Striking the ball from the centre of the club face is important because that is where (in general) the club’s sweet spot is located. Shots hit from the sweet spot or close to it will fly further and straighter than shots struck from elsewhere on the club face.
 
Combining a sweet spot strike with the correct angle of attack is important to help produce the correct spin rates. The angle of attack into the ball will vary with different clubs. Wedges and irons will produce the best results when striking the ball with a slightly descending blow. Fairway woods and drivers will produce the best results when striking the ball with a slightly ascending blow.
 
Here is how left handed golfers can practice both hitting the ball from the sweet spot but also practice a correct angle of attack.
 
Finding the Sweet Spot
 
There are a number of drills which can be used to find the centre of the club face. Use this one for instant feedback and results.
 
1. Place two small tee pegs into the ground 4 inches apart, just enough to allow the passage of a club face between. If using a range mat, two rubber tees will suffice.
2. The idea is to place a ball down between the tees and practice hitting shots without disturbing the tees.
3. If players can get the club head moving between the tees, the ball should be struck from somewhere near the centre of the face.
4. To help see where the club is making contact with the ball, left handed golfers can use either face tape (available from most golf stores) or lightly dust the ball with talcum powder which will leave a mark on the club face.
5. The closer the ball is struck from the centre of the club, the closer to the sweet spot it will be.
 
Correct Angle of Attack
 
As well as hitting the centre of the club face, the angle of attack must be correct. Use this drill with the irons.
 
1. Lay a folded towel on the ground 10 inches to 11 inches behind the ball.
2. Using an 8 iron, place the ball in the centre of the stance.
3. Without hitting the towel on the back swing or through swing, strike down on the ball taking a divot (or brushing the mat if practicing at a range).
4. If you can avoid the towel then the angle of attack into the ball will be steep enough to create a divot and produce back spin.
 
A driver’s angle of attack is completely different as players want to strike the ball with an upward arc. Placing the ball at the front of the stance inside the right heel should help achieve this.
 

For left handed golfers to achieve consistent ball striking there are a number of factors which need to be present but concentrating on the sweet spot and angle of attack are key to success.