I have the shanks! How do I stop it?!

This can be the most fearful thing you can experience on the golf course.

What are shanks?

Shanks are when the ball is struck between the face of the club and the club's shaft rather than the clubface (see picture below). This results in a shot that veers off right if you swing right handed, and vice versa if you swing left handed. Results are rarely good! Shanks can be frustrating for golfers, as they disrupt the flow of the game and can affect confidence levels drastically.

The shank is most common with a wedge - ouch!

What causes them?

The causes of shanks can be varied and often stem from a combination of technical flaws and psychological factors. Below are some of the technical flaws:

• Early Extension: this is when a person moves their bum towards the ball thereby changing the club path which moves the club handle towards the ball and causes the dreaded shank. Early extension is generally a compensation to change swing path from out to in (over the top) to in to out. Early extension is usually the culprit if you have lower back pain.

• Set-up: player stands too close to the ball or have the ball too far back in their stance. This can result in heel strikes that aren't noticeable but if there is a slight change in set-up, the club will make contact with the shaft instead of the face. Spray foot powder on your club to check out your pattern. A great drill is to learn how to hit off the toe which will help in finding center strikes.

• Technical swing flaws can exacerbate into feelings of anxiety or fear. These feelings can lead to tension in the muscles, which further exacerbates the likelihood of producing a shank. Understanding the root cause is essential for players who wish to correct this issue.

How can they be fixed?

Fixing shanks involves an approach that addresses both the technical and psychological elements of the swing. We will start with a TPI physical screen and a swing analysis to determine the root cause. Once you understand the technical aspect of why the shanks happen, the mental side will start to correct itself. Mental strategies, such as visualization techniques and relaxation exercises, can also be beneficial in alleviating anxiety and building confidence. Consistent and focused practice, patience, and a positive mindset are crucial in overcoming the challenge of shanks and improving your overall performance on the golf course. Winter is a great time to take on any swing changes so you are ready for the golf season. Check us out!

Golf is 4 life, lets enjoy it along the way!