How to Stop Shanking the Ball

The ball flies violently right off the heel of the club face where it meets the shaft, a spot known as the hosel.

Check our list to identify your possible faults:

Aim: Face may be a little open.

Grip: Hands twisted a bit too far left causing the face to open.


Ball position: Might be too far back.

Stance: Not normally a factor.

Body alignment: Feet and shoulders aiming too far left. (See above).

Posture: Weight is usually positioned too much on the toes. Get on your heels.


Swing: A shank is an exaggerated swing path. Either you're coming way too much from the inside or you're really chopping across it. Just check your divots.

Golf coach tip: Put the weight on your heels, keep the clubface looking at ball for longer on the way back. Draw a black spot on the toe of the club and then as you're coming down try and hit it out of that spot.