For all of you that are chopping DOWN at the ball, with your irons, notice that his attack angle is only 3 degrees. The club is traveling close to the ground, for a longer distance than many of you think. Here’s a thought…. Never think chop down at the ball. Just do exactly what he said. Make sure the lowest point is slightly ahead of the ball. If you’re someone who takes massive divots, then the club needs to be more like a plane landing on a runway for you. You’re too steep! Imagine the plane is slightly landing, then gradually taking back off. You need to “flatten” the approach into impact, and beyond. The key is the lowest point being slightly after the ball. Your concept, and intention has to be correct. This is a great video.
The part that needs mentioning is that a lot of power is lost if you do not shift balance to the back foot on the backswing. That absolutely kills the leverage that gets the downswing going. I don't like these suggestions that create bad habits. May as well teach the proper swing....and players just need to know it's a process....rather than a quick pill solution....lol. Gotta learn to shift that weight forward. That's just part of the learning curve of a good golf swing...and beginners esp should not be led on a wrong path....and wrong habits.
I just wanted to say a massive thank you. I watch endless amounts of golf tips on RUclips, much to my golf coaches dislike. However, some of your ball striking tips and 7 minute a day swing drill have transformed my game recently. I am now able to hit ball-turf shots and am starting to compress the ball much better. My scores have improved, from shooting 90’s to 80’s. Today I hit my first 78. I will keep going with your instruction, as like you I need to get in a good backswing and create some space to turn through. Thanks and keep up the good work.
Ditto on the striking improvement. I have not yet shot a round in the 70's like @mattmalone1921 but I am hopeful to be a decent golfer now. I've been playing off and on for over 35 years and not one person I have had lessons with nor any of my family nor friends ever suggested that I was focussing on the wrong spot when hitting off the ground. God willing, I may not have to snap anymore club heads off after digging the turf behind my ball and drop kicking the ball 50 yards on an attempted 150 yard approach shot. Thanks for helping me discover a fix for my primary swing fault.
I have chronic lifting disease, been battling that for 10 years, watched the video about ball striking, By moving the left hip back I’m able to hit the ball much better. This even helps when I lift trying to see the ball, still managed to get it in the air, just not as high. Gained distance with this tip too! Worked immediately, I’m amazed, cause once I start lifting, I can’t quit!🤬🤬🤬 Excellent videos & tips, some of the best I’ve found!👏👏👏👍👍👍
Great video! I've watched a lot of Moe Norman swing videos and guess what?? He always hovers the driver 6-10 inches behind the ball like you do and always makes solid contact. I've tried it and it works great! Just takes some practice to get consistent. I've tried this on the course and the other players in my group are amazed at the result! In my 70s and now hit the ball farther than ever and am even looking forward to shooting my age soon.
I'm just getting started with Golf (a few months in). Just getting started with the driver. This approach makes sense to me. Focus on the bottom of the swing, and just let the rest "happen" after the bottom of the swing (and of course follow through with the swing)...
Watched your video last night, so just back from the range using your technique and I was hitting my 3 wood more correctly than I ever did before. No extra distance yet but after 20 balls I'm hitting the ball without topping or slicing it about 80% of the time. As a very senior golfer anything that gives me more confidence is good for me. I am now a committed subscriber to your site, thank you.
I must admit I was sceptic when I saw your video but after being on the drivning range I am sold to your method 👌🏻 It really works 💪🏻 With irons and fairway clubs it feels a bit scary 😉 Driver just works like a charm ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Don't look at the ball."... I figured this out myself a couple years ago. 😅 (Don't recall any other on-line coach with this tip.) Of course, AT has a more refined explanation than my rudimentary analysis. I think I'll stick around and see what other gems AT has to offer!
Can't wait to try. After a great drive, it's depressing to chunk the next one. Practice yesterday at looking in front of ball for irons, before watching video....now will look way beyond. Excited to put into practice.
Ali… you’re a genius! I thought my issue had been weight transfer, but I practiced your technique during my practice round this afternoon, (after watching this video this morning), and I played the best round of my life! Still a little off on the wedges, but I’m using the “iron” technique of focusing a couple of inches ahead of the wedge. I hope this is right, unless you have another similar suggestion specific to wedges. Thank you so very much!
Since I've started following you, I've tried the concentrating on a spot ahead of the ball for irons. It's not yet perfect (I'm an OAP and have to get rid of 50 years of 'Keep your eye on the ball'!) but it's definitely working when I manage it. As I get older my distance diminishes but I have seen an increase in my carry and roll out with the irons, for which I thank you. Now to try the driver focus behind the ball and see if that works too. At my best I was around 14 handicap but am now up to 22 after a few years away. Driving range tomorrow with my grandson (who has been having lessons and is getting dangerously near to beating me...) and a match with him on Wednesday. Thanks for these tips, I need to have them to keep up with him. Regards from East Sussex!
After years of frustration of watching myself make practice swing after practice swing perfectly perfectly contacting the turf, I finally hit on the idea of not looking at the ball and it all came together. It was especially helpful on chipping I believe I may have been losing track of the ground. By looking at the ground instead of the ball I make much better contact. In my case I prefer to always look behind the ball.
