The Best Way To Stop Blocking Your Shots In Golf
Any flaw, either in the setup or swing, affects the score of a golfer. There is nothing good about a flaw, but some players and experts have termed the ‘Block’ as a good flaw that only experienced and skilled players commit.
No matter how others term a block shot, to improve the score of golfers, it’s vital to understand the problem and solve it. Let’s find out what a block shot is and how to stop it?
The block shot is something you would have heard when the term Slice is discussed. Similar to a slice, the block too causes the ball to go to the right of the target. But, the error that results in a flawed shot differs. The slice is the result of an ‘over the top swing’ path and impact with an open club face, whereas the block ensues when the club takes an ‘inside to out’ path with an open club face. Since, most inexperienced players aren’t known to take the tough ‘inside to out’ path, experts term the block as a flaw that good players commit.
What causes a block?
- If the ball is positioned too far back in your stance.
- If the backswing has an exaggerated inside arc.
- It’s well known that the rotation of the hips is key to the success of any golf stroke. During the downswing if the hips slide laterally or you rotate the hips quickly, there is a good chance of producing a block shot.
How to stop blocking your golf shot?
We mentioned the three prominent causes of a block shot. There are simple adjustments to cure the problem.
If the ball position is the issue that is resulting in a block shot, then move the ball closer to the front foot. Now, instead of hitting the ball with an open club face, the impact point of the ball will be the sweet spot on the club. To take care of the exaggerated inside arc problem, practice the backswing at the driving range. Keep in mind the swing arc must run along with the target line for at least 8 to 12 inches before the club curves inside.
To prevent the hips from sliding laterally and rotating quickly tweak the stance slightly. The gap between the feet must not be more than a foot long.
Sometimes trying to exert too much power into the shot can also result in faulty hip movement. Practice the swing by employing just 75 percent of the normal swing speed.