What is a Shank in Golf? How to Cure (2024)

Ever step up to the tee confidently, only to unleash a shot that defies the laws of physics? We’ve all been there. The ball rockets off the clubface, but not in the right direction. Instead, it takes a sharp, unexpected turn, leaving you muttering under your breath. That, my friend, is the dreaded shank.

What is a Shank in Golf?

A shank is more than just an embarrassing mis-hit; it’s a significant loss of distance and accuracy. This guide will shed light on the mystery of the shank, helping you identify the culprits and develop strategies to mitigate them from your game for good. Let’s get started by understanding exactly what a shank is and why it happens.

What Causes a Shank?

• Coming Over the Top
• Swaying Back
• Too Close to the Ball

Coming Over the Top

Coming over the top is a common swing flaw that leads to shanking. This occurs when your downswing starts from the outside of the swing path and moves inward, cutting across the ball. Think of it as a chopping motion, where the clubhead approaches the ball from outside the target line, causing the hosel of the club to make contact first. This move often results in the dreaded shank, sending the ball off to the right for right-handed golfers.

Swaying Back

Swaying back during the backswing can also cause shanks. When you sway, your body moves laterally instead of rotating around a stable spine. This shift in weight can lead to improper alignment at impact, bringing the hosel into play. Instead of maintaining a consistent swing arc, swaying disrupts your balance and precision.

Too Close to the Ball

Standing too close to the ball at address can make it more likely to shank. When you’re too close, your arms and hands are cramped, and there’s less room to swing the golf club properly. This setup position often results in the hosel leading the way during impact, making contact with the ball first.

Spotting the Shanker: Signs and Symptoms

So, you suspect you might have hit a shank, but how can you be sure? Here are the telltale signs that will leave no doubt:

• Ball Flight: Unlike a well-struck golf shot that sails gracefully through the air, a shank exhibits a distinctly wayward trajectory. The ball will typically take a sharp right turn (for right-handed golfers), often flying low to the ground. Imagine a ball defying gravity and darting sideways – that’s the unmistakable path of a shank.
• Sound: Forget the satisfying “thwack” of a solid connection. A shank is accompanied by a unique and rather unpleasant “whistling” or “clicking” sound. This distinct noise arises from the unusual contact between the hosel and the ball.
• Feel: While a centered strike delivers a crisp sensation, a shank produces a very different feeling in your hands. Brace yourself for an awkward twisting sensation at impact. This is a clear indication that the clubhead made abnormal contact with the ball.

How to Fix a Shank

Dialing In Your Setup: Distance, Position, and Weight

A solid foundation is crucial for a powerful and consistent swing. Here’s how to optimize your setup for distance, ball position, and weight distribution:

Distance from the Ball:

• Finding Your Sweet Spot: Imagine an invisible wall an inch or two in front of the ball. You want to feel comfortable enough to swing freely without feeling crowded, but not so far away that you’re reaching. A good starting point is to maintain a distance where your arms hang comfortably with a slight bend at the elbows at address (before you start your swing).

Ball Position:

• Iron Play: For most irons and wedges, the ball should be positioned slightly forward in your stance, closer to your front foot. This promotes a descending angle of attack at impact, ideal for clean strike and good distance control.
• Driver: For the driver (used for longer tee shots), the ball can be positioned a touch further back in your stance compared to irons. This allows for a more sweeping swing path, maximizing distance potential.

Balanced Weight Distribution:

• Feeling Grounded: Imagine your feet pressing firmly into the ground throughout your swing. Your weight should be evenly distributed between your front and back foot, with a slight bias towards your front foot at impact for most shots. This balanced posture provides a stable base for power transfer.

Gripping for Greatness: Pressure and Alignment

Grip plays a crucial role in club control and swing mechanics. Here’s how to optimize your grip pressure and ensure proper clubface alignment for improved ball striking.

Optimal Grip Pressure:

• Finding the Balance: Imagine holding a small bird tightly enough to not let it fly away, but gently enough not to crush it. That’s the ideal grip pressure – firm enough for control, but not so tight that you restrict swing movement.
• Feel the Club, Not the Tension: Your grip should be comfortable, allowing you to feel the club throughout the swing. Avoid gripping too tight, which can lead to tension, sliced shots, and loss of power.