This is exactly why high handicappers complain about their perfect practice swing & lousy real swing. When your concentration is all on the ball, you try to hit at the ball rather than swinging the club properly. Most consider the top of the backswing as point A, & the ball point B, when point B is really after impact with the ball only sitting between the 2 points. When there's no ball to hit, there's no mental pressure because the swing doesn't affect your score. It's not that you're not supposed to look at the ball, but rather not to make it your focus point. You can see the ball without looking directly at it, so, as some have said, look in front of the ball or a spot directly behind the ball & allow your head to rotate along with the swing, not up & down. Focusing only on the ball can cause you to stop rotating your chest as well which is the kiss of death for solid shots. Also, keeping your head perfectly stationary can lead to neck injuries. That's the problem with golf. The human body wasn't designed for it.
Ali, not focusing on the ball is key to nice compressed strikes. Focusing on the ball results in the hit instinct, which is detrimental to your strike. My game improved tremendously once I learned this and stopped focusing on the ball. I do exactly what you suggested and focus on the low point. Thanks for sharing. Cheers.
Thank you for a great video! (liked and subbed), Being told to always 'Hit down' on the ball with a wedge etc always filled my head with some weird and conflicting images of what was supposed to be going on. But thinking about it in terms of where the low point of your swing is, and how that collects the ball on the way through, has instantly blown away a whole cloud of confusion!!
I’ve tried this on my own before and although I did help, I wouldn’t be confident on the course… but after watching this video I’ll try it again on the range and maybe on the course too! Thx!
Perfect, I’ve watched two vlogs recently…….. swing slow hit further and this today! Somethings clicked in my brain, played last Saturday and wow, hit straighter, further and felt more relaxed !! Excellent words of wisdom for low, mid & high handicapper’s…………… practice makes almost perfect, top man 👏🏽
So happy this is addressed by a reputable teacher. I thought I was weird. My hands seem to take the club head to the low point. I now keep my weight forward and imagine the chalk line in front of the ball. So easy to use a broken tee peg and place it in front of the ball. Thank you for your observation.
This is the best videos on hitting a golf ball I have ever seen. Before my shoulder surgery I got into a lot of bad habits to avoid pain. I am now starting to get myself to hit the ball correctly and this has helped me tremendously. Thank you! BTW after surgery the pain is finally gone.
Probably the biggest thing that made the difference in my ball striking quality since I started golfing 40 years ago. All the key points are in this lesson, but you need to trust it, lag not cast your wrists and trust it will work! You will think you’re too close to the ground , but you’re needing to understand making the swoosh sound slightly after the ball also !
It's working for me Thanks for the Great video instruction. Breaking 90 now and occasionally into the mid '80s. Added a little tempo control and the balls are flying great to the target.
Great video - Thank you! I am a 5-handicap, and like most amateur golfers, I struggle with consistency in my ball striking. I tried this at the range yesterday, then took it out onto the course. Definitely gained some distance with the driver, and had some of the most consistently solid ball-striking with my irons and fairway woods that I've had in a long time.
It works! At the range today I put a small leaf app. 2 inches in front of the ball. At first it felt strange not looking at the ball. Soon I got the hang of it . Better compression, higher ball flight and 10+ more yards. Thanks / Carl from Sweden
I took the concepts you described for hitting irons to the range today. Between your tips and a more controlled swing I struck the ball better than I have in a long time. In addition to improved distance, the ball flight was much improved, and my bad shots were much better. I can't wait to give this another go.
Since I joined the saguto golf school I only focus on ball first contact. My weight is preset forward, my arms stay straight so my contact point is always the same…the ball flys higher and further
I especially love this advice on par 3's. I set up the ball three inches behind someone else's divot. Huge visual aid. Trust your club and trust your swing.
Although I have a slightly steeper swing and I take a divot with my wedges, I was, until recently, a ‘sweeper’ with irons, hybrids and FW woods until my club fitter & swing coach recommended I forget focusing on the ball and focus on hitting the turf about 2-inches in front of the ball. And, after a few miss hits, I began compressing the ball and consistently delivering even divots with improved ball flight and distance with my 3-9 irons, hybrid and 3W. Even though I hit up on my driver, I began focusing on the imaginary line @ 3 inches behind the ball with an average 12yd distance gain. This advice may not work for everyone but you won’t know if you don’t try. Good luck🏌🏻♂️👍
Watched this late last night. Great improvement in contact . Great improvement in driver ball height and distance. It wasn’t always perfect but I will continue to incorporate. 👍
I have experienced good n bad results with this method. Initially, I was told by a scratch gopher that he focused 2" behind the ball, and at the range this was working fabulously, but in the course it was a different story. Then, I was introduced to focusing the eyes 2" in front of the ball; that's the beauty of golf, there are 50 ways to do the exact same thing with any aspect of the game. I do like the focus in front of the ball since it soothes the brain to a smooth rhythm; taking the 'hit' out of the consciousness, instead replaced with a practice swing mentality. Why don't I have these problems with crochet...? It should not take a billion balls to accomplish nothing.
