LEARN TO ‘COVER’ THE BALL

To boost your ability to strike down on the ball, work on an action that keeps your upper body over the ball till after impact. Known as ‘covering’ the ball, it helps you create an extended low point to your swing after impact, promoting a downward strike. Follow this plan.

CANE MARKER

Place a cane or old shaft against the outside of your lead foot, angled slightly inward. Take your regular stance and make yourself aware of the gap between your lead hip and the cane.

MIND THE GAP

Swing back; but as you rotate, feel the gap between the lead hip and the cane remains constant. This holds your upper body over the ball. It also keeps your backswing tight and compact.

WATCH FOR THIS

Once that gap increases, your weight and low point shift behind the ball. It takes a big lateral shift from here to get back in front and over it, one that’s hard to control and leads to inconsistency.

NUDGE THE CANE

As you swing into impact, allow your knee and hip to move laterally to touch the cane. This gives your swing a ‘central-to-forward’ feel that lets you cover the ball and promotes a downward attack. Maintain an angle in the back of the trail wrist to reduce dynamic loft.