Impact Drill: How to Stop Scooping
July 29th, 2010 | 
Author: 
How to set up the Impact Drill
This is a version of a drill that I have presented many times, but each time I use it, it impresses upon me the importance of a proper strike on the golf ball. In using Trackman I have come to learn that the correct attack angle (an upward or downward hit) with an iron should be anywhere between 2 and 5 degrees down. If you have ever topped shots or alternated between thin and heavy strikes, you are more than likely getting scoopy through impact and this drill is right up your alley.
This drill will get you to do the following through impact:
- Get the weight shifted onto the front foot
- Lead the hands ahead of the clubhead
- Hit down on the ball
- Take divots in the right place – after the ball!
All you need is a small piece of one of those swim noodles that all the kids like to use in the pool. Secure the strip of noodle into the ground by pressing tees through the center as illustrated. It may take a little experimenting, but eventually you’ll find the appropriate distance to line the balls up from the noodle. Before long you should start to see a consistent line of divots occurring on the target side of the golf ball – a positive sign! If you find yourself hitting a few of the dreaded “hosel rockets” your grip is too weak; Essentially you now need to scoop the face in order to square the clubface through impact. Get it stronger!
Objective: Ball first, divot second
Some additional drills to help with impact:
- The Impact “Drag” Drill
- Hip Thrust Drill
- The Towel/Line Drill for Compression
- The Hip Slide and Why it is Important
- Golf’s #1 Impact Exercise
Posted in Long Game, Practice, Short Game, Swing Philosophy | 
Tags: "hosel rockets", angle of attack, ball first, ball striking, compress a golf ball, compression, divot second, forward shaft lean, golf drill, help with impact, hit down, impact drill, noodle, stop scooping, swim noodle, thin shots, tom watson impact, topped shots, trackman, weight shift
Interesting. We use this drill a lot (or do it with a towel or anything else, really, behind the ball) more to help people increase lag.
For fat or thin shots it’s almost always one of two things: lack of enough forward and/or loss of the flying wedge, which are both basically restatements of your first two bullet points above, but ever so slightly different in the approach.
Good stuff.
As usual I loved your latest tip on impact and used it in the backyard this evening and WOW! Love the noodle idea and will try it my lessons this weekend. I just spent about hour watching your YouTube videos for helpful tips. Just can’t get enough of IMPACT! The “Moment of Truth”
Thanks Andrew
Hey thanks Paul – glad you are getting something out of it!
Thanks Eric – as always your input is appreciated!
What is your opinion on using 3d golf simulators in trying to improve your game?
Hi John,
I must say I have not heard or read much about that. The best tool I have ever come across in analyzing a golf swing is a Trackman. I cannot imagine how I used to teach without it.
Where can I find out about 3-D analysis?
Andrew
Andrew,
Thanks for the information regarding “hosel rockets”. I strengthend my grip and started strikeing the ball much more solidly. Your articles have been very helpful to my golf game.
Thanks,
Ewell
Great to hear it. Thanks for the feedback Ewell!
I’ve tried this drill, but it doesn’t work well for me. The reason is that when I place something behind the ball like that, I’ll just time the flip so I avoid the object, but still get the club underneath the ball. I moved the object closer and closer, but still hit the ground. The only thing that works for me is to place a thin towel right behind the ball. If I hit the towel, I flipped.
Hi Heine,
I have actually recommended the towel drill you found numerous times on this site and I also have it in my book. Make sure that your weight is getting onto your front foot at impact and that will really help you delay the flip or scoop until after impact.
Thanks for reading,
Andrew