Struggling with a shank in your golf swing? Learn what causes a shank, how to identify it, and how to fix it. Get tips from experienced golfers and coaches on improving your swing and avoiding the dreaded shank.
A shank is one of the most frustrating and embarrassing shots in golf. It happens when the ball hits the hosel of the club, the part where the shaft meets the clubhead, instead of the clubface.
The result is a low, sideways shot that often goes out of bounds or into a hazard. A shank can ruin your confidence and your scorecard in a matter of seconds.
But don’t despair; you are not alone. Even the best golfers in the world have shanked the ball at some point in their careers.
The good news is that a shank is not a sign of a bad swing but rather a minor flaw that can be easily corrected.
This article will explain what causes a shank, how to identify it, and how to fix it. We will also give you some tips on improving your swing and avoiding the shank in the future.
What is a shank in a golf swing?
A shank is caused by an incorrect swing path that makes the clubhead move too far inside or outside the ball at impact. This can happen for several reasons, such as:
- Standing too close or too far from the ball
- Swinging too fast or too slow
- Losing balance or posture during the swing
- Moving the head or body too much during the swing
- Gripping the club too tightly or too loosely
- Having an open or closed clubface at impact
- Having a weak or strong grip on the club
- Having a flat or upright swing plane
All these factors can affect the alignment of the club head and cause it to hit the hosel instead of the sweet spot. The key to avoiding a shank is to maintain a consistent and correct swing path that delivers the clubface square to the ball at impact.
How to Fix a Shank?
The first step to fixing a shank is to identify what is causing it. You can do this by analyzing your swing on video, using a launch monitor, or asking a friend or coach to watch you hit some balls.
Once you know what is wrong with your swing, you can work on correcting it with some drills and exercises.
Here are some common drills that can help you fix a shank:
- The tee drill: Place a tee in the ground about two inches outside the ball and try to hit the ball without hitting the tee. This will help you keep the club head on the correct path and avoid moving it too far outside.
- The coin drill: Place a coin on top of your ball and try to hit both the coin and the ball at the same time. This will help you focus on hitting the center of the clubface and avoid hitting the hosel.
- The towel drill: Place a towel under your arms and try to keep it there throughout your swing. This will help you maintain your posture and balance and avoid moving your head or body too much.
- The glove drill: Place a glove under your right armpit (for right-handed golfers) and try to keep it there throughout your swing. This will help you keep your right elbow close to your body and avoid swinging too flat or upright.
- The grip drill: Hold your club with only your index finger and thumb of each hand and try to hit some balls. This will help you relax your grip and avoid gripping too tightly or loosely.
Tips to Improve Your Swing
In addition to fixing your shank, you should also work on improving your overall swing technique and consistency. Here are some tips that can help you improve your swing:
Practice regularly
The best way to improve your swing is to practice as often as possible, preferably with coach or device feedback. You should also practice with different clubs, distances, and lies to develop your feel and adaptability.
Warm up properly
Before you start hitting balls, you should warm up your muscles and joints with some stretches and exercises. You should also start with some easy swings with short clubs before moving on to longer ones.
Have a good setup
A good setup is essential for a good swing. You should have a comfortable stance, a proper grip, an appropriate ball position, and a correct alignment of your feet, hips, shoulders, and clubface.
Have a smooth tempo
A smooth tempo is important for creating rhythm and timing in your swing. You should not rush or slow down any part of your swing but rather have an even pace from start to finish.
Have a balanced finish
A balanced finish is a sign of a good swing. You should be able to hold your finish position for a few seconds without losing your balance or falling over.
Final Thoughts
A shank is a common and frustrating golf shot that can be easily fixed with some practice and adjustments.
By understanding what causes a shank, how to identify it, and how to fix it, you can improve your swing and avoid the shank in the future.
You can also improve your swing by following some general tips and drills that can help you develop a consistent and correct swing technique.
Remember, a shank is not a permanent problem but rather a temporary challenge that can be overcome with patience and perseverance. Happy golfing!