How to hit your irons higher: Mastering the art of higher trajectories

How to hit your irons higher: Mastering the art of higher trajectories

By Tim Bell

Hitting your irons higher not only adds distance to your shots but also improves control, especially on approach shots into greens. A higher trajectory means that your ball will land softly, giving you better stopping power and less roll. If you’ve struggled with low-flying iron shots or have been told to “hit it higher,” you’re not alone. But fear not, there are actionable steps and adjustments you can make to achieve that ideal high ball flight.

It Starts with Rotation

Let’s break down the key elements:

1. Turn: The rotation of the torso and hips during the backswing and follow-through. The illustrations show the golfer’s upper body turning around the spine (the red arrows indicate this). Proper turn ensures you load energy into your body, which you can then release into the ball during the downswing.
2. Tilt: This refers to the slight lean or side bend that occurs as the golfer tilts their body towards the target during the swing. The tilt (shown in the second image) helps maintain proper posture and balance. It allows for a more consistent strike on the ball and helps you avoid over-rotating your upper body.

Both movements need to be synchronized for an efficient golf swing. While the turn creates the power, the tilt helps ensure you’re staying in the right position and allows for a more stable swing plane.

Trackman Data Insights on Iron Shots

Trackman, the industry-leading launch monitor, provides valuable data to help golfers understand the mechanics behind hitting higher irons. Some of the key metrics to focus on include:

1. Launch Angle: This measures how steeply the ball leaves the clubface. For a higher trajectory, you need to increase your launch angle. Typically, a higher launch angle is achieved with the correct combination of loft, angle of attack, and clubface position.
2. Ball Speed: Ball speed is the measure of how quickly the ball leaves the clubface. While higher ball speed typically correlates with more distance, achieving a high trajectory also requires optimizing your swing to generate both speed and spin.
3. Spin Rate: The amount of spin applied to the ball also plays a crucial role in the height and descent of your shots. A higher spin rate results in a higher trajectory, with the ball holding its flight and descending more sharply on the green.
4. Angle of Attack: This refers to the direction of the clubhead as it strikes the ball (whether you are hitting up, down, or level). A positive angle of attack (hitting up on the ball) will lead to a higher launch angle, while a more downward angle of attack (like with a steeper swing path) produces lower flights.

Trackman Numbers for Ideal Iron Shots

For those looking to hit their irons higher, Trackman data from tour professionals can provide a useful reference point. Below are some general parameters:

How to Hit Your Irons Higher: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Use the Right Equipment
   • Loft of the Club: Make sure your irons are the right loft for your swing and needs. The more loft a club has, the higher the launch angle will be.
   • Shaft Flex: A more flexible shaft can increase launch height by allowing the club to bend more during the downswing, generating higher ball speeds and greater launch angles.
   • Club Length: Longer clubs might produce lower flight paths. If your irons feel too long, experimenting with a shorter shaft length could improve control and height.
2. Focus on a Slightly Steeper Angle of Attack
   • A common mistake is having a too-flat swing path, which produces a low trajectory. Work on making your swing path slightly steeper. This allows the club to contact the ball with more loft, sending it higher into the air.
   • Try to avoid “scooping” the ball (hitting under it), as this can lead to poor contact and a loss of distance.
3. Adjust Ball Position
   • Placing the ball slightly forward in your stance (just inside your left heel for right-handed players) can help promote a higher launch angle. This will make it easier to hit up on the ball.
   • When hitting shorter irons, position the ball more centrally in your stance to avoid catching the ball too low on the clubface.
4. Proper Weight Distribution
   • Ensure your weight is balanced during the swing. Excessive weight on your back foot or trying to “lift” the ball can cause poor ball striking. A stable, centered posture will ensure consistent contact with the ball.
5. Maintain Loft at Impact
   • Don’t focus solely on swinging harder. Instead, focus on maintaining the loft of the club through impact. Keep your hands ahead of the ball and avoid “releasing” the club too early.
6. Swing Tempo and Rhythm
   • A smooth, controlled swing produces better results than a rushed one. Try to achieve a more rhythmic tempo with your swing. This helps control the dynamic loft and allows you to launch the ball higher with more spin.
7. Increase Spin for a Higher Flight
   • Spin rates have a direct impact on how high your ball goes. A higher spin rate creates more lift, so focus on clean ball striking (centered hits) to maximize spin and height. Choose a ball that is designed for higher spin if you’re looking for extra lift.

To hit your irons higher, focus on mastering your launch angle, spin rate, and angle of attack. While technique plays a huge role, don’t forget about equipment adjustments that could help you achieve a higher trajectory. Trackman or personal devices like Flight Scope technology is a great way to measure progress, and by making the right adjustments, you can start hitting your irons higher and more consistently.