Tip From the Archives
Shanking Checklist
Problem
You are shanking the golf ball and are unsure why.
Cure
Purposely try to shank the ball several times in a row. Often when you try this, it knock this error out of your system. If you still have a problem with a shank shot then go though the checklist to see if you can fix your swing.
Therapy
1. You are placing too much weight on your toes at address. 2. The ball is too close to your body or too far forward in your stance. 3. You are trying too hard to keep your head down; this extends the arc of the swing causing the forward arm to bend to readjust the swing so you can make contact with the ball. 4. You are too tense and therefore are unable to make a proper shoulder turn during the backswing, causing you to swing outside of the swinging plane. 5. Your arms are swinging too far away from your body. 6. Your swing is too fast, uneven, or you have the yips, causing you to hit the ball with the hosel. Try focusing on making a smoother and slower backswing by placing a second ball about three inches away from the ball in play. Slowly roll this ball out of the way as you take the club back. Practice this a few times. Then remove the ball and swing a few times while thinking about bringing it back just as slow. This can help change your key thoughts during the swing to help with the yips and slow the swing down.
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