Why am I hitting behind the ball?

Question

With my long irons and fairway woods, I am constantly either hitting the ground behind the ball or 'topping the ball'. I have tried changing my ball position but the problem persists.

Answer 1

Check your distance from the ball. If you are topping the ball, you may standing too far away from the ball. If you are hitting behind the ball, you may be standing too close. Remember the shafts on the long irons and woods are longer than your regular irons, but shorter than your driver. Adjust your position accordingly.

Answer 2

I agree with an above poster, on your long irons you need to step back and stand further away from the ball... its hard to say without seeing it but it sounds like your swing is too up and down.

Answer 3

Could be your "set up angles" and too much lateral movement.

Answer 4

It sounds like you're inverting your stance or leaning forward in your backswing.  Some people refer to it as dipping your left shoulder(if you're right handed).  That will cause you to be in front of the ball on your downswing and you'll end up hitting behind the ball.  Don't dip that front shoulder so you stay behind the ball.

Answer 5

It sounds like you're standing a bit ahead of the ball. Take a step back, so the ball is slightly closer to your front foot.....keep you head down and eyes on the ball all the way through your swing.

Go out to the driving range. Watch other golfers who are hitting the ball well. Check out their stance(s) and make a mental comparison to your stroke/swing.  Don't hesitate to ask other golfers to watch your swing and ask them if they see where you're 'breaking down'. Most avid golfers are happy to give you tips and advice.

Answer 6

You are not setting up correctly on your address. The swing may not be grooved so it is not repetitive. For these reasons you may ne hitting way behind the ball, then overcompensating and go into topping.

Answer 7

keep the ball in the same position for your irons and start trying to groove in your swing. it takes time

Answer 8

it may be a combo of many things. the set up may be too close to the ball, the swing may be up right, and you may be dipping you right sholder at impact. try one thing at a time. take a small step back, or swing around the ball not at it, or keep your shoulders square at impact. Not being able to see your swing, i really can't help more than that. Sorry

Answer 9

If it is not the ball position then you are out of position at impact, meaning you are too far behind the ball. This will cause you to hit the ground first and top the ball more often than not.

Try not to shift your weight too much during the backswing. Let the club do its work in getting the ball in flight. Don't try to scoop it up out of the grass.

To not shift your weight in the backswing, try putting most of your weight on your forward leg and leave it there during the entire swing. This will force you to swing down on the ball instead of coming up on it.

Remember to practice this at the driving range before taking it to the course.

Answer 10

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/golf/ski...

Answer 11

your head is moving

Answer 12

It may be that you are lifting your head to see where the ball is going before impact, which causes your entire body to shift and will result in a top or a hit behind the ball.  It's a problem that I struggle with alot, especially since I sometimes play golf alone.  Keep your head steady and watch the clubhead hit the ball - it may be that simple.