In this next installment of our "Golf Swing Tips" series, Coach Mike shows you the keys to improving your attack angle.
One of the most critical elements of hitting long, straight drives is the angle of attack. A positive angle of attack means that you're striking the ball on the upswing, which leads to higher launch angles, lower spin rates, and longer drives.
On the other hand, a negative angle of attack means that you're striking the ball on the downswing, leading to lower launch angles, higher spin rates, and shorter drives.
Three Steps To Hitting Your Driver Farther
Step 1: Tee the Ball Up High The first key to improving your attack angle is to tee the ball up high. You need to have at least half of the ball above the clubhead. This high tee will give you more room to swing up on the ball, leading to a more positive angle of attack.
Step 2: Line Up with the Ball Off Your Lead Heel The second key to improving your attack angle is to line up with the ball off your lead heel. Since the ball is on the tee, moving the ball more up is going to allow more time to swing up on it. This position will help you strike the ball on the upswing, leading to a more positive angle of attack.
Step 3: Tilt Your Torso Away from the Target The third key to improving your attack angle is to tilt your torso away from the target. Make sure that your nose line matches your sternum. If your head is the opposite of your sternum, you're going to create more issues. This tilt will help you swing up on the ball, leading to a more positive angle of attack.
Two "Swing Feels" To Help You
Now that we've discussed the three keys in your setup let's talk about two swing feels that can help you improve your attack angle.
Feel 1: Get Your Torso Really Short Back over Trail Foot and Then Stay Behind the Ball The first swing feel is to get your torso really short back over your trail foot and then stay behind the ball. This motion will help you maintain your spine angle and help you hit the ball on the upswing, leading to a more positive angle of attack.
Feel 2: Stay Behind the Ball The second swing feel is to stay behind the ball. This feel will help you maintain your spine angle and help you hit the ball on the upswing, leading to a more positive angle of attack.
Conclusion
By following the three keys in your setup and two swing feels that we've discussed, you can improve your attack angle and hit longer, straighter drives. Remember to tee the ball up high, line up with the ball off your lead heel, tilt your torso away from the target, and swing up on the ball by getting your torso really short back over your trail foot and staying behind the ball. Practice these tips, and you'll see your drives start to launch higher and fly longer.
