Hitting Inside The Ball

Sun, 12/16/2012 - 12:00 -- Don Trahan

As I've stated in daily videos in the past, amateur golfers tend to hit the ball out near the toe of the club. That's even why club manufacturers build clubs today with sweet spots out near the toe. My response to PPGS swingers has been to use clubs with the sweet spot in the middle of the club because with this swing, you should have no issues hitting the ball out near the toe of the club. But, what if you're hitting the ball in towards the heel? 

Rusty McDougal is having trouble hitting the sweet spot on a consistent basis. Instead, he hits the ball toward the heel of the club which results in the dreaded "S" word. It could be that the problem starts with poor alignment, but today I'm going to focus on another issue that could be sneaking in. 
I just watched your video on "sweet spots" where many players are hitting shots too far on the toe of the club. I have the opposite problem in that shots get hit toward the heel and club shaft and they result in wasted strokes and sometimes embarrassment. 
 
I habitually use the face tape when practicing to see where the strikes are (cavity backed clubs). Even when I set up to swing completely INSIDE the ball, I still typically hit the ball on the heel of the club. Can't hit the ball on the toe of the club even when I try.
 
Many of your videos state the importance of the athletic stance and not setting up from the heels of the feet. I was rocking forward when swinging and hitting near the hosel before getting off the heels. Fixing this has helped a LOT but not completely solved the problem. 
 
Something else is going on and further understanding is required. Tired of trying to compenstae for whatever this swing glitch is.
 
Thanks,
Rusty McDougal
I think one of the biggest issues here is what Rusty's back arm is doing in the swing. This is because he says he still tends to hit the ball on the heel, even from the inside. Golfers have always been told that they need to keep the right arm close to the side of their body. But, if I keep my arm tucked in close to my body, you'll notice that my left arm can't straighten out because of it, which is what it needs to do in order to make a proper swing.
 
Where is your club at the top of the backswing? Is it vertical or laid off? If it's getting laid off, it means the right arm isn't keeping it vertical in the transition through to the forward upswing. It's the right arm's job to keep the club vertical. It's going to get laid off a bit in the transition, but the key is to not let it fall and turn into a heavy club. You've got to come down just the right amount so it lays off a little bit but then we rotate into the body and square the club up. Check yourself at the top and check your transition. Try to keep the club vertical.
 
In my mind, I feel like I'm swinging the club in a vertical circle. I know I'm not, but that's the feeling I have. The more vertical I stay, the faster my swing is going to be and the more I'll be swinging in harmony with gravity. Check out your angles at the top of the backswing and what you're doing with your trailing elbow in the transition. Don't jam your right elbow into your hip or you might have the same issues hitting the ball from the inside and off the hosel.
 
Keep it vertical,
 
The Surge!

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Comments

x_rayh@yahoo.co.uk's picture

Submitted by x_rayh@yahoo.co.uk on

off topic I know but could Malcolm Rawle send me info on the proposed school in Singapore.

Robert Meade's picture

Submitted by Robert Meade on

Look along the headings and click on certified professionals and you'll see Malcolm among them. Click on the 'contact' under his name and follow the directions. Simple.

Steve Smith's picture

Submitted by Steve Smith on

All good information and when I go wrong it's almost always from coming too much from the inside. Been that way from the first day I ever hit a golf ball. Blessing or curse? Who knows?

Over the top and out to in or drop too far in and in to out, either one needs to be fixed.

Edit: Not many posts lately?

Terry Medley's picture

Submitted by Terry Medley on

I recall a period several years ago when I could not get out of them. I finally found a full set of hybrids and woods, with no hosel, just full forward faces. I played with them for a couple years until gradually switching back to a set of King Cobra irons and woods, The "S" left just as they mysteriously appeared. And although I can still get a rare ocsssional one now and then, it/they are rare. My main problem these days is lack of distance with all clubs, due to low club speed and face/ball contact . I have very arthritic joints and back and cannot really try and swing harder/faster without discomfort. I need to do some winter exercises designed for improving swing speed, along with my SwingRite and Swing Trainer. I would be so pleased with an avg 200-215yds off the tee and in the short grass, rather than the 175 to 190 i'm now getting.
I need to get an appt with Doc or John in columbus for some follow up fitting. In my case though i think it just might not be the Aarows.

I'm hoping to get out today, about 11am for 18, between rain drops.

Dave Everitt's picture

Submitted by Dave Everitt on

Hi Terry. My problem is tendonitus in both ankles and feet. I always swim three times a week and although it is great exercise it hasn't done too much for the tendonitus and my ability to walk. This winter I decided to see if light weight training would help increase swing speed. About 5 weeks ago I started a daily exercise regimen with light weights using two workout DVDs' from the " Biggest Loser" producers. They are called "Power Sculpt"and " Cardio Max". They have excellent production value and were a good buy at ten dollars each and are actually fun to do and something that my 67 year old body can handle. The DVD's seem to target all of the muscles involved in the golf swing along with balance, stamina and coordination. I think that the body has to first of all, be strong enough to support a higher swing speed. I can already see an improvement in balance, flexibility and overall strength as evidenced by less pain when walking and better speed with the SwingRite. Hopefully, this exercise routine will help my game next season and maybe result in a weight loss as a bonus.

albertbell655@sky.com's picture

Submitted by albertbell655@s... on

Serge
You had a blog about standing at the right side of the door way and taking the club up on the back swing without touching the wall.
Well if you stand one inch from the left side of the doorway and swing up on the back swing, bounce and swing up on the through swing, it is impossible to turn your shoulders or you hit the door post.
It has helped me win acouple of tounaments this last two months, I am 76 with two new hips the most recent one was firtted in February this year
Thanks for all the tips and help.
Regards
Albert Bell