When you watch high-level golfers hit their irons, you’ll notice they typically take a chunk of the ground with them. That’s because when they are hitting the ball, they’re also hitting the ground, creating divots — i.e., compressing the ball.
Taking divots isn’t just for show — it serves a specific purpose. When good players are hitting their irons, they’re hitting the ball first and then the ground, hence the term “ball-first contact.” This type of contact is essential for solid ball striking.
When you create ball-first contact, you are de-lofting the club into impact while also generating tons of spin. These are crucial ingredients for crisp iron shots and what allows the best players in the world to hit those high, towering approach shots.
So, how can you create compression of your own? GOLFTEC Director of Teaching Quality Josh Troyer explains in the video below.
How to compress the golf ball
When weekend warriors try to hit their irons, lots of times they will add loft to the clubface in an effort to get the ball up in the air. But in doing so, they rob themselves of solid contact and can’t generate any spin.
If you want to hit it like the pros do, you’ve got to create compression, which you can achieve by focusing on three simple keys:
1. Keep the handle of the club in front of the ball at impact
2. Keep shaft leaning forward, which de-lofts the clubface
3. Clubhead descending as it impacts the ball
So, how can you teach yourself to do these things? Troyer suggests starting small.
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:
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Article originally appeared on: Golf.com