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Ball Position

Ball Position is one of the most influential factors in determining how a golfer strikes the ball and how the ball flies. The term “ball position” refers to where the ball is placed in relation to your feet (front, middle, or back in the stance.)  If you want to control the ball flight trajectory, ball position is one of the largest influencing factors.  It not only determines the height of the shot, it plays an important role in determining the quality of club to ball impact. The trouble is that most golfers tend to have a very inconsistent approach to determining and maintaining an effective ball position in their swing.

If you develop and apply a consistent approach to finding a favorable ball position you will be able to create the shot outcome you desire on a more consistent basis. 

To keep it simple, when the ball is in a good spot - it is easier to hit.

A general summary of ball position would be to say that a ball positioned back in the stance flies lower and a ball more forward in the stance flies higher, but there is quite a bit more to it.   To hit solid shots, shorter clubs require a steeper angle of attack to create the more descending blow to the ball through impact to reach the low point of the swing past impact resulting in enough backspin and compression to fly effectively to the target.  Naturally a longer club will reach its lowest point of the swing arc a bit farther forward in the swing.  Therefore, a slightly more forward ball position is favorable.

It is great to understand the concept, but to make it translate to better golf shots requires a plan.  The ball position can be taken care of simply during your set up while you are addressing the golf ball.  Remember the goal in positioning your golf ball is to assure that your club ultimately reaches the lowest point of the swing PAST the impact of the ball.

When setting up with shorter clubs (9 iron to wedge), start with your feet together and the ball in the middle of your feet.  Take a baby step with your front foot, spreading your front foot apart in the direction of the target until the ball is about 2 inches from the inside of the heel of your front foot.  Next, take a baby step with your back foot in the opposite direction until your feet are 10-12 inches apart and you are balanced.  This will assure that you are set up with the ball in a spot (roughly one ball width back of center) that enables your club to automatically hit slightly downward through impact. 

When you move up through your set to the mid and long irons, gradually widen your stance taking the same approach maintaining your balance with each club.  It results in a slightly shallower angle of approach to the ball but still allows the club to reach the lowest point of the swing past impact.  The long fairway woods and driver will result in a stance a slight bit wider than your shoulders.   Note: too wide of a stance will restrict body rotation and can lead to many other swing issues.  Your stance should be wide enough to maintain your balance throughout the swing and not limit your turn. 

By using this set up approach each time you address the ball it will assure that you always have the golf ball in a consistent position to hit solid shots and create the ball flight you desire.

Kurt Zolbe
PGA Head Golf Professional
Deerfield Golf and Tennis Club

Archived Golf Tips:

06/09 – Neck Tie Drill
04/09 – Eliminating the Slide
03/09 – Getting Rid Of "Over The Top"
01/09 – The Golf Ball
11/08 – Heavy Rough Made Easy
09/08 – Ball Position
08/08 – Ladder Drill
07/08 – Easy Does It
06/08 – Distance Control When Putting
05/08 – If The Shoe Fits
02/08 – Sand Dollars
01/08 – Getting More Power Out Of Your Swing
12/07 – Winter Club Maintenance
11/07 – Hillside Lies
08/07 – Lift
07/07 – Hybrids
05/07 – Practice
04/07 – Golf Club Fitting
03/07 – The Iron Triangle