shanks

I have a very frustrating problem with the shanks on the practice tee. I don't usually have a problem on the course.

It's very frustrating as it becomes difficult to make improvements while practicing, because anytime I try to do something new the shanks invariably creep in....

Any ideas? I'm currently an 8 hcp and when on the course I usually hit a slight draw with my irons.

Any good teaching pros out there that run into this problem?

Hi Gotham

Hitting a draw is good for gaining yardage, and can be one of the harder strokes to make in a golf swing, you obviously know by now that your timing is very importance when striking such a shot.

Shanking is close to being a great shot I can assure you of that, the way I tackled the problem was to practice quality shots and not quantity on the range, go through your routine on the range for each ball, pick your target etc.

The pace you swing on the golf course is often not the same as when you are on the driving range with your friends or just with other players around you. Try to focus your energy on your shot and not the ones around you.

One of the most important things that cured the shank for me was awareness of pace/speed of impact and how important balance effects the direction you impact the ball.

The inclination of an inside to outside movement can be destructive i.e. a shank, but when you time it right the power of golf is yours to enjoy. I personally play with a slight fade and have still be known to hit a shank !! But pace it don’t race it ok.

So when on the practice area just get in your zone and make your practice your own.

Regards Cliff

Shanks this word in golf strikes fear into every golfers heart

Luckily they are easy to cure

Most of the time they are caused by a fundamental error

Such as GRIP, ALIGNMENT or BALANCE

When you have an overly strong grip you will take the club to the inside too soon , on the way down you will be swinging in to out so severely that the hosel of the club hits the ball instead of the clubhead
Shanks also result from the arms straying too far away from the body (i.e. an inside out path)
Too much lateral motion also causes the shanks

The other side of the spectrum your weight goes toward your toes (BALANCE) this makes the club go to the outside so the hosel will contact the ball instead of the clubhead

Check your grip

Feel balanced

Here is drill for the shanks

You will need 2 balls

Set 2 balls down on the ground about 4-5 inches apart setup to the ball that is nearest you On the way down hit the one that is farthest from you

This will cure the shanks

Even thinking about hitting a shank for a split second the mind can produce one, it is a mental phobia

Write back with your success

The difference between practicing and playing is

What I call the two T's

Tempo, and Target

Always align yourself correctly for which ever type of shot you are trying to execute

Count to your self 1-2-3-4 1(1/2 way back) 2(3/4 way back) 3(downswing intiated) 4(is impact)

Count smoothly
Jordy Scerbo
Golf Instructor

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Jordy Scerbo
Golf Instructor

“Set 2 balls down on the ground about 4-5 inches apart setup to the ball that is nearest you On the way down hit the one that is farthest from you.”

It sure will work in practice, but don't try it in a comp ok lol....

Be at ease with yourself when you have this fault, we all get it from time to time so don’t get too upset.

Be aware of your ball position and the distance you play the ball away from your body, a good guide when you are set up ready to make you swing is to take the right hand off the club and place it behind the butt end of the club make sure you have at least a closed fist’s amount of room between the butt and your zipper, Don’t bend more/extra because the butt end is to close just move the club a bit further away. Then re-grip and keep it smooth through out the shot no sudden attacking motion, enjoy it ok don’t fight it…..

Regards Cliff

Shanks are often caused by too much tension, usually caused by over thinking.

Relax

when I am visited by the shanks, I calmly take out my lob wedge, take a few deep breaths and work on my 60 yards and in (starting from about 25-30).

Nice and eeeeeeaaaaasssy.

aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....

When you get back to your longer irons, start with a few half swings and keep the same tempo as when you were pitching.

If the shanks strike when you are on the course, try going with one club lower and take a swing like you are 10 or 20 yards closer than you really are.

Ahhh the dreaded S***ks, I can't even bring myself to spell it let alone say it. It plagues the best of us like a pestulance of unwanted millipeeds marching on ones chest and eating the flesh. It makes my skin crawl.

Just wanted to share some info, The s***ks can be caused from a lot of things. A common fault is a double whammy, having the hands too far from the body combined with the outside-in slicing action "coming over the top" in the same swing. One is bad enough, but both will make the ball go 90* the wrong way.

I vividly remember my slicing days, I was on my favorite course with many houses. The backyards and pools were plentiful. I remember s***nking a few 90* into a few pools in my day. Got a lady to get out and yell at me one day. She had on a great bikini so I guess it isn't all bad!!!

For some help, place the ball with a wedge about 4" off your toes and move it out a little at a time. Watch your divots, ensure you put the ball behind the divot as you move the balls out further. With wedges keep your lower body quiet, your not hitting it a mile. Remember, Closer is better.

GolfBald

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The guy in the white hat!

Best advise I have seen was to do with balance: make sure it is across the flat of your feet throughout the swing.