Hit The Golf Ball First

Click For Free Video: topspeedgolf.c...
Hit The Golf Ball First
I look forward to working with you much more in the future with Top Speed Golf. Good luck with your golf.
Clay Ballard
Click Here to Subscribe to KZbin Channel:
/ @topspeedgolf
Twitter:
/ topspeedgolf

[@dcolum23]

This is what I just learned during my lesson today. And holy crap does it completely transform the swing.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hope it helps!!

[@davidking6351]

Clay is legit, been shooting high 90s but on last 4 holes of front 9 went PAR BIRDIE BOGIE PAR. goal to break 80 this season, watch everything he posts, THANKS CLAY

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Nice! Thanks for sharing!

[@clivebrooker1]

I've got to agree with many of the other comments to this video, I watch all your videos Clay but somehow here you got the right combination of words to finally give me the confidence to swing through the ball. I have hit some of the best iron shots ever, with a sense of confidence I've never had before. Specifically the explanation of how the shaft leaning forwards brings the contact point further up the face, of course! I've always known I needed forward shaft lean but never really understood why. Secondly getting the hands low for me was a game changer, never been told to do this before, in fact quite the opposite, but this really got me "covering" the ball with some real shaft lean - however if I got steep it didn't work. And lastly the step drill was brilliant for demonstrating how early the weight has to move left, even before I've completed my back-swing. In fact I've hit some of my best irons ever actually stepping through the shot and I might even take this to the course (when it eventually stops raining). Thank you so much. I'd really like you to do a side by side video on how the iron swing differs from the Driver swing using these concepts. i.e. take a Driver shot going through the fundamentals then immediately take an iron shot (much like real golf!) explaining the differences and how to transition between the two.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for sharing! We have a iron swing vs driver swing video. Just search our channel. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@randelwhite848]

Great explanation. I am 71 and hold a 16 handicap. This swing issue is the one that frustrates me most. Thanks for the instruction. I am on it.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad to help

[@marcusthorn3338]

Thanks Clay! Excellent training session!

[@joeober4794]

Clay! Thanks for this video lesson. You described exactly what I was doing. My index has risen from 13 to 17 due to terrible ball striking. I used your drills today prior to playing. Felt the weight transfer and took it to the course. Shot a 78! Hit ball first, shallow divot, swinging under control! Seemed like ball was traveling farther with less effort. Terrific teaching!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Dang! That's great. Thanks for sharing!

[@billhale3293]

Clay, Just started watching your trainings. I am a 15 handicap and have been training indoors as we are just now getting decent weather here in MA. I feel much more confident to get down to my goal of being

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad you're enjoying the instruction. Play well!

[@michaelmcintee6046]

Clay Ballard should be America's golf teacher!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Haha...thanks! 🇺🇸

[@richdeprospo7165]

Great lesson. I'm a subscriber to Top Speed Golf and learning to rebuild my swing with your method. For me, when transferring weight to the right side, I was also shifting my body right, causing me to hit behind the ball when transferring my weight to the left. By being careful to feel the pressure only on the inside of my right foot when taking the club back, leaving maybe 30-40% of my weight on the left (without reverse pivot) I was able to more consistently strike the ball first on the downswing. Still working on it, but this might help some of your viewers, as well.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad you were able to figure it out, Rich. Thanks for looking out!

[@jasontheobald9378]

Awesome! I've watched a lot of online golf videos, but this one speaks my language. My fatal flaw in my game is hitting behind the ball. I suffer from the "stand-up" reverse pivot and my miss is to hit behind the ball, especially in the later holes when I get a little tired. This video cuts to the heart of the cause and gave me the drills I can do off the mat into the garage net. Thanks!!!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

My pleasure!

[@luke2183]

Best teacher and best content about golf on KZbin! Love your channel clay! Can’t wait for winter to be over, trying to use these tips inside lol

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@msilva24]

Simple and clear. Thank you very much Clay.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Very welcome

[@jackski77777]

Clay!! love the drills!!! Great teacher!!

