Shanking the ball is one of the worst missed shots in golf. The shank happens when you make contact with the ball using the hosel of the club. One of the main causes of the shank is standing too close to the ball at address as it crowds you. The second reason for a shank is shifting your weight forward on your left foot before making impact, causing the hosel of the club to hit the ball.
The key is to set up evenly, and when you hold your club, be sure that there is just over a fist’s length of space between the end of the grip and your body.
Use a Shaft for Practice
The second thing you can do is practice with by using a shaft. Place the shaft 3 inches in front of your leading foot and then back 3 inches. Check your distance so that a fist is perfectly measured between your body and the grip.
Now take a few practice swings, making sure that the left hip brushes against the shaft (right handed players). Now hit a couple of shots and put it all together: proper setup, distance, and left hip hitting the shaft. By following this advice you’re sure to get rid of those dreadful shanks.
