Take Dead Aim With Good Alignment
Lesson Video Key Points
Target Line: An imaginary line that extends from the ball to the intended target.
Body Line: An imaginary line consisting of the feet, knees, hips, and shoulders that runs parallel to the target line.
Neutral Alignment Basics
1. Stand behind the ball and see a line from the ball to the target.
2. Aim the face of the club so it points down the target line.
3. Address the ball with your feet, knees, hips and shoulders running parallel to the target line.
I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to have an understanding of where your shoulders and hips are aimed when you address the ball. The next time you’re at the range, have a buddy place a club across your shoulders and see if you’re on the right track. If your alignment is off, have the person move your shoulders to a position that’s parallel to the target line. Really try to memorize what that new position feels like, and start taking swings from there. Remember to also put a club down on the ground for your feet. It will help get your lower body parallel to your target line as well as act as a reminder to get your shoulders online too.
Proper alignment will do wonders for your aim, but it will also give you perspective on where your club is crossing the target line. As I get into the concepts of ball flight laws in later articles, you’ll really start to understand why it’s so important to know where your body and club face are aimed.
Feel free to ask questions in the comments section below. Have fun practicing!
- Parker
[...] Through out this discussion on ball flight laws, it will be assumed that you will be aiming directly at the target with the intent to hit a straight shot. It will also be assumed that you will set up to the ball with a neutral body position. If you need a refresher on how to line up to the target in a neutral or “square” body position , click here. [...]