[@michaellewis8985]

Clay Great video, especially identifying the root cause. Do the same principles ( low hands, cover the ball, and weight shift) apply to hitting a 3 or 5 wood . Thanks.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks! Yes, this applies to any shot hit off the turf. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@tommacdonald_official]

Wish I could Post my shot on the simulator the golftrac. On my 6 iron. Using your three tips on this video my third shot after like a five-minute warm-up was unbelievable. My second shot was unbelievable. This was even better. My ball speed was 121.3 mph. Side spin - 291 10 yards offline draw my Carry was 189 years with my 6-iron which is better than PGA men's tour average. My total distance was 211 yards my club head speed was 83.7 miles per hour. So I'm pretty impressed with your three tips. Oh my goodness.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for sharing! Sounds like yo're on the right track. Keep up the hard work!

[@jonathankerner2094]

Well done! this finally made sense of the "stay down on the ball" advice. Great drills, I'll be using them.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@jerm7159]

This guy is a great teacher. Would love to play a round/lesson with him

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@ripme6616]

👍

[@cambridgee]

this is definitely what i needed to see. As a kid i taught myself to take a divot like i saw on tv. but i take the divot behind the ball. now at 60 i cant stop it and also now cant get away with it. my irons have become useless. I will try to apply your instruction as soon as the snow goes away. thanks. other vids are also helpful and touch on real issues many of us have that give away distance and accuracy.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ericsmith564]

Wow...great visual examples and explained in simple format...can't wait to use it this weekend. Thanks, Clay

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@CorekBleedingHollow]

Congratulations on 300k subs!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@johnbutler8815]

Tremendous! Perfect explanation and key lessons

[@billc4730]

Greatest instruction I have seen for a issue I have had. Thank you Clay. I’m off to work on these drills

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@bonillas3]

Great instructional video! Thanks Clay 👍

[@TopSpeedGolf]

My pleasure!

[@gtb8703]

Got to be the best online instruction. Thank you

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@derry3344ii]

This guy is a great coach

[@MSDOGS1976]

Wow. Now I am confused. Just saw another video yesterday from 2 top instructors pushing the 60% weight set up on the left side at address. But what you suggest in that it encourages you to fall back on your right side when coming thru makes sense. Funny how there are so many conflicting methods.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Use whichever get's you to load up and transfer your weight properly. Play well!

[@sambutera3898]

I finally know what I am doing. I am always falling backwards and hitting before the ball ( off Balance ) it all starts to make sense thank you

[@TopSpeedGolf]

My pleasure!

[@kevinmurphy8644]

Excellent- thankyou 👍

[@JTse357]

Thanks for the great video and I look forward to trying these drills myself! How does one keep their head behind the ball at impact if you’re shifting your weight to the front side? Thanks.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Good question! The hips and momentum of the body move left as the head stays slightly back. Pros are angled back around 21 degrees with their upper body at impact.

[@JTse357]

Top Speed Golf - Clay Ballard Thanks for the instruction. Subbed!

[@jimhuang8716]

I like the way you describe the details. let me feel the drills are not far away from me

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@thetopfan5031]

Clay, I enjoy your videos. I am just starting out and I find them very helpful.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@MikeJones-um3os]

Clay aka Big Swoll aka Da Golfin Gangsta Ballard knocks another Tube Lesson out the park 🍻⛳😂

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Haha...thanks

[@glennwatson3313]

Congratulations on the Ping Deal. I have bought nothing but Pings for 30 years. I believe they are the best clubs for most people.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@shuichiokada5997]

This is really nice lecture for me!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@claudecote4711]

All you said in this video, i’m doing it. Every thing wrong. Thank you for the tips, hope to get more soon!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

My pleasure!

[@garygunn3704]

Lot of helpful information & thanks !

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@curtisgross7413]

Best Video I have seen, concerning divot in front of the ball.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@giustinoitaliano22]

I have been practicing my irons for 2 months without recording myself only to find out I have perfected the flipping iron shot lol. Now I have to change my iron game to compress the ball

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hope the video helps!

[@davepevans]

great as always.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@It_is_Gonzo562]

Great video Clay. Can you do a video to help big boys hit better shots with irons and woods? Please!!!!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks! Check out our channel. We have tons of videos. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@rogerrowe9401]

Clay, this video helped me finally hit better irons, thanks. Question ? Where can I find that Nike hat?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Amazon

[@craigmcmahon4904]

6:12 Game changer. No more ‘V’ impact. Thanks!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

My pleasure!

