Check Your Low Point at Home: Four Steps
Controlling the bottom of the swing isn’t optional, Chris Ryan reminds us: it’s essential for hitting your irons well. From his home, using a mat and a towel, he demonstrates what’s needed at impact and a four-step progression, from a small movement to a full swing.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
The club moves around the body in a circle, and every circle has a lowest point. Depending on how you move, this point moves forward or backward. For shots played off the ground (irons, but also hybrids and fairway woods), The low point must be located behind the ball, on the target side. Golfers who struggle to hit the ball often take their swing too early. Chris Ryan places an object behind the ball (a towel will do) about one clubhead’s width away: if you touch it, it means the lowest point of your swing is too far back.
At the moment of impact, four elements must be present: weight forward by shifting your hips slightly, the handle forward (more or less, depending on the club), a portion of Body Rotation, and elbows held fairly close to the body with well-structured arms. A common flaw: hips not far enough forward, the club shaft vertical or behind the body, and a closed body. Progression: Start by focusing on impact and taking small swings, then a half-backswing that returns to impact without speed, followed by a more fluid motion, and finally a nearly full swing—always striking the ground with confidence.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Place a towel or an object behind the ball (real or imaginary), about one clubhead's width away.
- Set the foundation for impact: hips forward, hands forward, hips open, arms in position.
- From this position, take small, slow swings, making sure to strike the ground after the ball.
- Step 2: Take a half-backswing and return to this impact position, without generating any speed, coming to a complete stop.
- Step 3: From mid-height, add a bit of fluidity while striking the floor in the right spot.
- Step 4: Move on to a nearly full swing while maintaining the same low point.
- Using a net, repeat the same steps with a ball.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Get your low point before the ball.
- Reaching the point of impact with your hips not far enough forward.
- Hold the shaft directly above the clubhead, or even slightly behind it.
- Land with your body straight, without twisting.
- Pick up speed before you've found your footing.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Mat and towel behind the ball
- The four steps in order, without skipping any
- Stops upon impact to check the position
- At the driving range: the same progression with balls
Your Questions
How far behind the ball should the towel be placed?
Chris Ryan positions the clubhead about one club length in front of the target. If you hit the target, your low point is too far back.
Do you need a ball to do these exercises?
No. He practices with an imaginary ball since there's no net. The goal is to hit the ground in the right spot; the ball will come afterward.
Which clubs are affected?
All ground shots: mainly irons, but also hybrids and fairway woods.
Why limit ourselves to impact in the early stages?
To focus on your stance before working on speed. He “connects the dots”: half-swing, then a more fluid motion, then a full swing.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Chris Ryan). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.