The Golfers Clinic Golf Tip Library

When a golf ball goes soaring in the air towards the direction of your target, did you know that there is more to the movement of the ball than just flying up and then dropping down? As it moves, the golf ball also spins on its own axis. A similar analogy would be the way the earth rotates on its axis while moving around the sun in its orbit. Golf balls are able to spin sideways and backwards, with each direction causing different results.

The Backspin

No golf ball could fly through the air without having a backspin. Between the backspin and the construction of the golf ball, with its material and dimple design, this creates lift and is responsible for the ball flying high up into the air. Without backspin, the ball would never reach a height of more than a few feet from the ground.

Once the ball is struck by your club there will be a certain amount of backward spinning, which differs from club to club. For example, when using a driver, you will initiate a very tiny amount of backspin which results in a low flying ball. This is because the driver club is designed with 7° to 12° of loft.

Then take a pitching wedge as another example; this club typically has 48° of loft which will create a lot of backspin, and causes the ball to reach a higher lift, much sooner.

The Sidespin

The sidespin movement of the ball can be initiated on purpose, especially when an experienced golfer uses his or her longer clubs. While the sidespin can be a friend to the professional golfer, it can cause quite a headache for beginner and amateur players.

New golfers have not yet developed enough control to utilize the spin for their benefit. When the ball is hit from an angle of the clubface, a spin can turn into a slice or a hook, which are not exactly great shots to make.

Note: You will have less sidespin on the ball as the loft of the club increases. With higher lofted clubs used to hit the ball, the backspin they produce will cause most of the sidespin to be reduced, or cancel out, if you will.

Nigel
www.golfers-clinic.com