“The Shank” or as The Brits would call it, “The Socket” shot is often regarded as among the ugliest shots when it comes to golf. It is when you strike the ball with the “hosel”; the part of the golf club which connects the head to the shaft (instead of hitting it with the clubface as you should be doing). This results in your ball flying a horrifically low and short; often towards the right direction.
Why Does The Shank/Socket Shot Occur?
There are many possible causes for this including your swing or even can be traced back to the way you setup. Fortunately, there are ways for you to go about tackling this shot. You can save yourself from potential embarrassment on the golf course with the following tips.
Tip #1 – Watch Your Head!
Avoid dropping your head forward toward the ball during a swing. Doing so will cause your upper body to lunge towards the ball; the swing plane to shift forward and in the process, producing the Shank or The Socket shot. Try to stay focused and at ease to prevent your head from moving when taking a swing.
Tip #2 – Watch Your Feet!
Avoid putting too much weight to your toes unless you want to fall when you take a downswing. This will cause you to hit the ball with the hosel through the shifting the swing plane forward. Distribute the weight evenly between the balls as well as the heels of your feet and maintain it throughout your swing.
Tip #3 – Watch Your Hands!
Ideally, your hands and wrists should work together to guide the club head to the ball. However, if your wrists slips and breaks early, it will cause your club head to flip towards the ball and in the process, cause the Shank. To address this problem, try to get your hands and wrists to stay ahead of the ball and keep your wrists firm when your club head connects with the ball. Don’t get it too stiff so that it will prevent the cock from being natural and coming down; maintain just about the right amount of firmness.
Short irons are also contribute highly to shanking; when you return the ball in your stance. When such a case takes place, place the ball forward and off the left heel. This will enable your club enough time to readjust before the connection with the ball. Another good tip would be to rotate your arms; aiming at the target as you come down. This will help to encourage a square clubface further.