These 2 simple tweaks will help you compress the golf ball

June 5, 2024

If you want to flush it like the pros, you’ve got to learn how to compress the golf ball.

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Welcome to Shaving Strokes, a GOLF.com series in which we’re sharing improvements, learnings and takeaways from amateur golfers just like you — including some of the speed bumps and challenges they faced along the way.

Learning how to compress the golf ball is an elevated skill that the best players in the world have mastered. But just because you’re not a pro-level player doesn’t mean you can’t develop the ability to strike it like they do.

Compressing the ball means ball-first contact, where the ball actually changes shape from perfectly circular due to the speed and contact of the clubface. A compressed ball will — for just a split second — have a sense of stickiness to the clubface, and grab the grooves, which create spin and predictable ball-flight. However, the pursuit of compression requires understanding how to create the proper angle of attack and control the clubface.

Often, mid-to-high handicappers tend to take a divot before hitting their ball, causing frustrating chunks and disappointing results. With the help of GOLF Teacher to Watch Adam Smith, you can work to avoid that with just two subtle tweaks.

How to compress the ball

“Most amateur golfers wish they had the club speed that Tour pros have,” Smith says. “But the truth is, unless you play golf for a living and can practice a lot, it’s very difficult to just develop the athleticism to increase your speed for better ball-striking.”

Just because the average player can’t immediately increase their speed for more distance, doesn’t mean they can’t launch it farther. This is where Smith says learning how to compress the golf ball comes into play.

“Sure, the greatest players in the world efficiently compress the ball because of their expert technique and tremendous clubhead speed. But it is possible for amateur golfers to compress a golf ball more efficiently — all without increasing speed,” Smith adds.

Use a little shaft lean

To compress the golf ball, at address, lean the grip end of your club shaft forward by about two inches. Then work on hitting down on the back of the ball more intentionally.

Most amateur golfers chronically lift upwards as they swing downwards towards impact — which can lead to those common mishits like tops and chunks. By leaning the shaft forward at address, it will pre-set your hands, positioning you to descend more effectively at impact.

Shift weight forward

As you begin your downswing, work on shifting your weight forward towards your lead leg more aggressively — which will feel differently for the amateur who struggles with making good contact. That’s because, as mentioned above, bad ball-strikers often reverse their weight on the downswing and move upwards.

The most effective ball-strikers don’t just stay down as they swing down, but also shift their weight forward towards the lead side at impact. When done properly at the same time, the downward motion of the clubhead and the forward motion of the body create more fluid compression — which will also add power and length to your game.

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Transform your timing for solid contact and an efficient swing.
Improve swing path and attack angle for optimal ball-then-turf contact and true compression at impact.
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Train a shallow swing plane for true lag and increased clubhead speed.
Experience freedom and effortlessness in your swing, unlocking your natural athleticism.
Suitable for golfers of all skill levels.
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With the Sure-Strike, you’ll experience a transformation in your timing, resulting in solid contact with the ball and an overall more efficient swing. This training aid focuses on improving the path of your swing and attack angle, allowing you to find the ideal low point and achieve that coveted ball-then-turf contact. The result? True compression at impact and a newfound level of control over your shots.
One of the key benefits of the Sure-Strike training aid is its ability to enhance the sequence of your swing, ensuring that your body, arms, and club work together in perfect harmony throughout the entire motion. By training in efficient transition, impact, and follow-through, you’ll experience a level of consistency and fluidity you’ve only dreamed of.
The Sure-Strike empowers you to feel and train a shallow swing plane, leading to true lag and a powerful impact. This shallow plane not only promotes better contact with the ball but also generates greater clubhead speed, resulting in longer and more accurate shots. Feel the satisfaction of hitting crisp, penetrating shots that soar through the air with ease.
By incorporating the Sure-Strike golf training aid into your training routine, little and often, you’ll witness a remarkable improvement in your range of movement. This swing trainer helps you achieve a feeling of freedom and effortlessness in your swing, unlocking your natural golf swing and allowing you to unleash your full potential on the course.
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FAQs About the Sure-Strike
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How Do I Train My Golf Swing?
In today’s age, there are an infinite number of ways to improve your golf swing. Golf training aids and repetition are some of the most popular and effective methods to improve your swing and your game overall.

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Nick Dimengo

Golf.com Editor

These 2 simple tweaks will help you compress the golf ball