shanking pitches

[mrq]

try slight open stance...

[wkuo3]

Yes, I could see we have golfers really understand the swing concept.

So many good suuggestions.

Great post POLE.

[Confiado]

does anyone know how to make the youtube video display on this page???

[S70B]

Hi Confiado

 

After viewing your video, I understand your plight. I had the pitching shanks last year but my club pro gave me a few tips which helped every single bit.

 

Try these steps as it might help you too (I mean how much worse can it be? I remembered how desperate I felt)

 

1. For your left hand grip, try to hold it more in the fingers - with the grip running from the 2nd segment of your index finger to the fleshy base of your little finger. Also, use the short thumb grip - pull your left thumb upwards so that only the fleshy part of the thumb is touching the grip. This grip helped me in many ways. It reduced the hosel lag as it reduces tension in my left hand(which is my main cause of the shanks - pulling down my left hand towards the ball). It also promotes a freer release of the clubhead after impact.

 

2. Address the ball with the toe of the club. This is because most people's arms are relax at address but they naturally straighten upon impact causing the heel to get closer to the ball. It will feel weird but I do it for all my shots now, even Driving and it has not hurt me 1 bit.

 

3. Ball position - I know that for short shots, the ball is supposed to be centre or even back of stance. Go back to positioning it left of centre 1st. This will hopefully allow for a proper release of the wrists past the lowest point. You might hit a few fat shots at 1st but with some practice you will get it. When you become more proficient again (after stopping the shanking bouts) you can go back to positioning it centre of your stance.

 

4. I know the pitch is a short swing but a very important point here is: instead of just lifting your arms to bring the club back, ensure you do a proper minor weight shift back and then thru (even if its not as prominent as a full swing). Keep your armpits closed to your side and start the swing with the shoulders and big muscles.

 

5. 1 point on the takeaway - project a path (with your peripheral vision while still looking at the back of the ball) where your clubhead goes low and straight back the first 2 feet then 'up' instead of 'around' (your body). It will feel weird cos keeping your armpits close to your body while swinging the club on a more upright plane feels restricted but you will see that if you video yourself, you will not look 1 bit awful at all.

 

6. Lastly, lots of practice required with these tips. A few bad shots doesn't mean its wrong.

 

Some here might not agree to these pointers but I guess its different strokes for different folks. Nothing to lose for you so hope these quick tips help.