For golfers of all levels, ball striking consistency is a crucial aspect of the game. Hitting the ball solidly and consistently is the key to lowering your scores and improving your overall game. 

In this article, we’ll discuss some tips and techniques to help you improve your ball striking consistency and take your golf game to the next level.

Four Main Concepts to Remember For Consistent Ball Striking

1. Develop a Pre-Shot Routine

A pre-shot routine is a systematic approach to preparing for each shot. It helps you focus on the task at hand and eliminate distractions. Your routine should include visualizing the shot, selecting the club, taking practice swings, and setting up to the ball. Following a pre-shot routine can increase your focus and prepare your mind and body for the shot.

2. Focus On Your Setup

Your setup is the foundation of your swing. Make sure your feet are shoulder-width apart and your weight is evenly distributed. Your knees should be slightly bent, and your spine should be straight. Align your feet, hips, and shoulders with your target, and position the ball in the center of your stance. Focusing on your setup ensures you start your swing with a solid foundation.

3. Keep Your Head Steady, NOT Down

One of the most common mistakes golfers make is moving their head during the swing. This can lead to inconsistent ball striking and poor shots. To improve your ball striking, keep your head steady throughout the swing, keep your eyes on the ball, and avoid looking up too early. Note, however, that I am not saying to keep your head down. That is a widely misunderstood concept in golf. Your head needs to move slightly to allow you to transfer your weight properly. This concept must be understood. Keeping your head ridged and down will limit your transfer and rotation. 

4. Use Video Analysis

Video analysis, such as what V1 Golf offers, is a powerful tool for improving your ball striking consistency. Record your swing from the face on and down the line angles and analyze your technique. Look for any flaws in your swing, such as a poor setup or a faulty swing plane. Better yet, have a certified PGA or LPGA Coach help you with your analysis. By identifying these issues, you can work on correcting them and improving your ball striking consistency.

Ball striking consistency is a crucial aspect of golf. By developing a pre-shot routine, focusing on your setup, keeping your head steady, practicing with different clubs, and using video analysis, you can improve your ball striking consistency and take your game to the next level. Remember, consistency is the key to success in golf.

Four Drills to Improve Your Ball Striking

Improvement requires practice in golf. That is especially true when trying to be a better ball striker. One of the best ways to practice is through drills. Drills help you focus on technique, consistency, and accuracy. The following are some drills that can help you improve your ball striking:

1. Target Practice

Choose a very specific target on the range and aim for it with each shot. The process you want to put into practice for this drill is as follows:

• Get behind the ball far enough to visualize a target line in your mind’s eye. 
• Focus initially on the primary target.
• Find a secondary target right in front of your ball and still on your primary target line that you are visualizing.
• Walk up to the ball slowly, looking down at your primary and secondary targets. 
• As you get set in your stance, focus on lining your clubface up to that closer secondary target on your target line.
• Focusing on a specific target can improve your accuracy and consistency. Start with short-range targets and gradually move back as your accuracy improves.
  

2. One-Handed Swing

Practice your swing with one hand at a time. The process you want to put into practice for this drill is as follows:

• Starting with your dominant hand and no ball, make ten smooth swings. Focus on maintaining good posture and brushing the ground through the impact area. 
• After ten swings with no ball, make ten hitting a ball. Stay smooth, with about 50-60 percent power.
• Next, repeat steps one and two with your non-dominant hand.
• Work your way through your bag, starting with your wedges and going up through to your driver. 

This drill helps you develop a smooth, consistent swing with good control and tempo.

3. Low Point Drill

Follow the steps in the video below with me and one of my students.

4. Slow Motion Swing

Practice your swing in slow motion. This drill helps you focus on your technique and develop a smooth and consistent swing. Take your time and focus on the critical elements of your swing, such as your grip, setup, and swing plane.

Final Thoughts

Remember, improving your ball striking in golf requires practice, patience, and dedication. By incorporating these drills into your practice routine, you can improve your consistency and accuracy on the course.