The importance of the perfect ball position with every club is often overlooked by many amateur golfers, but it might actually be the root of their problems in the golf swing.
With so many great tips on how to hit hybrids, it's also important to focus on the fundamentals, as both are important to achieve a consistent strike with this useful club.
In this video and article, Golf Monthly Top 50 Coach Andrew Jones shares his top tips for finding the perfect ball position for hybrids...
The best hybrids on the market are extremely versatile, and offer a great alternative to long irons for those that have limited confidence with the longer clubs. They can also provide an ideal option for those who struggle to hit a fairway wood off the ground.
They aren't just designed for high handicap golfers, however, as some of the best golfers on the planet use hybrids for specific courses or tournaments.
When searching for the right ball position, it's important to consider the shaft length. Hybrids shafts measure somewhere between fairways woods and long irons, so there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach.
What Is The Right Ball Position For Hybrids?
If a hybrid is good enough for Rory McIlroy, it's good enough for everyone
First and foremost, the right ball position depends on the lie and the shot you're trying to play. If you're in the middle of the fairway looking to land the ball softly to a tight pin, you want it forward in your stance so you can sweep it off the turf.
If the ball is sitting down somewhat, or you need to lower the trajectory into a wind, then you'd play it more like an iron and shift it back slightly.
To play a higher flighted shot, approach it like you would with a fairway wood. Line the ball up with your left heel and maintain a fairly even weight distribution. Tilt your spine angle slightly towards your back foot, as this will promote a cleaner strike for optimal height.
If the ball is sitting down in the rough, switch to iron mode
If the ball is sitting down, use more of an iron shot technique. Move the ball into the centre of your stance so that your hands are a fraction ahead of it - this will help you create more of a downward angle of attack for greater compression at impact.
You can even move your weight slightly forward at address to further encourage this feeling. You need to imagine you're hitting an iron shot, so don't be afraid to take a divot – that's how some of the world's best play shots like this.
If the lie is good, as shown here, you can swing the club like a wood
Do You Swing A Hybrid Like An Iron?
It is a question many golfers ask and the answer depends on the lie. One of the best things about hybrids is their versatility and you can think of them either way depending on how well the ball is sitting.
If the lie is good - a forward ball position will add flight and a little carry distance. If the lie is poor, moving the ball back at address will steepen your angle of attack, reduce the loft and deliver more of a running shot.
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