The Shanks?

Question

how can i fix this... im sick of hitting shots 15 yards (this has happened every shot for the past 2 weeks)

i mean im not used to this, im a 2 handicap but ive just lost it

and cant hit a golf ball to save myself

please help!

Answer 1

you need to stop watching tin cup. the shanks are not real. you

might hit a few bad ones here or there but if your a 2 handicap  your far beyond all that and its auto pilot. and even if they were real the ball doesn't go 15 yards.

Answer 2

Just try to keep your head and body down, and don't pull up until well after you've hit the ball.  Last time I was doing this I just had whoever I was playing with to watch my ball and I held my head down through the follow through.

Answer 3

I had the shanks last year.  When you say "shank", I assume you mean you're making contact towards the hosel of your club.

I found a drill that helped cure me last season.  Only took one trip to the driving range to fix it.

I put a small board slightly past the toe of the club.  If I hit the ball with the hosel of the club, I would hit the board as well.  Next thing you know, I'm making contact with the sweet spot of the club rather than the hosel.  I never did hit the board because I was so worried about messing up my club.

You don't have to use a board.  In the link I've attached, the guy uses a cardboard box.  Give it a shot.....I bet it works...good luck!

Answer 4

Wow! That's really strange. A 2 handicap and now can only hit the ball 15 yards? Based on your handicap, you are a pretty good player that's probably played for a few years. One thing I've found when I hit 15 yarders is that my tempo of my swing is a lot faster. Slow down your tempo and keep your eyes on the ball. Visualize the nice part of the club contacting the center of the ball. Make your swing conducive to making this happen. If the problem isn't tempo, you may want to see a golf pro and have him analyze your swing for 45 bucks. It's definitely worth it to get back to your 2 handicap. Good luck!

Answer 5

Your toast - give it up.  Try tennis or fishing.

Answer 6

You need to straighten out your swing. Probably adjust your whole approach...

...sorry about the 15yarders.

Answer 7

From years of teaching experience, it is probably one of these things.  (1) You are taking the club back too far to the inside, not leaving enough room to return the club back on your down swing.  (2) You are taking the club face back closed, which causes it to open through impact. (3) Might be just standing too close to the ball.  Make sure your hands are more under your chin at address.  (4) Losing your balance.  Check to see if your weight is moving to your toes during your backswing.  Those are some of the most common reasons for shanking.  You do have to battle the mental side of it as well.  Good luck!

Answer 8

Brother you have my sympathy!  It's most common with good players who get a path going too inside/out.  I had a spell a few years ago that lasted about a month.  I had a lot of pressure on my game at the time and the more I dwelled on it the worse it got.  It's something you'll never forget, unfortunately.

Answer 9

Get away from it for a week, completely.  Then, hit the range.

Answer 10

I had the shanks when I was going through a bad relationship.. Once I dumped her, the shanks left...

Answer 11

Shhhh... NEVER say the "S" word !!!

What you have are "El Laterals".

I'm going along with "you're standing too close" to the ball.

Address the ball, then back up a couple inches.

Take a smooth swing and you've got your swing back!

Answer 12

its a harsh game.  i hate that feeling

i stopped taking the club back so inside and kept my weight on my heels

Answer 13

Shanks are usually caused by a very steep outside / in club path.

If your normal shot is a draw, try hitting a cut .. or vise versa. If you normally hit it high, try hitting it low.

Once you get them it takes forever to get it out of your head. Even if you stop playing it wont help .. you need to hit a bunch of good shots to regain confidence.

Fear not though, I was playing in a tourny once and a guy in my group shanked the ball all the way around the green .. right back to where he started while chipping. In front of the green in 2, 5 minutes later, in front of the green in 6. He shot 89 that day, went to the range, 68 the next day.