Ballooning shots

[ReefBoy]

Hi guys,

I am new to this forum and TGM concepts, I am also relatively new to golf(been playing for 3yrs). I have most of the videos with the most relevant ones for me at the moment being NSA and COFF. I have had good success with reducing the slice from my game which is now more a small push/pull error(not counting my miss hits) which I assume should get better the more I play.

Now my question is as I have focused on keeping my hands forward into impact, I am getting a ballooning of all my full swing shots with every club. It results in a very large loss of distance(30-40%). I am taking a good divot(about 1-2cm deep and about 15cm long), and being honest it is not a perfect ball first impact. My estimate is that it is 1-2cm behind the ball most of the time. I would really like to change the ball flight but I am not sure how to correct the problem. My thought is that I need to get my weight across onto my left side more and focus on hip rotation in both the back and downswing. Is this a good direction to be going? Also any insights into why I am getting this ball flight would be great as it doesn't feel like I am flipping and adding loft at impact.

Christopher

 

[Kevin Shields]

You're probably cheating in some form to get your hands leading thru impact. I would guess upper body dlide (thats why it may feel like you not flipping). Hard to tell without some video.

 

[softconsult]

"My estimate is that it is 1-2cm behind the ball most of the time."

That description pretty much guarantees a fat shot with added loft.
COFF has Brian's drill where he has you hit sequential divots with
the next one starting where previous on ends. Divot needs to start
after the head contacts the ball.

Maybe invest in a "Tour Striker" training club. Invented by Martin Chuck.

Google,"Martin Hall Plywood". This approach will surely force you to hit down.

 

[spktho]

If by ballooning you mean the ball starts up and continues up, then you need more forward shaft lean into impact. It may still be a flip causing it especially if you tend to hit it a little fat. The hip turn back and through is a great thing to work on. If you can, post up a swing--both face-on and down the line.


You guys beat me to it!

 

[ReefBoy]

"My estimate is that it is 1-2cm behind the ball most of the time."

That description pretty much guarantees a fat shot with added loft.
COFF has Brian's drill where he has you hit sequential divots with
the next one starting where previous on ends. Divot needs to start
after the head contacts the ball.

Maybe invest in a "Tour Striker" training club. Invented by Martin Chuck.

Google,"Martin Hall Plywood". This approach will surely force you to hit down.

Thanks for all the replies.

I looked at the Tour Striker, and have ordered one. Looks like it will help.

I will try to get a video up asap. What is the preferred club to use for this?

Kevin, assuming that I am doing an upper body slide is the fix to work more on the rotation of the pelvis into the backswing and downswing?

Thanks

Christopher

 

[leon]

You're probably cheating in some form to get your hands leading thru impact. I would guess upper body dlide (thats why it may feel like you not flipping). Hard to tell without some video.

I'd also be interested to know more about upper body slide (causes & fixes) as I get my head in front of the ball on at impact, even though my hips look about right. Can I assume that lower body slide is not necessarily required for this otherwise you would have said hip slide or something similar, right?

 

[spktho]

I have been working on this as well. Assuming you have the necessary clubface control, I suggest using Brian's hip turn here:

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aBi-VBjhz4&NR=1[/media]

and on the downswing have the feel of expanding the left side rib cage allowing a right side bend(if you're right handed) while turning around your left leg.

If you flip while doing this, you will hit the ground about a foot behind the ball(I've done it a bunch) and feel like you have to stand up more.