For all of you that are chopping DOWN at the ball, with your irons, notice that his attack angle is only 3 degrees. The club is traveling close to the ground, for a longer distance than many of you think. Here’s a thought…. Never think chop down at the ball. Just do exactly what he said. Make sure the lowest point is slightly ahead of the ball. If you’re someone who takes massive divots, then the club needs to be more like a plane landing on a runway for you. You’re too steep! Imagine the plane is slightly landing, then gradually taking back off. You need to “flatten” the approach into impact, and beyond. The key is the lowest point being slightly after the ball. Your concept, and intention has to be correct. This is a great video.
The part that needs mentioning is that a lot of power is lost if you do not shift balance to the back foot on the backswing. That absolutely kills the leverage that gets the downswing going. I don't like these suggestions that create bad habits. May as well teach the proper swing....and players just need to know it's a process....rather than a quick pill solution....lol. Gotta learn to shift that weight forward. That's just part of the learning curve of a good golf swing...and beginners esp should not be led on a wrong path....and wrong habits.
I just wanted to say a massive thank you. I watch endless amounts of golf tips on UA-cam, much to my golf coaches dislike. However, some of your ball striking tips and 7 minute a day swing drill have transformed my game recently. I am now able to hit ball-turf shots and am starting to compress the ball much better. My scores have improved, from shooting 90’s to 80’s. Today I hit my first 78. I will keep going with your instruction, as like you I need to get in a good backswing and create some space to turn through. Thanks and keep up the good work.
Ditto on the striking improvement. I have not yet shot a round in the 70's like @mattmalone1921 but I am hopeful to be a decent golfer now. I've been playing off and on for over 35 years and not one person I have had lessons with nor any of my family nor friends ever suggested that I was focussing on the wrong spot when hitting off the ground. God willing, I may not have to snap anymore club heads off after digging the turf behind my ball and drop kicking the ball 50 yards on an attempted 150 yard approach shot. Thanks for helping me discover a fix for my primary swing fault.
"Don't look at the ball."... I figured this out myself a couple years ago. 😅 (Don't recall any other on-line coach with this tip.) Of course, AT has a more refined explanation than my rudimentary analysis. I think I'll stick around and see what other gems AT has to offer!
Great video! I've watched a lot of Moe Norman swing videos and guess what?? He always hovers the driver 6-10 inches behind the ball like you do and always makes solid contact. I've tried it and it works great! Just takes some practice to get consistent. I've tried this on the course and the other players in my group are amazed at the result! In my 70s and now hit the ball farther than ever and am even looking forward to shooting my age soon.
I'm just getting started with Golf (a few months in). Just getting started with the driver. This approach makes sense to me. Focus on the bottom of the swing, and just let the rest "happen" after the bottom of the swing (and of course follow through with the swing)...
I especially love this advice on par 3's. I set up the ball three inches behind someone else's divot. Huge visual aid. Trust your club and trust your swing.
I have chronic lifting disease, been battling that for 10 years, watched the video about ball striking, By moving the left hip back I’m able to hit the ball much better. This even helps when I lift trying to see the ball, still managed to get it in the air, just not as high. Gained distance with this tip too! Worked immediately, I’m amazed, cause once I start lifting, I can’t quit!🤬🤬🤬 Excellent videos & tips, some of the best I’ve found!👏👏👏👍👍👍
Watched your video last night, so just back from the range using your technique and I was hitting my 3 wood more correctly than I ever did before. No extra distance yet but after 20 balls I'm hitting the ball without topping or slicing it about 80% of the time. As a very senior golfer anything that gives me more confidence is good for me. I am now a committed subscriber to your site, thank you.
Since I joined the saguto golf school I only focus on ball first contact. My weight is preset forward, my arms stay straight so my contact point is always the same…the ball flys higher and further
Can't wait to try. After a great drive, it's depressing to chunk the next one. Practice yesterday at looking in front of ball for irons, before watching video....now will look way beyond. Excited to put into practice.
Ali… you’re a genius! I thought my issue had been weight transfer, but I practiced your technique during my practice round this afternoon, (after watching this video this morning), and I played the best round of my life! Still a little off on the wedges, but I’m using the “iron” technique of focusing a couple of inches ahead of the wedge. I hope this is right, unless you have another similar suggestion specific to wedges. Thank you so very much!
Since I've started following you, I've tried the concentrating on a spot ahead of the ball for irons. It's not yet perfect (I'm an OAP and have to get rid of 50 years of 'Keep your eye on the ball'!) but it's definitely working when I manage it. As I get older my distance diminishes but I have seen an increase in my carry and roll out with the irons, for which I thank you. Now to try the driver focus behind the ball and see if that works too. At my best I was around 14 handicap but am now up to 22 after a few years away. Driving range tomorrow with my grandson (who has been having lessons and is getting dangerously near to beating me...) and a match with him on Wednesday. Thanks for these tips, I need to have them to keep up with him. Regards from East Sussex!
