MY GOLF BLUEPRINT

Shanks: find the impact location: checks and practice

An iron clubhead beside a golf ball on short grass. — Photo: Mikhail Nilov / Pexels

A shank typically involves the hosel area rather than the center of the face. It can send the ball sharply sideways and makes a safe practice area essential.

Possible causes

Heel-side delivery
Changing distance from the ball
Balance moving toward the ball

Simple checks

Stop full-speed practice until the safe hitting direction is clear.
Use a club-safe marker to confirm hosel or heel contact.
Rebuild a comfortable setup and make small swings.

A practice drill

Begin with short chips and progress only when contact returns to the face. Record impact points. If the pattern persists, work with a coach rather than adding several compensations.

Avoid this trap

Do not crowd the ball or stand dramatically farther away without checking the result. A shank is not automatically caused by one swing path.

The checks narrow the possibilities; they do not confirm a diagnosis. Keep a record of several shots and ask a qualified coach to connect the pattern to your swing.