Launch monitors are an indispensable tool for getting the most out of your swing. You can’t learn from them, however, if you don’t know what you’re looking at. Below, a dictionary of must-know terms in the modern improvement age.
Ball Speed: The speed the ball travels as it leaves the clubface. The farther away you make contact from the sweet spot, the more ball speed drops.
Angle of Attack: The angle at which the club approaches the ball. Hitting down on the ball (as you should with an iron or a wedge) is negative attack angle. Positive numbers pop up when you correctly hit up on the ball with a driver.
Launch Angle: The angle the ball travels on once it leaves the face, relative to the horizon. It’s one of the most important factors in determining how high and far your shots travel.
Face Angle: The direction your clubface points at impact, relative to the target line. If you’re missing left or right, focus on this parameter first.
Spin Axis: The amount of curve on the ball after you hit it (negative = spinning left). A zero spin-axis reading means the ball won’t curve — but it may still miss with a face angle error.
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