[@Lantzpoopedhispantz]

This was soooo helpful!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@philipread8733]

These videos are really good. A lot to take in ,but great

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad you like them!

[@roykenthaochannel9067]

I have this problem some and I hate that thank u clay ,

[@TopSpeedGolf]

My pleasure!

[@stevencowan1788]

Always the best and clear instructions from you clay .av put a lot of your info into my game .and it works .shaved 3 from my handicap .almost into single figures .cheers man 👊🏻👊🏻

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks! ✊✊

[@anthonyviola9400]

Clay do you focus on keeping your head behind the ball at impact? Thanks for these 3 drills!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

You should if you're sliding forward. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@bryanmccoy203]

Another exceptional video. I don’t expect that I’ll be hitting my 4-iron 230 yds real soon, but who knows? Will look forward to striking it better, at any rate. 💪🏼👍

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@haroldsingh7713]

Awesome video Clay.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@markworksop]

As always the best golf videos on KZbin 👍 wish I could get a lesson !!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@13DiBartolomeo]

Great lesson Clay. Dom

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@nelsonfieldsjr.7232]

Thanks

[@TopSpeedGolf]

My pleasure!

[@dacoolestdadever]

WOW THANKS MAN I CAN FINALLY HIT MY DAMN 3 IRON!!!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

My pleasure!

[@MPerski]

That's IT! I do BOTH those things! ... thanks, Clay. Gotta work on this! The fear I have about staying down, having the clubhead in front of the ball and clearing the hips is this results in my path (and the ball) going way left. How do I keep the ball on target if clearing my hips results in a left path?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hey Mike, you need to get the club working more behind your body. Check out or most recent video on clearing the hips. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@MPerski]

Will do 👍🏻 Thanks

[@g0lf535]

Out of curiosity, what club are you hitting in this video. I apologize if I missed that. Great video to watch, as I struggle with hitting behind the ball.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi, I think it was a 6 iron. Play well!

[@jimeye77]

Excellent!! Thanks!!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@Petergalvan]

Clay, does that mean you don’t subscribe to the stack and tilt method of weight on left side before the swing?

[@rkrauser1]

I enjoy your videos.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@trygvewestrum2823]

great video, Clay! what is a good length with a driver for a new beginner? BR from Norway

[@TopSpeedGolf]

I would say 200 yards is pretty good for a beginner.

[@brandonlambert1586]

Just started watching your videos not too long ago, do you have any advice for those with a low handicap trying to score under par consistently? Like mental keys, course management, or some tough short game/long game shot advice like deep rough tall greenside bunkers or fairway bunkers?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi Brandon, increasing your distance with club head speed is the fastest and easiest way to lower your scores. Go through our 20 Minute Distance Fix course. Here is what our members are saying about it: topspeedgolf.com/20-minute-distance-fix-success-stories/. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@geemac7267]

I want that impact sound.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for the comment!

[@youknowHugh]

Great vids Clay, can you do a video on LONG IRONS only? Specifically 3-4 irons, I refuse to cave into the hybrid game! I know hardly anyone uses 3 irons now, but I like to devote my brief practice time to long irons thinking that if I can stripe a 3 iron, I can hit anything! Thanks Bro!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

It's not likely will do a video specifically on that. The technique is no different than any other iron. They will just be harder to hit by nature since they a longer and have less loft. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@youknowHugh]

​@@TopSpeedGolf OK fine, but how about a 1-iron blade video like Harry Flower?

[@heysolley]

One funny thing is - and I am not picking on him, b/c his equipment reviews are really interesting - Rick Shiels has an instructional vid telling people (for iron play) to set up w/ their weight favoring the left side, EXACTLY as CB shows that such a set-up leads to the reverse-pivot and "falling" away from the ball. I'm puzzled as to why he would teach such a thing in a video, b/c he knows the golf swing just like Clay does. I think it's a case of a player being so proficient that he just ignores a fundamental thing which to him is second nature but which a beginner doesn't understand.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi Charles, thanks for hte comment. There is actually data out there collected by Swing Catalyst who manufacture pressure mats that support what Rick is saying. They tested a couple hundred Tour players and the average was slightly more (55%) pressure in the lead foot at address. That's pretty balanced really. If you really struggle with loading up though, it can be beneficial to do what Clay is talking about. In the end, it's all about finding what works best for you. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@heysolley]

@@TopSpeedGolf : No doubt a very fundamentally sound player can (and should) follow the "55%" advice. But few-and-far-between rec players properly turn and load up - or are even aware they need to - IMO. I certainly know that Rick Shiels has forgotten more about the swing than I'll ever know LoL.

