Spin When You're Winning

Spin When You're Winning

Make the ball dance to your tune...

By Jeff Ritter

   
    One of the most common questions I am asked by students is; "How do I spin the ball like the pros?" Everyone wants to back the ball up like Tiger, or Greg Norman in his pomp.
I explain that 'spin, ' is a result of a multitude of factors: A lofted club, a high spin rate ball, a tight lie on a closely mown fairway and of course clean crisp contact are all critical to making the ball spin and check up.
    One of the biggest keys though is the 'attitude' behind the shot. To really spin a ball, you need some speed through impact, something Tiger and Norman both share. When helping people learn to add some bite, I recommend having the image of 'striking a match' at the point of contact. A brisk pinch of the turf is sure to add that extra 'zip' you are looking for. So spark it up, start a fire and watch that ball dance.

WORDS: Jeff Ritter
ILLUSTRATION: Neil Duerden
golfpunk October 2007