Peter Finch: How Impact Varies from Club to Club

Ball position is vital in dictating ball flight as it influences angle of attack and dynamic loft. Peter Finch explains how impact varies from club to club

HOW IMPACT VARIES FROM CLUB TO CLUB Ball position in relation to your body is crucial in determining ball flight as it dictates angle of attack and the dynamic loft on the clubface at the point impact.

Ball position and angle of attack The ball on the left in the centre of my stance highlights where it should be for a standard shot with a wedge or short iron.

If it’s further back, your path will be a little bit more downwards and from an inside position – that’s why when tour pros move the ball back to play a punch shot, they’ll aim a little further left to counteract the swing moving more from the inside.

Ball position then moves progressively further forward as you work up through the bag to your driver, represented by the ball on the right here. The further forward the ball is, the more you’ll start to swing off to the left and up on the ball.

Watch all 7 videos in Peter's 'Keys to Consistency' series...

• Understanding impact basics
• Golf's set-up essentials
• A new way to pitch
• A bullet-proof chipping action
• Fringe putting drill
• Pressure putting practice

Ball position and dynamic loft Ball position also affects dynamic loft. If your hands stay ahead of the ball at impact with the shaft leaning towards the target, the dynamic loft on the club will be lower than its static loft.

The further back the ball is, the greater the difference between dynamic loft at impact and static loft. The ball will also then come out a little lower, and with a full swing, you’ll take a bigger divot but also send the ball a little further.

Impact varies from club to club, and ball position in relation to your body and where it is at point of impact affects line, path, dynamic loft and angle of attack, all of which combine to produce your overall ball flight.