I watched your video last night and played golf today putting in your suggestion not to look at the ball. Why didn't I know about this before. I never had so many good strikes of the sweet spot of my irons and hybrids which went long and straight. If only I could putt better. Thanks for the tip.
Your two videos ‘swing slower to hit longer’ and this one have really helped this 57 year-old, 7 handicapper with ambitions still to get to 4, improve the quality, accuracy and - (less important to me, but good!), distance on his irons and woods. Thanks Ali.
Man I really relate to that comment about wishing you learnt the correct stuff as a junior. I was taught the same thing about my fairway woods and reacted the same way as you did. I just think now of so much stuff I've had to change that i learned back in high school.
Repent to Jesus Christ “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”” Acts 1:8 NIV
35 years I've been chunking approach shots. Its a whole new game now. Ive never been as encouraged from my 10 in-person lessons over my lifetime as I am right now after watching these videos and hitting balls from my front lawn into the persimmon orchard that surrounds my house. Viva golf! I feel like I'm going to birdie a par 3 and a par 4 next time out.
I cannot wait to try this . I top the ball all the time and I always thought I had to hit behind and under ball first. This could be huge. I'll let u know. Thank u so much sir.
Totally agree Ali that looking ahead of the ball and most times (90%) you will strike the ball better. However, trying to follow the ball is very difficult. We (our eyes) are trained to always keep the eye on the ball and looking ahead brings in the eyes ahead swing that feels good hard to see the ball. Good training tool though.
With driver, been slicing hard for 10 yrs. Irons have always been decent. Today, I focused on a random point 3-4” behind the ball while driving. Drew the ball every single time. Amazed.
Almost for every shot I hit..irons or woods..it helps me to keep my eye focus on the front of the golf ball in the back swing… I find consistently in this. Head down and posture stable…adjust stance per club… hope this helps someone… helped me tremendously.. ur eyes and focus we’ll help u hit it clean with good balance and core stability..
Just tried these tips in my practice space in the garage and they seem/feel REALLY GOOD! Excellent in fact. What feels natural is to look at the ball during the takeaway/backswing and on transition move the focus to the point or line ahead. Can't wait to take this to the range! Where I live the courses are still under snow, but we do have heated stalls for practice.
Repent to Jesus Christ “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”” Acts 1:8 NIV
Hi Ali, this is a great video. I do something similar with my iron shots, but rather than scoring or chalking the mat (I got told off by the range I go to), I place a tee a ball/ball and a half in front of the target ball and found my striking a lot better (forces me to hit down and compress, much like you say in your video). I have been struggling with my hybrid and will adopt this next time I go, and looking forward to doing it. For my driver, I usually focus on the back of the ball and try to hit up, and again this works for me but I'll be trying (again) your technique to see if I can get some extra yardage Thanks again
Very nice video Ali. Something that not many pros talk about! Perhaps they want to keep it a secret? Ben Hogan in his book, Five Lessons, also drew a diagram in which he showed how feet positions should change for various clubs. Closed for driver and woods and gradually opening for irons to wedges. This may help with the squaring of the club face?😃😃
When I started hitting up on the ball with the driver, I thought the ball was flying too high, but my distance went way up.. turns out my ball flight was too low to produce maximum distance. It took a little getting use to the new shot shape but it really works!
Repent to Jesus Christ “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”” Acts 1:8 NIV h
I’ve used this tip and it has definitely helped, especially with my hybrids, woods & driver. I never look at the ball, even chipping. I just adjust the location ahead of the ball where my focus is. Thanks!!!
Very good explanation. I only recently started taking small divots after the ball with shots not on a tee. Definitely better contact, usually straighter but it’s rainy season and I’m getting covered in mud.
I worked out this little gem of information myself about 2-3 months ago through the realisation that where your nose is pointing the body tends to square up and that is ultimately as you've pointed out here the lowest point of the swing, when the arms are directly in front of the chest it has helped enormously and I have started to get some great draw shots with my irons (the ball going out to the right and coming back to the middle of the fairway. As soon as I hit it I knew it was right because you could see the ball with right to left curvature when it started out to the right before it reached the apex. Great video and look forward to more from you Ali!
At 71 I'm still learning this game, and this is very valuable info. I have always tried to focus on the ball with very unpredictable results. This approach seems to make sense and is worth a try. Thanks!
It all starts with moving your feet and legs properly. These tips are great but impossible to do if you can't get your feet, legs and then body moving in the right direction and the in correct sequence. I say that because I have tried and tried and until I finally got my feet, legs and body moving in the right sequence, this stuff was next to impossible to achieve. Now, with proper sequencing, I can work on this stuff. Thanks Ali!
This was extremely helpful. Focusing slightly ahead helped move the low point of my swing ahead of the ball. I tend to top my longer irons and fairway woods off the ground.. I was hitting better today than I have in years today using this tip. Thanks!
