Hitting the Ground Behind the Ball

When the clubhead strikes the ground before making ball contact, also called 'chunking' in golf, the result can be quite annoying. The shots have a very bad feel, and the distance is much below expectations. Let us explore what is causing players to hit the ground before the ball contact. Key factors are:

• Failure to shift weight forward and rotate the body during the downswing
• Early Wrist release
• Swaying instead of rotating
• Improper ball position in your stance
• Lead arm swinging too far back

Common Causes of Hitting Behind the Ball

Trying to get under the Ball

it is impossible to get under the golf ball simply because only the ground is under it.

If you try it, you will hit the ground behind the ball.

Correction: Change your mental perception. Instead of imagining the ball is going high, visualize it as flying very low. The physical change is that you swing the club much more forward instead of moving it downward and then trying to move it upward.

The Tendency to Add Speed when the club approaches the golf ball.

To increase speed, the hands are used to thrust the clubhead at the ball, but the direction of the thrust is downward. The downward thrust causes the ground to be struck before the clubhead reaches the ball. 

Correction: During the forward swing, put the focus on your arms and do not try to increase the speed before impact. During the forward swing, do not suddenly increase the power at the last moment, i.e., the acceleration shall be constant during the forward swing.

Usage of Upper Torso during Forward Swing

The usage of the upper torso lowers the upper body, i.e lowers the center of the swing. This does not leave enough space for the club to swing forward. This results in the club striking the ground behind the ball.

Correction: During the forward swing shift the focus on your arms. Allow your body to respond, rather than using the body to get the club swinging.

Lack of Forward Weight Shift & Failure to Rotate the Body during Downswing:

if your weight stays on your back foot during the downswing, the club bottoms out behind the ball.

Correction: Shift the Weight Forward. At setup, start with neutral weight distribution. Then push your weight into your lead leg during the downswing. Aim to have 70-80% of your weight on the lead foot at impact.

Swaying instead of Rotation

Instead of rotating, you are shifting your body laterally away from the target, which causes the club to bottom out prematurely.

Correction: During the downswing, rotate your hips and chest towards the target, ensuring your lower body leads the swing.

Early Wrist Release (Casting):

Releasing your wrist angles too early in the downswing causes the club to slow down and hit the ground behind the ball. 

Correction: Maintain Wrist Angles. Don't "flip" your wrists early. Maintain wrist angles in the downswing to allow the hands to lead the club to the ball for proper compression.

Improper Ball Position:

If the ball is too far forward in your stance, it will prompt you to hit behind the ball.

Correction: Position the ball slightly forward of the center of your stance, between your front foot and the middle of your stance. 

Leaning Back:

Trying to "scoop" or lift the ball encourages leaning back, which moves the low point of your swing behind the ball. 

Correction: Focus on the Low Point. The goal is to have the bottom of your swing occur in front of the ball, allowing the club to hit the ball first and then create a divot.

Practice drills

Focus on keeping your chest over a center marker or hitting the ground with a divot an inch or two in front of the ball. 

Alignment Stick Drill:

Use an alignment stick to visualize proper hip motion to train the correct movement. Hold the alignment stick along the shaft of your club as an extension of your golf shaft at the start of the downswing, and focus on moving your lead hip down as you shift your weight. Rotation & Impact - Keeping the alignment rod pointed toward the golf ball in the downswing. By exaggerating this motion in practice swings and slow drills, your muscles will memorize how to strike the ball first.

About the Company:

Monark Golf has been serving the golfing community since 1998, offering premium golf club components and custom clubmaking services. Specializing in shafts, club heads, grips, and fully custom-built clubs, Monark Golf supports both professional clubmakers and dedicated golfers with high-quality products and trusted brands