More optimal to aim straight and hit straight?

[tongzilla]

Let me explain...

We know the plane line needs to be aimed left to hit the ball straight if you are hitting down.

My question is, is there scientific evidence to suggest that it's more natural/optimal for humans in general to hit a pull, therefore we can just aim straight and hit it straight??

This question popped into my head because it's really natural for me to hit pulls with my preferred ball position (and it's actually not too far forward!). So I'm wondering if this is just me or there might be some biomechanical/scientific explanation.

 

[Smash]

I cant answer your question but I've always preferred to be close to inline as i can get or even more right biased the longer the club. I dont like a primarily left HSP as the longer the club the more difficult it would be to hit it high as the face would be more closed at impact unless your hitting a ball that curves L to R quite a bit. I think hitting longer clubs high is a huge benefit.. I know there are more factors to trajectory but i think that is a big one.

 

[Wgolf131]

Tongzilla,
I know what you mean, when I am on trackman and I hit pulls the numbers and distance seem optimal but its off the target by a few yards left... The thing is when I hit pulls with the driver the numbers are so much better in spin(lower) and dynamic loft, distance is 20 yards longer better and roll is much better. Makes you want to play just hitting pulls sometimes

 

[ekennedy]

To your point, I stopped teaching alignment to new golfers a while back. I see players constantly worrying about their alignment when what they really need is a consistent pattern. Once they've established a pattern, aim accordingly.

 

[dschultz6072]

To your point, I stopped teaching alignment to new golfers a while back. I see players constantly worrying about their alignment when what they really need is a consistent pattern. Once they've established a pattern, aim accordingly.

I think this is a very good move on your part. I don't think about aim at all and it works just fine. Just feel it out, look at a spot, and hit it there.

I am experimenting with this aim straight swing straight down the line thing a bit right now with all my clubs. It seems ok, but sometimes it feels hard to get all of an iron shot, especially the wedges. I don't think it will last too long before I go back to my old swing a bit left thing, but who knows?

 

[welshdentist]

If they are optimal repeatable numbers you are just finding where you need to aim...

Parallel to target was always unscientific...

Find your own repeatable optimum alignment.... write it down, practice that.....

 

[SteveT]

Let me explain...

We know the plane line needs to be aimed left to hit the ball straight if you are hitting down.

My question is, is there scientific evidence to suggest that it's more natural/optimal for humans in general to hit a pull, therefore we can just aim straight and hit it straight??

This question popped into my head because it's really natural for me to hit pulls with my preferred ball position (and it's actually not too far forward!). So I'm wondering if this is just me or there might be some biomechanical/scientific explanation.

Good point.... but why would it be so? In my pre-D-plane experience, when I hit short to mid irons, I set up straight to the target; but when I hit the driver or fairways, I open up slightly and hit left. Since I have upright clubs for my height, I tend to nip the ball with only a brushing of the grass in front of the ball; but with the normal lie driver with longer shaft and higher tees, I aim slightly left. Of course the ball position at address and hand grip positioning has a lot to do with it too.

If I do occasionally take a deeper divot for necessity, the divot goes slightly left and the ball goes straight. Due to my steeper swing plane and clubhead design, I have difficulty working the ball without extreme adjustment. If I mis-hit, I usually push or pull straight, but if I occasionally mis-hit badly, the ball slices or hooks as expected. A tall, slender body will do that to you.

Could this be one answer to your questions... is your swing plane slightly steeper too?!

 

[Dariusz J.]

My question is, is there scientific evidence to suggest that it's more natural/optimal for humans in general to hit a pull, therefore we can just aim straight and hit it straight??

This question popped into my head because it's really natural for me to hit pulls with my preferred ball position (and it's actually not too far forward!). So I'm wondering if this is just me or there might be some biomechanical/scientific explanation.

I will answer this way - it is mechanically most natural and giving the feeling of power to hit balls being OTT for a human. Therefore, it might be most subconscious friendly thing to hit pulls.

Cheers