How to Fix Shanks in Golf | A Complete Guide (2024)

In golf, a shank is a type of error that is quite common. It occurs when the golfer makes contact with the ball in an incorrect manner, typically making contact with the clubface too close to the heel. This often results in the ball being hit off course, sometimes wildly. While there are ways to correct your swing and try to avoid shanks altogether, there are also some steps you can take if you do happen to hit one. Read on for tips about how to fix shanks in golf and get back on track.

Summary: If your golf shank is not behaving the way it should, you may need to fix it. Follow these simple steps to get your shank back in shape: 1. Check the grip on your club- make sure it’s tight. 2. Make sure your stance is correct- You don’t want to be too close to the ball or too far away. 3. Make sure your hands are positioned correctly- your thumbs should be pointing towards your target, and your fingers should be pointing away from the ball. 4. Swing the club- You should try and generate as much power as possible.

What are Shanks?

Shanks are a type of mistake that can happen when you are playing golf. If you hit the ball with the part of the club where the shaft meets the clubhead, it can cause the ball to go off to the right instead of where you were aiming. Shanks can be caused by having a bad swing, using the wrong grip, or not standing correctly. But sometimes it can just be because the golf club you are using is too heavy or too flexible for your swing.

What Causes the Shanks in Golf?

There are a few different things that can contribute to hitting a shank. One of the most common is simply having your hands too close to the ball at impact. This can cause you to contact the ball off center, which will send it veering off course. Also, if your grip is too tight, this can also lead to shanks. To fix this, make sure you keep your grip light and try to relax your hands as you swing through. You should also check your setup and make sure you are not too close or too far away from the ball.

An incorrect grip is another common cause of hitting a shank. If your grip is too weak or too tight, it can prevent the clubface from square contact with the ball, leading to a shank. Additionally, if your grip is positioned too far to the left or right on the club, it can also cause you to hit a shank.

The angle of your clubface can also affect whether or not you hit a shank. For example, if the clubface is open or closed too much at impact, it can cause the ball to go off course. Additionally, if the club is not swung in a circular motion but in an up and down “chop” motion, this can also lead to shanks.

Finally, poor swing mechanics can also lead to hitting a shank. For example, if you are not swinging the club properly, it can cause you to make contact with the ball incorrectly, leading to a shank.

Poor Swing Mechanics Can Lead to Hitting a Shank

A Complete Guide on How to Fix Shanks in Golf

1. Check Your Grip.

If your shanks are not working properly, the first thing you should do is check your grip. Your grip could be too weak or too strong, which is causing your shanks. If your grip is too weak, try tightening it up a bit. If your grip is too strong, try loosening it a bit. Use trial and error to find the perfect grip for you.

2. Check Your Stance.

Your stance could also be causing your shanks. Ensure you’re not standing too close or too far away from the golf ball. You should also make sure that your feet are shoulder-width apart. When you’re standing too close to the ball, your ball flight will be low and out to the right. When you’re standing too far away from the ball, your ball flight will be high and out to the left.

3. Check Your Clubface.

The clubface is another important factor in fixing your shanks. First, make sure the clubface is square to your swing path. If it is not, the ball will head off in the wrong direction. You can check your clubface by aligning it with an imaginary line from the ball to the target.

4. Check Your Hosel Alignment.

The hosel is the part of the club that connects the shaft to the clubhead. If it’s not aligned properly, it can cause your shots to veer off in all sorts of directions. To check your hosel alignment, put a golf club in a vise and look down the length of the shaft. The clubhead should be squarely centered on the shaft. If it’s not, you’ll need to have your clubs re-shafted.

5. Adjust Your Tee Height.

If you’re hitting too many ground balls, it could be because your tee height is too low. Try raising the tee a bit and see if that helps. Conversely, if you’re hitting too many balls in the sky, it could be because your tee height is too high. Again, try lowering the tee a bit and see if that helps.

6. Check Your Swing Plane.

Your swing plane is the angle of your swing relative to the ground. You’ll hit too many balls in the sky if it’s too steep. You’ll hit too many balls on the ground if it’s too shallow. Ideally, you want to find a happy medium between the two. If you’re not sure what your swing plane is, ask a golf pro for help.

7. Practice With a Hitting Net.

If you don’t have access to a golf course, you can still practice your swing at home with a hitting net. Hitting nets come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find one that fits your budget and space. Practicing with a hitting net will help you to groove your swing and eliminate the shank. In addition, you’ll be able to work on your accuracy and ensure that you’re hitting the ball in the sweet spot.

8. Use a Golf Simulator.

If you want to take your practice to the next level, you can use a golf simulator. Golf simulators are becoming increasingly popular, as they’re a great way to practice your game indoors. You can play virtual rounds of golf on some of the world’s most famous courses and get immediate feedback on your shots. A golf simulator can be a great investment in golf simulator can be a great investment if you’re serious about fixing your shanks. There are many different types of simulators on the market, so research to find one that suits your needs.

