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Irons: Compress the BallHybrids Hybrids Intermediate ⏱ 6 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Difference Between a Long Iron and a Hybrid Swing: Sternum and Contact

A 4-iron and a 4-hybrid have the same loft but are played differently. PGA professional Rick Shiels compares the two: where to position your chest, how to address the ball, and why the hybrid is more forgiving.

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Rick Shiels
Rick Shiels · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

8 minSame problemShaft Lean at Impact: Brake to ReleasePadraig Harrington · Intermediate / Expert7 minSame problemStop Hitting Your Irons Fat: Water in the Left EarChris Ryan · Intermediate3 minFrom the same proThree-Zone Pre-Shot Routine: Rick ShielsRick Shiels · Beginner / Intermediate

What the lesson shows

Rick Shiels starts by choosing the club. A long iron is better suited for players with a fast swing, because there is not much weight behind the ball to get it airborne. The hybrid, with its larger head and greater weight, takes off more easily: at the same loft, it launches higher. With a long iron, the ball sits slightly in front of the center, below the left pectoral muscle, and the sternum remains slightly above the clubhead. The shot is struck with a slight downward motion: a very small divot, or simply crumpled turf.

With the hybrid, the ball position is close, but the sternum is positioned slightly further back the clubhead, with a slight tilt of the body. The goal is to to clear the ball, on level ground or even on a very slight uphill slope, without digging in. The flatter sole doesn’t sink in: even a shot that hits the ground before the ball still gets airborne. That’s the hybrid’s safety net.

Fred P.'s review: It's my favorite school. Hit the ball, but with a strong push-off with the left foot (front foot for a right-hander): The weight shifts forward at impact, and the swing stays clean instead of rising.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Choose based on your speed: if you're having trouble getting a long iron off the ground, switch to a hybrid.
  2. Long iron: Position the ball slightly in front of the center, under your left pectoral muscle.
  3. Keep your sternum slightly above the clubhead, without leaning back.
  4. Strike the ball with a slight downward motion: a small divot or just a bit of crumpled turf is enough.
  5. Hybrids: Keep the ball close to your body, but position your sternum slightly behind the clubhead, with a slight tilt.
  6. Swing the club through the ball on a level plane or with a very slight upward angle, without trying to take a divot.

Key Takeaways

Long irons require clubhead speed to get the ball airborne.
For the same loft, the hybrid flies farther thanks to the shape of its clubhead.
Long iron: sternum above the clubhead, slightly downward swing.
Hybrid: sternum slightly set back, ball swept at eye level.
With a long iron, trying to lift the ball causes the clubface to dig into the ground.
The hybrid's flat sole makes it forgiving if you make contact slightly behind the ball.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Wanting to hit the ball high with a long iron because the loft seems low.
  • Leaning back with a long-shank iron: the leading edge digs into the ground behind the ball.
  • Try to hit a big divot with a 4-iron without generating too much speed.
  • Insisting on using a long iron that doesn't fly far, when a hybrid would be more suitable.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. A few long irons, just trying to ruffle the grass
  2. So many hybrids, sternum slightly set back, swept shot
  3. Compare the flight altitude of the two clubs
  4. Check the mark on the ground after each shot

Your Questions

Why does a hybrid fly higher than an iron with the same loft?

According to Rick Shiels, its larger head places more mass behind the ball, which helps it rise. At the same loft, it therefore launches higher than a long iron.

Should you take a divot with a 4-iron?

A very light one. It strikes the ball on a slight downward path and merely ruffles the grass; a clean shot without a divot is also acceptable. A deep divot is only an option for very fast players.

Where should the sternum be positioned on a hybrid club compared to a long iron?

With a long iron, he stands slightly above the clubhead. With a hybrid, he stands a little further back, with a slight tilt, to sweep the ball at the same level.

What happens if I hit the ground before the ball with the hybrid club?

Rick Shiels demonstrates this on purpose by staying on his right foot: thanks to its flatter sole, the hybrid doesn't sink into the ground, and the ball still goes up.

Learn More

All “Irons - Compressing the Ball” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “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. Rick ShielsAll of his lessons

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

* Amateur competitions with guidance from the pros