7 mistakes you make on the driving range (and how to fix them)

Welcome to Shaving Strokes, the GOLF.com series where we share the progress, lessons learned and takeaways from novice golfers like you — including the speed bumps and challenges they've faced along the way.

In almost 30 years of playing golf, it's funny how hitting the ball on the driving range has changed.

When I first started playing, I would just take out my driver and try to hit as many balls as possible. There was no purpose, and no real structure to what I was doing, as I was a child trying to learn the basics.

As I've gotten older and smarter about my game, I've changed my driving range techniques, and now I use a more focused practice method that mimics the specific conditions I might see on the course. I also use training aids and other technologies that give me instant feedback.

While practice is always a good thing, perfect practice is what will have a positive impact on your golf game — it took me a while to figure that out.

So instead of just going to the pilot level and making the same mistakes – which don't lead to improvement – it's time to step things up. With the help of golf instructor John Hughes (who offers the tips below), you can identify seven common mistakes, learn how to overcome them, and start seeing the gains you're looking for.

7 things you're not doing right on the driving range (and how to fix them)

I spend a lot of time in the driving role watching the players hit the balls. Whether they're warming up before a round, or just practicing to improve, novice golfers look and act the same on the range — and that's definitely not a good thing!

Since golf is a wild sport, there are a few controllable which every player should understand. If you can do it well, you will likely improve your scores quickly.

Unfortunately, most beginners don't — especially not on the driving range.

So what are they? I suggest you check the following seven things before taking the shot, which means they are completely under your control. And here's the best part: it's not the art, but the simple improvements to the forehand that will put you in a better position to land.

1. Using the wrong alignment sticks

If you've ever watched a pro warm up on the driving range, they always have a pair of steering rods somewhere nearby – and they use them in many ways. Most golfers imitate what they see their favorite player do when practicing, without knowing how the golfer uses these simple, yet highly effective training aids.

If you use one club with the ball on one side and the golfer on the other, contrary to what you might believe, the golfer is probably not working in alignment. Unfortunately, what many beginners do is point the stick at the target and put the ball on the other side, which quickly causes you to aim to the right.

Instead of doing this, try to place the ball on the same side as you, which will help work on both aim and alignment, and provide an easy drill for movement. Simply place the ball one club head width away from the club aimed directly at your target. You are now in the correct alignment position as you work on your drill.

2. You stand too far from the golf ball

The farther you are from the golf ball, the more space you create for the clubface to open and close. The club rests on the neck, which creates an opening and closing of the club as you swing back and through the golf ball. The more horizontal your swing is, the more the face opens and closes – and you should be able to handle the clubface square with touch.

You'd be surprised how stepping a quarter to a half inch closer to the ball will reduce the amount of face spin in your golf swing, and, in turn, eliminate unwanted bend in your ball flight.

3. Your clubface is not square to address

Yes, of course. As much as you believe your golf club face is aligned with your target, it isn't! In most cases, the face is closed to your goal, regardless of which side of the ball you are standing on.

The basic reason is simple – you forget it's yours the body does not hit the ball, i the club it does. I can't tell you how many golfers on the driving range point themselves, especially their front shoulder, at the target, and adjust the club to fit their body. This is wrong.

4. Not using the leading edge to aim

The leading edge is called the leading edge for a reason – because it leads the club to the ball, and creates the 90 degree angle you need at address to have any chance of hitting straight shots.

If you've been told to aim for the club, not your body, and your club is still closed at address, you're probably using the top of the club and its high face as your aiming device. But doing this actually closes the club.

Using the one-way approach I mentioned above, you should see the leading edge of any club create a 90-degree angle with the club. When you do, the club is now square to the target, so you're ready to position your body based on the club's position.

5. Bad balance

You'll swing the club as fast as your body can balance the motion, so if you're too far away from the golf ball, you'll be on your toes at address. This will send your balance into panic mode, trying to keep you from falling as you swing.

Ideally, from your feet to your belt, you should feel well balanced, side to side, and heel to toe.

Spinal tilt is the second result of your trailing hand being below your lead hand on the grip – which, in most shots, is too slanted. The only time you should exaggerate the tilt from the belt up is when using the driver.

6. The position of the ball is not the same as the bottom of your swing arc

The number 1 reason why you hit too many or too few shots is because your club does not hit the ball before reaching the bottom of the swing.

If you're like most beginner golfers I see on the driving range, you may be putting the ball further than it needs to be. Remember that the club swings in an arc that is not horizontal or vertical — it is at an angle. So as the club comes down in that arc, it starts to come up and around your front side.

I suggest you lighten up your ball by centering it when using medium to low irons and wedges. This will help the club make contact with the ball just before hitting the ground.

7. Holding position and security

When I look at players in the driving range, I see a lot of poor hands and overhand grips on the club. Let's tackle those issues first.

First, make a tight fist with either hand and try to make that hand move quickly. Now, let your hand relax and move it quickly. A loose hand will always move faster. If you're holding the club with a death grip, there's no way you're going to hit the ball as far as you can – that's why a good overhand grip is important to create a more comfortable (but secure) grip.

Now let's study your arms and hands.

Look at yourself in a full-length mirror and notice the angle your hands hang from your arms in relation to your body. It is unlikely that your hands will be in line with or in line with your body, so it is your job to place your upper hand on the club, which will replicate your natural arm's grip. This is often described as a neutral grip – and neutral is a little different for every golfer, as we are all built a little differently.

To use an overhand grip, rest the club on the second wrist of your upper hand. Next, close your fingers first, then allow the rest of your hand to curl and cover the grip, with your thumb on the opposite side of the grip. You've just achieved your first neutral grip position, which should add better team protection when throwing.

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Nick Dimengo

Golf.com Editor