No golfer wants to admit it, but hitting driver off the heel is a common problem that many golfers struggle with. If you find yourself frequently hitting the heel instead of the sweet spot, don’t worry, you’re not alone. In this Play Smart lesson, we will explore some tips from GOLF Teacher to Watch, Rick Silva, on how to avoid hitting driver off the heel and start finding the sweet spot for more powerful drives.
Proper Setup is Key
According to Silva, one of the reasons why golfers hit driver off the heel is their setup at address. Many golfers naturally align the ball with the center of the club, as indicated by the manufacturer’s decal. However, this might not be the true sweet spot. When golfers align themselves with the decal, they end up with the club resting on the ground, not at the level at which they’ll actually strike the ball.
To address this issue, Silva suggests a simple solution. When setting up, align the true sweet spot of the club with the ball and let the clubhead rest on the ground. From your point of view, the ball may appear to be positioned towards the toe. But when you raise the club to the height of the ball, it will be perfectly aligned.
The Impact of Shaft Bends
Another factor that affects where you address the golf ball is how the shaft bends during the swing. The shaft tends to bend forward from the face-on view, causing the clubhead to move slightly ahead of the handle. From the target line view, the shaft bends downward, shifting the strike point back towards the heel of the club.
To address the ball more precisely and align your club to the true sweet spot, make adjustments based on the shaft bends. By doing so, you can eliminate those frustrating heel hits and unlock the potential for long, powerful drives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I stop hitting driver off the heel?
Ensure you have a proper setup by aligning the true sweet spot of the club with the ball and letting the clubhead rest on the ground. Adjust your alignment based on the shaft bends during the swing.
Why does hitting off the heel happen?
It can happen due to a misaligned setup, where golfers align themselves with the manufacturer’s decal rather than the true sweet spot.
How can I achieve powerful drives?
By addressing the ball at the true sweet spot and eliminating heel hits, you can unlock the potential for long and powerful drives.
Remember, hitting driver off the sweet spot is a common problem, but with the right adjustments to your setup and understanding the impact of shaft bends, you can improve your golf game and hit more bombs off the tee.
Please note that this article is meant to provide general information and should not be considered professional advice. Consult with a qualified golf instructor for personalized guidance and instruction.
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