ANGLE OF ATTACK

IS YOURS STEEP, SHALLOW OR JUST RIGHT?

When an instructor talks about angle of attack in the golf swing they are referring to how vertical the club head is descending towards the ground as it makes contact with the ball on the downswing. You can imagine a very steep angle of attack if you think of the motion you would make if you were chopping wood. The head of the axe would most likely be descending almost straight downward. In contrast, you can imagine a shallow angle of attack by thinking of a baseball bat swinging very horizontally to the ground.

If, at the top of you backswing, your hand tend to be aligned over the top of your neck and head, you may have problems with being too steep when you swing the club down. If, on the other hand, you tend to have your hands low and behind you on your backswing, you may have problems with being too shallow coming into the ball.

There is not necessarily a right or wrong when it comes to what angle of attack is best. Indeed, knowing what the pros and cons are and being able to effectively change the angle of attack in your swing, given different playing conditions and situations, can prove very useful. But here are some things to think about that might give you a clue about what is going on in your swing.

Do you have a higher than normal ball flight, so playing in windy conditions is difficult? Do you get too much backspin, especially with your short irons and wedges? Do you take deep, gouging divots from the fairways, even with long irons and woods? Do you hit a lot of “pop ups” with your driver? Do you hit a lot of shots fat? If you answered yes to more than one of these questions, the problem might be your angle of attack is too steep.

Do you have a lower than normal ball flight, to the point your losing distance? Are you having trouble getting your wedges to stop when they hit the green with a full swing? Do you tend to hit the ball “thin”, or “top” a lot of shots? Do you have trouble taking a divot? If you answered yes, then the problem might be your angle of attack is too shallow.

If any of these questions give you cause for concern then set yourself up with some quality instruction soon, and get on the road to optimizing your swing and playing your best golf.

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