How to compress your irons? This 2-ball drill is an easy way to start

As a mid-handicapper, it can be tricky to learn how to compress the golf ball. It’s an acquired skill that requires superb fundamentals and great clubface control. But in order to consistently hit it like I want to and to maximize distance and control, learning to compress the ball is key.

Now that I’ve worked through all sorts of swing changes over the past year or so, it’s time to elevate my practice and start to learn the art of compression. After all, if I’m serious about breaking 80 for the first-time ever (Note: I’m obsessed with doing it), this is something I need to do.

Instruction

To help build that consistency, GOLF Top 100 Teacher Jason Birnbaum gave me a range lesson, talking to me about a few different things I need to do in order to compress the golf ball.

As it turns out, compressing the ball isn’t as difficult as many amateurs make it out to be — so check out Birnbaum’s tips below to see why.

Learn how to compress the golf ball with this fun drill

In the video above, Birnbaum shows me a fun 2-ball drill that not only teaches me how to compress the golf ball, but also gives me instant feedback. By practicing (and perfecting) the drill, I can develop the feels for improved ball-striking. So let’s dive into what he says.

Birnbaum’s focus begins with finding the “low point.” He then talks me through the 2-ball drill, explaining how my typical miss can help determine how to use it for practice.

“If you miss by hitting thin shots, I’m going to put another ball [behind the ball you’re planning to hit], and have you come down and miss that back ball,” Birnbaum tells me. “Thin contact means you’re likely coming into the ball a little bit too much on the upswing and you’re bottoming out too early. This means your low point is too far behind, so you’re going to catch the top-half of the ball on the upswing.”

Instruction

By using this 2-ball drill, Birnbaum says it’ll force me to come down with the proper angle of attack, which helps get the low point of the club to the ball first and then the ground — creating compression and a solid strike.

On the flip side, if you’re someone who often struggles chunking the ball or hitting it fat, Birnbaum says this 2-ball drill can help with that miss as well.

“Just put another ball [in front of the one you’re planning to hit], and hit that one over the the front ball,” he instructs.

At this point I’m a little nervous, but he walks me through how to execute the drill, reminding me to focus on my angle of attack more than anything.

“To do that, we’ve got to shallow the attack angle out and feel a little bit more like a sweep,” Birnbaum adds.

“I like this drill because, depending on what your fault is, you can just put the ball in a different place — no matter if you’re struggling with fat shots or thin shots.”

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Nick Dimengo

Golf.com Editor