In the video titled “How to STOP hitting bad iron shots – 3 really simple tips,” Rick Shiels, a golf expert and ambassador for Garmin, shares valuable advice on improving your iron shots. As he introduces himself on his YouTube channel, RickShielsPGAGolf, he aims to help golfers play better and enjoy the game more. Throughout the video, Shiels covers three key tips to ensure clean and powerful iron strikes: ball position, weight distribution, and shaft angle at impact. By following these simple tips, golfers can avoid thinning their shots and achieve better accuracy and distance. So, if you’re looking to enhance your iron game, be sure to watch this informative video from Rick Shiels.
How to STOP hitting bad iron shots – 3 really simple tips
If you’ve ever played golf, you know how frustrating it can be to hit a bad iron shot. There’s nothing worse than lining up for a shot, only to thin the ball and watch it go nowhere. But fear not! In this article, we will explore three simple tips that can help you improve your iron shots and avoid those dreaded thin shots. So grab your clubs and let’s get started!
Tip 1: Ball position
Importance of ball position
The position of the ball in relation to your feet is crucial in determining the quality of your iron shots. Many players who struggle with thin shots often have their ball positioned too far forward in their stance. This can lead to the bottom of the golf swing happening behind the ball, resulting in either hitting the ground first or catching the leading edge and thinning the ball.
Proper ball position based on club selection
To ensure optimal ball striking, it’s important to position the ball correctly based on the club you are using. For wedges and short irons, the ball should be placed in the middle of your stance. As you move up to mid-irons, the ball position can be slightly closer to your left foot. For longer irons, the ball position should be further towards your left heel.
For example, if you have a 7-iron in your hands, the ball position should be just in front of center. To achieve this, take your stance with the club behind the ball, then take a small step with your left foot and a slightly bigger step with your right. This will ensure that the ball is positioned just left of center, resulting in better contact and improved iron shots.
Tip 2: Weight distribution
Impact of weight distribution on iron shots
Weight distribution during the downswing can greatly affect the quality of your iron shots. Many players who struggle to strike the ball well often have a tendency to have too much weight on their back foot. This can lead to attempting to lift the ball up in the air, causing the club to lean backwards and either hit the ground or hit the ball thin.
Proper weight distribution during the downswing
To improve your iron shots, it’s important to focus on proper weight distribution during the downswing. After positioning the ball correctly, try to feel like the middle of your chest is slightly pushing towards your left hand side. This will help you maintain about 65% of your weight on your left foot, ensuring that you stay on top of the ball and strike it cleanly.
As you swing back and come down, make sure not to shift too much off the ball. Keeping your weight on your left foot will help you hit the ball first and avoid hitting the ground or thinning the shot. By maintaining this proper weight distribution, you will have a better chance of striking the ball cleanly and improving your iron shots.
Tip 3: Shaft angle at impact
Effect of shaft angle on iron shots
Another factor that can greatly impact the quality of your iron shots is the angle of the shaft at impact. Players who catch the ball behind or thin it often have a tendency to scoop or flip the club underneath the ball, leading to poor contact and lack of power.
Ideal position of the shaft at impact
To improve your iron shots, it’s important to aim for a specific shaft angle at impact. The ideal position is to have the grip of the golf club slightly ahead of the ball, with your left arm, wrist, and shaft forming a straight line. This position ensures that you are striking the ball before the ground, resulting in cleaner contact and better distance.
To achieve this position, try presetting your shaft angle slightly forward at setup and then recreating it at impact. It should feel like you’re trying to de-loft the golf shot and hit it lower. By maintaining this proper shaft angle, you will avoid the scooping or flipping motion and improve the quality of your iron shots.
Conclusion
Implementing these three simple tips can greatly improve your iron shots and help you avoid hitting those dreaded thin shots. Pay attention to your ball position, making sure it is correct based on your club selection. Focus on proper weight distribution during the downswing, keeping most of your weight on your left foot. And finally, strive for the ideal shaft angle at impact, ensuring that your left arm, wrist, and shaft form a straight line.
By following these tips and practicing regularly, you will see a significant improvement in your iron shots. So go out there, apply these techniques, and start hitting your irons pure! Remember, consistency is key, so keep practicing and never stop improving. Happy golfing!
In order to stop hitting bad iron shots, here are 3 really simple tips that will help you to strike your irons pure!
- First, make sure to become a FREE SUBSCRIBER to Rick Shiels on YouTube. This will provide you with access to valuable content and tips that will improve your golf game.
- Second, as an official Garmin Ambassador, Rick Shiels provides expert advice and guidance on golfing techniques. Take advantage of his expertise by following his recommendations.
- Lastly, don’t forget to click the subscribe button and hit the bell icon to stay updated on Rick Shiels’ new videos. This will ensure that you never miss out on helpful tips and strategies for improving your iron shots.
By implementing these 3 simple tips, you will be well on your way to hitting your irons pure and enjoying a better golf game. Remember to stay committed to practice and continue learning from Rick Shiels’ valuable insights.
