If you are yipping chips you are thinking about hitting or helping the shot. You need to take your mind off impact. Feel the club accelerating though the shot instead.
Hi Paul. You woulnt just believe it, but I had this horrifying experience just recently. After driving back from the golf range, trying to rack my brain as to what i was doing differently that might have been causing this. It hit me. I had been working on, loading more into my right leg, and keeping the right knee really flexed. And according to your causes, i miust have been either dipping too much? I could actually feel myslef, much closer to the ground o nthis particualr day. Does my diagnosis sound right or common to you?
Its truly a horrifying experience, when everythign you hit, does right.
The lower you get the longer the club so if you started a certain distance from the ball then lowered you would shank it. Jut try this fix and also don’t feel like you are keeping the knee too flexed (lowering your body to the ground) and you should be fine.
Paul
Great tip,I somtimes with my wedges do a 45 deg right shot,but i believe the face of the club is WAY open(not a hosel shot)Usually I look for a ball mark on the hosel to determine.what would be the cause of this?
Thks Tim
You are blading it if there are no marks on the hosel. I will be running a tip on this next Sunday. Basically you are getting ahead of it on the way down then coming out of it through impact which hold the face open. So roll the wrists to loosen them up and stay behind it.
GOSH. I really needed that tip.
I at times hit shanks when I’am pitching the ball.I only suspected the distance from the ball. Now i know better. Thanks.
PUL, gREAT INSTRUCTION. EVERY SO OFTEN, i START HITTING TO THE RIGHT iT IS NOT A SLICE. tHE SHOT IS VERY WEAK. i DO NOT THINK i AM SHANKING. ANY ADVICE WOULD BE APPRECIATED. pAUL
I get the feeling you are jut standing up through impact which is holding the face open. Make sure you are watching the ball then where the ball was long after the ball has been hit. By coming out of it early you are locking the wrists (no power) which is holding the face open (ball going right).
I am in the second month of switching from 1 plane swing to your method. As I said before I made a lot of improvement all around.
Since I am a weekend-only golfer, shooting 81 would be a good outcome for me. Yesterday, I played a round from the blue tee (a bit challenging course with 6500 yards in length), I was on 18th hole with 9 over. I was almost there for 81. But, on the tee box, I hit a terrible shank and I ended up with 83. I hit a couple of erratic shots through out the round, but a shank was really new to me.
Watching this video gave me a clear explanation to what happened on the 18th hole. I will need to work more on the balance and setup.
Anyway, this is kind of my progress report and I am really pleased with my new swing so far. My goal at the end of year is lowering my handicap 10 to 5.
Good round. You are getting close. Do you not have my book? In it I recommend never adding up your score before you are finished. If you do, it puts more pressure on you. As you approach this score a few more times you should jump the hurdle and break 81 or even shoot in the 70’s. You’ll see. Never add up your score. Stay relaxed and you will do it
Thanks Paul. I have just got back from the range and was hitting the ball well except for the odd shank using my pitching wedge. If I shank it is always with a wedge or short irons. Why does it not happen with the longer irons?
Thanks
Best wishes
David Walters
Salisbury, Wiltshire, England
You are bending over too much at address with shorter clubs. Any time you are shanking your whole body is leaning forward in the downswing. Lean forward and you are now closer to the ball.
I would think you are doing this if it is happening with shorter clubs:
Went out first time this year here in the new Alaska New England and started hitting shanks. No panic, just went right up to computer, ignition golf watch Paul…momentum pushing me forward…put weight on heel at the top of backswing and BINGGO…no more shanks…thanks Paul…I love you man!
Very good. This is what I want. There is no guessing here. You need to fix your own swing without me. All of the info is here. You found it. Tried it. Fixed it. Whew! One down … millions more to go!
