Tips and Drills to Fix Topping the Golf Ball

One of the reasons you top the ball and don't hit it on the sweet spot is too much body movement during the golf swing.

When you slide to right during the backswing, the axis of your golf swing will also move to the right. If this happens during the backswing, you need to slide back to hit the ball on the downswing.

This will cause topping and other bad shots. (See The Hip Slide on the Backswing)

Here are the drills to stop sliding on the backswing and stop topping the golf balls. Let's use 7 or 6 iron for these drills.

1. Feet Together Drill

In this drill, you want to swing with your feet close together. When you actually hit the ball with this drill, start with a half swing. Your objective with this drill is to hit the ball on the sweet spot. So don't try to swing hard.

Also, make sure you turn instead of slide to the right. Turing your shoulders on the backswing adds distance, but sliding will rob you of distance.

When you swing with your feet close together, the tendency is to stand up too straight. So make sure you bend enough from your hips and keep that angle throughout the swing.

2. Pull your right Foot Back

Here is another good drill. Set up to the ball. Now, pull your right foot back about 10 inches. Make sure your shoulders are parallel with your target line.

Next, raise your right heel off the ground.

Hit balls with 60% of your swing speed in this set up.

By pulling your right foot back and raising your right heel, it makes hard to slide to the right.

Closing your stance will also make it easier to turn rather than slide.

Also, see How to Stop Topping the Golf Ball for more drill to fix topping the golf ball.