Shank Shot - The Most Embarrassing Shot Made On The Golf Course

When you are a beginner at golf, it does take time, patience and practice. You are more than likely to become frustrated with common imperfect shots, such as slicing the ball or the dreaded hook, which ultimately causes the ball to veer off to the left or right, rather than towards the intended target.

Then there is the most embarrassing shot of all that a golf player can make called the "shank". Golfers see the shank as a shot that is much worse than missing a simple one or two foot putt. It is certainly a shot that you want to avoid at all times.

What Causes The Shank?

A shank is created by hitting the golf ball with the "hosel" portion of the golf club, rather than the face of the club. The hosel is the thin, round surface of the club. When hitting the ball with the shank, the ball will be sent to the left or the right and barely becomes airborne, as well as only traveling approximately thirty yards or so.

When on the golf course, if you shank the ball on many occasions, then you are possibly extending the golf club out and away from the body on the downswing portion. It may also be because you may be coming into the ball with a severe outside-in movement, which will ultimately cause the hosel to come forward and hit the ball before the clubface makes contact.

This first thing to undertake, in order to resolve this problem, is to be sure that your swing path is coming from the inside. Sheer practice will improve your swing. The toe of the club needs to lead the hosel and your swing will come inside out, which will result in your clubhead being properly released, resulting in a shankless shot.

Try This Practice Drill

Here is a simple two-step drill, which you can practice in order to train yourself to avoid those unwanted shank shots.

1. Take two tees and place one into the ground as normal where you would place your golf ball. Place the second tee approximately 2 inches outside of the first tee.

2. Keeping your swing easy, aim for the first tee. Attempt to hit the first tee whilst completely missing the outside tee. You are pushing the club out and away from you if you are making contact with both tees. Continue to practice until you have achieved to hit only the first tee at every shot. Once you have achieved this, you will have eliminated the shank shot from your game.

Practice really does make perfect. Do not let your frustrations cease your enjoyment of the game of golf. Stick with the practicing and your game will certainly improve.