking and hit the ball more consistently. Check your grip, adjust your stance, focus on the ball, use an impact bag, get the right club, take a lesson, and practice. With a bit of time and effort, you’ll be able to reduce your shank rate and enjoy a better game of golf.
