At any level of the game - but more so with those who have played the game a bit and have an average handicap - there are golfers who generally start their downswings by throwing or lunging their body forward into the shot. They really don't keep their head back behind the ball, or let their swing unwind from its wound backswing position - important in attaining a repeating, consistent golf swing.

The biggest problem with a "lunge swing" is the head coming forward, ahead of the ball at impact, which will result in any one of many poor shots including a shank, topped shots, weak pushed shots and shots with little distance.

Here is a drill I use a lot with my students to ensure their head stays behind the ball at impact. It will give you the correct feeling of where your head should be before and at impact. It also encourages your arms to swing through, rather than leading the swing with a forward movement of the body:


Using a 7-iron, try to feel like you are swinging off your right leg (for right-handers) from the top of your backswing rather than moving across to your left leg. It's just a sensation; it's not what actually happens but it will make sure your head stays behind the ball. (Remember, all you are trying to get from any drill is a correct feeling or sensation.)

Place your right foot in line with the ball, stand on the toes of your left foot and make sure your knees are touching (pic 11). This shot is not designed for a full swing - a controlled threequarter action is ideal to ensure you keep your balance.

As you swing back to. the top, you should feel as though you are staying on your right leg (pic 2). Swinging down to the golf ball, because you are on the toes of your left leg you will not be able to put pressure on that foot. (if you do, you will fall out of the shot even before you get to impact.) ,

It is important to try to feel balanced on your right foot as you hit the ball (pic 3). After impact, allow your body to walk out of the shot toward the target (inset).

This drill will help correct a lot of problems that may have crept into your swing.

Poor balance, swaying or a reverse pivot can all be eradicated, so it is probably useful to hit some balls using this drill at the start of every practice session.

Keeping your head behind the ball starts with the correct setup... and continues with correct swing fundamentals, balance and rhythm.