BALL STRIKING GOLF SWING BASICS FOR PURE IRON SHOTS

[@MarkCrossfield]

Let me know which tip helps the most and share this video with anyone struggling with their ball striking. Strike is king y’all.

[@matthewua1]

Im big on turning my hips it gives me a more repeatable and consistent strike. Also I do more stretching before rounds at the most I do some chipping before rounds. I get the practicing done at the range. Strike is always king yo!!!!!!

[@Raymond-sj7cn]

Good tips 👍🏽 Hip turning/rotation in combination with good posture because I can go to early extension and that can cause all kinds op problems such as the Sh.k🤫 shoulders back , good posture in combination with turning hips instead of moving/pushing to the ball solves a lot of my iron problems when they suddenly show up on the course 😇

[@BHApelqvist]

Turning the hips! That's always the threshold for me early in the round to get better strikes, and less hooks.

[@tylerlove2052]

The standing taller is one I find solves a lot of issues for me. Rounded shoulders lead to awful strikes. I’d commented on your posture being taller on the last course vlog. 👍🏻

[@christianringer7344]

Can you do a video on dynamic stretches pre round? TPI stuff would be great if you’re allowed to share. Cheers bruh!

[@taylorthurston8892]

I spent 20 years of golfing searching for one repeatable perfect swing. The last couple months of videos here have gotten me playing with different swings and different strikes to get better control. I've learned so much and it has made my golf game so much more purposeful. Keep it coming!

[@beccasam8631]

Taylor Thurston I made the same shift this year and videos like this have really helped. I now have a lot more fun playing golf and sort of like to show off with different swings etc. ps. I’m off 12 and started the season at 14.5. Was hoping to get to 10 this year, but, I’m having more fun

[@quentindohnt]

So now you have 35 perfect swings ???... recommend one myself. Oh and never stretch just run or jog on the spot. See Dr Michael Moseley's report on stretching fails. Kind regards

[@taylorthurston8892]

@@quentindohnt You're totally missing my point. "the perfect swing" isn't a thing. Look at the top 20 tour pros right now, and you'll see 20 different combinations of takeaway, downswing, delivery and follow through... Changing my focus on learning how to control my strike has made me a better golfer. I probably do have several different swings, but those different swings are resulting in better face to path, better strike and better results. Mark's advice has given me that... Who are you? What are your credentials? Why should I listen to your recommendation that hasn't worked for me for 20 years over his who has shaved strokes off my game in just a couple of months? Saying "Kind regards" doesn't make your comment kind, or constructive, or worth much of anything.

[@quentindohnt]

@@taylorthurston8892 Bows respectfully, no offence meant dear chap.

[@NickJaggers-yo6sz]

These 'basic' videos are some of the best you've done, helpful for beginners and experienced golfers. You and Dan are great teachers.

[@DannyPhantom992]

As a 29 year old who struggles with back and knee problems I always wake up extra early to allow myself to stretch as much as I can and do some core exercises before I head to the course. Once I’m there I do my final couple stretches and head straight for the putting area. I putt for 10-15 minutes, then go hit a couple driver shots and few iron shots with a mental checklist of everything I need to keep in line then finally head back to the putting area for another 10-15 minutes. This has truly allowed me to start the round off much better than in the past and lowering the possibility of injuring my back or lead knee again.

[@ssfelst]

Both of you have improved your presentation over the past few years by an enormous amount. Keep the tips coming. Some of them actually get into my brain. Thanks a lot!

[@stancole5833]

This is my go to video when I am working on my strike with irons. Thanks Mark and Dan!

[@timothydaniels504]

One of your finest instructional videos. The forward ball position is something I do because it encourages me to use my legs and hips rather than overusing my arms/ hands.

[@richardjames5700]

Totally agree with the warm up - spent at least 5 minutes dynamic stretching and warming up at the range tonight and the first iron shot was hit pure and had the best ball striking session ever - it works guys!!