Hi Paul – I have a problem with shanking. Over the years it comes and goes but the most frustrating thing is that it always occurs on the range, usually after I hit 50 or 60 balls (from 5 iron up). Once I hit one, the rest go the same way. I do not have the same problem on the course although the odd shank appears now and again. The most frustrating thing is this stops me from going to the range to practice.I found your video to be very helpful in that I possibly start to lean forward after hitting a load of balls. Have you any thought on this? I am a senior golfer playing off an 11 handicap.
Gordon
Shanking = Hitting. At the range you start hitting a few good ones then you go harder and harder. As you do you hit harder with your arms and get on your toes in the downswing. You need to be turning your arms off. Also, you need to do a taller setup and base your swing on a spring-like effect of coiling and uncoiling your body to hit the ball.
Also, slow down. When you lose it go down to swinging at 50%. This will take the arms and hitting out. Once you stop shanking get more power with the uncoil not with the arms.
But not, as I’m know you know, does every shank go out on a diagonal to the RIGHT (for a right-handed golfer). They can go straight and low, mimicking a topped, bladed shot; or even on a DIAGONAL TO THE RIGHT! It all depends what part of the hosel strikes the ball.
I have hit “shanks” to the right! I could not comprehend how SUCH a shot was even possible.
But, strike the ball with the left side of a round hosel and there it goes: THE SEEMINGLY IMPOSSIBLE SHANK TO THE LEFT!
Every shank I have every seen goes right. Round ball round hosel. The tell-tale sign you are shanking is that it feels like a good shot. If it radiates in your hands that is a bladed shot.
I guess if you really over did it the hosel would hit the outside edge of the ball sending it 45 degrees or more left. I would refer that as a topped shot though because I guarantee if you did that you would be lifting up too.
But not, as I’m know you know, does every shank go out on a diagonal to the LEFT (for a right-handed golfer). They can go straight and low, mimicking a topped, bladed shot; or even on a DIAGONAL TO THE RIGHT! It all depends what part of the hosel strikes the ball.
I have hit “shanks” to the right! I could not comprehend how SUCH a shot was even possible.
But, strike the ball with the left side of a round hosel and there it goes: THE SEEMINGLY IMPOSSIBLE SHANK TO THE LEFT!
But not, as I’m know you know, does every shank go out on a diagonal to the RIGHT (for a right-handed golfer). They can go straight and low, mimicking a topped, bladed shot; or even on a DIAGONAL TO THE LEFT! It all depends what part of the hosel strikes the ball.
I have hit “shanks” to the LEFT! I could not comprehend how SUCH a shot was even possible.
But, strike the ball with the left side of a round hosel and there it goes: THE SEEMINGLY IMPOSSIBLE SHANK TO THE LEFT!
Hi Paul shanked my pitching wedge twice this morning. No worries just went into your website and found what was causing this and now off to the range to correct it
I have had the shanks – off and on – for more than 50 years.
when i don’t shank I play to about a 10-12 hcp. When i get them, I’m a 20+
Been to at least 7 pros and have a drawer full of cures.
I hope this works.
It does work. I have fixed countless shankers in minutes. I guarantee you are too tilted at setup and no one has ever told you to stand taller. You’ll see.
Thank you for another cristal clear explanation. My golf is improving since I started the Body Swing program.
When the shanks appeared today at the range (I was working on relaxed arms and wrists) it was an awfull experience. All shots start 45° right with an unbelievable slice.
I paused my training, look at the website and applied your advice. I also checked the 16 setup checkpoints twice before hitting and put the ball on a tee as you recommend. The shanks instantely disappeared. Most of the balls (7 on 10) flied straight, the remaining with a slight push.
My setup is now clearly taller and more balanced 🙂 The road is long but I think to be on the right path for a better swing.
Very good. You actually used the Fix Your Own Swing section. That is why I put it in there. I need you to fix your own swing which you are starting to do.
We have all had the shanks. This is literally a 2 min fix. Most don’t know how to fix it but as you saw you cured it quickly. The tall set up it vital. So if you start to do this again in the future then check this first.