Repent to Jesus Christ “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”” Acts 1:8 NIV
35 years I've been chunking approach shots. Its a whole new game now. Ive never been as encouraged from my 10 in-person lessons over my lifetime as I am right now after watching these videos and hitting balls from my front lawn into the persimmon orchard that surrounds my house. Viva golf! I feel like I'm going to birdie a par 3 and a par 4 next time out.
This is the best videos on hitting a golf ball I have ever seen. Before my shoulder surgery I got into a lot of bad habits to avoid pain. I am now starting to get myself to hit the ball correctly and this has helped me tremendously. Thank you! BTW after surgery the pain is finally gone.
So happy this is addressed by a reputable teacher. I thought I was weird. My hands seem to take the club head to the low point. I now keep my weight forward and imagine the chalk line in front of the ball. So easy to use a broken tee peg and place it in front of the ball. Thank you for your observation.
After years of frustration of watching myself make practice swing after practice swing perfectly perfectly contacting the turf, I finally hit on the idea of not looking at the ball and it all came together. It was especially helpful on chipping I believe I may have been losing track of the ground. By looking at the ground instead of the ball I make much better contact. In my case I prefer to always look behind the ball.
This is exactly why high handicappers complain about their perfect practice swing & lousy real swing. When your concentration is all on the ball, you try to hit at the ball rather than swinging the club properly. Most consider the top of the backswing as point A, & the ball point B, when point B is really after impact with the ball only sitting between the 2 points. When there's no ball to hit, there's no mental pressure because the swing doesn't affect your score. It's not that you're not supposed to look at the ball, but rather not to make it your focus point. You can see the ball without looking directly at it, so, as some have said, look in front of the ball or a spot directly behind the ball & allow your head to rotate along with the swing, not up & down. Focusing only on the ball can cause you to stop rotating your chest as well which is the kiss of death for solid shots. Also, keeping your head perfectly stationary can lead to neck injuries. That's the problem with golf. The human body wasn't designed for it.
So much to keep in your mind,i focus on the ball,going through it.. I don't worry on distance,it takes two strokes to get on the green I do hit the driver pretty good,I'm going to try sweeping the ball . That's simple,and not worry about the wrist. Going to stop my back swing,before the hinge..
Perfect, I’ve watched two vlogs recently…….. swing slow hit further and this today! Somethings clicked in my brain, played last Saturday and wow, hit straighter, further and felt more relaxed !! Excellent words of wisdom for low, mid & high handicapper’s…………… practice makes almost perfect, top man 👏🏽
I took the concepts you described for hitting irons to the range today. Between your tips and a more controlled swing I struck the ball better than I have in a long time. In addition to improved distance, the ball flight was much improved, and my bad shots were much better. I can't wait to give this another go.
It works! At the range today I put a small leaf app. 2 inches in front of the ball. At first it felt strange not looking at the ball. Soon I got the hang of it . Better compression, higher ball flight and 10+ more yards. Thanks / Carl from Sweden
I’ve tried this on my own before and although I did help, I wouldn’t be confident on the course… but after watching this video I’ll try it again on the range and maybe on the course too! Thx!
It's working for me Thanks for the Great video instruction. Breaking 90 now and occasionally into the mid '80s. Added a little tempo control and the balls are flying great to the target.
Ali, not focusing on the ball is key to nice compressed strikes. Focusing on the ball results in the hit instinct, which is detrimental to your strike. My game improved tremendously once I learned this and stopped focusing on the ball. I do exactly what you suggested and focus on the low point. Thanks for sharing. Cheers.
At 71 I'm still learning this game, and this is very valuable info. I have always tried to focus on the ball with very unpredictable results. This approach seems to make sense and is worth a try. Thanks!
I have experienced good n bad results with this method. Initially, I was told by a scratch gopher that he focused 2" behind the ball, and at the range this was working fabulously, but in the course it was a different story. Then, I was introduced to focusing the eyes 2" in front of the ball; that's the beauty of golf, there are 50 ways to do the exact same thing with any aspect of the game. I do like the focus in front of the ball since it soothes the brain to a smooth rhythm; taking the 'hit' out of the consciousness, instead replaced with a practice swing mentality. Why don't I have these problems with crochet...? It should not take a billion balls to accomplish nothing.
Totally agree Ali that looking ahead of the ball and most times (90%) you will strike the ball better. However, trying to follow the ball is very difficult. We (our eyes) are trained to always keep the eye on the ball and looking ahead brings in the eyes ahead swing that feels good hard to see the ball. Good training tool though.
Almost for every shot I hit..irons or woods..it helps me to keep my eye focus on the front of the golf ball in the back swing… I find consistently in this. Head down and posture stable…adjust stance per club… hope this helps someone… helped me tremendously.. ur eyes and focus we’ll help u hit it clean with good balance and core stability..
