How To Stop Hitting Fat Shots   by B.J.Lyons

in Sports    (submitted 2008-08-17)

This problem is easier to fix than you think. So let's take a look at how to stop hitting fat shots. Here is what is happening when you hit that fat shot.

Your back shoulder is dropping down a little towards the ground. When this happens your iron will hit the ground early. This happens to you when you think "I have to really hit the ball." Imagine...You're at your favorite water hole. It's only 150 yards across to the green and you choose a 9 iron. Now you have it in mind that you have to hit the ball hard to get it over and you want it to stick. OK it's natural to start the downswing with your hips to get into the ball. That doesn't work well in golf some other sports yes but golf... NO!

Let's take a look at that move in golf. Get into your setup position; now hold your backswing at the top. Move only your hips towards the target, notice the way you drop your back shoulder? If you've made that "dip" with your back shoulder, it's over. You will hit a fat shot by hitting behind the ball 90% of the time, even if you do make good contact, you'll probably end up with a killer slice.

You can overcome this problem, and improve your golf swing, just keep the lower body out of the swing. If you really want to hit the ball, use only your arms when you start your downswing. It will feel wrong at first. It has to replace the habit you have formed of using your hips. Once you get it, the fat iron shot will be a thing of the past for you.

At the top of your downswing keep your leading arm as straight as possible. Now start down at the ball with your leading arm fully extended. Don't move your head. Keep you hips still so they haven't moved laterally. The entire golf swing, through impact, occurs underneath the upper body.

Think about keeping your front shoulder "down" on the ball. This will enable you to keep your swing flowing correctly, and it will allow your hands to keep up with your body. Keep that shoulder down on the ball until impact. If the shoulder moves your body will get ahead of your hands and that will lead to hitting fat shots and slices. OK, that's it! Know you have the secret of how to stop hitting fat shots so go forth and prosper in your golf game.

About the Author

B.J. Lyons lives in Buffalo NY and would like to show you some more ideas about improving your golf game. Go to http://budrickspage.com/blog/?p=34