Technique for right impact position

There are three key steps to improving your golf swing. The first step is developing a clear understanding of how the ball is struck.

In other words what should be happening at impact. The second step is a correct analysis of the root of the flaws in your swing. The third step is a simple understanding of how to improve the technique flaws that you have. Good technique creates the desirable results of more good shots and the bad shots being less bad.

A good impact position is achieved by first having a clear visual image of how the club meets the ball. The ball is struck with a slightly descending blow, meaning that the club head is meeting the ball on a downward angle.

The divot is actually taken after the contact of the ball (ball first turf second). There should be more weight on the front leg (left for a right handed golfer) approximately a 70/30 split favoring the front foot. The hands should be slightly ahead of the ball producing the effect of driving the ball forward and not lifting it into the air.

The right knee should have pushed slightly towards the left and right heel should be just off the ground. The ball gets airborne due to the loft on the clubface not by being hoisted into the air. The correct striking motion is the ball being driven forward and lofted into the air by the angle of the clubface. Do not attempt

to lift the ball. Next week we will start to develop the movements that result in a good impact position.

Terry Gingell, a PGA pro, is the Director of Instruction at Eagle Valley Golf. He's now taken registration for Junior Program, Adult Group Lessons and Private Lesson. Terry can be reached at 887- 7174.