Jackson Reid
Impact-based golf instruction is a method of teaching golf that focuses on the moment of impact between the clubface and the ball. This moment of impact, which lasts only 4/10,000 of a second, is considered the most important part of the golf swing and is said to be the key to achieving lower scores. Instructors of this method aim to improve their students' impact to improve their game, using technology to provide objective feedback and perfect the student's technique.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To improve the impact of the swing and, therefore, the game |
| Focus | The strike, or impact, when the clubface meets the ball |
| Key Dynamics | 5, including the flat lead wrist and the lag on the downswing |
| Swing Bottom | Four inches in front of the ball |
| Training Tools | Impact bags, Impact SNAP Release Trainer |
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What You'll Learn
Impact-based teaching uses 5 key dynamics to improve performance
Impact-based teaching is a method of golf instruction that focuses on improving a player's performance by prioritising the moment of impact between the clubface and the ball. This moment of impact, lasting only 4/10,000 of a second, is considered the most important aspect of a golf shot.
Impact-Based® Teaching utilises five key dynamics to improve performance:
- Flat Lead Wrist: The back of the hand, wrist, and forearm should create a flat or straight plane at impact. This allows for maximum compression of the golf ball and ensures that the club, lead arm, and wrist move at the same speed through the impact zone.
- Clubhead Position: The club head should bottom out approximately four inches ahead of the golf ball, promoting a forward lean of the club shaft at impact.
- Loading the Club: The wrists should cock on the backswing, loading the club with power, and then become "fully loaded" before starting the downswing.
- Lag on the Downswing: Just as loading the club is crucial on the backswing, lagging the club is of utmost importance on the downswing. The clubhead should trail the body, arms, and club shaft through the impact zone.
- Straight Plane Line: All great players deliver the club down a Straight Plane Line, which is the straight baseline of the inclined plane or "target line".
These five dynamics form the foundation of Impact-Based® Teaching, helping golfers improve their performance by focusing on the critical moment of impact.
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The importance of the strike
The strike is the most important moment in a golf shot. It is the 4/10,000 of a second when the clubface meets the ball. This moment of impact dictates the power, direction and quality of the shot.
Impact-based golf instruction focuses on improving a player's strike. The strike is influenced by the player's swing, which should be practised to create a consistent and powerful impact. The swing should be fluid and natural, working in harmony with the body's pivot and movement.
The position of the clubface in relation to the ball is crucial. The clubface should be slightly ahead of the ball, with the clubhead trailing the body, arms, hands and clubshaft. This creates a forward lean of the club shaft, which can be adjusted according to the club and shot. The club should be fully loaded, with the wrists cocked, to create power and leverage.
Drills can help to improve a player's strike. One such drill involves drawing a line in the sand and practising hitting the sand with the clubhead at the front of the line. This helps to improve the downswing and weight transfer. Another drill involves chipping coins, which helps to commit to the shot and trust the pivot of the clubhead.
The quality of the strike is fundamental to a good golf game. It allows for predictable shots, helping players to reach their targets and post lower scores.
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The role of technology in perfecting impact
Golf is a game of "impact", and the purpose of the swing is to create a good impact. The most important moment in any golf shot is the strike, the 4/10,000 second that the clubface meets the ball. Technological advancements have brought tremendous changes to the game of golf, and technology plays a critical role in perfecting this impact.
The first significant evolution in coaching golf was the development of slow-motion video technology in the late 1980s. For the first time, golf coaches could clearly capture what was happening during the golf swing and analyse it without having to guess. Today, video technology continues to be a cornerstone in analysing the golf swing of everyday golfers, with high-speed cameras and launch monitors measuring critical club movement through impact. Launch monitors have shifted the focus in golf instruction from looking good on video to creating desired and repeatable numbers.
Technology has also enabled the creation of online coaching platforms and instructional apps, making professional golf instruction more accessible. Players can now receive personalized coaching from experts worldwide through platforms like Skillest and CoachNow, with AI-powered tools offering personalized training plans, predicting outcomes, and suggesting strategies based on historical data. Social media platforms have further enhanced engagement, with influencers and professional golfers using platforms like Instagram and YouTube to reach audiences worldwide and share tips and highlights.
