8 Driving Range Tips to Improve Shot Consistency
By Tim Bell
1. Proper Setup and Alignment:
- Ball Position: Ensure the ball is positioned correctly in your stance. For irons, the ball should be in the middle or slightly forward of center. For drivers, position it off your front foot.
- Stance and Posture: Set up with your feet shoulder-width apart and maintain a slight knee bend. Your posture should allow your spine to tilt slightly forward while keeping your head steady.
- Alignment: Make sure your shoulders, hips, and feet are aligned with the target. A misalignment can lead to poor contact.
2. Grip and Hand Position:
- Grip Pressure: Avoid holding the club too tightly. A relaxed grip allows for better feel and control during the swing.
- Hand Position: Keep your hands in front of the ball at address (especially with wedges and short irons) to ensure better control and solid contact.
3. Focus on Swing Path:
- Swing Plane: Focus on maintaining a consistent swing plane. A too steep or shallow swing path can cause the club to miss the center of the face.
- Inside-Out Swing Path: For most golfers, focusing on an inside-to-out swing path helps prevent mishits and generates a solid strike.
4. Weight Transfer and Balance:
- Weight Shift: A proper weight shift from the back foot to the front foot during the downswing is essential for consistent center contact. Try to avoid swaying or shifting too much laterally.
- Balance: Keep your weight balanced over the middle of your feet during the entire swing. Avoid too much movement toward your toes or heels.
5. Focus on the Right Tempo:
- Rhythm: Slow down and focus on a smooth, controlled swing. Rushing your swing often leads to poor contact, whereas a more deliberate, rhythmic motion increases your chances of hitting the sweet spot.
6. Impact Position and Follow Through:
- Proper Impact: At impact, focus on having the clubface square to the ball, with your hands ahead of the ball (especially with irons). This helps achieve solid contact and minimizes mishits.
- Follow Through: After making contact with the ball, allow the club to follow through fully. A proper follow-through indicates a solid strike and balanced motion.
7. Drills to Improve Center Contact:
- Tee Drill: Place a tee slightly outside the ball to help you focus on striking the center of the face. This will promote a more centered strike.
- Impact Tape or Spray: Use impact tape on your club or foot spray on the clubface to check where you’re striking the ball. This will help you understand where your mishits occur.
- Divot Drill: Practice hitting the ground slightly after the ball, encouraging a clean strike with the ball first.
8. Equipment Check:
- Club Fitting: Make sure your clubs are properly fitted for your swing style. A club that is too long, too short, or with an incorrect lie angle can negatively affect your center contact.
- Clubface and Loft: Make sure the clubface is square at impact, and use the right club for the shot to maximize contact and trajectory.
Consistency comes with practice, so focusing on these fundamentals over time will improve your ability to make clean, center contact with the golf ball.