Swinging across the golf ball can be a common struggle for many golfers, especially with the driver. When you swing across the ball, it can lead to inconsistent ball flight and reduced distance. To fix this issue, it’s important to focus on swinging in-to-out, or along the target line, rather than across it. One effective drill to help with this is to practice on the range with a headcover or object just outside the target line on the side where the ball would be. This will help you visualize and feel the correct path for the golf swing.
It is important to pay attention to the clubface and make sure it is square to the target at impact. This can be achieved by maintaining a proper wrist hinge and release through the swing. Building up speed gradually can also help prevent swinging across the ball, as rushing the swing can lead to compensations and a poor path.
By focusing on swinging out, working on the clubface position, and maintaining a steady speed, you can stop swinging across the golf ball and improve your overall ball-striking consistency.
What Causes a Swinging Across the Golf Ball?
One of the main causes of swinging across the golf ball is a lack of proper body positioning and rotation. This can lead to the club coming from an outside-in path instead of the desired inside-out path. Another reason is the lack of proper grip and hand positioning, which can result in the club face being open at impact, causing the ball to slice. To address this issue, golfers need to get into the habit of consistently practicing proper body positioning, rotation, and grip.
Additionally, amateur golfers should take the time to understand the importance of generating ball speed through proper impact and follow-through. By focusing on these key elements, golfers can improve their swing and decrease the likelihood of swinging across the ball, resulting in more accurate and powerful shots.
Elbow Extension
One of the most common causes of an over the top swing is too much extension or cupping of the lead wrist during the backswing. This lifts the clubhead too vertically on the backswing, making it difficult to shallow out the downswing path. Excessive wrist extension shifts the swing plane too steep and encourages the over the top move to compensate for the downswing. Staying flatter with the lead wrist at the top will make it easier to approach the ball from the inside.
Weak Body Alignment
Insufficient lower body rotation on the backswing and downswing is another culprit for over the top swings. Without enough pelvic turn and weight shift, golfers tend to use just their arms and shoulders to move the club, pulling it too far outside and over the top. Focus on turning your hips open as you transition into the downswing while keeping your upper body quiet. This will shallow out your swing plane automatically.
Rotation of the Internal Trail Arm
Letting the trail elbow rotate too far internally on the backswing will also make it tough to shallow the club on the downswing. This causes the clubhead to lift up too steeply. Try to maintain more external rotation with your trail arm elbow pointing down towards the ground at the top. This will help you deliver the club more from the inside.
How to Stop Coming Across the Golf Ball?
Alright, so you are tired of constantly coming across the golf ball, huh? Well, let me tell you, it is all about your stance and swing. First things first, make sure your stance is wide enough to give you a solid base. Next, check your ball position it should be forward in your stance, not in the middle. Now, when you swing, do not just use your arms. Think of it like a smooth, fluid motion that starts in your hips and ends with your arms. And hey, don’t forget to keep your eye on the ball literally. It sounds simple, but trust me, it makes a world of difference.
Now that you know what causes the over the top swing, here are some of the best tips to help you start approaching the golf ball correctly:
Grip Strength in Neutral
Strengthening your grip to neutral will help you rotate your forearms properly through impact. This prevents the clubface from rolling open too soon, allowing you to swing more from the inside. Place both thumbs down the center of the grip to find a neutral position.
Increased Posture
Bending over too much can steepen your swing plane. Maintain a straighter spine angle and more upright posture at the address. This will allow your arms to hang down more vertically, encouraging an inside approach.
Clubface Square to the Goal
Focus on keeping the clubface square to your target line for longer on the downswing. This helps sync up the clubface and path, so you don’t have to swing out-to-in just to square the face. Feel like the face stays square past impact.
Supination of the Wrist at the Top
Allow your wrists to supinate naturally at the top of the backswing. This bows your left wrist slightly and rotates your right wrist clockwise. Supination shallows the downswing plane for an inside approach.
Shorten Your Backswing
A shorter, more compact backswing eliminates a steep plane and extra wrist hinge that causes over the top moves. Make 3/4 length backswings focusing on body turn until you can shallow the downswing naturally.
Weight the Target
Be sure to shift your weight forward towards your front foot on the downswing. This clears your hips and prevents swaying back. Proper weight shift shallows the swing plane for an inside approach.
Increase Wrist Flexion Before Impact
Allow your wrists to flex as you start down by increasing wrist bend. This naturally drops the club into a shallower position through impact when timed correctly.
Through Impact, Rotate Your Shoulders
Keep turning your shoulders horizontally through impact without letting your hands and arms take over the downswing. This forces the proper inside-out swing path for solid contact.
Drills to Help You Stop Coming Across the Golf Ball
For amateur golfers struggling with an over the top swing, there are specific drills that can help correct this common mistake. One effective drill is to focus on maintaining an in-to-out path with the club during the downswing. Additionally, practicing with an open clubface can help ensure a more consistent arc through impact, preventing the club from coming over the top. Another helpful tip is to let the club set the correct alignment as you take it back at the top of your backswing. This will naturally guide the club on a more shallow plane, addressing the issue of swinging over the top. It is crucial to establish a proper alignment at the top of the swing to fix an over the top motion.
If you are still struggling with an over the top move, incorporate these drills into your practice sessions to ingrain the proper inside approach:
Smash Drill
The smash drill exaggerates the feel of an inside-out swing path. Set up with a ball a few inches outside your front toe line. Align your body parallel left of the target and your feet aimed well left. Swing out towards second base then release the clubhead hard left through impact to hit the ball towards your original target.
Headcover Drill
Place a headcover or box a few inches outside the golf ball during practice swings. Brush the clubhead under the object on your downswing to help shallow your swing plane. Make sure you don’t lift up or adjust your spine angle to make this happen.
Under the Bridge
Tie a piece of string or align two clubs to create a “bridge” in front of your golf ball. Make practice swings trying to shallow the clubhead underneath the bridge on your downswing before impact. Don’t adjust your posture – only your swing path.
Conclusion: How to Fix Swinging Across the Golf Ball
Fixing the problem of swinging across the golf ball requires a strategic approach and dedication to improvement. It is important for the golfer to identify the root cause of the issue by seeking guidance from a professional instructor or coach. They can provide valuable feedback and offer specific drills and exercises to address the problem.
Additionally, a thorough analysis of the swing mechanics and body positioning during the swing should be conducted to pinpoint any flaws or inconsistencies that may contribute to the swinging across the ball. Once the root cause is identified, the golfer must commit to making necessary adjustments and practicing diligently to correct the issue.
This may involve focusing on proper body rotation, hand positioning, or grip technique. Moreover, mental focus and visualization can help reinforce the desired swing path and build confidence in executing a straight and accurate shot. Ultimately, consistent and focused practice, coupled with professional guidance, will lead to significant improvement and the fixing of the swinging across the golf ball issue.
