Just as important as knowing how to hit this shot is knowing when to hit this shot. Having the ability to hit a tee shot from back in your stance will do you no good whatsoever if you consistently attempt this shot when it isn’t called for. Shot selection is a valuable skill in golf, so don’t take this part of the equation for granted.
To wrap up our discussion on the topic of tee shots played from back in your stance, let’s highlight a few points related to shot selection.
- Only when necessary. This should not be your ‘default’ tee shot option. As mentioned earlier, you are going to give up some distance when you hit this kind of shot. SO, you don’t want to turn to this type of tee shot unless it is a necessary. For example, if you are playing a wide par five with plenty of fairway to work with, it would be silly to use this option. Instead, hit your standard driver shot and maximize your distance. As this is a control-based shot, it is going to be the right choice when maintaining control over your ball is the top priority. A common example of such a situation would be a short, narrow par four with hazards in play off the tee.
- Only when it looks right. Sometimes, a shot just doesn’t ‘fit your eye’. You need to learn to listen to this gut instinct, and make adjustments to the shots you hit if necessary. To continue the example from the previous point, you might step up to a short, narrow par four and just not feel comfortable with this shot. And that’s okay. The last thing you want to do is force yourself to hit a shot that doesn’t feel comfortable. If you don’t think it will work, move on to another idea and use it instead.
- Only when you’ve practiced. This one should be a no-brainer, but it isn’t, unfortunately. Plenty of golfers attempt to hit shots that they have never previously tried, which is simply a bad idea. Add this shot to your game on the range first and you will have much more success out on the course.
We hope you now have the motivation you need to work on hitting some tee shots from back in your stance. Should you hit all of your tee shots this way? Of course not. It is a good trick to have available from time to time, however, as you might be able to hit a narrow fairway that you usually miss. Keeping your ball in play might not be the exciting part of the game, but it goes a long way toward a better score.
The “back in stance” driving technique refers to positioning the golf ball slightly farther back in your stance when hitting a driver off the tee. This technique is commonly used to promote a more sweeping strike, increase launch angle, and reduce unwanted spin. Here's a breakdown of the back in stance driving technique and some associated strategies:
- Ball Position: For the back in stance technique, position the golf ball slightly back in your stance, closer to your trail foot (right foot for right-handed golfers). The exact position will vary depending on your swing and preferences, but a general guideline is to have the ball in line with the inside of your trail foot's heel.
- Stance Width and Alignment: Maintain a shoulder-width stance or slightly wider for stability and balance. Align your feet, hips, and shoulders parallel to the target line or slightly open to accommodate your desired shot shape.
- Tee Height: Adjust the tee height so that the ball sits slightly higher off the ground, aligning it with the crown of the driver. This setup allows for an upward sweeping motion through impact.
- Swing Path and Angle of Attack: With the back in stance technique, the swing path tends to be more of an upward strike, promoting a higher launch angle and reduced spin. Focus on sweeping the clubhead through the ball, feeling like you're hitting up on it rather than down.
- Clubface Alignment: Ensure that the clubface is square or slightly open at address. With the upward swing path, a slightly open face can help counteract any potential slice tendencies.
- Strategy: The back in stance technique is commonly used when facing tight fairways, windy conditions, or when seeking more distance off the tee. By hitting up on the ball, you can achieve a higher launch, reduce spin, and potentially hit longer drives. This technique may sacrifice some accuracy, so it's important to consider the trade-off between distance and control.
Remember, the back in stance technique may not be suitable for every golfer or every situation. It's essential to experiment with different ball positions, tee heights, and swing adjustments during practice sessions to find what works best for your game.
Additionally, seeking guidance from a golf instructor or coach can provide personalized recommendations and help you refine your technique for optimal performance. They can also assess your swing and provide specific strategies based on your strengths and weaknesses.
Lastly, while technique plays a crucial role in driving, it's important to develop a strategic approach that considers the specific demands of each hole and course layout. Factor in hazards, doglegs, wind direction, and other course conditions when selecting your target and deciding on shot shape and club choice.
Overall, the back in stance driving technique can be a valuable tool in your golf game, offering potential distance gains and adaptability to certain situations. However, it's important to find the right balance between distance and accuracy and to adjust your strategy accordingly.