[@alrutherford1342]

hit the nail on the head Mark and Dan re warming up. Been playing all my life and only 6 months ago at age 49 I finally twigged as to why I ALWAYS take 3 or 4 holes to start striking well. Even in summer golf. It's like unless you're v lucky you basically write off your first few holes in terms of scoring. Next medal I play I'm going to do burpees from the practice putting green to the first tee. And then fall over and retire injured :) Good one guys and thanks for posting. It's a total game changer, but as you say, nobody does it, bar a very few!

[@JM-TQ]

Goldy video. You put words and figures to my all feels and hours, months,... of practice. Thank you Mark and Co.

[@davepalmerton2429]

It is amazing how such simple ideas and drills can make huge a difference. Great job Mark and Dan.

[@SSW8682]

Love these striking vids with irons great stuff guys

[@peterrandall1229]

So glad that you have said about preparing your body before playing golf. To many people don’t consider golf a sport. They rock Up on the first tee and do 3 quick lashes of the driver and off they go and then wonder why parts of their body hurt walking down the fairway. When you look at the golf swing and how dynamic it is, you need to get prepared for the round ahead. Doing stretching and dynamic moves warms the muscles so preventing injury and gets the body and also the mind ready to to play. Maybe a video of hitting drivers from cold and then after a warm up could be a good. The difference is very apparent in my experience. Great video as always.

[@barryread3672]

As I've aged I've learned that I have to get my body warm before I ever swing the club. I do core exercises and stretches every morning. When I arrive at the course I always warm up before I practice or play.

[@markhopkins8915]

I'm an improving golfer who has trouble releasing power, so the tip about twisting your foot outwards to generate more hip rotation is great, I will be trying that at the driving range later today

[@adamstubbs4376]

This latest series of vids is great. Well worth a watch. And im an out the car, first tee, hook a 3wood into the trees kinda guy. Notice myself 3-4holes in i actually feel semi confident with my swing.

[@geoffbray3936]

Struggle with hitting fat shots especially in the winter, will try you drill of moving the ball forward. Great content as usual Mark, my golf has improved since watching your videos, keep up the excellent work.

[@stuarthartley6824]

You're on a roll with these lessons guys, they are really well explained. Thanks again..!

[@bm2844]

Burpees. Putting yourself out there Mark, love it.

[@christianstelzl2494]

Wow... this is a huge video for me. I love it! Can’t say thanks enough for that. Instead to find the swing fix during the round, just change the ball position and so on to handle it. It makes so much sense! Haven’t thought that way yet! Really good.

[@Aomircko]

Good info again here, something I'll try to do in future, never thought about it on the course !

[@arronfc5887]

Love Dan in these vids. Talks a lot of sense and explains it well..

[@tysonnicol8841]

Ive experimented with this over the yrs and totally agree with warming up correctly. A proper stretch and then a few hard swings with the driver will have me moving in no time. If not it can take 3 holes to get goin. Big 1 for me is carry bag.

[@tinmartinnage478]

Hey Mark. Since I restarted a month ago with help from some your drills and a lesson at Honiton my ball striking is much improved but seem to be striking dangerously close to the hosel!! I’ll keep working on your tips/drills and with my local pro and keep you posted as scores drop (shot 100 3 wks ago, yesterday 88- used to be scratchy 12)

[@mikemcilroy4995]

I was one of the guys that didn't warm up and could never hit irons for 5 holes... Buzza did a dynamic warm up video that I tried and was amazed how it affected my game. Hitting the flush irons early just changes your mental outlook on the round.

[@SolomonLi]

My miss is typically fat and dufftastic. I used to pick the ball, but now I’m scalping the ground. I love this because it helps build a process of elimination or management of misses. Thanks bruhs!!!

[@jbeeches1]

Hi mark i have a problem with bad striking and had a lesson on Tuesday and my coach Darren and he got my doing dynamic stretching to help me .

[@barrystone6013]

Love the new content Mark Dan and coach , totally agree with having to be warmed up , stretched out, and also finding what works for you. . All around the basics of golf. Although I normally start off well for 3-4 holes then have a lull then return .

