Weight on the Heels Against the Shank: 3 Solutions
The French Golf Federation has put together three tips for avoiding shanks in two minutes: one for balance, one for hand tension, and one for short shots around the green.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
The shank is the club form who hits the ball, with a sharp thud and the ball flying off to the right. First option: view it as a lack of balance, the body moving toward the ball. Place a club on the ground in front of your feet, with the tips raised, to feel the weight on your heels throughout the swing, especially at impact.
Second option, for those who grip too tightly: hold the club with three fingers on each hand, with both little fingers raised. The clubhead comes back to life, without any tension. Third option, around the green: play the wedge like a putter, held at the same angle as the putter shaft, with a straight-line motion from back to front that locks the hands in place.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Place a club on the floor and position the balls of your feet on it, with your toes raised.
- Swing while feeling your heels dig into the ground until impact.
- If you're gripping the club too tightly, hold it with three fingers on each hand, with your little fingers raised.
- Around the green, hold the wedge at the same angle as the shaft of your putter.
- Hit the ball in a straight line from back to front, like a putt, with passive hands.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Let your body move toward the ball as you're in the middle of the motion.
- Hold the club tightly, especially after the first shank swing.
- Play short approaches with a lot of hands.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Club Under the Toes
- Little fingers raised, lively club president
- Bump and run wedge shots
Your Questions
How can you feel the weight on your heels?
By placing a club on the ground under the balls of your feet. Your toes are raised, and your heels remain planted on the ground until impact.
Why raise your pinky fingers?
To reduce the pressure from your hands. Using three fingers per hand makes the clubhead more responsive and eliminates tension.
How do you play a wedge like a putter?
Raise it at the same angle as your putter shaft, then make a straight-line motion from back to front. Your hands can no longer rotate.
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