Although I have a slightly steeper swing and I take a divot with my wedges, I was, until recently, a ‘sweeper’ with irons, hybrids and FW woods until my club fitter & swing coach recommended I forget focusing on the ball and focus on hitting the turf about 2-inches in front of the ball. And, after a few miss hits, I began compressing the ball and consistently delivering even divots with improved ball flight and distance with my 3-9 irons, hybrid and 3W. Even though I hit up on my driver, I began focusing on the imaginary line @ 3 inches behind the ball with an average 12yd distance gain. This advice may not work for everyone but you won’t know if you don’t try. Good luck🏌🏻♂️👍
Watched this late last night. Great improvement in contact . Great improvement in driver ball height and distance. It wasn’t always perfect but I will continue to incorporate. 👍
Impact is all that matters, because the ball doesn’t care. The ball doesn’t know who you are and the ball doesn’t care how you swing. What Ali is explaining is the best way to get there (more consistent, solid contact). It takes a little practice, but once you get used to not looking at the ball when you swing, you will be glad you found this video !!!
Probably the biggest thing that made the difference in my ball striking quality since I started golfing 40 years ago. All the key points are in this lesson, but you need to trust it, lag not cast your wrists and trust it will work! You will think you’re too close to the ground , but you’re needing to understand making the swoosh sound slightly after the ball also !
With driver, been slicing hard for 10 yrs. Irons have always been decent. Today, I focused on a random point 3-4” behind the ball while driving. Drew the ball every single time. Amazed.
I use the practice sand trap and draw a long line in the sand and practice hitting beyond the line and repeat the swing as I go down the line. I then smooth out the line and draw another long line and repeat the swing.
Man I really relate to that comment about wishing you learnt the correct stuff as a junior. I was taught the same thing about my fairway woods and reacted the same way as you did. I just think now of so much stuff I've had to change that i learned back in high school.
When I started hitting up on the ball with the driver, I thought the ball was flying too high, but my distance went way up.. turns out my ball flight was too low to produce maximum distance. It took a little getting use to the new shot shape but it really works!
Repent to Jesus Christ “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”” Acts 1:8 NIV h
I watched your video last night and played golf today putting in your suggestion not to look at the ball. Why didn't I know about this before. I never had so many good strikes of the sweet spot of my irons and hybrids which went long and straight. If only I could putt better. Thanks for the tip.
I’ve only played two games of nine hole since I’ve started Lovin the game learned very well from a brother-in-law I swing with my eye on the ball do a laser imaginary shot from the ball as I look to my left and where I want that ball to go and land, i’ll make my minor adjustments for the ball to go to my left or further up of that laser target, with my eyes locked on the center back of the ball not high not low…center, using my entire body form etc. I twist keeping my head and eyes locked on that bowl, coming back down naturally allowing gravity to speed my momentum is a make contact follow through two then as I finished my swing my eyes are on the ball enjoying the lovely sound of contact the view of direction of FLIGHTS watching it to send to exactly the area that I lasered too.
I worked out this little gem of information myself about 2-3 months ago through the realisation that where your nose is pointing the body tends to square up and that is ultimately as you've pointed out here the lowest point of the swing, when the arms are directly in front of the chest it has helped enormously and I have started to get some great draw shots with my irons (the ball going out to the right and coming back to the middle of the fairway. As soon as I hit it I knew it was right because you could see the ball with right to left curvature when it started out to the right before it reached the apex. Great video and look forward to more from you Ali!
Just tried these tips in my practice space in the garage and they seem/feel REALLY GOOD! Excellent in fact. What feels natural is to look at the ball during the takeaway/backswing and on transition move the focus to the point or line ahead. Can't wait to take this to the range! Where I live the courses are still under snow, but we do have heated stalls for practice.
Repent to Jesus Christ “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”” Acts 1:8 NIV
This was so helpful, but looking ahead of the ball I’m striking the ball cleaner, further but I can’t hit my target!!!! I’m way off to the left. If I do everything but not looking ahead of the ball, I do hit my target but 30 yards less distance with a 7 iron.
Can't wait for it to stop raining and warm up some to try this. My major problem with irons is controlling my low point. Hopefully this will help with that.
It all starts with moving your feet and legs properly. These tips are great but impossible to do if you can't get your feet, legs and then body moving in the right direction and the in correct sequence. I say that because I have tried and tried and until I finally got my feet, legs and body moving in the right sequence, this stuff was next to impossible to achieve. Now, with proper sequencing, I can work on this stuff. Thanks Ali!