Another benefit of not looking directly at the ball, at least for mid to higher handicappers is that we rarely duplicate our relatively good practice swings when we swing at the ball. My playing partners frequently tell me I’d get another 30 yards or more if I hit the ball with my practice swing. Looking directly at the ball seduces the average golfer into swinging at the ball rather than to our finish position (like we more often do with our practice swings). Excellent tips - thanks.
yeah this is really good stuff, I'm rubbish at golf, but watching these videos is a big help. my walks around a well manicured park are slightly less frustrating each time. I enjoyed the part about the ball being static and the challenge being how to move your body. Perhaps a bit like darts where the board doesn't move and the point is to hold the dart loosely, simply release it at the right moment (don't chuck it), and keep your body moving smoothly and consistently as you do it
Can't wait for it to stop raining and warm up some to try this. My major problem with irons is controlling my low point. Hopefully this will help with that.
Every lesson I’ve ever taken is where do I aim? I finally have the answer and it works The explanation is spot on Driver is straight with distance And I’ve never been happier with my hybrid This is definitely a five star out of five Definitely a “LIKE “
This was so helpful, but looking ahead of the ball I’m striking the ball cleaner, further but I can’t hit my target!!!! I’m way off to the left. If I do everything but not looking ahead of the ball, I do hit my target but 30 yards less distance with a 7 iron.
One thing that's been helping me is what I've been told is the ground hits the lowest point where the middle of your sternum is so you just need to shift slightly forward, I hit good irons, just struggling with the longer clubs
Just good information. I first tried this with my wedges and what a difference same as with my irons that I was inconsistent with. Working on my woods and that's showing promise tomorrow it's the drivers turn. I especially liked setting the tee height with the fairways so you repeat the same swing instead of having two swings for different circumstances. Bingo!
So much to keep in your mind,i focus on the ball,going through it.. I don't worry on distance,it takes two strokes to get on the green I do hit the driver pretty good,I'm going to try sweeping the ball . That's simple,and not worry about the wrist. Going to stop my back swing,before the hinge..
Hi I hit behind the ball a lot which is costing me shots in a full round and very annoying get punished even more now ground is wet so I look in front of the ball to try and stop this, I also look in front of the ball with driver and like you say sometimes I hit some nice drives but start to loose it a bit through out the round and start hitting some low ones, so I’m going to try looking behind the ball with driver see if it helps not seen anyone else say this on you tube so thanks for this hopefully this will help me and I might shoot under 85 next year 🤞🏼 I’ll let you know how I get on, and you definitely have earned a sub from me
I just subscribed to your blog. Well done. Easy to follow and comprehend. I can’t wait to take this information to the practice range and then to the course. Thanks!
For all of you that are chopping DOWN at the ball, with your irons, notice that his attack angle is only 3 degrees. The club is traveling close to the ground, for a longer distance than many of you think. Here’s a thought…. Never think chop down at the ball. Just do exactly what he said. Make sure the lowest point is slightly ahead of the ball. If you’re someone who takes massive divots, then the club needs to be more like a plane landing on a runway for you. You’re too steep! Imagine the plane is slightly landing, then gradually taking back off. You need to “flatten” the approach into impact, and beyond. The key is the lowest point being slightly after the ball. Your concept, and intention has to be correct. This is a great video.
According to Skipper, "Kiss it!......Just a peck........Like you're kissing ya sister."
This made me snort laugh. 🐽. Well said. And I have no sister so I don't know why you got me dorking and porking.
The part that needs mentioning is that a lot of power is lost if you do not shift balance to the back foot on the backswing. That absolutely kills the leverage that gets the downswing going. I don't like these suggestions that create bad habits. May as well teach the proper swing....and players just need to know it's a process....rather than a quick pill solution....lol. Gotta learn to shift that weight forward. That's just part of the learning curve of a good golf swing...and beginners esp should not be led on a wrong path....and wrong habits.
I just wanted to say a massive thank you. I watch endless amounts of golf tips on RUclips, much to my golf coaches dislike. However, some of your ball striking tips and 7 minute a day swing drill have transformed my game recently. I am now able to hit ball-turf shots and am starting to compress the ball much better. My scores have improved, from shooting 90’s to 80’s. Today I hit my first 78. I will keep going with your instruction, as like you I need to get in a good backswing and create some space to turn through. Thanks and keep up the good work.
Ditto on the striking improvement. I have not yet shot a round in the 70's like @mattmalone1921 but I am hopeful to be a decent golfer now. I've been playing off and on for over 35 years and not one person I have had lessons with nor any of my family nor friends ever suggested that I was focussing on the wrong spot when hitting off the ground. God willing, I may not have to snap anymore club heads off after digging the turf behind my ball and drop kicking the ball 50 yards on an attempted 150 yard approach shot. Thanks for helping me discover a fix for my primary swing fault.
