Hi Paul
I have started to hit occasional drives that are high pop ups off the top of the club just inside the hosel. Sometimes there are plastic marks on the hosel just above the club head. They typically go high left because of the curved slope on the drivers head. It just looks like a shank. I am standing tall at address. What else could cause such a shot? I am not shanking my short irons.
Jim
Hi Paul,
I usually shank my chip shots which can come out of the blue which then sets a trend. I use pitching or lob wedges where the swing is shorter and more of a putting or rocking the shoulders type motion. It seams impossible to stop once it has happened, especially when practicing. Help!!
If you are shanking chip shots then you want to first make sure that the shot is actually coming off of the hosel or is it off the leading edge of the club? Double check your posture to make sure that you are not too bent over. Then when I describe how to hit chip shots, you are literally thinking about putting, grab your putter then immediatly step up to your chip shot and try to recreate the same motion. Check out these videos:
Paul
As a very slightly better player, it’s in a greenside bunker where I can shank. Could it be by having the club face more open in a bunker?
Excellent reminder of the cause of and the cure for the “unmentionable word.”
Hi, Paul
Oddly enough, I had a couple of shanks today with my wedges, so this is a timely lesson!
During the video, you mention turning around-i.e. rotating in the backswing. As a player who developed a habit of having a more see-saw like backswing, I have been working hard to create rotate the shoulders in the backswing. I have done the helicopter drill, and can easily rotate with making a swing in the air. I have even watched your video on the backswing triggers. I know the correct feeling. The problem is, as soon as I put my club back on the ground in address position with my arms outstretched and ready to hit, I cannot get that same feeling of rotating the shoulders. It seems the arms don’t want to give up.
Excellent video, Paul! Thanks! Since I’m so tall, 6’9″, I shank my wedges 2-6 X/ round. I know I need to stand up taller, but it’s so uncomfortable. All my clubs are 2″ longer than standard. Do you think I should put an additional 2″ on my wedges??? Thanks!
Greg
Paul I have worked for two weeks on my six,seven, and eight irons that i shank. I am 89 play 4-5 days a week.never have been a good iron man (no distant) I can live with that. I stand taller,weight on laces, turn around . When I hit an iron it does not have a good sound.sounds more like a click. I am very confused have never in my life shanked a ball. Now I have no confidence .i have looked at numerous videos different ideas .i like all your tips you have an excellent voice
And a nice slow delivery as I am hard of hearing.any tip I would appreciate. I have never been so down on my game.
I would start by slowing down. Definitely check your set up position, look at yourself in a mirror or window. Then start to work on getting your wrists/arms looser. This will start you to hit better iron shots and gain some distance. Check out these tips:
Timely Tip Paul – Shanks always come out of the blue for me, once I hit one, I can’t seem to recompose. Shanks are uber costly to scoring well and you are right, confidence drops to OMG level.
I will definitely practice everything you mentioned. Will let you know how it goes.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. AcceptRejectRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
10 Responses to “Why Do You Shank A Ball?”
November 24, 2020
JamesSchaferHi Paul
I have started to hit occasional drives that are high pop ups off the top of the club just inside the hosel. Sometimes there are plastic marks on the hosel just above the club head. They typically go high left because of the curved slope on the drivers head. It just looks like a shank. I am standing tall at address. What else could cause such a shot? I am not shanking my short irons.
Jim
November 30, 2020
Paul WilsonIF you are popping up your driver then your head would be getting in front of the golf as you hit it. Start with these videos:
Skying: https://ignitiongolf.com/cure-skying/
Over The Top – Swinging Up Drill: https://ignitiongolf.com/ott-swing-up/
November 25, 2020
derekHi Paul,
I usually shank my chip shots which can come out of the blue which then sets a trend. I use pitching or lob wedges where the swing is shorter and more of a putting or rocking the shoulders type motion. It seams impossible to stop once it has happened, especially when practicing. Help!!
Derek
November 30, 2020
Paul WilsonIf you are shanking chip shots then you want to first make sure that the shot is actually coming off of the hosel or is it off the leading edge of the club? Double check your posture to make sure that you are not too bent over. Then when I describe how to hit chip shots, you are literally thinking about putting, grab your putter then immediatly step up to your chip shot and try to recreate the same motion. Check out these videos:
How to Chip: https://ignitiongolf.com/chipping-how
Chipping Technique: https://ignitiongolf.com/correct-chipping-technique
Cure – Stop Hitting Chip Shots Right: https://ignitiongolf.com/cure-hitting-chips-right/
November 25, 2020
daviddonaldsonPaul
As a very slightly better player, it’s in a greenside bunker where I can shank. Could it be by having the club face more open in a bunker?
Excellent reminder of the cause of and the cure for the “unmentionable word.”
November 25, 2020
AntonyFieldsHi, Paul
Oddly enough, I had a couple of shanks today with my wedges, so this is a timely lesson!
During the video, you mention turning around-i.e. rotating in the backswing. As a player who developed a habit of having a more see-saw like backswing, I have been working hard to create rotate the shoulders in the backswing. I have done the helicopter drill, and can easily rotate with making a swing in the air. I have even watched your video on the backswing triggers. I know the correct feeling. The problem is, as soon as I put my club back on the ground in address position with my arms outstretched and ready to hit, I cannot get that same feeling of rotating the shoulders. It seems the arms don’t want to give up.
What do you recommend?
Antony
November 25, 2020
GregHillExcellent video, Paul! Thanks! Since I’m so tall, 6’9″, I shank my wedges 2-6 X/ round. I know I need to stand up taller, but it’s so uncomfortable. All my clubs are 2″ longer than standard. Do you think I should put an additional 2″ on my wedges??? Thanks!
Greg
October 13, 2021
GeorgeWeltonPaul I have worked for two weeks on my six,seven, and eight irons that i shank. I am 89 play 4-5 days a week.never have been a good iron man (no distant) I can live with that. I stand taller,weight on laces, turn around . When I hit an iron it does not have a good sound.sounds more like a click. I am very confused have never in my life shanked a ball. Now I have no confidence .i have looked at numerous videos different ideas .i like all your tips you have an excellent voice
And a nice slow delivery as I am hard of hearing.any tip I would appreciate. I have never been so down on my game.
October 19, 2021
Paul WilsonI would start by slowing down. Definitely check your set up position, look at yourself in a mirror or window. Then start to work on getting your wrists/arms looser. This will start you to hit better iron shots and gain some distance. Check out these tips:
DRILL: 3 Ways To Roll It Over: https://ignitiongolf.com/3-ways-to-roll/
DRILL: Grip Down Drill: https://ignitiongolf.com/drill-grip-down/
DRILL: Grip Down Drill 2: https://ignitiongolf.com/drill-feel-wrist-release/
May 30, 2023
SueTeeTimely Tip Paul – Shanks always come out of the blue for me, once I hit one, I can’t seem to recompose. Shanks are uber costly to scoring well and you are right, confidence drops to OMG level.
I will definitely practice everything you mentioned. Will let you know how it goes.
Sue Tee