Attack angle is a crucial aspect of the golf swing. It refers to the measurement, in degrees, of how your clubhead is moving relative to the ground at the moment of impact. The angle of attack can provide valuable insights into your swing mechanics and has a significant impact on your ball-striking skills.
If you’re unfamiliar with attack angle, here’s a quick refresher. The clubhead can either be ascending, descending, or at the low point of the swing arc when you strike the ball. Understanding and manipulating this angle can greatly affect your shot outcomes.
Why does attack angle matter? Well, making adjustments to this factor can dramatically improve your ball-striking abilities. For example, if you find yourself consistently chunking the ball with your irons, it’s likely that you have a steep angle of attack. In this case, you’ll need to modify your attack angle to achieve a more favorable trajectory.
Using a Water Bottle to Modify Attack Angle
Mastering the adjustment of attack angle, like any other swing change, can be challenging. It’s one thing to know what you need to change, but actually implementing those modifications is a different story altogether. Fortunately, there’s a simple and affordable training aid that can help you: an empty water bottle.
GOLF Top 100 Teacher Jonathan Yarwood recommends using an empty water bottle to refine your attack angle and low point position. By placing the water bottle strategically in relation to the ball, you can train yourself to achieve the desired attack angle for different clubs.
Modifying Attack Angle with Irons
When using an iron, you want a more downward attack angle, with the low point in front of the ball. To achieve this, place the water bottle approximately two grip lengths behind the ball. During your swing, focus on avoiding contact with the water bottle. By consistently missing it, you’ll train yourself to strike down on the ball effectively, leading to better iron shots.
Modifying Attack Angle with Driver
For the driver, you want to maximize efficiency and power by hitting the ball on an upward swing. This means getting the low point of your swing behind the ball and generating an upward attack angle. To achieve this, position the water bottle a couple of grip lengths in front of the ball. Once again, make sure to avoid hitting the water bottle during your swing. As you consistently miss it, you’ll notice an improvement in your angle of attack, resulting in increased power and distance off the tee.
Remember that with the driver, it’s important to extend your lead side, tilt your head back, and assume a die bend position. These adjustments will help you achieve the desired upward attack angle, allowing you to drive the ball with more authority.
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