The fact that a golf swing is not a simple, one-step movement leaves a lot of room for error. Still, this doesn’t mean that you can’t efficiently address an issue that you may deal with. If you are a beginner, then things will be even easier for you, considering the fact that you can focus on preventing certain issues rather than fixing them. Among the most common mistakes is a swing that is shallow at the point of impact.
Believe it or not, the reason for this is quite simple – your club is too steep either during the backswing or downswing (more common). This happens because golfers try to avoid hitting the ground and, as a result, engage in an outside-to-inside swing. Unfortunately, this is not the best solution.
What you should keep in mind is that, to correct a faulty swing, you will need to do more than just maintain correct posture one single time. You need to create a repeatable downswing that does not have a steep takeaway. In order to help you correct this, we have prepared a couple of tips and drills that are effective in correcting a golf swing that is too steep.
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What is Too Steep in the First Place?
Before we can address steepness in its modern use, we want to discuss a couple of myths that are related to it. Many golfers still think of steepness as nothing but shaft pitch. This is related to the conception that, by ensuring proper club positioning, you will get two-thirds of the job done when it comes to a smooth golf swing.
We don’t agree with this. While no one can deny the effect that a flat swing plane can have on how the ball flies, it is not the sole factor that you should be focusing on.
Another myth is that, if the shaft pitch is steep, it will result in an optimal launch angle and solid impact. This is not true. There are numerous studies, as well as golfers, that suggest that starting out steep through the downswing will result in a shallow impact.
For example, an 8-degree steepness at the beginning of the downswing is going to set the ideal foundation for a 0-degree impact. It is also common for the opposite to occur. What this means is that, instead of starting with a steep downswing, you move through it with a shallow shaft pitch.
Apparently, the downward impact results in a ball being sent airborne at a higher and steeper angle of attack.
It is the angle of attack that is considered steepness in the modern PGA approach. It is more relevant than the angle of the shaft pitch because it directly influences how the ball will fly. The angle of attack can be highlighted by a positive trajectory that is visualized as upwards, a negative trajectory as downwards, and a level trajectory.
Keep in mind that neither too shallow nor too steep are considered optimal. Such an angle of attack can affect the direction as well as the speed of the ball. The main two factors that influence steepness are low-point positioning and the width of the club arc.
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Swing Tips to Shallow Out
Before we suggest the perfect drill for avoiding a golf swing that is too steep, we want to discuss a couple of helpful tips.
First and foremost, you should reset your address position. Ideally, you should be standing more upright, as this will help you invest less effort in the shoulder rotation process and make it easier for you to swing the club around. Thus, you will be able to attack the ball with a positive trajectory.
Additionally, you will want to keep your headline further back from the ball during the backswing. Much like with the upright position, this will allow you to create a shallow angle of attack for the downswing.
Also, one of the most common mistakes for people with too steep of a golf swing is a golf club that is drawn inside. Try to do the opposite by holding your golf club closer to the target line.
Another important tip is that you will want to begin the downswing motion with your lower body. The momentum will allow you to avoid steepness. Along with this, a full shoulder turn with your back facing the target line at the top of the backswing will contribute to this.
Try to keep away from a technique that would result in an outside-to-inside swing.
The Best Drill for Preventing High Steepness
If you find yourself swinging inside of the target line from an upright club position, then you might want to reset your address position. Our personal suggestion is that you try an open stance. This type of drill is perfect for getting comfortable with the path of a shallow downswing.
You should feel the lightness of the club and have it in the vertical position. The idea is that your feet are set at around 40 degrees to the left. As you backswing, you should be following the foot line. Moving the club back should be done at a steeper angle, as this will force you to reverse and engage in a shallow downswing.
Last but not least, you should do your best to reroute the club. It should go around your body and then follow the path to the ball inside the target line. The main idea of this is that you hit the ball right to the target as one of the best methods to engage in an effective shallow downswing.
Final Thoughts
We hope this guide, “Golf Swing Too Steep: How to Correct it?” has helped you with your technique. The attack angle is of huge importance when it comes to what the result of impact will be. Considering the fact that it affects the direction, as well as the speed of the ball, you will want to invest extra time in practicing a shallow downswing. Follow the aforementioned tips and make us proud!
