By Doug Leeds, PGA Professional

Once versed in the Natural Golf Fundamentals, the most important thing to learn is how to create Perfect Impact. Applying downward pressure through the golf ball is what propels the ball, launching it from the clubface.  Simply stated the ball needs to be trapped and compressed by the club face.

To accomplish this task you must deliver the clubface through the back of the ball.  You will accomplish this only when your hands lead the clubhead through the impact zone. Following is a drill that will help you experience the feeling of compressing the ball.  The drill is called "The Magic Mountain".

It is easier to trap the ball into a 30-45 degree slope than a flat lie. So, find an uphill slope and with a 9 iron or a pitching wedge, with the ball positioned in the middle of your stance, take a short backswing and swing with intent to hit the ball into the hill .  Forget about uphill, downhill, side hill swing tips; this is a drill that teaches you to trap the ball and acquire the feel for compressing it against the clubface.  After hitting down through the ball, keep the shaft of the club leaning toward the target, so the handle is ahead of the clubface.

 When properly executed, your lead wrist will be flat and your trail wrist will be "bent" or hinged.  It will feel more like a punch than a sweep.  If you have a follow through, you probably swung up the hill in a scooping manner.  

Practice until the ball goes straight and with a proper trajectory, which may be slightly lower than you are used to if you previously had been scooping or lifting through impact. At first, don't try to hit it too hard, start very small and when you get the feel for it, you can hit it a little harder.  When done correctly, the ball will always fly straight and true! 

Once you gain the feel, transfer the same sensation you created against the upslope through a ball from a level lie.

Happy trapping and let me know if you have any questions!

Doug

Doug Leeds is a Class "A" PGA Professional located in Orlando, Florida.  He has been teaching golf since 1987 and joined Natural Golf in 1998.  His mission in teaching golf has been helping his students become better ball strikers, achieve their goals on the golf course and to have fun.  Doug prides himself in keeping it extremely simple and that is why Natural Golf and Doug have been a perfect fit. He looks forward to helping you soon and can be contacted via email at leeds@mpinet.net