One of the most common misconceptions about hitting a shot is that you should return to impact in the same position you were in at address. This concept can lead to many problems including fat and thin shots, reverse weight shift, loss of distance, etc. To hit solid shots consistently, especially with an iron, your club must be in a forward leaning position at impact. By reviewing the two photos below you can get a better picture of how the address position and the impact position are different.
The address position (left) is balanced and poised in preparation for the swing. The club is centered in the stance and the weight is distributed evenly between the feet in an athletic position. The hands are centered in front of the body and the spine is slightly tilted away from the target relative to the way your hands are positioned on the club.
The impact position (right) is dynamic with the body in motion moving toward the target as the club is swung forward. The weight has moved toward the target foot and the hips belt buckle is rotating toward the target. The shoulders are still tilted away from the target and the shaft of the club is now leaning forward with the handle of the club pointing at the forward hip. My left wrist is flat and my right wrist is bent supporting the club and applying pressure against the ball and then the ground, my right elbow is supporting my right wrist and the right hip is supporting the right elbow. This impact alignment will produce a solid strike by compressing the ball and sending it straight at the target.
A word if caution; you are only in any one specific dynamic position in the swing for a split second so there is no way to consciously create this impact alignment while hitting a golf shot, yet it is important to understand the differences between the two positions and the concept of compressing the ball.
By taking slow intentional practice swings in front of a mirror you can begin to feel and become aware of the proper impact position. Seeing and feeling the difference between address and impact can result in more solid contact and better shots. If you would like to learn more, please contact me at bill@meridiansungc.com.
The address position (left) is balanced and poised in preparation for the swing. The club is centered in the stance and the weight is distributed evenly between the feet in an athletic position. The hands are centered in front of the body and the spine is slightly tilted away from the target relative to the way your hands are positioned on the club.
The impact position (right) is dynamic with the body in motion moving toward the target as the club is swung forward. The weight has moved toward the target foot and the hips belt buckle is rotating toward the target. The shoulders are still tilted away from the target and the shaft of the club is now leaning forward with the handle of the club pointing at the forward hip. My left wrist is flat and my right wrist is bent supporting the club and applying pressure against the ball and then the ground, my right elbow is supporting my right wrist and the right hip is supporting the right elbow. This impact alignment will produce a solid strike by compressing the ball and sending it straight at the target.
A word if caution; you are only in any one specific dynamic position in the swing for a split second so there is no way to consciously create this impact alignment while hitting a golf shot, yet it is important to understand the differences between the two positions and the concept of compressing the ball.
By taking slow intentional practice swings in front of a mirror you can begin to feel and become aware of the proper impact position. Seeing and feeling the difference between address and impact can result in more solid contact and better shots. If you would like to learn more, please contact me at bill@meridiansungc.com.
Balanced Position at Address | 
Dynamic Position at Impact |
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