One thing that's been helping me is what I've been told is the ground hits the lowest point where the middle of your sternum is so you just need to shift slightly forward, I hit good irons, just struggling with the longer clubs
Another benefit of not looking directly at the ball, at least for mid to higher handicappers is that we rarely duplicate our relatively good practice swings when we swing at the ball. My playing partners frequently tell me I’d get another 30 yards or more if I hit the ball with my practice swing. Looking directly at the ball seduces the average golfer into swinging at the ball rather than to our finish position (like we more often do with our practice swings). Excellent tips - thanks.
yeah this is really good stuff, I'm rubbish at golf, but watching these videos is a big help. my walks around a well manicured park are slightly less frustrating each time. I enjoyed the part about the ball being static and the challenge being how to move your body. Perhaps a bit like darts where the board doesn't move and the point is to hold the dart loosely, simply release it at the right moment (don't chuck it), and keep your body moving smoothly and consistently as you do it
I know both Anika Sorenstam, one of, if not the best female golfer ever, and David Duval have talked about how their head and eyes rotate forward and down the line prior to contact. This may have been a subconscious learned response at a young age to help them do what you are talking about and make better contact. They were both great ball strikers. I'm sure their are more that do this, even if subconsciously, but those two come to mind.
I shot even par..a 70, at the age of 70 yesterday, and I looked at the ball on each strike...just sayin. Golf is hard enough without silly advice...just keep it simple...keep the swing simple and maintain good balance through the follow through.
Very nice video Ali. Something that not many pros talk about! Perhaps they want to keep it a secret? Ben Hogan in his book, Five Lessons, also drew a diagram in which he showed how feet positions should change for various clubs. Closed for driver and woods and gradually opening for irons to wedges. This may help with the squaring of the club face?😃😃
This was extremely helpful. Focusing slightly ahead helped move the low point of my swing ahead of the ball. I tend to top my longer irons and fairway woods off the ground.. I was hitting better today than I have in years today using this tip. Thanks!
Every lesson I’ve ever taken is where do I aim? I finally have the answer and it works The explanation is spot on Driver is straight with distance And I’ve never been happier with my hybrid This is definitely a five star out of five Definitely a “LIKE “
Just good information. I first tried this with my wedges and what a difference same as with my irons that I was inconsistent with. Working on my woods and that's showing promise tomorrow it's the drivers turn. I especially liked setting the tee height with the fairways so you repeat the same swing instead of having two swings for different circumstances. Bingo!
I learned this over the past few months. I just practice (alot), trust myself, and feel it with my hands. It's about letting go, and taking control at the same time.
Hi I hit behind the ball a lot which is costing me shots in a full round and very annoying get punished even more now ground is wet so I look in front of the ball to try and stop this, I also look in front of the ball with driver and like you say sometimes I hit some nice drives but start to loose it a bit through out the round and start hitting some low ones, so I’m going to try looking behind the ball with driver see if it helps not seen anyone else say this on you tube so thanks for this hopefully this will help me and I might shoot under 85 next year 🤞🏼 I’ll let you know how I get on, and you definitely have earned a sub from me
For all of you that are chopping DOWN at the ball, with your irons, notice that his attack angle is only 3 degrees. The club is traveling close to the ground, for a longer distance than many of you think. Here’s a thought…. Never think chop down at the ball. Just do exactly what he said. Make sure the lowest point is slightly ahead of the ball. If you’re someone who takes massive divots, then the club needs to be more like a plane landing on a runway for you. You’re too steep! Imagine the plane is slightly landing, then gradually taking back off. You need to “flatten” the approach into impact, and beyond. The key is the lowest point being slightly after the ball. Your concept, and intention has to be correct. This is a great video.
According to Skipper, "Kiss it!......Just a peck........Like you're kissing ya sister."
This made me snort laugh. 🐽. Well said. And I have no sister so I don't know why you got me dorking and porking.
The part that needs mentioning is that a lot of power is lost if you do not shift balance to the back foot on the backswing. That absolutely kills the leverage that gets the downswing going. I don't like these suggestions that create bad habits. May as well teach the proper swing....and players just need to know it's a process....rather than a quick pill solution....lol. Gotta learn to shift that weight forward. That's just part of the learning curve of a good golf swing...and beginners esp should not be led on a wrong path....and wrong habits.
First day on the Range NOT looking at ball. I CAN'T WAIT until tomorrow. Loved the progress made in 1 hour of striking ball.
I just wanted to say a massive thank you. I watch endless amounts of golf tips on UA-cam, much to my golf coaches dislike. However, some of your ball striking tips and 7 minute a day swing drill have transformed my game recently. I am now able to hit ball-turf shots and am starting to compress the ball much better. My scores have improved, from shooting 90’s to 80’s. Today I hit my first 78. I will keep going with your instruction, as like you I need to get in a good backswing and create some space to turn through. Thanks and keep up the good work.
Ditto on the striking improvement. I have not yet shot a round in the 70's like @mattmalone1921 but I am hopeful to be a decent golfer now. I've been playing off and on for over 35 years and not one person I have had lessons with nor any of my family nor friends ever suggested that I was focussing on the wrong spot when hitting off the ground. God willing, I may not have to snap anymore club heads off after digging the turf behind my ball and drop kicking the ball 50 yards on an attempted 150 yard approach shot. Thanks for helping me discover a fix for my primary swing fault.
