Hitting Behind the Golf Ball: What Is It?
Golf can be a frustrating game, especially when you find yourself consistently hitting behind the golf ball. It’s a common problem that plagues many golfers when working on their golf swing, but there are simple ways to fix it.
In our recent YouTube video, “How to stop hitting behind the golf ball (easy fix!),” Brian Mogg (a.k.a. BMogg) of Performance Golf helps walk you through three easy drills that can help you eliminate those dreaded fat shots and improve your golf swing.
Hitting behind the golf ball, also known as hitting it “fat,” is a common mistake for new and seasoned golfers. It occurs when the clubhead makes contact with the ground before it makes contact with the golf ball during your swing. This unfortunate impact results in a loss of power, accuracy, and distance, ultimately leading to frustrating rounds of golf. Fortunately, there are effective techniques and drills that can help you rectify this issue and achieve cleaner, more powerful strikes and a better golf game.
Read more about our three suggested drills to stop hitting the golf ball fat, and don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel for more tips!
Three Drills for a Better Golf Swing
Drill One: The “No Turn Backswing” Drill
This golf swing drill focuses on improving arm structure to ensure you hit the golf ball first, not the ground. In the video, Brian mentions that he learned this drill from Performance Golf’s very own acclaimed coach and golfer, Martin Chuck. He is considered “The People’s Coach” after all!
Here’s how the drill works:
- Set up to the golf ball.
- Lift your arms up so that they’re at the height of your sternum.
- Slightly turn the club to the right.
- Maintain your spine angle while lifting the club up.
- Turn and stay in your spine angle.
This drill helps prevent your arms from getting too far behind you, which often leads to hitting the ground before the ball. By maintaining the correct arm structure, you’ll be on your way to hitting the ball cleanly.
For more from Martin Chuck and to improve your swing even more, check out his Simple Strike Sequence Training Video.
Drill Two: The “Forearms Connection” Drill
The second drill involves using a ball of some kind (balloon, soccer ball, or basketball) to keep your arms connected during your swing. When your arms get too far apart during your backswing, it can lead to fat shots. Here’s how to try out the “Forearms Connection” drill:
- Place the ball between your forearms.
- Make a few practice swings, keeping pressure on the ball.
- Turn to the top of your backswing while maintaining that pressure.
This drill helps create the ideal arm structure, preventing your arms from drifting too far apart. It’s a great way to ensure that your contact with the golf ball is solid and consistent.
Drill Three: Shifting the Low Point Forward
The final drill aims to shift the low point of your swing forward and is going to eliminate the technique and focus on the skill work of hitting the golf ball and then the ground after the ball. Brian emphasizes in the video that the average tour player hits the ball on the tee, and their divot starts an inch or two in front of the golf ball. You can work on this with the following drill:
- Tee up the ball.
- Aim to hit the ball first and create a divot that starts at least two inches in front of the ball.
Shifting the low point forward helps eliminate fat shots and ensures that you strike the ball cleanly and precisely.
You’re Ready to Swing!
By incorporating these three drills into your golf practice routine, you can make significant improvements to your swing and ball striking.
If you find these kinds of videos and drills helpful, please consider subscribing to our YouTube channel! You can find tons more golf tips and training videos on our website to help improve your swing and get better golf scores.
Remember, consistency is key in golf, and mastering your swing is a journey. Incorporate these drills into your practice sessions and watch as your fat shots become a thing of the past. Good luck, and may your golf game improve with each swing!