I have chronic lifting disease, been battling that for 10 years, watched the video about ball striking,
By moving the left hip back I’m able to hit the ball much better. This even helps when I lift trying to see the ball, still managed to get it in the air, just not as high. Gained distance with this tip too! Worked immediately, I’m amazed, cause once I start lifting, I can’t quit!🤬🤬🤬
Excellent videos & tips, some of the best I’ve found!👏👏👏👍👍👍
ruclips.net/video/u3tlDh6fXGs/видео.htmlsi=38Iin9ic46L5glQJ
Great video! I've watched a lot of Moe Norman swing videos and guess what?? He always hovers the driver 6-10 inches behind the ball like you do and always makes solid contact. I've tried it and it works great! Just takes some practice to get consistent. I've tried this on the course and the other players in my group are amazed at the result! In my 70s and now hit the ball farther than ever and am even looking forward to shooting my age soon.
I'm just getting started with Golf (a few months in). Just getting started with the driver. This approach makes sense to me. Focus on the bottom of the swing, and just let the rest "happen" after the bottom of the swing (and of course follow through with the swing)...
For the driver I found using a focus point back and INSIDE of the ball very helpful. Promotes an inside out path.
Watched your video last night, so just back from the range using your technique and I was hitting my 3 wood more correctly than I ever did before. No extra distance yet but after 20 balls I'm hitting the ball without topping or slicing it about 80% of the time. As a very senior golfer anything that gives me more confidence is good for me. I am now a committed subscriber to your site, thank you.
Thanks, Ali! Big improvements thru all of your tutorials.
Thank you Chris, really appreciate it. Glad to help.
I must admit I was sceptic when I saw your video but after being on the drivning range I am sold to your method 👌🏻 It really works 💪🏻 With irons and fairway clubs it feels a bit scary 😉 Driver just works like a charm ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Might be the best advice I've seen that has changed my golf swing. Thanks for sharing!
"Don't look at the ball."... I figured this out myself a couple years ago. 😅 (Don't recall any other on-line coach with this tip.)
Of course, AT has a more refined explanation than my rudimentary analysis.
I think I'll stick around and see what other gems AT has to offer!
First day on the Range NOT looking at ball. I CAN'T WAIT until tomorrow. Loved the progress made in 1 hour of striking ball.
I tried this today at the range. IT WORKED!! Especially with the driver. Hit them higher AND longer. Thank you!!
Glad it helped
This is one of the best and most useful golf video I have ever seen. I definitely had some misconceptions, but things are much clearer now.
Can't wait to try. After a great drive, it's depressing to chunk the next one. Practice yesterday at looking in front of ball for irons, before watching video....now will look way beyond. Excited to put into practice.
Ali… you’re a genius! I thought my issue had been weight transfer, but I practiced your technique during my practice round this afternoon, (after watching this video this morning), and I played the best round of my life! Still a little off on the wedges, but I’m using the “iron” technique of focusing a couple of inches ahead of the wedge. I hope this is right, unless you have another similar suggestion specific to wedges. Thank you so very much!
Since I've started following you, I've tried the concentrating on a spot ahead of the ball for irons. It's not yet perfect (I'm an OAP and have to get rid of 50 years of 'Keep your eye on the ball'!) but it's definitely working when I manage it. As I get older my distance diminishes but I have seen an increase in my carry and roll out with the irons, for which I thank you. Now to try the driver focus behind the ball and see if that works too. At my best I was around 14 handicap but am now up to 22 after a few years away. Driving range tomorrow with my grandson (who has been having lessons and is getting dangerously near to beating me...) and a match with him on Wednesday. Thanks for these tips, I need to have them to keep up with him. Regards from East Sussex!
After years of frustration of watching myself make practice swing after practice swing perfectly perfectly contacting the turf, I finally hit on the idea of not looking at the ball and it all came together. It was especially helpful on chipping I believe I may have been losing track of the ground. By looking at the ground instead of the ball I make much better contact. In my case I prefer to always look behind the ball.
This is exactly why high handicappers complain about their perfect practice swing & lousy real swing. When your concentration is all on the ball, you try to hit at the ball rather than swinging the club properly. Most consider the top of the backswing as point A, & the ball point B, when point B is really after impact with the ball only sitting between the 2 points. When there's no ball to hit, there's no mental pressure because the swing doesn't affect your score. It's not that you're not supposed to look at the ball, but rather not to make it your focus point. You can see the ball without looking directly at it, so, as some have said, look in front of the ball or a spot directly behind the ball & allow your head to rotate along with the swing, not up & down. Focusing only on the ball can cause you to stop rotating your chest as well which is the kiss of death for solid shots. Also, keeping your head perfectly stationary can lead to neck injuries. That's the problem with golf. The human body wasn't designed for it.
Makes perfect sense. Understanding the cause and effect of the golf swing undoubtedly a big key to improving ball striking. Loved this video- great!!!
Ali, not focusing on the ball is key to nice compressed strikes. Focusing on the ball results in the hit instinct, which is detrimental to your strike. My game improved tremendously once I learned this and stopped focusing on the ball. I do exactly what you suggested and focus on the low point. Thanks for sharing. Cheers.
