How do I stop shanking?

What causes it

A shank sends the ball off the hosel and sharply right. The clubhead is too far out toward the toe line at impact, usually because your body moves toward the ball in the downswing, or because the handle is pushed out and the face is open.

How golfers fix it

Paul Wilson's How to Stop Shanking in 5 Minutes, recommended by 6 golfers with 4 saying it fixed their shanks, gives a three-point fix that includes standing taller and adjusting your setup. Golficity's quick drill, recommended by 3 golfers, all of whom say it worked, uses a change of perspective to retrain where the club arrives. Common fixes are:

• Standing a little further from the ball with balance toward the heels.
• Keeping your chest and hips back instead of lunging toward the ball.
• Placing a headcover or ball outside the target ball and missing it.

Common mistakes

Panicking and trying to change everything at once is the biggest trap. Many golfers also grip down and crowd the ball, which makes the shank worse. Do not practice with the same club until it settles; switch to a different club, slow the swing and rebuild feel for the centre of the face.

Written with AI from the lessons and recommendations above. Not a substitute for a coach.