IRONS

Create the fizz of a truly pure strike more often

Iron shots work best when struck with a descending attack angle. This creates the compression and spin needed for the optimal power and flight. Club designers help you deliver this ball-turf strike by engineering shaft lean and offset into each iron, but you can also work on your technique to make the most of that technology. Here’s how to find a pure strike and a penetrating flight.

THROW-DOWN

Keeping the clubhead behind the ball, simply try to throw the ball in your trail hand down on top of the forward ball. This drill gives you a feel for applying downward pressure through the impact zone. You’ll also create forward shaft lean naturally as you release the ball.

FORWARD LEAN

Before we get into the technique, sit the club in its maker’s position for a moment. See how, with the ball in the middle of your stance, shaft is angled forward towards the lead thigh. This, allied to the club’s offset (shaft forward of face) helps put your hands ahead of the ball at address.

USE THE CLUB AS A GUIDE

Always form your set-up around the way the club was designed. This is a simple way to put yourself in a strong position to deliver the club with this forward shaft lean and a downward, compressing attack angle. Play the ball centrally or just forward of centre in your stance.

DELAYED RELEASE

This drill also helps educate your trail hand to give the delayed release needed to find that downward strike. A more flicky, casting release sees the clubhead rise through impact, causing thins and duffs.