Position Of Golf Ball - How Important Your Golf Ball Position

When learning the game of golf, players are taught how important it is to develop muscle memory. Muscle memory implies that the individual components of a swing are internalised by the player. Rather than having to remember each detail, the player after a time of practice automatically combines the individual parts to form the whole swing. The best swing is smooth and above all, CONSISTENT. When a player is so consistent that he can hit the same shot the same way over and over again, he's on his way to becoming a great player.

So why would you then mess with the routine and move the ball position for each club? Isn't it counter-intuitive to force you to setup differently depending on which club you're using?

There are of course good reasons why you choose to position the ball differently for each club.

   1. A driver is the longest club in your bag. You should imagine swinging the club in a wide, smooth arc in a sweeping motion. You literally sweep the ball of the tee.

   2. Irons are used in a different way. You should actually hit the ball in a downward motion, less a smooth arc, more a downward blow. Hitting down on the ball will impart spin which is something all golfers aim to do.

   3. With the irons, you generally aim to hit the ball at the bottom of the swing arc.

   4. With the driver, the ball should be hit on the upswing once the club has passed the bottom of the swing arc. The result is great lift and distance.

So what exactly is the position of the ball for each given club?

The answer depends a little bit on each individual player although there are general guidelines:

    * Driver and fairway wood: position the ball in line with your left toes. Here you can use some discretion, I prefer the ball outside my left foot, others put the ball in line with the left toes. Use the same position for any club with less than 19 degree loft.

    

    * 5 iron to 9 iron: Look at your heels when you position yourself. Put the ball directly on the middle line between your heels. You may even feel that your 9 iron could be put a bit more to the right (back in your stance). Try it and see how it feels.

    

* 2 iron to 4 iron: From the middle line, move the ball to the left ( forward in your stance) by maybe one ball width per iron. Woods and hybrids with more than 21 degree loft can be treated the same way. Again, you need to use discretion.

When you practice at the driving range, listen to the sound of impact. You know when you've struck the ball well. Your wrists and back won't hurt or twist, there is a satisfying "clunck" and your ball will fly true and far. Ball positioning is a key ingredient to getting there.

If you want to learn more about what a great swing, you can to any website that can give you some trainings and tips. Happy Golfing