TIP OF THE MONTH

Strike Line Awareness Training

Strike Line Awareness: The Fastest Way to Hit the Ball First, Every Time

Most amateur golfers struggle with one critical skill: controlling the low point of the swing. When the club bottoms out too early, you hit chunks. Too late, and you catch it thin. Professional golfers excel because they know exactly where the club is supposed to strike the ground. The Strike Line Awareness Drill teaches you to control this - quickly.

What Is the Strike Line?

The strike line is an imaginary vertical line on the ground that shows where the ball should be struck relative to the turf. For irons and wedges, your club should contact the ball then make a divot slightly ahead of the strike line.

This drill removes guesswork by providing a clear visual reference.

How to Set Up the Drill

You can do this anywhere - practice tee, backyard, garage mat.

1. Create Your Strike Line
   Use one of the following

   • Chalk Line

   • Spray foot powder

   • Club shaft or alignment stick

   • A row of tees

   • Painter’s tape (on mats only)

   2. Remove the Ball

   Start with no ball to learn the low-point feeling.

   Your goal:

   Brush the turf in front of the strike line every time

   Never behind it.

Step-by-Step Practice Progression

Phase 1: No Ball (5-10 swings)

• Take normal iron or wedge swings

• Focus on brushing the turf 1-3 inches in front of the line.

• If you hit behind the line, pause and reset.

Phase 2: Add the Ball Back (10-15 balls)

• Place the ball just ahead of the strike line again.

• Your goal is identical: hit the turf after the line.

Expect:

• Cleaner contact

• Slightly lower launch

• More consistent distance

Phase 3: Narrow the Margin

Once consistent:

• Move the line closer to the ball

• Tighten your strike window to 1 inch

This builds elite low-point control

Why This Drill Works

It trains:

• Forward shaft lean

• Pressure shift to the lead side

• Improved club-arc control

• Reduced early release

• Consistent angle of attack

It’s one of the only drills where your brain gets immediate tactile feedback - you know instantly whether you did it right.

Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Mistake 1: Hitting the Ground Behind the Line

Cause: staying on the trail foot

Fix: feel the lead foot pressure at 70% at impact.

Mistake 2: Lifting the Handle

Cause: trying to avoid chunking

Fix: commit to brushing the grass-don’t try to “pick” the ball

Mistake 3: Ball Too Far Forward

Fix: center or slightly forward of center for short irons

Mistake 4: Too Much Wrist Throw

Cause: early release

Fix: keep the lead wrist flatter through impact