3 signs of an elite impact position (and 1 way to improve yours)

Wondering what your impact position should look like? Well, wonder no more.

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There is nothing more important in golf than the moment you actually hit the golf ball. A good impact position is something every golfer should strive few, and in my opinion, efficiency is the key to finding that impact position for consistency and effortless power.

Last week I wrote about the setup, which can make finding a good impact position much easier. But while setting yourself into a good setup is important, impact is a dynamic movement. Here are a some easy-to-spot ways you can improve yours…

1. Reverse “K” body shape

The proceeding pictures illustrates Nick Faldo with an iron. Highlighted in green shows the lead side of the body has bumped forward from its original position and formed a straight line down the lead side. This has also created a “tuck” in the trailside.

2. Lead shoulder above trail

You will also note the lead shoulder is above the trail shoulder. This also is true with the hip line. The lead hip is above the trail hip, which matches the shoulder line. The trail leg and knee has moved inward creating a tuck look as well.

3. Tucked trail arm

A key feature at impact and through impact is a tucked bent trail arm. The trail arm is slightly below the lead arm and the trail wrist has angle to it. This forms a “pushing motion” through impact, a position to trap the ball through impact for a proper strike.

4. Push swing drill

A great drill to get the feeling for this impact position is to simply practice pushing into an impact bag. Set up to the bag in this desired impact position. Hold your body and swing the club back two feet and return the club into the impact bag. Then push the bag to get the feeling of your arms and body working through impact.

Once you get the feeling for this new impact position start hitting balls focusing on contact. Like learning any new movement, start slow and gradually add speed. First comes form, then contact, then direction, followed by repeatability and speed.

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Kelvin is a Class A PGA golf professional in San Francisco, California. He has taught at some of the top golf clubs in the Bay Area, which include The Olympic Club and Sonoma Golf Club. He is TPI certified and certified Callaway and Titleist club fitter. Kelvin has sought advice and learned under several of the top instructors in the game, including Alex Murray and Scott Hamilton.

Kelvin works with his students to develop an efficient golf swing. A swing that is repeatable, powerful and will strive under pressure. He welcomes golfers of all skill levels however is geared towards the more committed golfer. Besides swing and short game instruction, Kelvin is an expert in on and off the course coaching. This includes mental preparation, developing practice routines and course strategizing.