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DRILL OVERVIEW
Ball Outside Left Foot Drill: Chase the Ball
Your drill at a glance
This drill is from the Golf Practice Made Fun App.
Give your strike a forward target. Place the ball just outside your left foot while starting the club at the middle of your stance. Make a small swing to reach the forward ball, then return to your usual ball position with the same feeling of moving through the strike.
Step 1. Watch the forward-ball drill
The demonstration starts at 3:20. Watch where the ball sits outside the left foot, where the club starts, and how the golfer moves through to reach the ball.
Step 2. Set the ball forward and chase it
Place the ball outside your left foot
Take your normal stance with an iron. For a right-handed golfer, put the ball just beyond your left foot towards the target, as shown in the starting position. Keep the clubhead at its usual starting point around the middle of your stance. Left-handed golfers reverse the sides.
Move through to the forward ball
Make a small backswing and move through to strike the forward ball. Let your weight move onto your lead leg, keeping your eyes on the ball. Aim for ball-first contact followed by a brush or divot on the target side of the ball. Begin gently so you can notice the contact.
Return to your normal ball position
After nine forward-ball shots, bring the ball back to its usual position for the club you’re using. Play nine more shots with the same feeling of moving through the strike. Compare the contact rather than chasing extra distance.
Your cue: “Ball first. Keep moving through.”
| Watch for | Try this |
|---|---|
| Starting behind the forward ball | Return the clubhead to the middle of your stance before the backswing. |
| Placing the ball too far forward | Keep it just outside the lead foot and use a small swing. |
| Striking the turf first | Slow down and focus on reaching the ball before brushing the turf. |
For a ball-free rehearsal, imagine the forward ball and make slow swings in a clear space. Record rehearsals completed rather than a contact score.
Step 3. Complete your round
What to do
| Score | When to award it |
|---|---|
| 1 point | Ball-first contact, followed by turf contact on the target side. |
| 0 points | You hit the ground before the ball or miss the intended contact. |
George’s Conclusion
Use the forward ball to explore the feeling, then see whether it helps when the ball returns to its usual position. Keep your swing small, compare the two nines and record one useful contact note.
For another controlled strike exercise, try Hit Hold Check or Double Ball Shank Drill.
MAKE THE NEXT BUCKET COUNT
Pick a card. Practise with purpose.
