Compressing the golf ball at impact is one of the keys to maximizing distance and achieving ideal launch conditions. When executed correctly, compression squeezes the ball against the clubface to optimize energy transfer for more yards.
But what exactly is compression, and how can you improve your impact mechanics to properly compress the ball? Follow this 7-step process to learn proper techniques and drills to compress shots for crisper strikes and longer shots.
What is Golf Ball Compression?
Compression refers to deforming or squeezing the golf ball between the clubface and turf at impact. When you compress the ball, it flattens slightly against the face, stores energy momentarily, then releases this energy to launch the ball at high speeds.
The key is matching your swing’s impact forces to the ball’s compression rating (explained below). Optimal compression results in maximum ball speed. Too little compression and you lose yards. Too much and you risk damaging the ball’s integrity.
Understanding the physics of spin loft helps explain effective compression:
- Spin Loft – The difference between your attack angle into the ball and the vertical launch angle. Heavier compression increases spin loft.
- Attack Angle – The downward angle (in degrees) at which you strike down on the ball. Steeper attack angles require more compression.
- Launch Angle – The vertical angle (in degrees) the ball initially moves after you hit it. Determined partly by compression.
Your goal is to match attack angle and compression to produce ideal launch angles for maximum carry distance. Now let’s look at golf ball construction.
Golf Ball Compression Ratings
Golf ball compressions are rated on a scale from 0-200. Lower compression balls compress more on impact. Higher compression balls compress less.
Manufacturers design balls for certain swing speeds:
- 80-90 compression – Best for slow swing speeds below 90 mph.
- 90-100 compression – Ideal for moderate swing speeds around 100 mph.
- 100-110 compression – Optimized for aggressive swing speeds over 110 mph.
While choosing the right ball is important, you still need proper impact mechanics to achieve optimal compression, regardless of ball type.
Improve Your Swing Sequence
Swing sequencing is crucial for proper compression. Your body must efficiently transfer energy to the arms, club, and finally the ball in the downswing.
Follow this sequence for maximum power:
- Lower body initiates downswing by bumping the hips towards the target.
- Torso unwinds while keeping spine angle constant.
- Arms stay relaxed and swing down due to body rotation.
- Club accelerates and impacts ball before hands pass impact zone.
Use these swing keys to maximize ball compression:
Lead the Downswing With Your Lower Body
Initiating the downswing starts from the ground up. Your legs and hips must fire first to pull the arms and club down into the ball.
Try this drill to feel the proper motion:
- Make practice swings gently feeling your hips bump forward and your knees move towards the target to start downswing. Let the torso and arms follow.
Rotating your lower body pulls the club down onto the ball for solid compression. Sliding or reverse pivoting diminishes compression.
Right Palm Faces Down at Impact
A square clubface is vital for clean impact. Having your right palm facing the ground at impact automatically squares the face for solid hits.
Try this drill to find the right feel:
- From a impact position, hold the club out in front of you and rotate your right hand clockwise until the palm faces down. Feel how this squares the face.
Maintain this palm down positioning through impact to compress shots without gear effect for added distance.
Get Your Left Side Up at Impact
To compress irons and hybrids, shifting your weight left in the downswing improves impact alignments. Get your lead shoulder higher than your trail shoulder.
Practice one-handed swings with just your left arm to tone in on the proper feeling of clearing your left side. This shallows the swing for proper compression angles.
Cover the Golf Ball with Your Chest
Maintaining spine angle and proper posture during the swing is key for consistent ball striking. Your chest should stay over the ball in the downswing.
From address, make slow swings feeling like your chest hovers over the ball’s position at all times. Don’t sway right or dip. This helps compress shots.
Forward Shaft Lean at Impact
Having the hands leading the clubhead through impact positions the shaft at a slight forward lean. This descending blow compresses the ball effectively.
Use ball position drills to promote the correct impact alignments:
- Ball back in stance encourages forward shaft lean.
- Ball forward in stance makes compression more difficult.
Feel Your Legs Squat at Impact
Isometric leg drills build the sensation of keeping your legs flexed through impact for consistent spine angles and proper weight transfer.
- Make practice swings focusing on keeping tension in your quads and feeling your knees bending slightly at impact.
Conclusion
Compressing the golf ball requires precise swing sequences and impact alignments. By following these 7 steps, you can learn to deliver the club correctly to squeeze the ball for maximum distance:
- Match golf balls to your swing speed using compression ratings.
- Sequence lower body, upper body, arms, club.
- Fire hips first to start downswing.
- Right palm faces down to square the face.
- Clear left side and get lead shoulder higher.
- Cover the ball with your chest at impact.
- Maintain forward shaft lean through impact.
Mastering these proper compression techniques will add noticeably more yards to your iron and hybrid shots. Follow this process to hit the ball solidly and launch crisp shots that fly far and straight!