How to Stop Shanking a Golf Shot

Though many golfers incorrectly label all mishits as shanks, an actual shank is hitting the ball in such a way that it moves laterally from where the golfer stands rather than towards the target. Shanks typically result from a golfer coming over the top of the ball on his downswing, and leading with the heel, or hosel, of the club head. It spins the ball and pushes it away in an uncontrollable, lateral trajectory. The easiest way to fix a shank is to re-evaluate your swing mechanics and take note of a couple key motions.

Things You'll Need

  • Golf club
  • Ball
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Instructions

    • 1
      A proper address is vital.

      Address the ball so it is situated in the direct center of the club face. Some people will tell you to set up with the ball on the toe of the club if you're shanking it off the heel, but it is never good to practice incorrect motions and simply hope you've made the appropriate compensation by addressing the ball incorrectly.

    • 2

      Take the club back halfway and stop. You wrists should be at a 90 degree angle. If they are not, cock your wrists and make it happen. Shanks occur by casting and coming over the top of the ball. The easiest way to keep from coming over the top is to make a firm angle with your wrists and hold it all the way through impact. Repeat steps one and two until you become comfortable making a strong angle.

    • 3

      Continue lengthening your backswing, always remembering to hold that angle with your wrists and follow-through the same distance as the length of your backswing.

    • 4