Creating perfect contact depends a lot on how you set your spine at address. It sounds simple, but it makes all the difference. Luckily, I have a trick.
On short wedge shots, it’s better to launch the ball lower. The crisp contact you need to do this is easier to achieve when your weight favors your lead leg at address. (Most golfers lean their spine back, like they should with a driver.) So, set it correctly from the get-go.
As you stand over the ball, reach down with your lead arm and touch the top of your lead knee [1]. You’ll need to tilt your spine a bit toward the target to help you do this. Perfect! Embrace it and keep the angle from start to finish [2]. On the tee, do the opposite: Reach down with your trail hand and touch the outside of your trail knee [3], getting your spine to lean slightly away from the target [4].
This position sets you up for a powerful, upward strike, creating launch and more carry than you ever thought possible.
Two-time LPGA National Teacher of the Year Cheryl Anderson is a GOLF Top 100 Teacher who coaches at Heathrow Legacy Club in Lake Mary, Fla.
