Three Keys to Gain Shaft Lean at Impact

As a professional golf coach with over 25 years of experience, I've seen countless golfers struggle with their ball striking. One of the most common issues I encounter is improper shaft lean at impact. This crucial aspect of the golf swing can make or break your ability to consistently hit solid, powerful shots. At EJS Golf in Scottsdale, AZ, at McCormick Ranch Golf Course. I've helped players of all levels, from PGA Tour professionals to weekend warriors, improve their shaft lean and, consequently, their overall game. In this blog post, I'll delve into the importance of shaft lean, how to achieve it, and share some success stories from my students.

Shaft lean, also known as forward shaft lean or shaft tilt, refers to the angle of the club shaft relative to the ground at impact. Proper shaft lean is crucial for compressing the ball, maximizing distance, and achieving optimal ball flight. When executed correctly, it allows you to strike the ball with a descending blow, creating a crisp, clean contact that launches the ball with the intended trajectory and spin. Many amateur golfers struggle with this concept, often arriving at impact with their hands behind the ball, resulting in weak, inconsistent shots. Understanding and implementing the correct shaft lean can be a game-changer for your golf game.

To achieve proper shaft lean, it's essential to focus on THREE key aspects of your swing. First and foremost, your setup position plays a crucial role. At address, your hands should be slightly ahead of the ball, creating a small forward lean of the shaft. This initial position sets the stage for maintaining that lean throughout the swing and into impact. Second, pay attention to your wrist angles during the swing. The lead wrist should maintain a slightly bowed or flat position, avoiding any cupping or extension that can lead to an early release and loss of shaft lean. Finally, proper body rotation and weight transfer are vital for maintaining shaft lean through impact. By rotating your body effectively and shifting your weight towards the target, you create the conditions necessary for consistent forward shaft lean.

Look into ways of doing this further at my YouTube page and by joining my community at The Science of Better Golf where golfers come together to get better. Also, you can read more about Shaft Lean on my other articles I have written as well.

One of the most effective ways to improve your shaft lean is through targeted practice and drills. At my academy, I use a variety of tools and techniques to help golfers develop this crucial skill. For instance, I often employ alignment sticks to provide visual feedback on shaft lean at address and impact. By placing an alignment stick in the ground at the proper angle, golfers can practice maintaining that angle throughout their swing. Another effective drill involves hitting shots with an impact bag or a similar object placed just in front of the ball. This forces the golfer to strike down and through, promoting the correct shaft lean at impact. For those interested in more advanced training methods, I utilize state-of-the-art technology such as 3D motion capture and force plates to provide detailed analysis of shaft lean and other swing characteristics.

It's important to note that while forward shaft lean is generally beneficial, the optimal amount can vary depending on the club and the individual golfer. For irons and wedges, a moderate amount of forward shaft lean (typically between 5 and 15 degrees) is desirable. However, with drivers and fairway woods, the goal is to have a more neutral or slightly forward-leaning shaft at impact. As a coach, I work closely with each student to determine the ideal shaft lean for their swing and equipment. This personalized approach ensures that we're not just blindly chasing numbers, but rather optimizing the golfer's technique for their specific needs and goals.

At EJS Golf, I've had the privilege of helping numerous golfers improve their shaft lean and, as a result, their overall ball striking. Two recent success stories come to mind. John, a mid-handicap player, came to me struggling with inconsistent contact and a lack of distance with his irons. Through our work together, focusing on proper setup, wrist angles, and body rotation, John was able to transform his impact position. He went from having a slightly negative shaft lean (-2 degrees) to consistently achieving 8 degrees of forward shaft lean with his 7-iron. This improvement led to more solid contact, increased distance, and a significant drop in his scores.

Another student, Sarah, a low-handicap player looking to take her game to the next level, faced similar challenges with her iron play. Despite her overall skill, she struggled with maintaining consistent shaft lean, particularly under pressure. We worked diligently on her swing mechanics and mental approach, incorporating drills and on-course practice to ingrain the proper technique. Over the course of several months, Sarah progressed from having minimal forward shaft lean (1-2 degrees) to consistently achieving 14 degrees of forward lean with her 7-iron. This dramatic improvement not only enhanced her ball striking but also boosted her confidence, leading to lower scores and success in competitive play.

These success stories highlight the transformative power of proper shaft lean in golf. Whether you're a beginner looking to improve your fundamentals or an experienced player aiming to refine your technique, focusing on shaft lean can yield significant benefits. At EJS Golf Academy, I'm committed to helping golfers of all levels achieve their full potential through personalized instruction and cutting-edge training methods. If you're interested in improving your shaft lean and overall game, I invite you to visit EJS Golf to learn more about our programs and schedule a lesson.

For those unable to visit us in Scottsdale, AZ, I also offer online golf lessons, allowing golfers from around the world to benefit from my expertise. Through video analysis and remote coaching, I can help you improve your shaft lean and other aspects of your swing from the comfort of your home or local practice facility. To explore more golf tips and insights, be sure to check out my other blog posts where I cover a wide range of topics to help you elevate your game.

Remember, achieving proper shaft lean is not just about hitting the ball farther or straighter; it's about developing a more efficient, consistent, and powerful golf swing. By focusing on this crucial aspect of your technique, you'll be well on your way to reaching your golfing goals and enjoying the game more than ever before. Whether you're looking to lower your handicap, compete at a higher level, or simply hit more satisfying shots, mastering shaft lean is a key step in your golfing journey. Let's work together to unlock your full potential on the course.

Golf improvement is a science, not a mystery. At EJS Golf Academy, I debunk the myth that golfers must "get worse before they get better." Through my data-driven approach and cutting-edge technology, I help players make immediate, tangible improvements. Experience this transformative method at McCormick Ranch Golf Club in Scottsdale or through my online coaching. Visit EJS Golf to discover how I can elevate your game using advanced techniques and personalized instruction. Let's unlock your potential for continuous improvement together.

Coach Erik Schjolberg

The Science of Better Golf

EJS Golf

Scottsdale Golf Lessons

Online Golf Lessons

(480) 861-9370