Saturday, February 7, 2009

How to Hit Long Irons

Many golfers prefer hitting hybrid clubs to long irons. But some still like hitting long irons. The biggest danger with hitting long irons is catching the ball thin. The longer the iron, the greater the chance of catching it thin. The problem: lack of ball compression. Instead of compressing the ball into the ground, you're hanging back too long, causing the club to hit up on the ball.

Here are 5 keys to hitting long irons solidly:
* Take your normal address position
* Shift your weight to your back heel
* Stretch your backswing out
* Keep your back heel planted
* Hit down on the ball to compress it


You must be on your front side to hit long irons solidly, which means you may have to make some slight adjustments to your swing. Take your regular address then shift your weight to your back leg. Ideally, your back hip should be over your back heel. This move tilts your shoulders upwards slightly and away from the target.Having made these adjustments, take the club back slowly. Stretch out your arms in your backswing as much as possible and keep your back heel planted. Keep your weight on your back side. Now swing down on the ball. With your back side stretched taught at the top of your backswing, you're in position to deliver the club powerfully to the ball, compressing it and adding spin. To get the feel of this stretching move, use a Theraband, which you can get at most sporting goods stores. Place the band around the instep of your front foot and the fingers of your left hand (right, if you're left-handed). The Theraband adds resistance as you swing to the top, the kind of resistance you should feel when swinging.If you hit your long irons thin, focus on compressing the ball. It adds the distance and spin you need for drilling solid approach shots consistently

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