One of the most common mistakes in golf is what’s called “topping” the ball. That’s when you hit the ground before you hit the ball, causing the ball to pop up weakly and not go very far. Why does this happen? It’s often the result of a combination of factors, such as poor Swing mechanics, setup, or equipment. Let’s take a look at each of these in turn.
Swing mechanics: If your Swing isn’t on plane – that is, if the club face isn’t square to the target at impact – you’re likely to top the ball. Similarly, if your Swing is too steep, you can also top the ball. Your Swing needs to be on plane and relatively shallow for consistent ball striking.
Setup: Another common cause of topping the ball is poor setup. If your ball position is too far forward in your stance, you’re more likely to top the ball. The ball should be positioned opposite your left heel (for a right-handed golfer).
Equipment: Finally, poor equipment can also lead to topping the ball. If your clubs are too long or too short, it can be difficult to make solid contact with the ball. In addition, if the lie angle of your clubs is incorrect, that can also cause you to top the ball. Lie angle is the angle between the shaft and the ground, and it should be matched to your Swing. A qualified club fitter can help you with this.
