Drills to Get the Correct Ball Position in the Golf Swing

The correct ball position will lead to more consistent golf shots.

Each movement in the golf swing is dependent on completing the previous movement correctly. Therefore, the swing itself is dependent on addressing the ball in the correct set up position. If you are setting up to the golf ball in the wrong position you are promoting inconsistent shots. Lower handicap players are well aware of the impact the correct ball position and how it affects ball flight.

Common Mistakes

Many amateur golfers start with the ball in the wrong position in the set up. These include too far forward, back, close and far away. When the ball is set up in the wrong position, it forces players to make compensations to try to square the club through impact. It will often lead to swing adjustments in the club path and swing plane. The majority of the time this leads to poor execution and causes players to hit the ball off the intended line.

Correct Ball Position

The proper ball position will move from the middle of your stance to the inside of your front foot. Play the ball in the middle of your stance with short irons. The swing is much steeper with the short irons, which will often lead to bigger divots. The ball position moves slightly forward as the club gets longer. The ball position moves to the inside of the front foot with a driver. In addition to the correct ball position, you must stand the correct distance away from the golf ball. The hands should fall directly under the shoulders in the set up. Make sure the club lays flat on the ground and the end of the club points just above the belt buckle. As each club gets longer you stand farther away from the ball.

Practice Aid

Take your normal set up and place a club in the middle of your stance and another club parallel to the target line. The grip end of the club will slightly touch the club parallel to the target line. This drill will help you align your body properly to the target. In addition, you can clearly see where the middle of your stance is located. Ball position will move slightly forward depending on what club you hit. Play the ball on the inside of the front foot with the driver.