Irons · Tip
Compress the Ball Instead of Flipping at It
Part of our irons programs for topped or thin, fat or chunked, weak contact. Build a program with it
Flipping means the clubhead passes your hands before impact. That adds loft. You hit the ground or the middle of the ball. Compressing is the opposite. Your hips have shifted forward. Your hands lead. The shaft leans toward the target. To feel it, start the downswing by bumping your hips toward the target. Let your hands arrive at the ball first. You'll hit the ball, then the turf.
Step by step
- Make a slow swing to waist height.
- Start down with a small hip bump forward.
- Feel your hands reach the ball first.
- Pause at impact and check the shaft lean.
- Hit short shots, then longer ones.
Why it works
When your hands stay ahead of the clubhead, the shaft leans toward the target and the face keeps its built-in loft or less. The low point of the swing then falls just after the ball, so you strike the ball first and the turf second. A small hip shift toward the target at the start of the downswing moves that low point forward and lets your hands arrive first.
Common mistakes
- You slide your hips too far toward the target.Keep the bump small, so your hips move a little and your chest stays over the ball.
- You try to hold the shaft lean by stiffening your wrists and arms.Keep your grip pressure light and let the hip move bring your hands forward.
- You hurry the downswing and the clubhead throws past your hands.Slow the swing down and start the downswing with your lower body, not your hands.
How you'll know it's working
- The ball is struck first and the divot starts just after where the ball was.
- Your shots fly lower and land more solidly, with fewer thin hits.
- At the pause, your hands are ahead of the clubhead and the shaft leans toward the target.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Use a short swing with a 7-iron or 8-iron and a ball on a good lie, and pause at impact to feel the shaft lean.
Harder: Hit full shots at normal speed without the pause and keep the same contact with the ball first and the divot after it.
Common questions
What does flipping the club mean in golf?
It means the clubhead passes your hands before impact. This adds loft and often leads to thin shots or hits behind the ball.
How do I get my hands ahead of the ball at impact?
Start the downswing with a small hip bump toward the target and keep the grip pressure light. Your hands will then arrive at the ball before the clubhead does.
