How to Shallow The Golf Club

Date Published: 05/06/2024

Shallowing the golf club can significantly improve your swing and overall performance on the golf course. This technique, favoured by many professionals, ensures a smoother, more powerful swing that maximises distance and accuracy.

Whether you’re new to golf, or an experienced player, understanding how to shallow the golf club can help improve your handicap and make for a good game.

What does it mean to shallow the golf club?

Shallowing the golf club refers to the motion of bringing the clubhead down on a flatter planet during the downswing. Instead of a steep, downward angle, the club approaches the ball on a shallower path, allowing for a more efficient transfer of energy. This technique reduces the likelihood of hitting the ground before the ball (a fat shot) or striking the top of the ball (a thin shot). Find out more about how to hit a golf ball here.

The benefits of shallowing the golf club

  • Increased distance: It enables better energy transfer from the club to the ball, resulting in longer drives.
  • Improved accuracy: Golfers can achieve greater consistency in their shots.
  • Reduced Injury Risk: This move reduces strain on the body, particularly the back and wrists.
  • Better ball contact: When the clubface strikes the ball at the right angle, it enhances shot quality.

How to shallow the golf club

1. Ensure you have proper grip and setup

Start with a neutral grip, ensuring your hands are neither too strong (rotated too far to the right) nor too weak (rotated too far to the left). Your stance should be shoulder-width apart, with the ball positioned slightly forward and centre.

2. Practice your backswing technique

During the backswing, focus on keeping your lead arm straight and your wrists hinged. Avoid lifting your arms excessively; rotate your shoulders and hips to create a wide arc.

3. Transition to downswing

The transition from backswing to downswing is crucial for shallowing the club. Begin by shifting your weight to your lead foot while maintaining the wrist hinge. Allow your arms to drop naturally, bringing the club onto a flatter plane.

4. Rotate through impact

As you continue your downswing, rotate your hips and shoulders towards the target. This rotation helps to keep the club on a shallower path. Ensure your hands lead the clubhead into the ball for optimal impact.

5. Follow through

Finish with a balanced follow-through, where your chest faces the target, and your weight is fully shifted onto your lead foot. A proper follow-through indicates a successful, shallow swing.

How to practice shallowing the club

  • Slow motion swings: Practice slow-motion swings focusing on the transition and shallowing process. This helps ingrain the correct muscle memory.
  • Pump drill: Take your backswing, pause at the top, and then make small pumping motions with your arms to feel the correct shallow path before completing the swing.
  • Alignment stick drill: Place an alignment stick in the ground at an angle mirroring your desired swing plane. Practice swinging without hitting the stick to train a shallower path.

Shallowing the golf club can enhance your performance on the course.

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