Too many players only think about the position of the ball in relation to their feet.
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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.
Ball position in golf is one of the most important factors in hitting a good shot – yet many beginners still ignore it during their forehand technique.
For example, most people with moderate to high handicaps know that it is recommended to place the golf ball inside their lead foot when using the driver. This allows the player to swing higher at the ball, giving him a better chance to launch it.
Rethink the ball position for critical shots from 75-100 yards
Nick Dimengo
But the next time you go to the driving range, see how many golfers haven't done this, and just set the ball with it (usually) in the center or behind their stance.
The thing is, using your feet is not the only way to determine what your football position should be, as the body plays a big part in it, too.
To understand this, check out what GOLF instructor Kelvin Kelley has to say below, as he explains why your golf ball position should relate to your body.
Why using your body is important to determine the position of the golf ball
The concept of golf ball position is only related to the feet – in the sense that, after taking your stance, the ball should be between the feet with the irons, and more towards the front foot and the driver – it is partial. it is true, but there is more to it.
Instead of thinking only about the position of the ball using your feet, consider where your core (spine and upper body) is positioned in relation to the ball at address. This is especially important when you want a strong connection. This is why the angles of your body are so important.
The picture below shows what the spine and weight look like at the top of the swing. Notice how they are behind golf ball.
Photo by Kelvin Kelley
By starting this way, your swing is more efficient, as the body can move forward and around the direction of the swing. This also allows you to call with completely of your weight and your body is going to the right place.
To visualize this, think of a boxer getting ready to hit a punching bag. The boxer would position his body slightly behind the bag to drive forward into the bag. A boxer who puts up in front of the bag will not have the body weight to use in boxing.
This concept in golf is not new, as the picture below shows Jack Nicklaus using it with a driver, a middle iron, and a short wedge.
Photo by Kelvin Kelley
Another example comes from Ben Hogan's book, “Five Lessons”, where he explains his football positioning technique.
Hogan's left foot will stay the same distance from the ball regardless of the club, and his trailing foot will increase steadily as the club gets longer. The distance the foot has moved back will also move his upper body.
Another note to pay attention to is how open or closed the feet should be on each club in your bag. The image below is a good guide to follow – but remember, this is just the basics. The ball must be moved parallel to the feet when hitting a certain flying shot.
Photo by Kelvin Kelley
To play with the correct angle of attack, you should move the fairway foot slightly back when using long clubs. This encourages a shallower angle of attack, as the body can close less. For short irons, open the feet, which influences the downward strike and cut as the body will be more open.
By reimagining the position of the ball in line with your body at impact, you will allow for a better angle of attack and more opportunities to hit it.
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