How do I improve my angle of attack to hit up on the ball?

Mastering a Positive Angle of Attack in the Lever Swing

As Lane "The Lever," I guide golfers toward effortless power through the rhythmic flow of the lever swing, where speed emerges from a sweeping arm release and precise timing rather than forced rotation. A positive angle of attack—hitting up on the ball—creates optimal launch and distance, especially with drivers and woods. This shallow, ascending path comes naturally in the lever swing when your arms extend fully, drop with gravity, and release in a smooth arc. The angle describes how the clubhead approaches the ball at impact: a positive AoA promotes low spin and maximum carry, contrasting a descending blow that launches higher but shorter.

Core Principles for a Sweeping, Upward Path

In the lever swing, power flows from your arms and wrists in a long, unhurried backswing. Avoid a steep descent by embracing these feel-based fundamentals:

• Ball Position: Place the ball slightly forward of center in your stance. This allows your arms to fully extend through impact, promoting a natural upward sweep without manipulating your posture.
• Spine Angle Stability: Maintain your spine angle through impact. A stable pivot prevents a raised swing center, which steepens the path and causes thin or fat contact—keep your upper body centered for that rhythmic flow.
• Arm Drop and Release: Start the downswing by letting your arms drop naturally with gravity before firing the release. Feel your right arm (for right-handers) straightening aggressively through the ball for full extension, brushing the grass post-impact like throwing the clubhead effortlessly down the line.
• Long Arc Commitment: At the top, extend your arms fully with the club at or past parallel. This maximum arc sets up a shallow plane, ensuring the clubhead approaches from inside and ascends slightly at impact.

Actionable Drills to Groove the Feel

Develop internal timing through these lever-specific drills, practiced with patience to build rhythm and consistency:

1. Pump Drill: Swing to the top, pause, let your arms drop halfway with gravity, then release fully through impact. Repeat 10-15 times per session, focusing on the smooth transition that shallows your path and creates that delayed hit sensation for conserved power.
2. Feet-Together Drill: Hit half-speed shots with feet together to isolate an arm-dominated swing. This hones balance and encourages the sweeping release, eliminating lower body interference for a purer upward angle.
3. Grass-Brushing Release: Visualize and feel brushing the grass with the clubhead through and beyond impact. Tee the ball higher for drivers, then swing with tempo, releasing freely to strike the sweet spot on an ascending path—avoid the tip or heel for maximum distance.

Practice these in short, rhythmic sessions: 20-30 minutes daily, emphasizing tempo over speed. Film your swing to confirm the clubhead's shallow approach, adjusting feel until the release flows without tension.

Common Pitfalls and Lever Swing Adjustments

• Steep Miss: If you're hitting down too much, check for early wrist uncocking or body sway—return to the arm drop for a natural shallowing.
• Timing-Dependent Errors: The lever swing can miss both ways due to release sync; counter with metronome practice (slow count: 1-2 back, 3 through) to lock in effortless sequencing.
• Under Pressure: Maintain the long arc and full release—rushed swings steepen the AoA, robbing distance.

Key Takeaway: Effortless Power Through Timing

Unlocking a positive angle of attack in the lever swing transforms your game into an artistic rhythm of sweep and release, delivering low-spin bombs with feel-driven consistency. Commit to the long arc, gravity drop, and full extension—patience in practice yields the beautiful, upward path that feels as natural as breathing. Master this, and watch distance soar without force.