Hybrids Hybrids Beginner / Intermediate ⏱ 8 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

How to Hit a Hybrid Like a Long Iron: The Tee Drill

Name: How to Hit a Hybrid Like a Long Iron: The Tee Drill
Uploaded: 2023-06-23T12:00:00+00:00
Duration: 7 min 32 s
Description: Should you play a hybrid like a wood or like an iron? For Giles Gill, the answer is simple: since it replaces a long iron, you play it like a long iron. He breaks down the technique, including an exercise with a tee lying flat on the ground and a pre-shot routine to help you build up speed.

Should you play a hybrid like a wood or like an iron? For Giles Gill, the answer is simple: since it replaces a long iron, you play it like a long iron. He breaks down the technique, including an exercise with a tee lying flat on the ground and a pre-shot routine to help you build up speed.

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Giles Gill Golf · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

10 minSame problemSliding the hybrid along the ground: the two-tee drillSimon Camirand · Beginner / Intermediate 9 minSame problemHitting Your Hybrid: Aim for a tee in front of the ballLewis Wallace · Beginner / Intermediate 6 minSame problemHitting Your Hybrid Well: Ball Position and Drill with AimeeAimee Cho · Beginner / Intermediate

What the lesson shows

Giles Gill explains why the hybrid helps players who lack speed with their long irons: a forgiving face from toe to heel and top to bottom, and a a wide sole that shifts the center of gravity backward and sends the ball higher, making it easier to land on the greens. Since it replaces a long iron, It's played like a long iron.: same stance, same intention to swing downward, same commitment. At address: feet shoulder-width apart or slightly wider, bullet under the left ear, roughly the same weight, with the handle tilted very slightly forward.

Two thoughts on the swing. First, one top-down attack, the ball, then the ground: the wide sole often prevents a full divot, but the turf should be ruffled. To practice this, place a tee flat on the ground, tip pointing toward you, and cut through it as you swing. Then, pick up the pace: The faster you swing, the higher the ball flies. The “kick start” drill, as a practice swing, gives you momentum without losing your balance. On the tee, tee up the hybrid at iron height and hit it the same way.

Fred P.'s review: There are two schools of thought on the hybrid. Giles Gill plays it down like an iron; other pros, like Rick Shiels, recommend sweeping the ball. Personally, I prefer sweep, with a strong push-off from the left foot (front foot for a right-handed player). Try both at the driving range and stick with the one that gives you the most consistent contact.

The Exercise, Step by Step

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart or slightly wider: a line drawn from the outer edges of your shoulders should fall toward the middle of your ankles.
Place the ball under your left ear—not too far forward or too far back.
Distribute your weight more or less evenly, perhaps with a little more on your front leg.
Tilt the handlebar very slightly forward, without overdoing it or pulling the handlebar back.
Tee drill: Place a tee flat on the ground, with the tip pointing toward you, and hit it so it pops up as you swing.
“Kick start” exercise, without a ball: Lift the club and hold it about two feet (60 cm) in front of you, then step back from there to build momentum.
Step into the ball and swing at the same speed, keeping your balance.

Key Takeaways

The hybrid replaces a long iron: same approach, same mindset.

Its wide sole shifts the center of gravity backward and makes the ball rise.

Ball under the left ear, nearly equal weight, slight shaft lean.

Intention to strike downward, even without leaving a divot.

Speed helps the ball rise: don't be afraid to pick up the pace.

For a tee shot, the ball is teed up at the height of an iron.

Mistakes to Avoid

Placing the ball too far back or too far forward.
Move the grip back and increase the loft.
Tilting the shaft too much and reducing the necessary loft.
Slowing down out of fear of the club: a long club requires speed.
Hit the hybrid higher than an iron off the tee.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

Lying-down tee drill—make it bounce off the ground
Two or three “kick-start” swings in the pre-shot routine
Then the ball, same speed, balanced finish
Check the trail: the ball, then the crushed grass

Your Questions

Should you swing a hybrid like a fairway wood or like an iron?

"Like a long iron," replies Giles Gill, "since it's designed to replace it. Same stance, same intention to strike down, same swing thoughts.".

How do you do the tee exercise?

Place a tee flat on the ground, with the tip pointing toward you, and position yourself as if you were going to hit it. The goal is to make it bounce off the ground as you swing. If you can do this with a tee, making contact with the ball and then the ground becomes easier when using an actual ball.

What is the purpose of the “kick start” exercise?

To add momentum to your swing. Without a ball, start with the club about two feet in front of your address position: this running start teaches you to swing a little faster. Try it with a practice swing, then take your shot.

At what height should you set the hybrid at the start?

At the same height as an iron, played the same way. Giles Gill insists on keeping things simple.

Learn More

All “Hybrids” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Sliding the hybrid along the ground: the two-tee drillShoulders at the same angle, the polo shirt’s buttons facing the ball, the clubhead slipped between two tees: you don’t need perfect contact with a hybrid. Hitting Your Hybrid: Aim for a tee in front of the ballAgainst the top and hybrid-style chicken wing: keep your chest facing the ground and the clubhead close to the ground until you reach a tee placed in front of the ball.

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