By Nick Cork Senior PGA Teaching Professional at Abu Dhabi Golf Club
Being able to control your trajectory gives the club golfer the opportunity to improve decision-making/visualisation and hit shots that will lead to better scoring on the golf course. Having low trajectory in windy conditions, a high trajectory to land the ball softly on firm greens and a constant trajectory to maximise launch angles can be achieved by simply changing your ball position/followthrough.
Learning these three finish positions will:
• Achieve consistent trajectory
• Add to your shot-making skills
• Enable you to escape trouble more effectively
CONSTANT TRAJECTORY
To achieve consistent trajectory which has a consistent launch angle and spin rate, your ball position will need to be neutral in your set-up for the club you will be using. You will make a standard golf swing and the angle which is created at impact with your arms and hands (this angle can vary golfer-to-golfer) needs to be maintained into your
followthrough which, in turn, will create the ideal ball flight on a consistent basis.
LOW TRAJECTORY
Your ball position will move back two inches closer to your trail foot in your set-up. You will make a standard golf swing and through impact your arms and hands will keep the clubhead extending low to the ground and into an abbreviated followthrough. A reference in your followthrough would be the trail arm below your leading shoulder.
HIGH TRAJECTORY
Ball position will move forward two inches closer to your lead foot in your set-up. You will make a standard golf swing and through impact your arms and hands will extend and move the clubhead upwards into a high hands followthrough. A reference in your followthrough would be the hands finishing high above the shoulders.
Making a standard golf swing while adjusting your ball position and followthrough to change and control your trajectory will make harder shots easier. Make these three different followthrough positions a habit and you’ll find your scores will lower.