Might be the best advice I've seen that has changed my golf swing. Thanks for sharing!
"Don't look at the ball."... I figured this out myself a couple years ago. 😅 (Don't recall any other on-line coach with this tip.)
Of course, AT has a more refined explanation than my rudimentary analysis.
I think I'll stick around and see what other gems AT has to offer!
I tried this today at the range. IT WORKED!! Especially with the driver. Hit them higher AND longer. Thank you!!
Glad it helped
Great video! I've watched a lot of Moe Norman swing videos and guess what?? He always hovers the driver 6-10 inches behind the ball like you do and always makes solid contact. I've tried it and it works great! Just takes some practice to get consistent. I've tried this on the course and the other players in my group are amazed at the result! In my 70s and now hit the ball farther than ever and am even looking forward to shooting my age soon.
I'm just getting started with Golf (a few months in). Just getting started with the driver. This approach makes sense to me. Focus on the bottom of the swing, and just let the rest "happen" after the bottom of the swing (and of course follow through with the swing)...
I especially love this advice on par 3's. I set up the ball three inches behind someone else's divot. Huge visual aid. Trust your club and trust your swing.
I have chronic lifting disease, been battling that for 10 years, watched the video about ball striking,
By moving the left hip back I’m able to hit the ball much better. This even helps when I lift trying to see the ball, still managed to get it in the air, just not as high. Gained distance with this tip too! Worked immediately, I’m amazed, cause once I start lifting, I can’t quit!🤬🤬🤬
Excellent videos & tips, some of the best I’ve found!👏👏👏👍👍👍
ua-cam.com/video/u3tlDh6fXGs/v-deo.htmlsi=38Iin9ic46L5glQJ
Watched your video last night, so just back from the range using your technique and I was hitting my 3 wood more correctly than I ever did before. No extra distance yet but after 20 balls I'm hitting the ball without topping or slicing it about 80% of the time. As a very senior golfer anything that gives me more confidence is good for me. I am now a committed subscriber to your site, thank you.
For the driver I found using a focus point back and INSIDE of the ball very helpful. Promotes an inside out path.
Since I joined the saguto golf school I only focus on ball first contact. My weight is preset forward, my arms stay straight so my contact point is always the same…the ball flys higher and further
Can't wait to try. After a great drive, it's depressing to chunk the next one. Practice yesterday at looking in front of ball for irons, before watching video....now will look way beyond. Excited to put into practice.
Great Tip - I tried this on the driving range, feels weird at first but my ball striking was Excellent - Cheers!
Ali… you’re a genius! I thought my issue had been weight transfer, but I practiced your technique during my practice round this afternoon, (after watching this video this morning), and I played the best round of my life! Still a little off on the wedges, but I’m using the “iron” technique of focusing a couple of inches ahead of the wedge. I hope this is right, unless you have another similar suggestion specific to wedges. Thank you so very much!
Since I've started following you, I've tried the concentrating on a spot ahead of the ball for irons. It's not yet perfect (I'm an OAP and have to get rid of 50 years of 'Keep your eye on the ball'!) but it's definitely working when I manage it. As I get older my distance diminishes but I have seen an increase in my carry and roll out with the irons, for which I thank you. Now to try the driver focus behind the ball and see if that works too. At my best I was around 14 handicap but am now up to 22 after a few years away. Driving range tomorrow with my grandson (who has been having lessons and is getting dangerously near to beating me...) and a match with him on Wednesday. Thanks for these tips, I need to have them to keep up with him. Regards from East Sussex!
You explain the process extremely well, I could’ve used this 10 years ago! Lol thank you!
20 yrs for me!!
Repent to Jesus Christ
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.””
Acts 1:8 NIV
35 years I've been chunking approach shots. Its a whole new game now. Ive never been as encouraged from my 10 in-person lessons over my lifetime as I am right now after watching these videos and hitting balls from my front lawn into the persimmon orchard that surrounds my house. Viva golf! I feel like I'm going to birdie a par 3 and a par 4 next time out.
Ditto!
Hard to not look at the ball but it does work well. Great tips
One of the best golf instruction videos I’ve ever seen. Wish I’d seen this 30 years ago 😂
This is the best videos on hitting a golf ball I have ever seen. Before my shoulder surgery I got into a lot of bad habits to avoid pain. I am now starting to get myself to hit the ball correctly and this has helped me tremendously. Thank you! BTW after surgery the pain is finally gone.
So happy this is addressed by a reputable teacher. I thought I was weird. My hands seem to take the club head to the low point. I now keep my weight forward and imagine the chalk line in front of the ball. So easy to use a broken tee peg and place it in front of the ball. Thank you for your observation.
The videos you've done on this subject are a revelation. Thanks!