[@pjcsaw1961]

Warming up is soo important before hitting any golf ball’s. I try and do some stretching before every game. Doesn’t always help but makes me feel better .

[@TheDD35]

Wonderful, wonderful, video Mark! I struggle so much with a hook at times, and when it starts to plague me, (typically late in a round) I really start trying to turn my hips left and really think about path a lot, but it never really seems to help. Posture braaa! You've definitely given me some interesting thoughts!

[@tims9881]

Really good video chaps! I can relate to several of your comments. Oddly enough I find it helps my swing to always have my left foot turned 45 degrees. It helps stop me swaying backwards which helps keep my low point more consistent. And it definitely takes me 4 holes to warm up!!!

[@Konrad_kicks]

Love this video , great discussion. Great breakdown with soft heavy shots.

[@elmatador7528]

Buzza put a 3 minute warm up vid up not so long ago which immediately had a positive effect on my golf ... love a good warm up now and doesn’t take long at all

[@howardlindsay688]

Excellent vid guys. The tip of manipulating strike with ball position really helps. With the softer ground conditions now, if you catch it heavy you can really fat it😢. Moving the ball slightly forward and being conscious of reaching for it makes a real difference. Counter intuitive to everything you tend to hear but really effective👍

[@thebigeasy8609]

Another thank you video. I almost never get warmed up always rushing to play after work and get it in before dark and it's true usually don't start hitting the ball really well til the 4th hole or so. My miss dijour is fat and hooks left. I hope this video helps but most likely won't find out until spring. Gonna snow a few inches here tomorrow. Ah to move to Florida.......A lovely dream.

[@DEVASTATION26]

Great vid and gave me lots to think about. This will help my game thanks 💪

[@e.davidjohnson2797]

Great video Mark, especially about being dynamically warm before you play. Berpies are hard. Great video!

[@johncreet1254]

For me, this is a really useful video - thanks. Re warming up, I've never found it particularly useful to hit balls before playing. In recent months however, I have taken to using a resistance band for various shoulder, arm and upper back stretches and feel this is a much better way to start. I probably should do more for the lower back though.

[@tinmartinnage478]

OMG!! That posture comment is me, and it’s exactly the shot I hit.

[@raymondgreens5010]

Yes warming up is a must

[@garrywilcox2921]

Bending at the hips,shoulders that's my weakness. Great to see how it effects the strike, thank you.

[@sirgoose]

One of your best vids.. Great tips Mark!

[@nickmarr1]

Grateful for any thoughts on swing/strike damage limitation on the first couple of holes, gents. Like many, I jump out of my car, fumble around in my car boot and leg it to the first tee. I struggle finding time to hit balls in the nets etc. pre-round.

[@nickmarr1]

...maybe watching your videos to the end would help. I’ll burpee across the car park.

[@paulheaton332]

I suffer from the dreaded fats so will certainly put these ideas to test, as listening to you both made a lot of sense; the hunch etc 👍

[@carpykeith]

Really liked the stretching tip! I’ve been playing for 50 years and know how to hit the ball but always try to swing 2 wedges, twist, touch toes etc before I go onto 1st tee, the ball position tip was helpful too!👍🏼👍🏼

[@JohnDavis-ol7qg]

Great video . Thank you for making sense why I cant hit a soft shot. I turned 53 this year and I have to stretch and hit at least a small bucket to play decent

[@markpreston6345]

Another top video. The warm up one is great. I never get warm or loose till at least the 3rd or 4th hole but all I do is swing the club and hit a few random shots so no surprises there! I'd never dream of not warming up playing rugby or cricket or football. So why I don't with golf I've no idea 🤔🤔🤔

[@Craftehh]

Really helpful, I didnt realise I do this with my posture too!