Thank you for a great video! (liked and subbed), Being told to always 'Hit down' on the ball with a wedge etc always filled my head with some weird and conflicting images of what was supposed to be going on. But thinking about it in terms of where the low point of your swing is, and how that collects the ball on the way through, has instantly blown away a whole cloud of confusion!!
I’ve tried this on my own before and although I did help, I wouldn’t be confident on the course… but after watching this video I’ll try it again on the range and maybe on the course too! Thx!
Perfect, I’ve watched two vlogs recently…….. swing slow hit further and this today! Somethings clicked in my brain, played last Saturday and wow, hit straighter, further and felt more relaxed !! Excellent words of wisdom for low, mid & high handicapper’s…………… practice makes almost perfect, top man 👏🏽
Glad it helped, thanks
So happy this is addressed by a reputable teacher. I thought I was weird. My hands seem to take the club head to the low point. I now keep my weight forward and imagine the chalk line in front of the ball. So easy to use a broken tee peg and place it in front of the ball. Thank you for your observation.
This is the best videos on hitting a golf ball I have ever seen. Before my shoulder surgery I got into a lot of bad habits to avoid pain. I am now starting to get myself to hit the ball correctly and this has helped me tremendously. Thank you! BTW after surgery the pain is finally gone.
Probably the biggest thing that made the difference in my ball striking quality since I started golfing 40 years ago. All the key points are in this lesson, but you need to trust it, lag not cast your wrists and trust it will work! You will think you’re too close to the ground , but you’re needing to understand making the swoosh sound slightly after the ball also !
It's working for me Thanks for the Great video instruction. Breaking 90 now and occasionally into the mid '80s. Added a little tempo control and the balls are flying great to the target.
Thanks
Thank you Cindy
Great Tip - I tried this on the driving range, feels weird at first but my ball striking was Excellent - Cheers!
Great video - Thank you! I am a 5-handicap, and like most amateur golfers, I struggle with consistency in my ball striking. I tried this at the range yesterday, then took it out onto the course. Definitely gained some distance with the driver, and had some of the most consistently solid ball-striking with my irons and fairway woods that I've had in a long time.
It works! At the range today I put a small leaf app. 2 inches in front of the ball. At first it felt strange not looking at the ball. Soon I got the hang of it . Better compression, higher ball flight and 10+ more yards. Thanks / Carl from Sweden
I’m going to try this at the range tomorrow. Like you, I think it’s going to feel weird at first.
I took the concepts you described for hitting irons to the range today. Between your tips and a more controlled swing I struck the ball better than I have in a long time. In addition to improved distance, the ball flight was much improved, and my bad shots were much better.
I can't wait to give this another go.
Since I joined the saguto golf school I only focus on ball first contact. My weight is preset forward, my arms stay straight so my contact point is always the same…the ball flys higher and further
I especially love this advice on par 3's. I set up the ball three inches behind someone else's divot. Huge visual aid. Trust your club and trust your swing.
The videos you've done on this subject are a revelation. Thanks!
You are very welcome
Although I have a slightly steeper swing and I take a divot with my wedges, I was, until recently, a ‘sweeper’ with irons, hybrids and FW woods until my club fitter & swing coach recommended I forget focusing on the ball and focus on hitting the turf about 2-inches in front of the ball. And, after a few miss hits, I began compressing the ball and consistently delivering even divots with improved ball flight and distance with my 3-9 irons, hybrid and 3W. Even though I hit up on my driver, I began focusing on the imaginary line @ 3 inches behind the ball with an average 12yd distance gain. This advice may not work for everyone but you won’t know if you don’t try. Good luck🏌🏻♂️👍
Watched this late last night. Great improvement in contact . Great improvement in driver ball height and distance. It wasn’t always perfect but I will continue to incorporate. 👍
I have experienced good n bad results with this method. Initially, I was told by a scratch gopher that he focused 2" behind the ball, and at the range this was working fabulously, but in the course it was a different story. Then, I was introduced to focusing the eyes 2" in front of the ball; that's the beauty of golf, there are 50 ways to do the exact same thing with any aspect of the game. I do like the focus in front of the ball since it soothes the brain to a smooth rhythm; taking the 'hit' out of the consciousness, instead replaced with a practice swing mentality. Why don't I have these problems with crochet...? It should not take a billion balls to accomplish nothing.
Tried this today, I hit the ball way cleaner. Kind of felt weird not looking at the ball but it worked!!!
This really works! I'm hitting nice shots with my 3 wood now, higher and with a slight draw. Thank you!
I watched your video last night and played golf today putting in your suggestion not to look at the ball. Why didn't I know about this before. I never had so many good strikes of the sweet spot of my irons and hybrids which went long and straight. If only I could putt better. Thanks for the tip.
I was struggling with my driver. I watched your video and went out today and hit my driver well. I need to work on applying it to my irons.
Your two videos ‘swing slower to hit longer’ and this one have really helped this 57 year-old, 7 handicapper with ambitions still to get to 4, improve the quality, accuracy and - (less important to me, but good!), distance on his irons and woods. Thanks Ali.
