How to Measure the Launch Angle in a Golf Swing

Launch angle is the trajectory, measured in degrees, of a golf ball's height relative to the ground or a tee right after impact. Analyzing your launch angle can help insure you are achieving your maximum level of club control and ball distance. You can measure the launch angle of your ball flight by interfacing with an electronic feedback machine known as a launch monitor. You can take a launch monitor test on your own at a golf range or by a professional at a retail golf store.

Things You'll Need

  • Golf club
  • Golf ball
  • Launch monitor
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a portable launch monitor machine online or at retail golf store. Portable machines weigh less than 10 lbs. and will give you feedback, on your launch angle,clubhead speed, ball speed, carry distance total distance, swing path, angle of descent, spin rate, angle of approach, impact position and club face angle.

    • 2

      Familiarize yourself with your launch monitor settings. Take the monitor with you to a driving range. Purchase a bucket of balls, place one on the ground or a tee and set your launch monitor up according to directions. Select a club and swing at your ball. To get a true reading of your current golf shot efficiency from the monitor, use the same equipment you use when on the golf course and take your normal swing.

    • 3

      Check the monitor feedback numbers and analyze them. If necessary, make any changes in your swing or equipment that you feel will improve your results. Hook up to your monitor and test the changes you have made.

    • 4

      Make an appointment for a launch monitor analysis session at a golf retail store. Most of the major golf retail chains have a golf simulation area with a selection of monitors in place. Here a professional can hook you up to any one of a number of state of the art launch monitors. The store professional is trained to analyze your numbers and suggest possible changes in your swing, tee height, angle of attack and equipment.