How close to the ball

QuigleyDU · February 25, 2020

I have been experimenting with standing closer to the ball. My thought was, that if I am closer maybe it will force me into getting my hands lower at impact and early extend less. As I will be forced to some degree to get the middle of my body out of the way. I also "feel like" It help my shoulders turn a bit steeper. I know it has been said by many a pro that you cannot stand too close to the ball.

For my irons, it seems to be working well, for driver, it is a bit more hit or miss. So I am curious for those of you that are teachers. How close do you like to see players stand?

I am also noticing a bit of a trend if you will. that coaches are saying to stand up a bit and slouch to the ball rather than bend at the waist. I am probably explaining this terribly but that is the best way my little brain can explain it. Yes I am seeing this on youtube.. Terrible way to go about learning but you take what you can get.

Z1ggy16 · February 25, 2020

How are you early extending and getting 180 ball on driver lol.

I do agree though... I know GG recommends this and it got me into bad habits. I much prefer being like Rory at address... I feel more athletic. I've changed nothing but my set up and I gained about 5-7mph speed on all my clubs. This was done with the help and feed back of in person lessons. Literally everything about my swing improved almost exclusive because of my setup and what it allowed me to do in my VS, which then affected DS and impact.

QuigleyDU · February 25, 2020

I am a big strong mule thats how. haha.

So how are you trying to be like Rory? I think he stands on top of the ball quite a bit as well.

juststeve · February 25, 2020

I stand as erectly as possible at the ball. Erect = close to the ball. I only bend enough from the hips so my arms can hang freely and have room to swing past my body. I firmly believe that at least for me balance is more easily retained when I stand quite naturally at the ball.

Steve

Z1ggy16 · February 25, 2020

More knee bend and less of a rounded spine. My rounded upper back was causing me to go into thoracic extention at the top of my BS and I actually moved toward target a little bit which messed up my sequencing and it reeeaallly messed up my low point control.

Being in address more like Rory prevented that and allowed me to load into my trail glute/foot better and get a much better hip turn. I also ended up moving closer to the ball too but that was an effect/need based on the new stance. It wasn't like a goal or intention going in.

And of course... This is what worked for *me*. I'll never advise or tell someone to do a certain thing in the swing because it's not just a one size fits all. There's obviously guys on tour, past and present, who stand pretty upright with that rounded back kind of posture.

MonteScheinblum · February 25, 2020

Joe Miller EE’s big time and gets 225 ball speed. EE is not evil in all cases.

MonteScheinblum · February 25, 2020

OP......Your EE, if I remember correctly, is being caused by you pulling on the handle too hard and getting the shaft vertical. Getting closer in this case and many other cases, may make you hit it worse.