Changing Up The Ball's Position Can Be An Effective Strategy

Ball Position - Changing Up The Ball's Position Can Be An Effective Strategy

The location in which you place the golf ball in your stance will depend almost entirely upon the type of club you are going to use. For example, when making a shot with the driver, you will typically play the ball off your left heel.

When using a fairway wood, it is generally required that the ball be moved over about 1 inch to the right. When using long irons, the ball will be roughly in the same position, but just a tad bit behind that. Middle irons will typically have the ball placed an inch or so towards the left of mid-stance. And lastly, wedges and a short irons should be played from the center point of your stance.

Where To Place The Ball

As a beginner, golfers should concentrate on the basics and learn to initiate contact with the ball as best possible, and for every shot made. Once you have achieved repetitive contact each time you make your swing, you can start to experiment by varying the positions of the ball.

Doing so will inevitably change the flight path of the ball, however, this is often necessary when you are playing a hole that has you facing unusual circumstances. Let's look at an example: By moving the ball an inch or two to the right while using a short iron, you will be required to come into the contact zone on a bit of a steeper angle. The result will be a lower shot, which is necessary when playing the ball into fierce winds.

If you move the ball to the left side of your address position, a higher shot will be produced, which is required if you must shoot the ball over a tall bush or tree. Another way to induce a higher ball flight is to tee the ball up a little higher when preparing to drive it. Teeing the ball lower will of course cause the ball to travel closer to the ground.

A Little Practice Goes A Long Way

You heard it before: Practice makes perfect! This is especially true when experimenting with ball position. Whenever you are on the practice range, spend time adjusting your tees and making shots to find out what the results are. Significant changes can be made with the slightest placement of the tee.

Professional golf players understand this and regardless of your skill level, you should also take the time needed to work on these exercises. You never know what type of shot you will be required to make on the course. Having the knowledge ahead of time to know what adjustments you can make to get yourself out of a sticky situation is the mark of a great golf player.