9. Try Different Clubs.

If you’re still having trouble with your shanks, it might be time to try different clubs. It’s possible that the clubs you’re using are not well-suited for your swing, which can cause all sorts of problems, including shanks. Talk to a professional at your local golf shop to get fitted for the right clubs. It could make all the difference in your game.

10. Practice, Practice, Practice.

The only way to really fix your shanks is to practice, practice, practice. The more you play, the more comfortable you’ll become with your swing, and the less likely you will hit a shank. So get out there and keep swinging.

11. Play With Someone Who Has a Good Golf Swing.

One of the best ways to learn how to fix your shanks is to watch and mimic someone who has a good golf swing. Of course, if you don’t know anyone with a good golf swing, you can always take lessons from a professional golf instructor. But if you have a friend or family member who knows how to swing a golf club, ask them for help. It’ll be worth it in the long run.

12. Use a Golf Training Aid.

There are all sorts of golf training aids on the market, from simple swing trainers to high-tech gadgets that give you feedback on your swing. So do some research and find a training aid to help you with your shanking problem.

13. Use a Golf Trajectory Radar.

If you want to get serious about fixing your shanks, a golf trajectory radar can be a helpful tool. Trajectory radars measure your shots’ height, speed, and spin, so you can see exactly what’s wrong with your swing. They’re not cheap, but they can be a great investment if you’re serious about fixing your shanks.

14. Improve Your Fitness.

If you’re not in good shape, it can be not easy to swing a golf club effectively. So if you’re serious about fixing your shanks, you need to start working on your fitness. A good golf workout routine will help you build strength and flexibility, which are important for a good golf swing.

15. Get Professional Help.

If you’ve tried all of the above and still have trouble with your shanks, it might be time to seek professional help. There are many great golf instructors out there who can help you to fix your shanks. Find one in your area and make an appointment for a lesson. It could be the best money you ever spend.

Tips and Warnings on How to Fix Shanks in Golf

Tips:

Be sure to use a grip that is neither too tight nor too loose.
Practice your swings in slow motion at first.
Use a golf club with the correct weight and flexion for your swing.
Check your posture and make sure you are not standing too close or too far from the golf ball.
Relax your muscles, and do not try to force the golf club through the ball.
Make sure you are hitting the golf ball in the center of the clubface.
Practice regularly and be patient while you are learning how to fix your shanks.

Warnings:

Do not make any drastic changes to your golf swing without consulting a professional golf instructor.
Do not get frustrated if you do not see an improvement in your shank shots immediately. It takes time and practice to make lasting changes to your golf swing.
Do not give up on your golf game if you struggle with shanks. There are many other aspects of the game that you can enjoy while you work on fixing your shank shots.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Causes the Shanks in a Golf Shot?

Shanks happen when your clubhead hits the ball too hard and is jarred off-center. This causes your clubface to rotate quickly, which in turn causes you to hit a golf shot with an uncontrolled backswing. The shanked shots are often low or onto the green, due to gravity pulling the club downward towards the ground.

There are several things that can contribute to this issue, including poor swing technique, incorrect grip pressure on your clubs (especially with putters), excessive power behind your swings, and lack of confidence leading up to your round. In order for you to minimize these chances of hitting a shanked shot, be sure to focus on proper practice habits and develop good swing mechanics.

Why Am I Shanking My Irons All of a Sudden?

Shanking your irons can be really frustrating and it’s often difficult to pinpoint the reason why it’s happening. Here are some possible causes of this common problem:

You’re not using the correct club – Make sure you’re using the right club for your swing type and distance. Irons are designed to hit different types of balls at different distances, so finding the right club for you is essential for a smooth swing.
You’re not stretching before your round – Stretching helps to increase flexibility in your muscles and joints, which in turn reduces the risk of injury. It’s also a great way to prepare yourself mentally for the round ahead.
You’re swinging too hard – Over-swinging your clubs can lead to shanking your irons. Make sure to strike the ball softly and smoothly in order to avoid causing damage.
You’re not getting enough practice – If you haven’t been hitting your irons regularly, you may find that they start shanking on occasion. Putting in a bit of extra time each week will help you iron out any kinks in your swing and prevent these frustrating accidents from happening.

What Causes a Ball to Shank?

When a ball shanks, it is usually caused by poor stroke technique. There are several things that can go wrong when you hit a ground ball, and one of the most common ones is hitting it too hard. This causes the ball to bounce off the ground before eventually rolling towards the first base or into center field where an outfielder can easily catch and throw it out.

To avoid this problem, make sure to keep your swing slow and controlled. Instead of hitting the ball with all your might, try using more whips at the point of contact. This will result in a softer baseball that goes farther down the lane and less likelihood of shagging outfielders!

Is Shanking Golf Ball Mental?