Are you a golf fanatic that needs help with your game? Or a beginner who wants to start playing like a pro? Either way, this guide is perfect for you!
Golf is a game of precision and technique. It takes years of practice to master the perfect swing. But if you’re looking to improve your game, there are a few things you can do to make sure you are on the right track.
Here, we have compiled some tips to help you hit a 6 iron like a pro!
The Core Principles of Hitting a 6 Iron
It can be confusing trying to learn all the different aspects of golf. But with practice and the right techniques, you will get there in no time. Here are the core principles of hitting a 6 iron:
- Start with a small target
- Strike the same ground consistently
- Keep a firm wrist and swing with confidence
- Control the ball’s curvature
- Learn your carry yardage
A Step-by-Step High Handicappers Guide on Hitting a 6 Iron
Step 1: Pick a Small Target to Aim For
When doing a 6 iron shot, it’s very important to pick a small target. This will help you focus on the ball, and won’t let you get distracted by anything else going on around you. It also helps with accuracy — you know exactly where the ball needs to go.
This can be anything from the tip of the flag, the center of the green, or even just a small area. You can also pick a mark on the ground and aim at that instead of an object, but be sure to check your distance before hitting so you don’t hit short or long.
By doing this, you’ll ensure that your 6 iron goes exactly where it needs to go or at least gets close enough. While you’re focusing on your target and reading the green, make sure not to get distracted by anything else going on around you.
Take your time to make your shot and don’t let anyone rush you. It can be tempting to try to take a quick swing when there are other people waiting behind you, but this will only lead to bad shots. You need time to line up the ball properly so that it goes where you want it to go. If you rush through this process, your shot won’t be as accurate or powerful as it could be.
Step 2: Strike the Same Ground Consistently
Proper ball position is important for every shot that you take, but it’s especially important when you’re putting. If you don’t have a consistent putting stroke, then your ball won’t go in the direction that you want it to go.
To get a more accurate putt strike, practice by hitting a few balls without moving your feet. Find a comfortable stance and grip, then take some swings. If you find that you’re constantly hitting the ball in different spots, then adjust your stance until you find a sweet spot.
When hitting a 6 iron, it is important to understand that consistency is key. You want to make sure that you are hitting the ball in the same spot each time. This will help with your accuracy and ensure that the ball goes exactly where you want it to be.
There are a few things that you can do to make sure that you are hitting the ball in the same spot each time. The first is to take a practice swing without hitting the ball. Don’t hit an imaginary ball. Simply go through the motion of your swing and make sure that you are hitting the ground in the same spot each time. After finding the spot where you want to hit the ball, set up your shot and take it.
You’ll be surprised at how much of a difference this makes. When you are hitting the ball in the same spot each time, you’ll have much more control over where it goes.
Step 3: Keep a Firm Wrist and Swing With Confidence
One of the most important aspects of any golf swing is having a firm wrist. This will help you create more power behind your shots and also improve your accuracy. Without a firm wrist, your shots will tend to go off to the side instead of where you want them to go.
The most common dilemma of golfers is that they tend to watch the loft of their clubface during the backswing which results in coming “over the top” on their downswing. This causes the club to come from outside-in, across the ball, and off to the toe. As a result, you will see a big slice or fade.
You have to trust the loft. A 6 iron has around 25 to 28 degrees of loft (depending on the make) and will naturally produce a draw. Don’t try and focus on whether or not you are going to hit the ball left or right but rather on where you want the ball to land. This change in mindset will help alleviate some of the wrist break pressure and ultimately make it easier for you to hit your shot with confidence.
Distractions are also everywhere. From the sound of leaves rustling in the trees to a dog barking in the distance, it can be easy to let your mind wander while you’re trying to focus on your shot. If you find that you’re having trouble keeping your attention on the task at hand, then try to pick one spot and focus on that.
If you’re still struggling to get your 6 iron in the air, try starting hitting high tee shots. After all, you can work the height of the tee until you are more confident.
Step 4: Control The Ball’s Curvature
Controlling the ball’s curvature is one of the most important aspects of golf. If you can learn to control the ball’s flight, then you will be able to improve your game significantly. If you are new to this kind of sport, it is important that you understand the laws of ball flight.
There are two main factors that affect the ball’s flight:
- The club’s face is the primary factor that determines the ball’s initial direction. This means that if you want to hit a draw, you need to open the clubface. On the other hand, if you want to hit a fade, you need to close the clubface.
- The second factor that affects the ball’s flight is the swing path direction. Depending on the direction of your swing, the ball will then curve in that same direction. For example, if you swing from inside to out, the ball will curve from left to right (for a right-handed golfer).
The key here is to swing with a tempoed speed. Not too slow that you are topping the ball, and not too fast that you are swinging out of control. Find that happy medium where you have some power behind your swing but still have control over it. With a 6 iron, over 150 yards is the sweet spot. But if you can come closer to 160 to 180, that would be great!
Step 5: Learn Your Carry Yardage and 6 Iron Distance
In order to get the most out of your 6 iron, you need to know how far it can carry the ball. This will help you determine when to use this club and also help you select the right tee box. This can be a useful weapon that will allow you to navigate the course with more precision.
The standard carry yardage for a 6 iron is around 160 yards. However, this number will differ depending on your individual swing and club head speed. If you are able to generate more club head speed, then you can expect the ball to travel further.
To get the most out of your 6 iron, you should be able to do a variety of shots with it. Here are some examples of shots that you should be able to do:
- Tee Shots: This is the first stroke played on each hole and usually the longest shot of the day. The goal here is to hit the ball in the fairway so that you have a good opportunity to make your approach shot.
- Approach Shots: These are the broadest category of shots in golf. An approach shot is any shot that is played from the fairway toward the green. This includes all shots that start at least 100 yards from the hole.
- Fairway Lay Up Shots: A fairway lay-up is a shot that is played from the fairway, but the goal is to land the ball short of the green. This shot is usually used when you don’t have a clear shot to the green or if you are trying to avoid hazards.
- Punch Shots: To get out of trouble and hit a low shot under branches or over a bunker, you need to know how to punch the ball. This is a shot that is played with a slightly closed clubface and an abbreviated swing.
The Bottom Line
Improving your 6 iron game will undoubtedly lead to lower scores and a more enjoyable game of golf. By following the steps above, you can take your 6 iron game to the next level.
Practice makes perfect, so make sure to get out on the course or to the driving range and work on your game. Remember, have fun and enjoy the game!