Jackson Reid
Golf shanks are a common problem that can affect even the most experienced players. Shanks can be extremely frustrating, especially when they occur during a game. There are two main types of shanks: the outside-in shank and the better player or heel shank. The former is caused by a steep swing, while the latter is caused by a shallow swing. To fix these issues, players must first identify the type of shank they are experiencing and then adjust their swing path accordingly. In addition to technical adjustments, players can also try mental strategies such as taking a break or calming themselves down to improve their performance.
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What You'll Learn
Understand the cause of your shanks
Golfers can experience two types of shanks: the "better player" or "heel" shank, and the "outside-in" shank. Understanding the cause of your shanks is the first step to fixing them.
The "heel" shank occurs when the clubhead swings on a path that is too shallow, on a severe inside-out, causing the hosel to move directly towards the ball. This can be fixed by steepening your downswing and adjusting your path to be less in-to-out.
The "outside-in" shank happens when the heel of the club crosses your target line, often due to your hands tossing and flipping the clubhead through impact. This type of shank is caused by a swing that is too steep, so you need to learn to shallow the club to correct it.
Other causes of shanking can include sliding or swaying forward on the downswing, taking the club inside on the takeaway, or a rushed downswing without a pause at the top. Additionally, for left-handed golfers, a collapsing right arm on the backswing or an incorrect spine angle can contribute to shanks.
It is important to identify the specific cause of your shanks to effectively address and correct them.
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Slow down your swing
Slowing down your swing is a great way to reduce shanks and improve your golf game. When you slow down your swing, you give yourself more time to focus on your technique and make adjustments. This can help you correct any underlying issues that may be causing your shanks.
One common cause of shanks is a rushed downswing, which can lead to a slide or sway forward. By slowing down, you can ensure that you maintain a steady and balanced posture throughout your swing. This helps you avoid the forward movement that can cause shanks. Take a moment at the top of your swing to pause and ensure you are in the correct position before continuing with a smooth, controlled descent.
A slower swing also allows you to focus on your hip movement. Rotating your hips too quickly can lead to shanks. Take the time to ensure you are pushing your lead hip almost backwards so that your trail hip has room to rotate properly. This will help you avoid rotating your hips towards the ball, which is a common cause of shanks.
Additionally, a slower swing can help you achieve the correct clubhead path. Shanks can be caused by a clubhead path that is too steep or too shallow. By slowing down, you can focus on making a smooth, controlled swing that follows the proper path. This will help you avoid the severe inside-to-out or outside-to-in paths that often lead to shanks.
Remember, slowing down your swing is about more than just reducing speed. It's about taking the time to focus on your technique and making deliberate, controlled movements. This improved technique will help you hit more accurate shots and reduce shanks. So, take a breath, slow down, and focus on executing a smooth and controlled swing.
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Rotate your hips
Golfers are all too familiar with the dreaded shank, which can be caused by a variety of factors. One key factor is the movement of the hips, specifically the front hip, during the downswing.
To fix this, focus on rotating your hips during the downswing. The primary thought should be to "rotate, rotate, rotate" to get the front hip out of the way. This may involve pushing the lead hip almost backwards to allow the trail hip to rotate freely. It is a common misconception that moving the hips too quickly will cause a spin-out. However, according to Ben Hogan, it is impossible to move the hips too fast.
By focusing on rotating the hips, you can prevent the clubhead from moving towards the ball on a shallow path, which is a common cause of shanks. This type of shank is known as the "better player" or "heel" shank. By rotating the hips and steepening the downswing, you can correct the path of the clubhead and reduce the likelihood of shanks.
Additionally, understanding the causes of shanks is crucial to improving your game. Aside from hip movement, shanks can be caused by a steep swing, which can be corrected by learning to shallow the club. Other causes include sliding or swaying forward on the downswing, an inside takeaway, or a rushed downswing without a pause at the top. By identifying the specific causes of your shanks, you can make conscious efforts to correct them and improve your overall golf game.
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Adjust your club path
Golfers often experience two types of shanks: the "better player" or ""heel" shank, and the "outside-in" shank. The first occurs when the clubhead swings on a path that is too shallow, on a severe inside-out angle, causing the hosel to move towards the ball. In contrast, the "outside-in" shank happens when the heel of the club moves across the target line due to a steep swing, resulting in a severe outside-in clubhead path.
To adjust your club path and fix the "heel" shank, you need to steepen your downswing and adjust your swing path to be less in-to-out. This involves making a more vertical swing, reducing the shallow angle of your clubhead's path. A good mental note to make during your downswing is to "rotate, rotate, rotate" to get your front hip out of the way quickly. This will help ensure your hips don't rotate towards the ball, which can contribute to shanks.
For the "outside-in" shank, you want to do the opposite: shallow your clubhead's path. This means making a more horizontal swing, reducing the steepness of your clubhead's path relative to the ground. While fixing this type of shank, be mindful of your hands' movement. The "outside-in" shank is often caused by tossing and flipping the clubhead with your hands during impact, so focus on keeping your hands steady and controlled.
It's important to understand the underlying causes of your shanks to effectively adjust your club path. Take time to analyze your swing and identify which type of shank you're experiencing. Once you understand the cause, you can make the necessary adjustments to your club path and swing technique to improve your accuracy and consistency.
Remember, these adjustments to your club path are just part of the solution. Fixing golf shanks often requires a combination of techniques, including understanding the mental aspect of your swing and making conscious efforts to pause at the top of your swing and control your hip movement.
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Take a break and reset
Golf can be a frustrating game, and it's easy to get into a negative cycle of thinking about your mistakes and trying to fix them. This can sometimes make the problem worse, especially when it comes to shanking. So, if you're struggling with shanking, it might be a good idea to take a break and reset.
Taking a break can help you clear your mind and gain a fresh perspective. Step away from the course for a while and focus on something else. You could go for a walk, listen to some music, or do something else that helps you relax and take your mind off golf. Sometimes, a little break is all you need to come back feeling more positive and confident.
It's important to remember that everyone makes mistakes, and even the best players occasionally shank the ball. So, don't be too hard on yourself. Use this time to reflect on what might be causing your shanks. Are you sliding or swaying forward on the downswing? Is your takeaway too inside? Are you rotating your hips correctly? By understanding the underlying causes, you can start to make adjustments when you return to the course.
During your break, you might also want to review some basic techniques or seek advice from a coach or a trusted online resource. Sometimes, a small adjustment to your form or your understanding of a particular move can make a big difference. For example, you might want to focus on steepening your downswing or adjusting your hip rotation to improve your shanks.
Remember, golf is meant to be enjoyable, so try not to get too caught up in your mistakes. Taking a break and resetting can help you come back with a fresh mindset, improved techniques, and a renewed sense of enthusiasm for the game.
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Frequently asked questions
First, you need to identify the cause of the shank. This could be due to a number of factors, including your swing being too shallow or too steep, or even your mental state. Once you've identified the cause, you can make adjustments to your form or technique.
Shanks can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Slide/swaying forward on the downswing
- Takeaway being too inside
- Not pausing at the top of the swing
- Fast/rushed downswing
- Clubhead swinging on a path that is too shallow
- Hands tossing and flipping the clubhead
The "heel" shank is caused by a clubhead swinging on a path that is too shallow. To fix this, you need to steepen your downswing and move your path so it's less in-to-out.
The "outside-in" shank is caused by the heel of the club moving across your target line due to your hands tossing and flipping the clubhead. To fix this, you need to shallow your clubhead path.
Golf shanks can be caused by a number of mental factors, including overthinking and anxiety. To prevent this, try taking a break between shots to clear your mind, or even try turning your hat backward.