You are very welcome
After years of frustration of watching myself make practice swing after practice swing perfectly perfectly contacting the turf, I finally hit on the idea of not looking at the ball and it all came together. It was especially helpful on chipping I believe I may have been losing track of the ground. By looking at the ground instead of the ball I make much better contact. In my case I prefer to always look behind the ball.
This is exactly why high handicappers complain about their perfect practice swing & lousy real swing. When your concentration is all on the ball, you try to hit at the ball rather than swinging the club properly. Most consider the top of the backswing as point A, & the ball point B, when point B is really after impact with the ball only sitting between the 2 points. When there's no ball to hit, there's no mental pressure because the swing doesn't affect your score. It's not that you're not supposed to look at the ball, but rather not to make it your focus point. You can see the ball without looking directly at it, so, as some have said, look in front of the ball or a spot directly behind the ball & allow your head to rotate along with the swing, not up & down. Focusing only on the ball can cause you to stop rotating your chest as well which is the kiss of death for solid shots. Also, keeping your head perfectly stationary can lead to neck injuries. That's the problem with golf. The human body wasn't designed for it.
So much to keep in your mind,i focus on the ball,going through it..
I don't worry on distance,it takes two strokes to get on the green
I do hit the driver pretty good,I'm going to try sweeping the ball .
That's simple,and not worry about the wrist.
Going to stop my back swing,before the hinge..
Makes perfect sense. Understanding the cause and effect of the golf swing undoubtedly a big key to improving ball striking. Loved this video- great!!!
Perfect, I’ve watched two vlogs recently…….. swing slow hit further and this today! Somethings clicked in my brain, played last Saturday and wow, hit straighter, further and felt more relaxed !! Excellent words of wisdom for low, mid & high handicapper’s…………… practice makes almost perfect, top man 👏🏽
Glad it helped, thanks
I took the concepts you described for hitting irons to the range today. Between your tips and a more controlled swing I struck the ball better than I have in a long time. In addition to improved distance, the ball flight was much improved, and my bad shots were much better.
I can't wait to give this another go.
I tried this today and actually made some lofty, pretty shots. It’s hard to get used to, but seems effective.
It works! At the range today I put a small leaf app. 2 inches in front of the ball. At first it felt strange not looking at the ball. Soon I got the hang of it . Better compression, higher ball flight and 10+ more yards. Thanks / Carl from Sweden
I’m going to try this at the range tomorrow. Like you, I think it’s going to feel weird at first.
I’ve tried this on my own before and although I did help, I wouldn’t be confident on the course… but after watching this video I’ll try it again on the range and maybe on the course too! Thx!
It's working for me Thanks for the Great video instruction. Breaking 90 now and occasionally into the mid '80s. Added a little tempo control and the balls are flying great to the target.
Ali, not focusing on the ball is key to nice compressed strikes. Focusing on the ball results in the hit instinct, which is detrimental to your strike. My game improved tremendously once I learned this and stopped focusing on the ball. I do exactly what you suggested and focus on the low point. Thanks for sharing. Cheers.
2:20 2 to 3” ahead 3w 1” … weight left side tip … D 3”b right side tilt for D
At 71 I'm still learning this game, and this is very valuable info. I have always tried to focus on the ball with very unpredictable results. This approach seems to make sense and is worth a try. Thanks!
I have experienced good n bad results with this method. Initially, I was told by a scratch gopher that he focused 2" behind the ball, and at the range this was working fabulously, but in the course it was a different story. Then, I was introduced to focusing the eyes 2" in front of the ball; that's the beauty of golf, there are 50 ways to do the exact same thing with any aspect of the game. I do like the focus in front of the ball since it soothes the brain to a smooth rhythm; taking the 'hit' out of the consciousness, instead replaced with a practice swing mentality. Why don't I have these problems with crochet...? It should not take a billion balls to accomplish nothing.
Tried this today, I hit the ball way cleaner. Kind of felt weird not looking at the ball but it worked!!!
Totally agree Ali that looking ahead of the ball and most times (90%) you will strike the ball better. However, trying to follow the ball is very difficult. We (our eyes) are trained to always keep the eye on the ball and looking ahead brings in the eyes ahead swing that feels good hard to see the ball. Good training tool though.
Thanks, Ali! Big improvements thru all of your tutorials.
Thank you Chris, really appreciate it. Glad to help.
Almost for every shot I hit..irons or woods..it helps me to keep my eye focus on the front of the golf ball in the back swing… I find consistently in this. Head down and posture stable…adjust stance per club… hope this helps someone… helped me tremendously.. ur eyes and focus we’ll help u hit it clean with good balance and core stability..
