For simplicity, all advice on actual swings or drills is provided from a right handed perspective.
For the purposes of this tip, when I refer to ball position consider it to be the center of the ball.
I gave a lesson the other day to an enthusiastic golfer that simply didn’t see the ball in the center of his stance when it was dead center. He had some sort of visual nuance that had him seeing the ball in the center of his stance when it actually was back from center about an inch.
The cure is simple, just use an alignment rod or a club and a ball, and set them up perpendicular to another alignment rod or club that defines your aimline.
Square stance, ball positioned in the center of stance.
Then just practice stepping in and setting up square to the aimline rod with the other rod positioned exactly in the middle of your stance. Use the space between your heels as a reference point.
Step in and setup with the ball in the center of your stance, then step away, then repeat. Six minute sessions.
This drill will allow you to see and feel the ball in the center of your stance. When you can see that position correctly, ball placement becomes easy and repeatable. It will take several practice sessions of six minutes each to get this nailed down.
If you close your stance after you have set up square with the ball in the center, notice that the ball position moves more forward in your stance as a result.
If you open your stance after you have set up square with the ball in the center, notice that the ball position moves back in your stance.
Ball position changes alter trajectory and curvature, so when you make changes make sure that you understand the effect. The range is where you “discover” cause and effect of stance and ball position changes, so put in the time and gain understanding.
It’s also obviously important to have your ball position nailed down for your clubs and your swing.
There are a lot of different opinions on where ball position should be. The fact of the matter is that it relates to where your own swing bottoms out, which will probably be a little different from where other players’ swings bottom out.
My advice is to experiment and find out what works best for you. An instructor (like me) can get you started on the right foot, but it can be done on your own too.
Take the time to figure out your own best ball position for your own swing, it’s an important facet of your game.
Comments: ttucker@rochester.rr.com
Love your practice, own your swing, own your health,
Tom
