RE: shanking half and three quarter swings

Adam, it said I couldn't reply to your post, so I'll post it here.

There are two main reasons that you may be shanking your pitch/chip shot.

1. You could be lunging at the ball, which would cause the clubface to move away from you on the downswing, thus making the ball hit on the hosel.

2. You could not be sticking you butt out enough. Your posture should be the same as if it were a normal swing. If you don't stick your butt out, your hips will get in the way of your hands, which would again, cause the ball to hit on the hosel.


So, before you hit your ptich/chip shots, remember these two things:
-athletic posture (stick butt out)
-keep wieght balanced evenly on your heels and toes throughout the WHOLE swing (don't lunge)

I just had a horrible bout with the shanks, and thought I'd lose my mind. I was shanking around the greens instead of approaching, and 117 shots for a 11 hdcp was painful. !

My solution was indeed curing the lunge. I took a plank with me to the pitching range, and set each ball just inside the plank. This gave me great feedback on the shanks. I realized then I was lunging, or moving me head up and down on my swing. To verify it, I deliberately lunged up and down, and, low and behold, consistent shanking again. Being able to re-create the shanking improved my confidence dramatically, and I could go straight on the course with no shanking. 85 yesterday (now I can't chip anymore...).

The butt theory is interesting. I'll try it out with my plank next practice....

Regards, Charles