Although I have a slightly steeper swing and I take a divot with my wedges, I was, until recently, a ‘sweeper’ with irons, hybrids and FW woods until my club fitter & swing coach recommended I forget focusing on the ball and focus on hitting the turf about 2-inches in front of the ball. And, after a few miss hits, I began compressing the ball and consistently delivering even divots with improved ball flight and distance with my 3-9 irons, hybrid and 3W. Even though I hit up on my driver, I began focusing on the imaginary line @ 3 inches behind the ball with an average 12yd distance gain. This advice may not work for everyone but you won’t know if you don’t try. Good luck🏌🏻♂️👍
Watched this late last night. Great improvement in contact . Great improvement in driver ball height and distance. It wasn’t always perfect but I will continue to incorporate. 👍
This work for me thank you so much!!!!!! My iron game totally different now
Will definitely be trying this tip on driver. Immdialed in with irons/hybrids but driver is still inconsistent. Cheers
Great help. Very insightful.
Impact is all that matters, because the ball doesn’t care. The ball doesn’t know who you are and the ball doesn’t care how you swing. What Ali is explaining is the best way to get there (more consistent, solid contact). It takes a little practice, but once you get used to not looking at the ball when you swing, you will be glad you found this video !!!
Thank you
Probably the biggest thing that made the difference in my ball striking quality since I started golfing 40 years ago. All the key points are in this lesson, but you need to trust it, lag not cast your wrists and trust it will work! You will think you’re too close to the ground , but you’re needing to understand making the swoosh sound slightly after the ball also !
With driver, been slicing hard for 10 yrs. Irons have always been decent. Today, I focused on a random point 3-4” behind the ball while driving. Drew the ball every single time. Amazed.
I use the practice sand trap and draw a long line in the sand and practice hitting beyond the line and repeat the swing as I go down the line.
I then smooth out the line and draw another long line and repeat the swing.
I was struggling with my driver. I watched your video and went out today and hit my driver well. I need to work on applying it to my irons.
Man I really relate to that comment about wishing you learnt the correct stuff as a junior. I was taught the same thing about my fairway woods and reacted the same way as you did. I just think now of so much stuff I've had to change that i learned back in high school.
This is what I do and it work’s! With my driver I do the same but focus on a spot 2 inches before the ball.
When I started hitting up on the ball with the driver, I thought the ball was flying too high, but my distance went way up.. turns out my ball flight was too low to produce maximum distance. It took a little getting use to the new shot shape but it really works!
Repent to Jesus Christ
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.””
Acts 1:8 NIV
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I watched your video last night and played golf today putting in your suggestion not to look at the ball. Why didn't I know about this before. I never had so many good strikes of the sweet spot of my irons and hybrids which went long and straight. If only I could putt better. Thanks for the tip.
This just made a huge difference...WOW! Thank you.
I’ve only played two games of nine hole since I’ve started Lovin the game learned very well from a brother-in-law I swing with my eye on the ball do a laser imaginary shot from the ball as I look to my left and where I want that ball to go and land, i’ll make my minor adjustments for the ball to go to my left or further up of that laser target, with my eyes locked on the center back of the ball not high not low…center, using my entire body form etc. I twist keeping my head and eyes locked on that bowl, coming back down naturally allowing gravity to speed my momentum is a make contact follow through two then as I finished my swing my eyes are on the ball enjoying the lovely sound of contact the view of direction of FLIGHTS watching it to send to exactly the area that I lasered too.
I worked out this little gem of information myself about 2-3 months ago through the realisation that where your nose is pointing the body tends to square up and that is ultimately as you've pointed out here the lowest point of the swing, when the arms are directly in front of the chest it has helped enormously and I have started to get some great draw shots with my irons (the ball going out to the right and coming back to the middle of the fairway. As soon as I hit it I knew it was right because you could see the ball with right to left curvature when it started out to the right before it reached the apex. Great video and look forward to more from you Ali!
Wanted to say thank you for this video. It seemed strange at first, but sticking to it has paid dividends with my game. Excellent sir!
Just tried these tips in my practice space in the garage and they seem/feel REALLY GOOD! Excellent in fact. What feels natural is to look at the ball during the takeaway/backswing and on transition move the focus to the point or line ahead. Can't wait to take this to the range! Where I live the courses are still under snow, but we do have heated stalls for practice.
Repent to Jesus Christ
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.””
Acts 1:8 NIV
I love this guy's tips and simple methods. Ty Ali
Thanks for the tips they seem to be helping
Excellent best lesson ever
I was told this before, about 20 years ago from a good golfer. Im surprised that people don't say this more often. Even more so, I wish I listened!
Wow this is awesome. You described everything that goes wrong when I don’t get good contact. I will try this. Thanks!
This was so helpful, but looking ahead of the ball I’m striking the ball cleaner, further but I can’t hit my target!!!! I’m way off to the left. If I do everything but not looking ahead of the ball, I do hit my target but 30 yards less distance with a 7 iron.
I’ve been doing this for a few years it does work definitely help out your score
I look through the back of the ball, works well for putting for me too.
Looking forward to giving this a try! Thanks for easy to follow instruction!
Thanks Taylor, I finally got it!
