Irons · Tip
When the Ball Is Above Your Feet
Part of our irons programs for hook, push or pull, uneven lies. Build a program with it
A ball above your feet makes your swing flatter. The face points left, so the ball wants to draw or pull. Don't fight it. Plan for it. Grip down an inch or two. Stand a little taller, with your weight toward your toes for balance. Aim right of your target. Make a compact swing and stay balanced. If you gripped down a lot, take one more club.
Step by step
- Grip down an inch or two.
- Stand taller with weight toward your toes.
- Aim right of target.
- Make a compact, balanced swing.
- Take more club if needed.
Why it works
When the ball is above your feet, you stand closer to it and the club sits on a flatter plane. A flatter swing closes the face relative to the slope, so the ball starts left and tends to draw or pull. Gripping down shortens the club to fit the closer ball position. Aiming right lets the left-moving ball finish near your target.
Common mistakes
- You keep your normal grip length and the club feels too long.Grip down an inch or two so the club fits the ball position and you can swing on balance.
- You aim at the target and expect the ball to fly straight.Aim right of the target so the leftward start line brings the ball back toward it.
- You swing hard and lose balance, falling back toward your heels.Keep your weight toward your toes and make a compact swing at a smooth pace.
How you'll know it's working
- The ball starts left of your aim line but finishes near the target, not far left.
- You make clean contact, with the divot shallow and in the right place.
- You finish the swing in balance and can hold your finish without stepping.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Practice on a gentle slope with a mid-iron and a small, three-quarter swing so balance is easy to keep.
Harder: Practice on a steeper slope, or hit to a small target, and judge how far right to aim and how much extra club you need.
Common questions
Why does the ball go left when it is above my feet?
The ball is closer to you, so your swing plane gets flatter and the clubface points left of where you aimed. That sends the ball left, often with draw spin.
Should I take more club when the ball is above my feet?
Take one more club if you gripped down a lot, because a shorter grip costs some distance. If you only gripped down an inch or so, your normal club is usually fine.
