Never Shank the Golf Ball Again: 3 Simple Steps

Learn to eliminate shanking with three simple steps to improve your golf swing consistency and gain confidence on the course.

Watch the full 8-minute video lesson

Understanding the Shank

Shanking the golf ball is a frustrating experience that many golfers face at some point. In this article, we will delve into a bulletproof game plan to help you identify and eliminate shanks from your game once and for all. The process involves understanding the type of shank you're dealing with, correcting it, and practicing specific drills to ensure you never have to face this embarrassing problem again.

Step 1: Identifying Your Shank

The first step in overcoming shanks is to determine what kind you're experiencing. There are primarily two types of shanks:

Inside-Out Shank: This occurs when the club is delivered from the inside of the target line.
Over-the-Top Shank: This happens when the club approaches the ball from outside the target line, resulting in a steep path.

To analyze your own swing, you can use self-analysis tools or enlist the help of a friend to observe your swing path. Pay attention to the clubhead's position relative to two important lines:

Elbow Plane Line: This line extends from the huzzle of the club through the base of the elbow. It represents the ideal path for the club during your downswing.
Right Knee Line: A line drawn down from your right knee to help you identify if your knee is moving forward during the downswing, potentially causing an inside-out shank.

By analyzing your swing with these lines, you can better understand your path and determine which corrective measures you need to implement.

Step 2: Correcting Your Release

Once you've identified the type of shank, the next step is to focus on your club face's release. A gradual rotation of the club face is crucial. You want to avoid excessive acceleration or deceleration through the hitting area.

To train your release, follow these steps:

Stand with your feet about 6 to 8 inches apart, with most of your weight on your lead side.
Using only your left hand (for right-handed golfers), swing your arm while keeping your wrist relaxed.
Monitor the position of the club shaft; it should be parallel to the ground with your glove logo facing out in front of you.
As you complete the swing, check that your glove logo faces behind you, again ensuring the club shaft remains parallel to the ground.

This drill should be practiced extensively, even off the range, to help you achieve a consistent club face rotation.

Step 3: Drills to Eliminate Shanks

Now that you've worked on your release, it's time to focus on correcting your swing path with specific drills tailored to your identified shank type:

For Inside-Out Shanks

Set up an alignment stick on the ground and practice hitting shots without letting your right knee move past this line. Start with controlled swings at chest height, focusing on maintaining your knee position to avoid swinging from too far inside.

For Over-the-Top Shanks

To correct this path, start in your normal stance and drop your right foot back while keeping both feet flat on the ground. This position helps prevent a pushing motion that can lead to an over-the-top swing. Execute swings from this stance, gradually bringing your foot back to the normal position as you improve.

Remember to practice these drills in a slow, controlled manner. Focus on quality over quantity, and gradually increase your swing speed as you gain comfort and consistency.

Conclusion

By following these three steps—identifying your shank type, correcting your release, and practicing targeted drills—you can eliminate shanking from your game. Take your time with the process, and before you know it, you'll be hitting the ball more solidly and confidently than ever.

Key Takeaways

Identify whether your shank is inside-out or over-the-top for targeted correction.
Focus on gradual club face rotation to improve your release.
Use alignment sticks and controlled swings to correct your swing path.
Practice consistently, even off the course, to reinforce new habits.

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