Jim writes in and asks us how to stop “topping the ball…
Hello Jim,
If you are topping the ball – i.e. “playing baseball” and hitting ground balls and line drives – it could be a few things.
It could be ball position. If the ball is too far back or forward in your stance you could be hitting the top of the ball. Experiment with ball position and try placing the ball near the middle of your stance for your irons.
Most likely though you are “peeking”. It’s human nature to want to see where the ball is going so we tend to turn and lift our heads before impact. The problem is that everything is connected to your head.
So when you lift your head even just a fraction, you are also raising your shoulders, your arms, your hands, and the club. That being the case, of course you are going to hit the top of the ball.
To keep your head down and eyes on the ball until AFTER impact, try the “1,001 Drill.” Take your swing and don’t look at the ball flight until AFTER impact. Do this by striking the ball and then saying “one-thousand-one.” Only AFTER this can you life your head and look at the ball. It shouldn’t take long until you are striking the ball more solidly.
I understand struggles with aim. I have them too. I tend to aim right because my natural shot is a draw. So when I hit the ball straight (as I would prefer to do!) I often think I am hitting the ball to the right.
However, my caddies will point out that I actually did hit the ball straight. But I was aimed a bit right – probably expecting the ball to go a bit left.
On the range, you can use an alignment rod or another club to assist with your aim. Point it at your target and fire away.
If you think you are hitting the ball left or right of where you are aiming, place the club on your hips or thighs. Where the club is pointing is where you are aimed. You could discover that are actually hitting the ball straight but that you are aimed a bit left or right.
You can’t use these training aids on the course but what you can do is use something on the ground. Line up your shot and then find an intermediate spot a few yards in front of you. It could be a leaf, a patch of grass that’s a different color, a bare spot, etc. There is usually something in your line that you can use to help with your aim.
Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions.
Dedicated to Lower Scores and More Fun on the Golf Course,
Robert Phillips
How to Consistently Break 90
P.S. Do you know the 5 most common swing faults and the quick fixes that will help you play better golf in a hurry? Claim your free videos here: Common Swing Faults and Quick Fixes…