In addition to video analysis and online coaching, technological advancements in equipment have also played a significant role in perfecting impact. Modern clubs are made from advanced materials, making them lighter yet more powerful, and allowing for greater precision and distance. Wearable technology, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, also monitors performance and health metrics, providing golf-specific features like shot tracking and course maps.
Finally, technology has improved golf course maintenance equipment, helping managers gather and interpret valuable data. Sensor technology, for example, helps superintendents maintain golf courses with higher precision and efficiency, with remote sensors instantly reporting soil moisture, temperature, and salt concentrations. Drones have also become essential tools for aerial surveys, capturing detailed images and data. These advancements in technology have provided golfers with the tools and data necessary to perfect their impact and improve their game.
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Impact drills
Impact-based golf instruction focuses on improving a golfer's impact to improve their game. The strike, when the clubface meets the ball, is the most important moment in any golf shot. This moment of impact is where golfers can reap the benefits of all the good work they've done in their golf swing, from the setup to the takeaway, backswing, and downswing.
Stop the Flip Drill
This drill helps golfers who are flipping at impact, which hurts consistency and can decrease power and control of the ball flight. The drill trains proper forward shaft lean and helps golfers feel the correct position of the lead arm and hands at impact. With this drill, golfers can prevent the clubhead from overtaking the hands.
Punch/Chip Shot Drill
This drill is perfect for golfers with inconsistent contact. It involves taking a mid-iron and addressing the ball with a slight forward shaft lean. Golfers then make a short backswing, focusing on leading with their hands as they strike the ball and stopping the clubhead soon after impact. Once consistent, golfers can lengthen the backswing while maintaining the same firm, hands-forward position at impact.
Chip and Run Drill
The Chip and Run drill is similar to the Punch Shot Drill but simplifies the motion even further. Golfers shorten their golf swing, creating forward shaft lean, keeping the lead wrist stable and slightly flexed, and avoiding the flip of the wrists.
Static Press Drill
For this drill, golfers can use a heavy object such as a golf bag. The bag is positioned just in front of where the golf ball would typically be placed. Golfers then perform their swing as usual but end their swing at the impact position, striking the bag. By taking note of the position of their hips, left leg, and wrists, golfers can work on improving their impact for a stronger strike.
Ball Position Drill
This drill involves moving the ball forward in the stance, which helps golfers feel the weight moving forward and the hands leading the clubhead at impact. This drill also helps to decrease forward shaft lean at impact.
Throwing Drill
This drill involves physically throwing a club to get a feel for releasing it. It is important to use a club that you don't mind damaging and to ensure a large open space to avoid any potential hazards.
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Impact bag drills
Impact-based golf instruction focuses on improving a golfer's impact to improve their game. The strike, when the clubface meets the ball, is the most important moment in any golf shot.
Impact bags, also known as smash bags, are one of the oldest and best training aids for golfers. They are affordable, durable, and can be used by both left- and right-handed golfers. Here are four impact bag drills to improve your game:
Drill 1
Set up the impact bag as you would a golf ball, with a mid-iron. The back of the bag, where the impact target is located, should be in the front/middle of your stance. Take a less-than-full swing and focus on making solid contact with the bag. This drill helps you develop a more powerful and accurate impact position, preventing an early release.
Drill 2
This drill can be done at a golf range. Set up the impact bag between your feet with an iron. The goal is to push the bag slightly forward with the club head. The more you can push the bag forward, the better. This drill helps you get a feel for a good impact position, transferring weight into your lead leg early.
Drill 3
For golfers who struggle with forward shaft lean, set up the impact bag about a foot in front of your ball. Swing and try to hit the bag with a descending blow. This drill helps you develop forward shaft lean and improve your swing path.
Drill 4
Draw a line in the sand where you would address the golf ball using a six iron. Start with small swings, practicing hitting the sand with your clubhead at the front of the line. Gradually build up to full swings. This drill helps improve your impact position by focusing on the path of your downswing and weight transfer.
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