[@stephencain9173]

Best one there for me is ball position for different strikes need to go out and test all of them thanks for the tips

[@stephenwright8476]

They do, thanks mark

[@geoff376]

Def. a keeper this one.👌 Liked the subtlety of detail - not dumbed down and info. not heard before. Ricky Fowler warm up on YT is v.good and a few yoga moves also worked wonders for me. 6 quarter, 4 half and 10 full but easy in net gets me to full speed on the tee.

[@stevecon3951]

I am definitely going to warm up next time I practice and play.

[@adolfozayas3359]

Fantastic video and tips. I think what the pre round stretches are key. Those have helped alot for me. Also will work on the more forward ball position. I like the idea of "reaching" for the ball. Would love top see tips on how to get better or stay sharp in thaw winter when we're stuck indoors. Cheers

[@j_kelly]

Really helpful videos. I still struggle with tops and duffs. I’m trying to break 90. Your videos have helped me so Thank You!

[@M3_86]

posture thing absolutely works. worked on my posture the other day, immediately struck the ball better, no other changes haha

[@kevinritter9027]

Great tips!!!!

[@andyladmac6290]

Good stuff I love how the swing can change on you in 4 or 5 shots and having the tools to bring it back is great 👍🏻

[@thebassstalkers6260]

Love the videos. On the discussion of a hard 8 or a soft 7. I do something a little different. I will feel like i have a slightly shorter back swing on the 7. Not a lot shorter like if im trying to control distance with a wedge shot but almost like my left arm gets to about 10 o'clock. This is something i practice because i do find myself between clubs pretty regularly. I like this because i can still go after the ball aggressively and get good spin on the ball but still control the distance. I feel its hard for me to let off of a club and do that in a consistent manner that i will be able to replicate.

[@ronniefromOR]

Great stuff guys thanks

[@Mackie17]

I hit the middle quite a bit, but I tend to scoop my irons a little bit and lose some distance. Putting the ball more forward has helped a bit and made me get my weight transferred better.

[@sidbox]

my whole life and in every sport, streching and warm up. north american physical eduaction programs, drilled this into us more for injury prevention. more of late -performance enhancment. 60 next year,and always get to course early. cheers

[@dannyharris1441]

Wonderful video from Kansas

[@neutrino61]

Really great tips! Love it

[@bobcheshire9614]

Great tips several resonated with me especially the warm up.

[@AnthonyEspositoTheStallion]

Absolutely great video !! I love these type of videos !!

[@leontaylor5490]

Love that... im always a “fore left”!! So like the drill with left leg back and foot open.. my face to path is hurting my game.. need to hit some blocks . Go to the extreme . Great vid guys xx

[@wallstreetoneil]

For years when I was playing 2 decades ago before injury, I developed a hard and fast rule for playing golf with my dad early Saturday mornings, and that was, The Driver stayed in the bag until the 3rd hole and I would always play for a fade, with the driver, until I got to the 9th, maybe 7th if it was warm. I decided to stop banging my head against the wall, fighting my inability to hit my 'normal' 5 yard draw, until my body was warm. Once I accepted this, and trust me it was very hard, I could easily score 3 to 4 shots better on the front 9. My scores were a classic 43/39 for an 82 every round - but if I truly had time to warm up, I would be 39-40/39 for a 78/79. I've worked on my game a lot coming back, and critical to that is getting a proper warmup - with chipping practice as well - now I'm 37(8)/37 for 74-75 - it's made that much of a difference.

[@steelcityjdd]

Love the videos. Shot an 89 today implementing some great tips from you guys. Unfortunately I usually don’t have time to warm up before my round and I’m not swinging loose until hole 5/6. My front/back 9 scores always reflect it.

[@micaelzamarreno73]

I truly appreciated the last part. Many times trying to hit balls on the range looking for the strike, and ball shape. But instead I should be ready to move on the golf course, feelling confortable and engaged. Perhaps hitting balls and looking for strike and shape it's for trainning sessions. The ones I usually don't commit to, and definitely should :(

[@craighunter1014]

Great video. I'm someone who's bad shot tends to be a big old fat! Especially with longer irons / hybrids off the deck. My Pro had me push my ball position forward and I thought he was bonkers as to counteract the fat, I had dropped it back as that seemed logical in my head. Warming up - I do a little stretching, but nothing like I should do.

