How to Swing a 3-Wood

Whether hitting a 3-wood off the fairway or tee, the logistic and mechanics of the swing remain the same. Hitting a ball off a tee simply reduces turf resistance to almost nothing and allows for maximum force at impact. Three-woods are ideal for long distance shots aimed toward a broad target, such as a fairway or green. The accuracy of any wood club makes it difficult to aim directly at a pin. Long irons and hybrid woods are ideal for shots aimed at a specific fixed point.

Things You'll Need

  • 3-wood golf club
  • Golf ball
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Instructions

    • 1

      Address your stance so that the ball is closer toward your front foot. A good rule of thumb when determining the proper stance for an average full swing is situating the ball in the middle of your stance for mid-irons, in the back for short-irons and wedges and in the front for long-irons and woods.

    • 2

      Move the club back, allowing your dominant arm to collapse at the elbow and keeping you other arm relatively straight.

    • 3

      Cock your wrists to a 90-degree angle midway through your backswing and maintain that angle until after impact.

    • 4

      Move the club back over your dominant shoulder (the farther you take the club back, the more force it will generate and translate into distance) and turn your waist to face away from your target. Do not slide your waist.

    • 5

      Turn your waist back toward the ball and allow your arms to follow the motion.

    • 6

      Twist your body through impact, concentrating more on making a fundamentally sound swing than hitting the ball.

    • 7

      Follow through impact, collapsing your less dominant arm at the elbow and allowing your dominant arm to straighten. Release your wrist angle after impact and continue your follow through to the same length as your back swing.