How to Compress Your Iron Shots in Golf

Have you ever gotten a close look at a Tour pro on the range? His iron shots aren't simply soaring; they're sizzling as well. That isn't only because he has a lot of clubhead speed when he hits the sweet place. He also uses a lowering attack angle to send the clubface to the impact zone. The pure, intense feeling of flush contact is created by slamming down on the ball. You can hit shots that fizz off your clubface no matter how fast you swing. The explosive — and seductive — technique of compression may be learned here.

You discover a lot about hitting up on the golf balls with your driver (which is lovely advice), but not so much about striking down on the ball with your irons. It would help if you made descending, ball-first contact for completely pure iron strokes. Then, if it seems like you're squeezing — or compressing — the ball between the clubface and the ground, you're doing it correctly. The benefits are substantial: straighter approaches, shorter birdie putts, and a great deal more enjoyment.

The three motions to the right will assist you in delivering the club at an appropriate attack angle. Oh, and don't overlook to pay special attention to step 2. It's a game-changer to land with your right palm towards the earth. Ben Hogan once stated that he wishes he had three right hands with which to whack the ball. So brace yourself: Hoganesque strikes are just a few seconds away.

1. USE YOUR LOWER BODY TO LEAD.

Push off your right foot after you've reached the peak to bring your left hip closer to the goal. This should take place before you even consider moving your arms. The objective is to grab your belt buckle in front of the ball before it hits the ground. It's a subtle adjustment, but it's significant. Moving your center of gravity ahead of the ball helps you strike the ball before the clubhead ever makes contact with the turf, which is crucial for impact. SHIFT: Before contact, bump your left hip toward the target until your belt buckle is in front of the ball.

2. TAKE A STRIKE WITH THE PALM DOWN.

This is crucial: as you get to the delivery zone, make sure your right palm is towards the earth. The appropriate downward strike will be ensured as a result of this. It will also make the face square. Instead of squeezing the ball, you'll scoop it off the grass if your palm faces the target or—gasp—points aloft. PINCH: The key to compression is to strike the ball with your right palm facing the ground.

3. GET ON THE "UP" SIDE!

To achieve balance in your motion, have your left side going up and back as your right side, and your right hand exerts downward pressure on the ball. Not only that, but it'll boost your swing speed to new heights. If you get it correctly, the ball will "squeeze?" against the clubface. LIFT: Raise your left side via impact. You'll grab the ball first, then the turf.

IMPACT WITH THIS EASY DRILL: COMPRESS TO IMPRESS:

It's all about your assault angle when it comes to pushing the ball. Try this practice to hone the ideal route through impact: Set a tee behind the ball in the ground. Visualize the clubhead pressing the tee further into the earth beneath the ball, similar to a hammer hammering a nail into the wood while in your setup. Then, to match, make a swing. As if it owes you money, the ball will take off.