Man I really relate to that comment about wishing you learnt the correct stuff as a junior. I was taught the same thing about my fairway woods and reacted the same way as you did. I just think now of so much stuff I've had to change that i learned back in high school.
Will definitely be trying this tip on driver. Immdialed in with irons/hybrids but driver is still inconsistent. Cheers
One of the best golf instruction videos I’ve ever seen. Wish I’d seen this 30 years ago 😂
Great help. Very insightful.
You explain the process extremely well, I could’ve used this 10 years ago! Lol thank you!
20 yrs for me!!
Repent to Jesus Christ
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.””
Acts 1:8 NIV
35 years I've been chunking approach shots. Its a whole new game now. Ive never been as encouraged from my 10 in-person lessons over my lifetime as I am right now after watching these videos and hitting balls from my front lawn into the persimmon orchard that surrounds my house. Viva golf! I feel like I'm going to birdie a par 3 and a par 4 next time out.
Ditto!
I tried this today and actually made some lofty, pretty shots. It’s hard to get used to, but seems effective.
I cannot wait to try this . I top the ball all the time and I always thought I had to hit behind and under ball first. This could be huge. I'll let u know. Thank u so much sir.
Totally agree Ali that looking ahead of the ball and most times (90%) you will strike the ball better. However, trying to follow the ball is very difficult. We (our eyes) are trained to always keep the eye on the ball and looking ahead brings in the eyes ahead swing that feels good hard to see the ball. Good training tool though.
Wonderful video - very helpful. Thanks!
Wanted to say thank you for this video. It seemed strange at first, but sticking to it has paid dividends with my game. Excellent sir!
Looking forward to giving this a try! Thanks for easy to follow instruction!
Brilliant video. You explained it so well and very easy to understand. Keep the video coming. Content is excellent 👌
Glad you liked it
@@AliTaylorGolf the videos you do are excellent. So easy to understand and the drill simple to do too.
I tried this yesterday for the first time. I was more consistent tee to green. Quality of shots overall were better. Thanks, will try again.
Good stuff
With driver, been slicing hard for 10 yrs. Irons have always been decent. Today, I focused on a random point 3-4” behind the ball while driving. Drew the ball every single time. Amazed.
Almost for every shot I hit..irons or woods..it helps me to keep my eye focus on the front of the golf ball in the back swing… I find consistently in this. Head down and posture stable…adjust stance per club… hope this helps someone… helped me tremendously.. ur eyes and focus we’ll help u hit it clean with good balance and core stability..
Just tried these tips in my practice space in the garage and they seem/feel REALLY GOOD! Excellent in fact. What feels natural is to look at the ball during the takeaway/backswing and on transition move the focus to the point or line ahead. Can't wait to take this to the range! Where I live the courses are still under snow, but we do have heated stalls for practice.
Repent to Jesus Christ
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.””
Acts 1:8 NIV
2:20 2 to 3” ahead 3w 1” … weight left side tip … D 3”b right side tilt for D
Hi Ali, this is a great video. I do something similar with my iron shots, but rather than scoring or chalking the mat (I got told off by the range I go to), I place a tee a ball/ball and a half in front of the target ball and found my striking a lot better (forces me to hit down and compress, much like you say in your video). I have been struggling with my hybrid and will adopt this next time I go, and looking forward to doing it. For my driver, I usually focus on the back of the ball and try to hit up, and again this works for me but I'll be trying (again) your technique to see if I can get some extra yardage
Thanks again
TY for this instructional video. I have a tough time with fat shots with my irons and fairway woods. It is back to the range for me!
This works, just remember if you still hit it fat, you stalled your body on the downswing.
Very nice video Ali. Something that not many pros talk about! Perhaps they want to keep it a secret? Ben Hogan in his book, Five Lessons, also drew a diagram in which he showed how feet positions should change for various clubs. Closed for driver and woods and gradually opening for irons to wedges. This may help with the squaring of the club face?😃😃
More to do with swing path
When I started hitting up on the ball with the driver, I thought the ball was flying too high, but my distance went way up.. turns out my ball flight was too low to produce maximum distance. It took a little getting use to the new shot shape but it really works!
Repent to Jesus Christ
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.””
Acts 1:8 NIV
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I’ve used this tip and it has definitely helped, especially with my hybrids, woods & driver. I never look at the ball, even chipping. I just adjust the location ahead of the ball where my focus is. Thanks!!!
Very good explanation. I only recently started taking small divots after the ball with shots not on a tee. Definitely better contact, usually straighter but it’s rainy season and I’m getting covered in mud.
Played a round yesterday and used the technique as you demonstrated. Amazing results and ball strikes were on point. Thanks for the video.
Aweome!! I figured this out a couple years ago and its really made a difference glad to see im on the right track, great video.