[@nigh3132]

Great tips... Getting my hips out of the way works for me...

[@nigh3132]

Getting*

[@simmonsfoursome]

I like your idea of hitting fewer balls on the range and use the extra time to loosen up the body...going to try that this weekend. What's your opinion on the flexible swing trainers, such as the SKLZ Gold Flex Golf Swing Trainer? I'm thinking of using this more during these upcoming winter days when golf is not possible to keep the muscles somewhat in "golf shape". Thanks for doing this videos.

[@roberteicher5216]

Usually, I start cold and by the third or fourth green I am looser. Good tip. Will have to warm up at home as the course is 5 minutes away.

[@taylorthurston8892]

I'm generally out the toe and sometimes hit it pretty high on the face. Looking forward to watching through this one!

[@rosbifsa660]

Loving these tips - even if I am a year late! I started videoing my swing - backswing - if I go steep up I can slightly shallow the club on the downswing and hit well - outside the line on way up to in on down. If I'm shallow or behind myself on the up I automatically go over the top, argh! Overall, I'm really struggling to shallow the downswing and end up firing the hands at the ball. I'm struggling with ball position as well. Finding a consistent position that gives the result I want, throughout the clubs. Currently playing more central which isn't helping with the point above (steeper) but at least is getting hands ahead at impact. This is basic so why can't I do it without thinking or know whats best? That said I have really been nailing my irons off the tee (170 carry 7i, 180 6i etc but after x years of golf I really don't know my yardages!!!!!!!!! Crazy) getting in great positions then fatting the approach. (Irons also really good out of a bunker - 145 9i, 135 PW in my last round). Sadly been hit and miss (hit = long and high with great shape, miss = block or duck hook with a big divot inside the line 15 cms behind the tee!) the Driver which was always my most reliable club! Anyway, enough of me, your instruction videos really get me thinking about different aspects of my game and questioning what I am trying to achieve and maybe what I can still achieve!

[@anthonio222000]

Love those burpies👍 All the tips are amazing! Can we get a reading green video? I struggle understanding reading the greens with and against the grain.

[@cobyhughes15]

I do a notional stretch and I know I should do more. And I will. I'm always rubbish on the first and it's probably because I'm not dynamically warm.

[@thierrypilette6841]

Hello gents. Windy greetings from Belgium. Thanks again for another spot on video. Following one of Mark's last comments on warming up / stretching more vs hitting balls on the range, what 5 easy warm up exercises would you recommend? Thanks!

[@davebrowne8042]

Hip rotation is worse at the start of my round, leading to a pulled shot. Great instructive video, thanks.

[@Stavtok]

Have been hitting thin a bit lately but, like Dan, if I hit it fat its been when Ive moved the ball back in my stance. My main thought lately to improve fat is left knee and good hip turn in the downswing. When Im hitting it bad I can pretty much guarantee that they havevnt turned but I have slid instead.

[@goodnightthough1]

Great tips as always, i will be trying out tomorrow (burpee’s not included) interesting on soft 7/hard 8, my fitter wanted me to hit as hard as i could when fitting, backing off a little definitely gives me consistency.

[@usicatch22]

Great video Mark. What mat do you use please? Thanks!

[@garyryan9779]

Another good video. Posture is one of the things i'm working on at the moment. Even doing exercises to improve it. Watching too many you tube clips. LOL

[@alasterwalker8618]

Loving the content! 300k on the way

[@antonmerlot864]

Thanks Mark. Tried the burpees that I haven't done for years. Sadly, I forgot that the overhead ceiling fan was running here in Australia in summer. I asked my microsurgeon if I would ever play golf again. As a Blues Brothers fan, he suggested it would be like eating corn on the cob with no teeth........ :-)

[@donstage933]

Catch 22 is since I am older I also wear down as we play. I tend to accept the tight hammies to start by forgoing 1/2 of my warmup so that my hips won't hurt so bad later as I get tired.

