Topping the ball

All beginners start out topping the ball because they think they have to help get the ball airborne. Golf is a game of opposites, and you need to hit “down” for the ball to go up.

Many beginners fear hitting the ground. The grass under and in front of the ball is your friend.

There are a number of reasons for topping the ball. Listed below are some of the causes and the corrections needed to make solid contact.

• Poor posture — Slouching at address causes you to “stand up” at impact, which raises the clubhead, causing you to hit up at the top of the ball. You must maintain your spine angle. Early extension of your hips toward the ball prior to impact is one of the real culprits of topping the ball. Make sure your hips are turning rotationally, not toward the ball.

• Incorrect ball position at address — You need to be more centered with irons and hybrids, and the clubface must be descending at impact. For your driver, play the ball more forward, and the club should be ascending at impact. Make contact on the upswing.

• Wrists are usually the real culprit. If wrists are uncocking before impact, you are going to hit the ball fat or top the ball. Your goal should be to hit the ball first, then the ground.

• Arms need to extend at impact, not before. Keep your trail elbow bent until impact.

• Keep your upper body behind the ball at impact. You need to keep your head still until your trail shoulder comes under your chin.

• Hanging back — Staying flat-footed during the forward swing and not shifting your weight. Your weight needs to be on your target side on the follow-through.

Drills to help you make descending contact with the ball:

• Coin or slanted tee (head of tee toward the ball) a couple of inches in front of the ball. Concentrate on hitting the coin or tee with a descending swing. You need ball-first contact, then the ground.

• Put a powder line underneath the ball. The goal is to hit the powder and take a divot in front of the line. Your hands need to be slightly ahead of the ball at impact.

• Forward press drill — Before you swing, press your hands toward the target with some shaft lean.
Remember that it is okay to hit the grass and take a divot.

Dr. Jean Harris is an LPGA Master Professional and teaches at local golf courses. jean.golfdoctor.harris@gmail.com; golfdoctorjean.com.