[@jrhalli2]

Thank you for this video! Why do our bodies subconsciously think they need to stand up and move the hips closer to the ball? I've got video of me doing that when I consciously focus my mind on NOT doing it! Does it think we're to close to the ball and and we'll hit fat?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

My pleasure! It's hard to say without swing your swing but you're most likely coming down steep. When you come down steep, you'll typically stand up to get the club back on plane otherwise you'll stick it in the ground and/or come over the top. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@jrhalli2]

@@TopSpeedGolf thank you for the reply. I think you're right, I do fight the over the top move. could also be a mental thing related to an injury sustained after jamming an iron into a hidden tree root. 🤪

[@moheetoes]

Excellent video, I have sometimes this problem with my 3&5 woods. Would I used same drill as in this video?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Yes

[@yodakbarrabucci2582]

Man I hit a high power puff short shot fade. I hope this helps. I never took a divot past the ball.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Best of luck!

[@mikeobrien1559]

Doesn’t playing with offset irons add to the problem? They always feel like they were designed to hit the ball fat (but, I learned with blades, so...).

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi Mike, you're going to adapt to your equipment. Offset clubs just give you a little more time to rotate the face and close it. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@mikeobrien1559]

Top Speed Golf - Clay Ballard Well, I fight a hook, so maybe I should go back to blades.

[@SvingitGolf]

Notice your wide stance. How many inches toe to toe or between heels do you have? I have started to experiment with a wider stance. From toe to toe I have 21-22". 14" between my heels. My old stance was like 10-11" between my heels. The wider stance feels more athletic and balanced.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi, i'm not sure the exact measurement but I would go to each end of the extreme and see what works best for you. You do get more balance and stability from a wider stance but you can lose some mobility. You have to find that happy medium that works best for you. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@fredsparkes6293]

Clay, when you show the 45 deg club head release position, is it the same for a driver? (when trying to launch the ball)

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Yes

[@2ndAveScents]

Are you in SoCal? I would love to get some lessons

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hey, thanks for the interest but Clay doesn't offer private lessons. He focuses all his time on making videos and running the business. This allows him to help as many people as possible. Robin, our Director of Instruction, does private lessons in the Orlando, FL area. If interested then follow this link: topspeedgolf.com/in-person-lessons-with-robin-rosado/. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@ripme6616]

I always find it hardest on rock hard lies

[@keestel6975]

3:59 Nice Elvis imitation! 😂

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@michaelbarker3749]

Good video.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@jordimadorell519]

Perecto. Falta que se pueda traducir al Español

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@markboshier]

Fancy coming across the pond to give me a lesson?! 😁 Great videos so well explained!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Haha...you going to send a private plane? 😀 Thanks!

[@jean-pierreheyns4579]

Is it possible to become a pro after 35?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Haha...yeah. I don't think there is any age limit as long as you can play :-)

[@ghostnetnanny7343]

On 11:00 it looks like happy gilmoore...🤔

[@TopSpeedGolf]

haha

[@trevorvavrina8283]

Can you show some videos on bad lies like up hill and down hill lies

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi Trevor, we do have some of those videos on our website available to our All Access Members. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@ronwilliams357]

230 with a 4 iron? I can't break 200 with a driver :(

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hey, if you're' looking for more distance then I recommend working through our 20 Minute Distance Fix program. People of all ages and abilities are gaining tons of distance on this program. See what our members are saying about it here: topspeedgolf.com/20-minute-distance-fix-success-stories/. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@219garry]

Unfortunately my computer is in my bedroom and now I need a new wood floor

[@ashcan3028]

Where did you get that hat? looks like a nike,,

[@TopSpeedGolf]

It is...search Amazon

[@robmccance]

You better at tennis or golf? I'm guessing golf.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Golf

[@caddymann97]

Yup I’m a fluffer

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for sharing!

[@merkeva1841]

i tried breaking my club once and got hurt so i try not to get mad

[@TopSpeedGolf]

😬

[@michaelbarker3749]

First

[@TopSpeedGolf]

👍