You can have a perfect golf swing and still not play well if you put the ball in the wrong position in your stance, either too close or far away from your body or the target. Improper ball position can not only cause inflated scores, but it also can cause injury to your back as your body repeatedly adjusts to get the club to a ball that's out of place. Practice placing the ball in the right spot across all the clubs in your bag, even your putter.
Step 1
Make your posture consistent. Bend slightly at the knees, and bend at your hips instead of bending your spine. Keep your back straight and tilt forward until your hands are relaxed and hanging at the club's grip. Clubs vary by length, so how close the ball is to you will vary, but it will be easier to see the ideal spot if you have a consistent posture.
Step 2
Place the ball where you'll hit it first. Professional golf legend Jack Nicklaus points out that the ball should be just slightly behind the bottom of the arc of your swing so you can hit the ball first. He says most right-handed golfers will find that position even with the inside of the left heel.
Step 3
Adjust for different clubs, but only slightly. Professional golfer Sam Snead suggested placing the ball even with the left heel when using the driver, one ball farther back for the longer irons, one more back for the mid-irons and near the center of your stance with the wedges. Top instructor Hank Haney gives similar instruction, but he says to put the triangle formed by your shoulders, arms and hands directly in front of your body each time, no matter which club you're using.
Step 4
Move your right foot, not the ball. Another top instructor, Butch Harmon, says to keep the ball even with the logo on the left chest of your shirt. When playing the longer clubs, move the right foot to widen your stance, keeping the ball position the same.
Tips and Warnings
- Adjust the ball position if you're pulling or pushing shots. Move the ball slightly back in your stance if you pull the ball; place it more forward in your stance if you're pushing shots. When putting, the consensus is that the ball should sit directly under your eyes, in the middle of your stance.
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