I worked out this little gem of information myself about 2-3 months ago through the realisation that where your nose is pointing the body tends to square up and that is ultimately as you've pointed out here the lowest point of the swing, when the arms are directly in front of the chest it has helped enormously and I have started to get some great draw shots with my irons (the ball going out to the right and coming back to the middle of the fairway. As soon as I hit it I knew it was right because you could see the ball with right to left curvature when it started out to the right before it reached the apex. Great video and look forward to more from you Ali!
hi first time watching your video like your approach on hitting going to try it out keep you updated and looking
forward to more videos thx
Hard to not look at the ball but it does work well. Great tips
Wow this is awesome. You described everything that goes wrong when I don’t get good contact. I will try this. Thanks!
At 71 I'm still learning this game, and this is very valuable info. I have always tried to focus on the ball with very unpredictable results. This approach seems to make sense and is worth a try. Thanks!
It all starts with moving your feet and legs properly. These tips are great but impossible to do if you can't get your feet, legs and then body moving in the right direction and the in correct sequence. I say that because I have tried and tried and until I finally got my feet, legs and body moving in the right sequence, this stuff was next to impossible to achieve. Now, with proper sequencing, I can work on this stuff. Thanks Ali!
This was extremely helpful. Focusing slightly ahead helped move the low point of my swing ahead of the ball. I tend to top my longer irons and fairway woods off the ground.. I was hitting better today than I have in years today using this tip. Thanks!
Another benefit of not looking directly at the ball, at least for mid to higher handicappers is that we rarely duplicate our relatively good practice swings when we swing at the ball. My playing partners frequently tell me I’d get another 30 yards or more if I hit the ball with my practice swing. Looking directly at the ball seduces the average golfer into swinging at the ball rather than to our finish position (like we more often do with our practice swings). Excellent tips - thanks.
Thanks Ali, really like your low point videos, still working through them but noticeably better ball flights as a result.
yeah this is really good stuff, I'm rubbish at golf, but watching these videos is a big help. my walks around a well manicured park are slightly less frustrating each time. I enjoyed the part about the ball being static and the challenge being how to move your body. Perhaps a bit like darts where the board doesn't move and the point is to hold the dart loosely, simply release it at the right moment (don't chuck it), and keep your body moving smoothly and consistently as you do it
I love this guy's tips and simple methods. Ty Ali
Can't wait for it to stop raining and warm up some to try this. My major problem with irons is controlling my low point. Hopefully this will help with that.
Every lesson I’ve ever taken is where do I aim?
I finally have the answer and it works
The explanation is spot on
Driver is straight with distance
And I’ve never been happier with my hybrid
This is definitely a five star out of five
Definitely a “LIKE “
This was so helpful, but looking ahead of the ball I’m striking the ball cleaner, further but I can’t hit my target!!!! I’m way off to the left. If I do everything but not looking ahead of the ball, I do hit my target but 30 yards less distance with a 7 iron.
One thing that's been helping me is what I've been told is the ground hits the lowest point where the middle of your sternum is so you just need to shift slightly forward, I hit good irons, just struggling with the longer clubs
This just made a huge difference...WOW! Thank you.
I’ve been doing this for a few years it does work definitely help out your score
Just good information. I first tried this with my wedges and what a difference same as with my irons that I was inconsistent with. Working on my woods and that's showing promise tomorrow it's the drivers turn. I especially liked setting the tee height with the fairways so you repeat the same swing instead of having two swings for different circumstances. Bingo!
This work for me thank you so much!!!!!! My iron game totally different now
So much to keep in your mind,i focus on the ball,going through it..
I don't worry on distance,it takes two strokes to get on the green
I do hit the driver pretty good,I'm going to try sweeping the ball .
That's simple,and not worry about the wrist.
Going to stop my back swing,before the hinge..
Hey Ali thanks for great “out of the box” tip. IT WORKS!! What is that ball tracking rig? V
It is a Trackman swing analyzer
Hi I hit behind the ball a lot which is costing me shots in a full round and very annoying get punished even more now ground is wet so I look in front of the ball to try and stop this, I also look in front of the ball with driver and like you say sometimes I hit some nice drives but start to loose it a bit through out the round and start hitting some low ones, so I’m going to try looking behind the ball with driver see if it helps not seen anyone else say this on you tube so thanks for this hopefully this will help me and I might shoot under 85 next year 🤞🏼 I’ll let you know how I get on, and you definitely have earned a sub from me
Going to try this tomorrow on the course. 😊
Very well explained! Nice job A!
So true. Learnt this the hard way. Thank you
Been doing this for years. Changed everything. Great video.
Thanks for the tips they seem to be helping
Thanks Ali, What a brilliant tip. Definitely works for me
I just subscribed to your blog. Well done. Easy to follow and comprehend. I can’t wait to take this information to the practice range and then to the course. Thanks!
Awesome! Thank you!
I was told this before, about 20 years ago from a good golfer. Im surprised that people don't say this more often. Even more so, I wish I listened!
Excellent assessment. Itching to go onto the range to try out. Many thanx Sir
Regards
Col Rakesh Passi
India
Great tip. Very underrated especially with the irons. Well done mate!
Does it make any sense to have the iron like 6 inches behind the ball vs right behind it? Will that help with extension when striking the ball? Thanks
Very well explained. Another great video.
Excellent! and thank you. I see you corrected the club input for the driver in this video. :)