Hitting a golf ball higher is a goal for many golfers, whether you want to clear obstacles, increase distance, or simply improve your overall game. Achieving a higher ball flight is not just about swinging harder but requires the right technique, equipment adjustments, and understanding of how your swing affects trajectory. Whether you’re struggling with low ball flight or looking to add some loft to your shots, the following tips will help you hit the golf ball higher, leading to better control and accuracy on the course.
Use the Right Club for the Job
The most straightforward way to achieve higher ball flight is by using a club with more loft. Clubs like a 7-iron or higher (8-iron, 9-iron, wedge) naturally have more loft than a driver or lower irons. Loft helps create more backspin and lift, which results in a higher trajectory. When using these clubs, make sure you’re comfortable with the specific loft, as it will directly influence how high your shots go.
In addition to choosing a club with more loft, make sure that the shaft length and flex are right for your swing. A shaft that’s too long or too stiff can make it harder to get under the ball and achieve the desired height. Selecting the correct club with the proper specifications can give you the edge in achieving higher shots consistently.
Focus on Ball Position
The positioning of the golf ball in your stance plays a significant role in how high the ball will fly. For most clubs, especially the shorter irons, position the ball slightly forward in your stance—just inside your left heel (for right-handed golfers). This allows you to make contact with the ball while the club is on an upward swing path, promoting a higher launch.
For higher-lofted clubs, such as wedges, it’s best to position the ball in the middle of your stance. This helps you make a clean strike, avoiding low, thin shots and maximizing loft. Avoid playing the ball too far back in your stance, as this can lead to a low ball flight and poor contact. Adjusting the ball’s position according to the club you’re using will help you get the desired height and improve consistency.
Proper Swing Path and Angle of Attack
The angle of attack refers to the path your club follows when it strikes the ball. To hit the ball higher, you need to make sure your swing path is slightly steeper rather than too shallow. A steeper angle of attack allows the clubface to contact the ball with more loft, creating a higher trajectory. When swinging too flat or shallow, you risk hitting the ball with less loft, resulting in a lower ball flight.
Focus on keeping your hands slightly ahead of the ball at impact to ensure that the clubface is squared and lofted. This technique is particularly important when using your irons or wedges. Additionally, during your backswing, avoid over-rotating your body. A compact, controlled swing ensures a cleaner strike with more loft, promoting a higher ball flight.
Increase Swing Speed with Controlled Rhythm
Swing speed influences how much lift the ball gets after impact. While you don’t need to swing harder, you should aim for a faster swing speed with a controlled rhythm. When you accelerate smoothly through the ball, it generates more backspin, which helps the ball stay in the air longer. This is especially important when hitting with clubs like a driver, where maximizing spin can add both height and distance to your shot.
To improve your swing speed, work on building strength and flexibility. Exercises that target the core, shoulders, and legs will enhance your power and stability, helping you generate more speed without sacrificing control. However, be sure to maintain proper mechanics in your swing. Over-swinging or losing control in an attempt to hit the ball harder will often lead to poor contact, lower shots, and reduced accuracy.
Loft Up with Adjustments to Your Driver or Clubface
Many modern drivers and woods come with adjustable lofts, allowing you to fine-tune your equipment for higher ball flight. If you want to increase the height of your shots, consider adjusting your driver’s loft angle. Increasing the loft will promote a higher ball flight, as the clubface will have a steeper angle at impact.
Another key consideration is how you set the clubface angle. If your clubface is too closed or too open at impact, it can lead to mis-hits or low shots. A slightly open clubface, particularly for drivers, can increase loft and promote higher shots. Consult with a professional club fitter to make sure your equipment is set up to help you hit the ball at the desired height.
Maintain Proper Posture and Balance
Your posture and balance are critical for achieving the correct angle of attack and maximizing the height of your shots. When setting up to hit, ensure that your posture is athletic—your knees should be slightly flexed, and your weight should be evenly distributed between your feet. Avoid leaning too far forward or backward, as this can cause improper contact and result in low shots.
Additionally, make sure your balance is maintained throughout the swing. If you sway during your swing or lose balance, your chances of hitting the ball cleanly and achieving a higher trajectory are reduced. Keep your weight centered and your head still, focusing on a smooth and controlled swing that allows for a higher launch angle.
Practice with a Purpose
As with any golf technique, practice is key to hitting the ball higher consistently. When you’re at the driving range, focus on hitting the ball with the goal of increasing your trajectory. Start with shorter irons and work your way up to longer clubs. Experiment with different ball positions, swing angles, and club adjustments to find the optimal combination for higher shots.
Working with a golf instructor can also help you identify areas of your swing that may be preventing you from hitting the ball higher. They can provide specific drills to improve your angle of attack, posture, and swing path, giving you the tools to make better contact and achieve a higher ball flight.