Can't wait for it to stop raining and warm up some to try this. My major problem with irons is controlling my low point. Hopefully this will help with that.
It all starts with moving your feet and legs properly. These tips are great but impossible to do if you can't get your feet, legs and then body moving in the right direction and the in correct sequence. I say that because I have tried and tried and until I finally got my feet, legs and body moving in the right sequence, this stuff was next to impossible to achieve. Now, with proper sequencing, I can work on this stuff. Thanks Ali!
Totally agree. This was how I was taught back in 2007!
Aweome!! I figured this out a couple years ago and its really made a difference glad to see im on the right track, great video.
TY for this instructional video. I have a tough time with fat shots with my irons and fairway woods. It is back to the range for me!
This works, just remember if you still hit it fat, you stalled your body on the downswing.
One thing that's been helping me is what I've been told is the ground hits the lowest point where the middle of your sternum is so you just need to shift slightly forward, I hit good irons, just struggling with the longer clubs
Another benefit of not looking directly at the ball, at least for mid to higher handicappers is that we rarely duplicate our relatively good practice swings when we swing at the ball. My playing partners frequently tell me I’d get another 30 yards or more if I hit the ball with my practice swing. Looking directly at the ball seduces the average golfer into swinging at the ball rather than to our finish position (like we more often do with our practice swings). Excellent tips - thanks.
Thanks Ali, really like your low point videos, still working through them but noticeably better ball flights as a result.
yeah this is really good stuff, I'm rubbish at golf, but watching these videos is a big help. my walks around a well manicured park are slightly less frustrating each time. I enjoyed the part about the ball being static and the challenge being how to move your body. Perhaps a bit like darts where the board doesn't move and the point is to hold the dart loosely, simply release it at the right moment (don't chuck it), and keep your body moving smoothly and consistently as you do it
I know both Anika Sorenstam, one of, if not the best female golfer ever, and David Duval have talked about how their head and eyes rotate forward and down the line prior to contact. This may have been a subconscious learned response at a young age to help them do what you are talking about and make better contact. They were both great ball strikers.
I'm sure their are more that do this, even if subconsciously, but those two come to mind.
I shot even par..a 70, at the age of 70 yesterday, and I looked at the ball on each strike...just sayin. Golf is hard enough without silly advice...just keep it simple...keep the swing simple and maintain good balance through the follow through.
Great score, I presume you think my advice is silly then?
I can attest to this logic. I started doing this over the summer..now instead of getting on in 3 and 2 putting, I'm getting on in 2 and 3 putting...
Been doing this for years. Changed everything. Great video.
Thanks Ali, What a brilliant tip. Definitely works for me
Very nice video Ali. Something that not many pros talk about! Perhaps they want to keep it a secret? Ben Hogan in his book, Five Lessons, also drew a diagram in which he showed how feet positions should change for various clubs. Closed for driver and woods and gradually opening for irons to wedges. This may help with the squaring of the club face?😃😃
More to do with swing path
This was extremely helpful. Focusing slightly ahead helped move the low point of my swing ahead of the ball. I tend to top my longer irons and fairway woods off the ground.. I was hitting better today than I have in years today using this tip. Thanks!
I must try this tip.
Every lesson I’ve ever taken is where do I aim?
I finally have the answer and it works
The explanation is spot on
Driver is straight with distance
And I’ve never been happier with my hybrid
This is definitely a five star out of five
Definitely a “LIKE “
Going to try this tomorrow on the course. 😊
Thanks Ali
I just had one best ball striking rounds ever incorporating these tips👍
Just good information. I first tried this with my wedges and what a difference same as with my irons that I was inconsistent with. Working on my woods and that's showing promise tomorrow it's the drivers turn. I especially liked setting the tee height with the fairways so you repeat the same swing instead of having two swings for different circumstances. Bingo!
best lesson ever
I will try this.
Great tip. Very underrated especially with the irons. Well done mate!
Very well explained! Nice job A!
Brilliant, awesome advice.
I learned this over the past few months. I just practice (alot), trust myself, and feel it with my hands. It's about letting go, and taking control at the same time.
Excellent lesson!
Excellent! and thank you. I see you corrected the club input for the driver in this video. :)
Very well explained. Another great video.
Wow this really helped me improve on my shots. Thanks that is a great tip.
Right...brilliant. makes perfect sense.
Hi I hit behind the ball a lot which is costing me shots in a full round and very annoying get punished even more now ground is wet so I look in front of the ball to try and stop this, I also look in front of the ball with driver and like you say sometimes I hit some nice drives but start to loose it a bit through out the round and start hitting some low ones, so I’m going to try looking behind the ball with driver see if it helps not seen anyone else say this on you tube so thanks for this hopefully this will help me and I might shoot under 85 next year 🤞🏼 I’ll let you know how I get on, and you definitely have earned a sub from me
hi first time watching your video like your approach on hitting going to try it out keep you updated and looking
forward to more videos thx