If you're a player struggling with heel or toe strikes in your golf game, this guide is for you.
We'll discuss the five key factors contributing to these issues and how you can improve your swing to hit the sweet spot consistently.
Hi, I'm Danny Malcolm, and today we're diving into the five primary causes of heel or toe strikes in your golf swing. If you're new to the channel, please consider liking and subscribing for more free content to help improve your game.
Understanding Your Strikes
Before we delve into the five key points, it's crucial to understand where you're striking the ball on the clubface. When you're playing, pay attention to where you feel the strikes. While practicing, use strike spray, foot spray, or face tape on your clubface to see if there's a pattern. Knowing where you're striking the ball is the first step to improvement.
The Five Key Factors
1. Posture and Setup
Your setup can significantly influence your strikes. Setting up too close to the ball often results in a heel strike or the dreaded shank. Conversely, setting up too far can cause a toe strike. I'll cover the proper setup in more detail in a future video.
2. Swing Direction
An excessive swing direction, either too far to the right or left, can cause heel or toe strikes. Maintaining a balanced swing direction is essential.
3. Swing Plane
Your swing plane affects the strike location on the clubface. A flatter, baseball-like swing plane can cause toe strikes, while a more vertical plane can lead to heel strikes. Maintaining the correct swing plane is critical for consistent strikes.
4. Body Movement
Excessive movement towards or away from the ball during the swing can affect your strikes. Moving towards the ball often results in heel strikes, while moving away can cause toe strikes.
5. Arm Action
Arm action during the swing and through impact can influence your strike. A "chicken wing" motion can lead to toe strikes, while overextending the arms can result in heel strikes.
Drills to Improve Your Strikes
Posture Drill
Ensure you're at the right distance from the ball. Take your setup, place your hands on your hips, and tilt forward from the hips with a slight knee bend. Let your arms hang naturally, and you should have a fist-width distance between your leg and the golf club.
Swing Plane Drill
Use the Stinger Drill by Cameron McCormack. Hold the club very low on the shaft and practice staying in posture with a low handle through impact. This helps maintain the correct swing plane.
Body Movement Drill
Have a friend lightly touch your forehead during your swing to prevent excessive forward movement. Alternatively, use a noodle or alignment rod as a barrier to stay back during your swing.
Arm Action Drill
Place a tee on the ground and practice swinging just inside or outside the tee to adjust your arm extension. This helps develop the correct arm action for consistent strikes.
Two Ball Drill
Place a second ball inside your normal setup and practice hitting the inside ball without touching the outside ball. This drill helps correct heel strikes by encouraging the arms to come in more through impact.
Conclusion
By understanding and addressing these five key factors, you can significantly improve your golf swing and avoid heel and toe strikes. Remember, awareness and consistent practice are crucial to mastering these skills.
Give these drills a try, and feel free to reach out with any questions.