Technique, Attacking from the inside

[w1ndw1ll]

Hi everyone, I'm sure this has been discussed before, but I'm having real trouble hitting the ball from the inside. Does this mean not quite hitting the ball square on? ie: hitting it slightly off centre on the inside path. I was under the impression you should make contact square on, but i'm convinced this is creating a slice, (for me at least.) Also can anyone help me on another technical point, Should my hands be ahead of the ball on contact. I ask this becauase I set up with my club shaft angled slightly forward to attain a square clubhead at address. Then when I swing I try and bring it back to the same position. Please help me on this as I am practising at the range and I'm not convinced I'm technically correct.
Any thoughts or advice on this would be much appreciated.

 

[bobmac]

If you take divots, are they pointing at your target?
If so and you are slicing, it could be an issue with your grip.
As for the impact position, certainly with your mid to short irons, and some would say all shots, your hands should be a bit in front of the ball.

 

[haplesshacker]

One for Bob and co me thinks.

I can only regail my earlier golfing days.

I used to set up with hands well ahead of the clubface, and my left (forward arm) used to take control and I played as if I was hitting a cricket defensive shot. If that makes any sense. Used to slice the ball a treat. It didn't work.

Lessons definately helped, as did spending time on the range just trying different things that I'd read here, watched on you tube and read in mags and books.

As I said. I'll leave the diagnosis to the pro's.

 

[w1ndw1ll]

I'm afraid my divots are poiunting slightly left of target, I know, I know I'm coming from the outside, really strugling to stop it

 

[bobmac]

I'm afraid my divots are poiunting slightly left of target, I know, I know I'm coming from the outside, really strugling to stop it

How far left?

 

[w1ndw1ll]

Not much, 1 or 2 cm off the straight. Or maybe that is a long way left?

 

[RGDave]

If you want to hit the ball well (especially your irons) you want your hands in front of the ball a little.
This is what I struggle with, hence balls off tees are fair game, those off the ground are fair(ly) poor.
I have been working on 1/2 swings making sure as I return to the ball, my hands lead the way and I'm striking down. I did this drill after seeing a video or two on youtube. One was posted on here (Shawn Clement) about "the hips" but if you watch the position Shawn is trying to get into on the way down, what his hands and club are doing are equally important.
It's working for me.
As for your path, either do lots of 3-ball drills (look it up) or alternatively "get in the slot". Jim Mclean used to have video on golf digest explaining this. I use this one often, and have had at least 2 or 3 lessons trying to get it right.

 

[sawtooth]

Having a square club face at impact is important but you also need to be on the target line through impact. If you come over the top and your club face is square to that line you will pull shots. Similarly if you hit too much from the inside you will likely end up with straight pushes.

If you picture what your position is at address its not too dissimilar when you strike the ball, shoulders should be square or even slightly closed at time of impact. This tip will help achieve a good line through the ball.

Easier said than done though

 

[w1ndw1ll]

Thanks for the tips, I shall go to the range this afternoon and hopefully put them into practice.