How to Compress the Golf Ball for Better Shots
If you want to hit crisp, powerful golf shots, learning how to compress the ball is key. Compression happens when you strike the ball with a downward blow, trapping it against the ground before it launches into the air. This is how pro golfers get that satisfying "pure" feel and extra distance. Here’s how you can improve your compression and start hitting better shots.
1. Ball Position Matters
To compress the ball, you need to make contact with it before the club reaches the lowest point of your swing. The ball should be positioned slightly ahead of center for short irons and closer to your front foot for longer irons. If the ball is too far back, you might hit it too high or thin. Too far forward, and you could catch it on the upswing.
2. Maintain Forward Shaft Lean
One of the biggest mistakes golfers make is flipping their wrists at impact. Instead, your hands should be slightly ahead of the clubface when you strike the ball. This creates a downward angle, trapping the ball between the clubface and the turf. Practice this by making small chip shots with your hands leading the club through impact.
3. Shift Your Weight Properly
Many amateur golfers keep too much weight on their back foot, leading to weak, scooped shots. To compress the ball, start with about 55% of your weight on your front foot and increase it as you swing through the ball. A good drill is to take practice swings with your back foot slightly off the ground to feel the weight shift forward.
4. Strike the Ball, Then the Ground
A properly compressed golf shot leaves a divot that starts just after the ball. To practice, place a tee in the ground an inch in front of the ball and try to strike it after making contact. This helps train your body to hit through the ball rather than just at it.
By focusing on these fundamentals, you'll start making more solid contact, increasing both distance and control. Mastering ball compression takes practice, but once you get it right, you’ll notice a big improvement in your game.