I think you are working through it as I would want you to so keep doing what you are doing and let me know if you can’t figure something out and definitely let us know when you are hitting it great.
Thanks, Paul! If I use my hands and arms too much in the downswing on short pitches, will that also cause shanks? I think I may need to use my lower body more in the downswing. Correct?
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29 Responses to “How To Cure the Shanks”
August 26, 2013
chrisrasmussenHi Paul. Great instruction regarding the shank. I occasionally have a problem with the chipping yips. Do you have any tips to solve this problem?
Thanks,
Chris Rasmussen
August 28, 2013
Paul WilsonChris,
If you are yipping chips you are thinking about hitting or helping the shot. You need to take your mind off impact. Feel the club accelerating though the shot instead.
Try this:
How To Stop Scooping Your Chip Shots: https://ignitiongolf.com/stop-scooping-chip-shots/
And:
Another Way To Stop Scooping Chip Shots: https://ignitiongolf.com/stop-scooping-chip-shots-2/
It should work for yips too.
August 26, 2013
AndrewMahHi Paul. You woulnt just believe it, but I had this horrifying experience just recently. After driving back from the golf range, trying to rack my brain as to what i was doing differently that might have been causing this. It hit me. I had been working on, loading more into my right leg, and keeping the right knee really flexed. And according to your causes, i miust have been either dipping too much? I could actually feel myslef, much closer to the ground o nthis particualr day. Does my diagnosis sound right or common to you?
Its truly a horrifying experience, when everythign you hit, does right.
will try your drills. many thanks
Andrew
August 28, 2013
Paul WilsonAndrew,
The lower you get the longer the club so if you started a certain distance from the ball then lowered you would shank it. Jut try this fix and also don’t feel like you are keeping the knee too flexed (lowering your body to the ground) and you should be fine.
August 26, 2013
TIMADAMSPaul
Great tip,I somtimes with my wedges do a 45 deg right shot,but i believe the face of the club is WAY open(not a hosel shot)Usually I look for a ball mark on the hosel to determine.what would be the cause of this?
Thks Tim
August 28, 2013
Paul WilsonTim,
You are blading it if there are no marks on the hosel. I will be running a tip on this next Sunday. Basically you are getting ahead of it on the way down then coming out of it through impact which hold the face open. So roll the wrists to loosen them up and stay behind it.
August 27, 2013
ERIABBERAGOSH. I really needed that tip.
I at times hit shanks when I’am pitching the ball.I only suspected the distance from the ball. Now i know better. Thanks.
August 28, 2013
Paul WilsonEriab,
It is easy to do on pitches. Stay tall even with short clubs. This is the secret.
August 27, 2013
paulmelvinPUL, gREAT INSTRUCTION. EVERY SO OFTEN, i START HITTING TO THE RIGHT iT IS NOT A SLICE. tHE SHOT IS VERY WEAK. i DO NOT THINK i AM SHANKING. ANY ADVICE WOULD BE APPRECIATED. pAUL
August 28, 2013
Paul WilsonPaul,
Sounds like you are pushing it but his is typically a better player who does this. I don’t know how good you are but follow this tip anyway:
How To Cure Pushes and Push Fades: https://ignitiongolf.com/cure-pushes-push-fades/
I get the feeling you are jut standing up through impact which is holding the face open. Make sure you are watching the ball then where the ball was long after the ball has been hit. By coming out of it early you are locking the wrists (no power) which is holding the face open (ball going right).
You can also do the roll over drill here:
How to Release the Golf Club: https://ignitiongolf.com/impact-wrist-release
Manually Square the Clubface: https://ignitiongolf.com/impact-squaring-clubface
This will unlock the wrists. Then just work on your body rotation to start the downswing. This will straighten it back out.
Watch:
June 2, 2014
KwangsooHanHi Paul,
I am in the second month of switching from 1 plane swing to your method. As I said before I made a lot of improvement all around.