Ensuring Square Clubface Alignment:

• Visualize Success: Imagine the clubface as an extension of your forearms at address (before you start your swing). The clubface should be square to your target line, neither open (angled slightly to the right for right-handed golfers) nor closed (angled slightly to the left).
• Feeling Square: A properly gripped club will naturally promote a square clubface at address. However, feel free to use alignment aids like shaft lines or visual cues on the clubface to ensure proper positioning.

Here are some additional tips:

• Interlocking vs. Overlapping: Experiment with different grip styles (interlocking or overlapping fingers) to find what feels most comfortable and promotes a square clubface.
• Practice with Feeling: Take some practice swings without hitting a ball, focusing on maintaining a comfortable grip pressure and visualizing a square clubface at impact.
• Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Stand in front of a mirror and address a ball. This allows you to visually check your grip pressure and clubface alignment.

By mastering these elements of grip and alignment, you’ll gain greater control over the clubface, leading to more consistent contact and improved accuracy on the golf course.

Taming the Swing: Path and Mechanics for Ball Striking Bliss

A smooth, controlled swing path is the key to consistent ball striking. Here’s how to promote an inside-out swing path and maintain proper hand position during the downswing for improved power and accuracy.

Promoting an Inside-Out Swing Path:

• Imagine the Rails: Picture two railroad tracks running parallel to your target line. During your swing, visualize the clubhead traveling along the inside track on the backswing and then crossing over to the outside track on the downswing, creating an “inside-out” path. This promotes a clean strike and reduces the risk of slices or hooks.
• Feel the Shallowing: Focus on keeping the clubhead on a shallow plane throughout the swing. Avoid lifting the clubhead too high on the backswing or dipping it down excessively on the downswing. Maintain a controlled, sweeping motion that allows the club to come from the inside on the downswing.

Maintaining Proper Hand Position:

• Feeling Connected: Imagine your hands and arms working together as a unit throughout the swing. During the downswing, resist the urge to let your hands drop too low or cast them out away from your body. Maintain a feeling of connection between your hands and chest.
• Lag the Hands: A key concept is “lagging” your hands. This means your hands should trail slightly behind your body as you initiate the downswing. This creates a powerful whipping motion that transfers energy to the clubhead at impact for increased distance.

By conquering these swing mechanics, you’ll ditch the inconsistency and embrace a swing that’s both smooth and powerful. Imagine leaving behind those frustrating shanks and slices, replaced by the sweet satisfaction of consistent ball striking.

Mastering the Move: Weight Shift and Balance for Power

Maintaining balance and weight transfer are the cornerstones of a powerful and controlled swing. Here’s how to improve your stability and execute proper weight transfer for optimal ball striking.

Staying Balanced Throughout the Swing:

• Imagine a Tree: Picture yourself rooted like a strong tree throughout your swing. Your lower body should act as the base, providing a stable platform for the upper body rotation. This doesn’t mean remaining rigid, but rather maintaining a centered and balanced posture.
• Feel the Ground: Focus on keeping your feet connected to the ground throughout the swing. Avoid swaying excessively back and forth, which can disrupt your balance and lead to mishits.

Proper Weight Transfer Techniques:

• Initiate from the Ground: The weight transfer should start with your lower body, not your arms. As you initiate the downswing, feel your weight shift from your back foot to your front foot. This weight transfer creates a powerful foundation for the swing.
• Sequencing is Key: Imagine a wave rolling through your body. The weight transfer should be a smooth sequence, starting with the legs, then transitioning to the hips, and finally rotating your upper body. Avoid initiating the downswing with your arms, as this can lead to loss of control.

Imagine a smooth weight transfer sequence – legs first, then hips, and finally your upper body firing through impact. This translates to effortless power, laser focus on the ball, and watching your scores take a nosedive (in a good way!).

Banish the Shank: Drills to Save Your Game

The dreaded shank – a golfer’s nightmare. But fear not, shot-shapers! Here are three effective drills designed to eradicate shanks from your game and consistently hit great shots.