[@AlanHiggins009]

Toe shots are certainly something I've really noticed on the club face. Only really paid attention to it since putting the new clubs in the bag and seeing the marks on the fresh face. Agree with the warm-up... often on the 1st tee and have that tight feeling, whereas would have spent the previous 20/30mins on the putting green... Burpies & stretching from here on out. As we're now in the winter season (here in Ireland), do you have an recommendations for a proper training plan (across the bag) for the next few months??

[@roberthayes2532]

Great video, something I get lazy on is posture. When i focus on it I arch my back, chest out and tend to get more out the heel. Not sure why??

[@pequals34]

My mom and grandma struggle with getting proper hip turn which I believe leads to their inconsistent striking especially with irons. I'm going to have them try opening up the front foot and hopefully that'll free them up a bit. As for warming up, I feel that hitting a small bucket is usually enough to loosen me up but stretching my hip flexors and back is a necessity especially if I don't hit any balls before hand. When I played a lot of competitive disc golf I had to start stretching both otherwise I would be in pain.

[@jksaarinen]

Very good point, thanks Mark and Dan! What you think about posture of Fleetwood or Monty?

[@stevewherry6205]

interesting point about moving ball position and how it effects strike i generally am a off the toe hitter and fat, my first reaction is to move it back and sometimes ive noticed it didnt help. interesting to play with this on the range and try forward. Dont worry Mark i was out of breath just watching you exercise... i know my limitations lol

[@barrysweeten6658]

Interesting stuff. 11 handicapper problems my bad shot is hitting way before ball so gonna work on my fix for that gonna try moving ball forward and maybe less club lean. Struggling with wedges a video on 110 to 70 yard shots would be gd. I have 4 wedges and still not got a clue how far each really goes, my bad, or hiw to setup n approach the shot.

[@amattusaf]

This has been something I’ve wanted to test with the hip turn to help minimize my pull...which is my most common mishit...either straight, nice draw, or bad pull...I’ve eliminated the right side of the course essentially but in the same manner I’ve made the left as big of an obstacle lately...been trying to figure whether it’s being too “wristy” or over the top...#golfishard

[@charliebrownless6577]

Hi Mark Great tutorial I have a question for you I use Cobra F8 irons 5-sw plus a 60° wedge they are standard lofts and lies wedge is 44° GW 49° SW 54° from say 5-9 irons I hit quite nice with the wedges I always end up hitting the ball fat with quite deep divots and it is infuriating I'm a mid handicap golfer who plays off 13 so as I've got older 68 not worried about distance say 7 iron 135-40 yards it's just those wedges that I'm losing out on how can I get over digging a trench with my wedges

[@tonberkhout7235]

Warming up is essential in any sport! Move easier and prevent injuries as well..

[@mcjose5907]

As always, non standard magic. Thanks

[@todpharis4996]

Hi Mark awesome video as usual. Speaking if warming up. My best round ever ,71, came when I had a low back injury. I actually had to have my playing partner tee my ball up. I hit 13/14 fairways and 17-18 GIR. Why do you think that was? I know i slowed things down and really had to focus on each shot and concentrate on solid contact. I just do not understand what happened that day? I am a 6.3 hdcp but was probably a 9 the day this happened. Any thoughts? Cheers 🍻

[@robdobbie9299]

Bloody Hell, the warm-up really resonated with me, I never warm-up ( I turn the seat warmer on ) and don't I know it, so its warm-up for me from now on

[@steveahier7659]

Very interesting vlog Mark and Dan. Hmm you last tip maybe why I am averaging 4 shots better on my back 9 holes compared to the front 9. Warm ups from now on 👍

[@AM-df3bc]

Definitely need some warming up and stretching ideas! 6th hole is probably a good indication of when I'm ready...last weekend. 2 blobs and 2 bogeys 2 pars thru 6. Then 3 over par from 6th in 😂