How to Stop Hitting Behind the Golf Ball - Tips

Hit Ball First Then the Ground for Correct Golf Ball Turf Sequence

Jul 8, 2009 John Hoskison

Hitting behind the ball is a common golf fault. The cure is to transfer weight onto the front foot to stop overactive hand action. Drive onto the ball to hit ball first.

Hitting fat shots, where the golfer hits the ground behind the ball, is a very common fault. Normally it is a result of the golfers weight being trapped on the back foot whereby the only way to hit the ball is by flicking the hands. This results in poorly hit shots that lack power. Learn to transfer your weight and drive onto the ball to achieve the correct ball turf sequence.

Stop Hitting Behind the Ball

If there was one main difference that distinguishes a good golfer from a golfer that struggles it is weight transference. Look at the finish position of a pro and nearly always their right foot has been pulled up onto the toes as the weight has moved onto the left foot.
The correct weight transference means the swing arc moves forward on the downswing making the lowest point of the swing arc after the ball. When a golfer fails to transfer weight the swing arc stays back and the lowest point remains behind the ball.
To stop hitting behind the ball the golfer must find a way to move forward on the downswing and transfer the weight onto the front foot

Drill for Ball Turf Sequence

The simplest way to transfer weight onto the front foot is by making sure you finish in the correct position. There is probably an underlying reason why you are getting trapped on the back foot, but whatever the fault is, it can be over come by forcing the right foot into its classic finish position.
Practice swing before you hit shots making sure your right foot comes off the ground so the sole is vertical and pointing away from the target.
Keep practice swinging until you get used to the sensation of the weight moving forward.
The key to this exercise is to forget the ball is there when you come to hit a shot. Concentrate on the finish and let the ball get in the way of a smooth downswing. Whatever else you do comitt to the finish.

Get Used to Taking Divots

Find a piece of land where hitting divots will not hurt the golf course, unless you are prepared to replace each one. Then have some swings where you deliberately take a divot.
After each shot make sure you have transferred the weight so positively you could actually take a pace after the ball towards the hole. To guarantee a good strike Gary Player used to do this even when he hit shots on the course.
Make sure you move towards the hole on the downswing even if you lose balance at first. Moving the swing arc forward in this way will stop you hitting behind the ball.

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