Since I am a weekend-only golfer, shooting 81 would be a good outcome for me. Yesterday, I played a round from the blue tee (a bit challenging course with 6500 yards in length), I was on 18th hole with 9 over. I was almost there for 81. But, on the tee box, I hit a terrible shank and I ended up with 83. I hit a couple of erratic shots through out the round, but a shank was really new to me.
Watching this video gave me a clear explanation to what happened on the 18th hole. I will need to work more on the balance and setup.
Anyway, this is kind of my progress report and I am really pleased with my new swing so far. My goal at the end of year is lowering my handicap 10 to 5.
Thanks again,
Kwangsoo
June 2, 2014
Paul WilsonKwangsoo,
Good round. You are getting close. Do you not have my book? In it I recommend never adding up your score before you are finished. If you do, it puts more pressure on you. As you approach this score a few more times you should jump the hurdle and break 81 or even shoot in the 70’s. You’ll see. Never add up your score. Stay relaxed and you will do it
July 8, 2014
DavidWaltersThanks Paul. I have just got back from the range and was hitting the ball well except for the odd shank using my pitching wedge. If I shank it is always with a wedge or short irons. Why does it not happen with the longer irons?
Thanks
Best wishes
David Walters
Salisbury, Wiltshire, England
July 9, 2014
Paul WilsonDavid,
You are bending over too much at address with shorter clubs. Any time you are shanking your whole body is leaning forward in the downswing. Lean forward and you are now closer to the ball.
I would think you are doing this if it is happening with shorter clubs:
Stand Tall with Short Clubs: https://ignitiongolf.com/stand-tall-short-clubs/
And:
How To Cure the Shanks: https://ignitiongolf.com/cure-shanks/
March 30, 2015
KenPerezWent out first time this year here in the new Alaska New England and started hitting shanks. No panic, just went right up to computer, ignition golf watch Paul…momentum pushing me forward…put weight on heel at the top of backswing and BINGGO…no more shanks…thanks Paul…I love you man!
Later, Ken
March 30, 2015
Paul WilsonKen,
Very good. This is what I want. There is no guessing here. You need to fix your own swing without me. All of the info is here. You found it. Tried it. Fixed it. Whew! One down … millions more to go!
April 20, 2015
GordonHi Paul – I have a problem with shanking. Over the years it comes and goes but the most frustrating thing is that it always occurs on the range, usually after I hit 50 or 60 balls (from 5 iron up). Once I hit one, the rest go the same way. I do not have the same problem on the course although the odd shank appears now and again. The most frustrating thing is this stops me from going to the range to practice.I found your video to be very helpful in that I possibly start to lean forward after hitting a load of balls. Have you any thought on this? I am a senior golfer playing off an 11 handicap.
Gordon
April 21, 2015
Paul WilsonGordon,
Shanking = Hitting. At the range you start hitting a few good ones then you go harder and harder. As you do you hit harder with your arms and get on your toes in the downswing. You need to be turning your arms off. Also, you need to do a taller setup and base your swing on a spring-like effect of coiling and uncoiling your body to hit the ball.
Watch:
Sit On The Edge Of A Bar Stool To Set Up: https://ignitiongolf.com/setup-edge-of-bar-stool/
Taller Setup: https://ignitiongolf.com/bartender-setup/
Stand Tall with Short Clubs: https://ignitiongolf.com/stand-tall-short-clubs/
Then:
Coiling: https://ignitiongolf.com/learn-coil-backswing
Uncoil 1: https://ignitiongolf.com/uncoil
Uncoil 2: https://ignitiongolf.com/uncoil-follow-up
Also, slow down. When you lose it go down to swinging at 50%. This will take the arms and hitting out. Once you stop shanking get more power with the uncoil not with the arms.
August 29, 2015
ERICTRUBACSThanks, Paul.
But not, as I’m know you know, does every shank go out on a diagonal to the RIGHT (for a right-handed golfer). They can go straight and low, mimicking a topped, bladed shot; or even on a DIAGONAL TO THE RIGHT! It all depends what part of the hosel strikes the ball.
