DrivingBall Position by ClubAddress Posture / Stance at Address Driver Beginner / Intermediate ⏱ 9 min 🇫🇷 Video in French

Driver Ball Position: The Sternum Checkpoint

Name: Driver Ball Position: The Sternum Checkpoint
Uploaded: 2023-05-11T12:00:00+00:00
Duration: 8 min 37 s
Channel: Lewis Wallace
Description: “Ball on the left foot”: this tip is repeated so often that people end up overdoing it. Lewis Wallace, from the Wallace Golf Academy, demonstrates how this stance causes the upper body to move in front of the ball, then uses a stick and two balls to help you regain the distance you already had.

“Ball on the left foot”: this tip is repeated so often that people end up overdoing it. Lewis Wallace, from the Wallace Golf Academy, demonstrates how this stance causes the upper body to move in front of the ball, then uses a stick and two balls to help you regain the distance you already had.

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Lewis Wallace · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

Schedule · Step 1 of 7Drive the Ball Better in 7 StepsValid when: On every drive, the ball is inside your left heel and your torso remains behind it.

Step 2 →

To be continued

12 minSame problemThe Basics of Rory McIlroy's Driver Swing with Michael BannonRory McIlroy · Beginner / Intermediate 9 minSame problemClubface at the Start of the Backswing: Keep It Looking at the BallSimon Camirand · Beginner 14 minFrom the same proCombo Iron Set: Custom-Made Head, Shaft, and GripLewis Wallace · Intermediate / Expert

What the lesson shows

When the ball is too much weight on the ball of the left foot, the upper body instinctively reaches for it: the shoulders open, and the right arm moves over the left. The club, resting on the sternum, is then pointing to the left of the ball, between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on a clock viewed from the front. All the power is in front of the ball: an outside path and a downward angle of attack, resulting in slices and lobs.

The marker: a stick on the ground in line with the ball on the tee, two balls placed to the left of the stick, and the left heel against the second ball. The ball ends up inside the left heel, and most importantly in line with the left shoulder, the lowest point of the arc from which the clubhead begins to rise. All that remains is to position the sternum at 12 o'clock, with the clubhead at 12 o'clock, or even at 1 p.m. for more power: the shoulders are then slightly closed, which promotes an in-to-out path and an upward swing. He claims this gains at least 20 yards for players who start with the ball on their left foot and their sternum at 10 o'clock.

The Exercise, Step by Step

Place the ball on the tee and a club on the ground, in line with the ball.
Place two balls side by side to the left of the wand.
Place your left heel against the second ball, then remove both balls.
Make sure the ball is in line with your left shoulder.
Place a club on your sternum: it should point to 12 o'clock, with the clubhead facing that direction.
Hit three or four balls at 12 o'clock, then try 13 o'clock, with your sternum slightly further back from the ball.

Key Takeaways

A ball that's too close to her left foot causes her upper body to lean forward.

Sternum facing the ball: shoulders open, outside path, downward swing.

The ball is placed inside the left heel, in line with the left shoulder.

The left shoulder marks the lowest point of the arc; after that, the club moves upward.

Sternum at 12 o'clock, or even 1 o'clock: the energy stays behind the ball.

Slightly closed shoulders promote an in-to-out path.

Mistakes to Avoid

Place the ball on the tip of your left foot out of overzealousness.
Keep your sternum pointing toward the 10-11 o'clock position, in front of the ball.
Open shoulders at the address.
Seeking more distance instead of making the most of the distance we already have.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

Use the stick and two balls as guides to position your left heel
Club on the sternum: 12 p.m., then 1 p.m.
Compare flight time and distance between the two locations
Side view: open shoulders, square shoulders, or slightly closed shoulders

Your Questions

Do you really have to place the ball on your left foot when using a driver?

On the left side, yes, but not on the tip of the left foot. In the video, the correct position is on the inside of the left heel, in line with the left shoulder.

What does it mean when the sternum is at 12 o'clock or 1 o'clock?

This is an image of a clock viewed from the front. At 10–11 o’clock, the sternum is in front of the ball; at 12 o’clock, it is over the clubhead; at 1 o’clock, it is slightly behind, with the shoulders slightly closed.

Why align the ball with your left shoulder?

Because the left shoulder marks the lowest point of the arc: beyond that point, the clubhead begins to rise. This is what allows you to make contact with the ball as you swing up.

Learn More

All “Driving” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you All videos on “Ball Position by Club” →Find the lesson that's right for you All videos on “Stance / Address Posture” →Find the lesson that's right for you Too Close or Too Far from the Ball: The Arm TestThe correct distance from the ball is achieved by letting your arms hang down: they should fall below your shoulders, not onto your thighs. Ball Position Relative to the Club Sole: Two TestsLet the club dictate the ball position (sole flat, grip toward your left eye) and check the distance by releasing your right hand. Bending Your Knees at the Address: Use the Shoelaces as a GuideBending your knees too much restricts rotation: two guidelines—the club held at the tip of your knee should fall in line with your shoelaces, and the grip should point toward your navel. Lewis WallaceAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Lewis Wallace). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.