If you want more pars, let’s get your desired ball flight and some extra distance off the tee.
If you are currently slicing the ball or your ball flight is more of a low hook, we need to make sure that your downswing is in sync.
How to Fix Your Hook off the Tee
If your desired ball flight is a baby draw, but you’re getting that hook… which is a sharp right-to-left flight (for right-handers), the first thing to check is your grip. Is it too strong? Players that have an excessively strong grip, with their trail hand way underneath, create excessive side bend. When you have too much side bend, you can’t get through the shot. Instead, you’ll most likely hang back.
The next thing to check is your trail shoulder (back shoulder). Make sure that you get this all the way through. I see a lot of players not getting this back shoulder all the way through, so it is fully wrapped all the way around and you’re standing tall.
Lastly, check your ball position. this can affect ball flight. The ball should be positioned in line with the inside of your lead heel for optimal launch.
How to Fix Your Slice off the Tee
Now, if you’re slicing the ball, but would rather hit a power fade, a baby draw or straight shot, let’s make sure that your grip is not too weak, specifically with your lead hand.
Next, check your sternum. Is it ahead of the ball at address? Instead, let’s get your body lines parallel to the target line (feet, knees, hips, and shoulders). I see a lot of players with a mismatch where their club face is going one way, but their feet going another… and then… their shoulders are open to top it off. This set-up screams SLICE!
Create the POWER X-Factor For More Distance Off the Tee
First of all, let’s make sure you’re initiating with your lower body. A great way to get this feeling is to go to the top of your backswing. As you transition, keep your back facing the target, as you initiate with your lower body.
I get a lot of comments like “Hey Christina, I love that video about keeping your back to the target and then swinging out, but I can’t seem to get this move… Can you help?“
Yes!
Before you complete your backswing, go with your hips. So before you even get to the top… start going with your lower half. It’s the rubber band effect.
It’s creating that POWER X-Factor, where we’re differentiating between the upper and the lower half of our body. When our lower half goes before we even get to the top of our backswing, we increase that X-Factor!
The icing on the cake… get the trail shoulder all the way around, so it is fully wrapped for an additional 10-15, even 20 more yards.
Christina