Hank-Haney: Shank-proof Your Swing

When somebody sends me a tweet during a round looking for help, I know it's pretty serious. And a lot of times the subject is a shank.

The classic shank comes when the clubhead gets farther away from you at impact than it was at address, or you move closer to the ball during the swing. As a result, the ball hits off the hosel and darts sideways.

Start by getting the right distance from the ball. Your arms should hang from your shoulders—not reach—and you should keep the body posture that creates throughout the swing. To avoid moving toward the ball or swinging your arms out, use my obstacle drill (below).

DON'T BUMP THE HEADCOVER

Hit some iron shots, or make practice swings, with a headcover just outside the toe of your club. Miss the cover, and you'll miss the hosel on the other side. Your contact will move back toward the center.

Hank Haney is based at the Hank Haney Golf Ranch, Lewisville, Texas. To get fixed in Golf Digest, send Hank your swing on Twitter: @HankHaney.

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