I have hit “shanks” to the right! I could not comprehend how SUCH a shot was even possible.
But, strike the ball with the left side of a round hosel and there it goes: THE SEEMINGLY IMPOSSIBLE SHANK TO THE LEFT!
Eric
August 30, 2015
Paul WilsonEric,
Every shank I have every seen goes right. Round ball round hosel. The tell-tale sign you are shanking is that it feels like a good shot. If it radiates in your hands that is a bladed shot.
I guess if you really over did it the hosel would hit the outside edge of the ball sending it 45 degrees or more left. I would refer that as a topped shot though because I guarantee if you did that you would be lifting up too.
August 29, 2015
ERICTRUBACSCORRECTION:!!!!!
Thanks, Paul.
But not, as I’m know you know, does every shank go out on a diagonal to the LEFT (for a right-handed golfer). They can go straight and low, mimicking a topped, bladed shot; or even on a DIAGONAL TO THE RIGHT! It all depends what part of the hosel strikes the ball.
I have hit “shanks” to the right! I could not comprehend how SUCH a shot was even possible.
But, strike the ball with the left side of a round hosel and there it goes: THE SEEMINGLY IMPOSSIBLE SHANK TO THE LEFT!
Eric
August 29, 2015
ERICTRUBACSCORRECTION #3 PLEASE EDIT:
Thanks, Paul.
But not, as I’m know you know, does every shank go out on a diagonal to the RIGHT (for a right-handed golfer). They can go straight and low, mimicking a topped, bladed shot; or even on a DIAGONAL TO THE LEFT! It all depends what part of the hosel strikes the ball.
I have hit “shanks” to the LEFT! I could not comprehend how SUCH a shot was even possible.
But, strike the ball with the left side of a round hosel and there it goes: THE SEEMINGLY IMPOSSIBLE SHANK TO THE LEFT!
Eric
June 6, 2018
rodbeuthinHi Paul shanked my pitching wedge twice this morning. No worries just went into your website and found what was causing this and now off to the range to correct it
June 6, 2018
Paul WilsonRod,
Very good. Now that is how to use this site. The answers are all here.
July 23, 2018
gerardstellwagenI have had the shanks – off and on – for more than 50 years.
when i don’t shank I play to about a 10-12 hcp. When i get them, I’m a 20+
Been to at least 7 pros and have a drawer full of cures.
I hope this works.
July 24, 2018
Paul WilsonGerard,
It does work. I have fixed countless shankers in minutes. I guarantee you are too tilted at setup and no one has ever told you to stand taller. You’ll see.
August 1, 2018
Frederic DeyrieuxPaul,
Thank you for another cristal clear explanation. My golf is improving since I started the Body Swing program.
When the shanks appeared today at the range (I was working on relaxed arms and wrists) it was an awfull experience. All shots start 45° right with an unbelievable slice.
I paused my training, look at the website and applied your advice. I also checked the 16 setup checkpoints twice before hitting and put the ball on a tee as you recommend. The shanks instantely disappeared. Most of the balls (7 on 10) flied straight, the remaining with a slight push.
My setup is now clearly taller and more balanced 🙂 The road is long but I think to be on the right path for a better swing.
Thank you again for your help and advices.
Frédéric
August 1, 2018
Paul WilsonFrederic,
Very good. You actually used the Fix Your Own Swing section. That is why I put it in there. I need you to fix your own swing which you are starting to do.
We have all had the shanks. This is literally a 2 min fix. Most don’t know how to fix it but as you saw you cured it quickly. The tall set up it vital. So if you start to do this again in the future then check this first.
I think you are working through it as I would want you to so keep doing what you are doing and let me know if you can’t figure something out and definitely let us know when you are hitting it great.
May 20, 2020
GregHillThanks, Paul! If I use my hands and arms too much in the downswing on short pitches, will that also cause shanks? I think I may need to use my lower body more in the downswing. Correct?