How to Address a Golf Ball

Addressing the ball means lining up to make contact with the ball at the bottom of your swing so the club head is square with the ball at the moment of impact. You use the same swing with each wood and irons 2 through 9 whether you're on the tee or out on the fairway.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Stand over the ball and put your club head on the ground just behind it. You should be far enough away to reach the ball with the club comfortably without feeling that you are stretching out to reach it or pulling in your arms and feeling cramped. The club head should be square with the ball.

2. Line up your feet about shoulder width apart. The ball should be on a line with the inside of the heel of your front foot. This puts the ball at the bottom of your swing. Keeping the ball in the same position on all your tee and fairway shots will give you consistency on every shot.

3. Relax your arms and shoulders and flex your knees slightly. If you tense up your muscles, you won't be able to get a smooth take away and your swing will be stiff and erratic.

4. Keep your head down and your eye on the spot where your ball sits. Learn to keep your head in this position throughout your swing. Lifting your head during the swing or looking up as the club hits the ball will pull your body out of alignment and make it almost impossible to hit the ball squarely.