Drill #1: Anti-Shank Drill

• Description: Place a head-cover or small box slightly outside your target line, just in front of the ball (about a foot away). This acts as a visual barrier to prevent your swing from coming over the top.
• Steps: Perform your regular swing, focusing on clearing the obstacle with the clubhead.
• Benefits: This drill forces you to maintain a shallower swing plane, reducing the risk of catching the hosel and promoting clean ball contact.

Drill #2: Toe Strike Drill

• Description: Set up with a normal address position. Take a practice swing, aiming to hit the ball with the very tip of the toe (outer edge) of the clubface.
• Steps: While you won’t actually make contact with the toe during a normal swing, this drill emphasizes feeling the clubhead rotate through impact. Focus on a smooth swing path and avoid hitting the ball too early in the downswing.
• How it Helps: By feeling the toe strike sensation, you’ll develop a better understanding of proper swing timing and clubface rotation, reducing the risk of catching the hosel with an inside-out swing path.

Drill #3: Gate Drill

• Description: Set up two alignment sticks or small poles on the ground, parallel to your target line, about shoulder-width apart. These act as your “gate.”
• Steps: Make practice swings, ensuring the clubhead passes smoothly through the gate on both the backswing and downswing. Focus on maintaining a controlled swing path and square clubface.
• Enhancing Swing Path and Clubface Control: The gate drill provides immediate feedback on your swing path and clubface angle. By focusing on passing the clubhead through the gate, you’ll develop a more controlled swing, leading to improved accuracy and reduced shanks.

Remember, practice makes perfect! Regularly incorporate these drills into your routine to build muscle memory and groove a swing path that eliminates shanks and keeps you confident on the course.

People also ask:

What does it mean to hit a shank in golf?

A golfer’s nightmare, a shank occurs when you hit the ball with the hosel (clubhead junction) instead of the sweet spot. This miscue results in a sharp rightward ball flight (for righties), weak distance, and a distinct “whistling” sound. Common causes include swing issues and poor ball position. While frustrating, shanks are preventable with proper swing mechanics, focus on ball position during setup, and dedicated practice to groove a centered clubface strike.

What is the difference between a shank and a slice?

Both shanks and slices are undesirable ball strikes in golf, but they differ in how the ball is hit and the resulting flight path.

• Shank: This is a much worse mis-hit. In a shank, you strike the ball with the hosel, the part of the club where the shaft meets the clubhead. This awkward connection creates a sharp, unexpected trajectory, typically a low flyer that shoots off sharply to the right (for right-handed golfers). The sound is also distinctive, often a metallic “whistling” or “clicking” noise.
• Slice: A slice happens when you hit the ball with the clubface, but the clubface is slightly open at impact. This causes the ball to spin sideways in flight, resulting in a curving trajectory from left to right (for right-handed golfers). Slices typically travel farther than shanks, but with less accuracy.

How to shank a golf ball?

While I wouldn’t normally recommend intentionally shanking a golf ball (it can be frustrating and isn’t good for your swing mechanics), here’s how it might accidentally happen:

Swing Mechanics:

1. Coming Over the Top: Imagine swinging your club on a very steep plane, where your hands end up significantly higher than your head at impact. This can lead to the hosel catching the ball.
2. Swaying Back: Instead of maintaining your posture through impact, your weight excessively shifts back during the swing, causing you to hit behind the ball and potentially catching the hosel.
3. Too Close to the Ball: Setting up with your body too close to the ball at address can limit your swing and restrict space for clean contact with the clubface.

Ball Position:

1. Too Far Back: For most shots, the ball should be positioned slightly forward in your stance (closer to your front foot). Having the ball too far back in your stance increases the chance of catching the hosel.

How do you fix a shank in a golf swing?

Shanking a golf ball is a nasty surprise, caused by hitting the hosel with a swing that’s too steep, has excessive weight shift, or poor posture. To banish shanks, identify the culprit (video analysis helps!) – is it your swing mechanics or ball position? Work on drills to promote a shallower swing plane, maintain good posture, and ensure you’re standing at the right distance from the ball. Additionally, shift the ball position slightly forward in your stance for most shots. Remember, practice and professional guidance can significantly reduce shanks, letting you enjoy centered contact and predictable ball flight.