An outstanding explanation of how to address the ball and consistently setup. I have had the issue of not being comfortable over the ball at address off and on for years and implementing this tip has drastically changed consistency for my swing. Played 2 rounds of golf since and amazing results with consistency and crushing the ball with ease. Single best golf tip in years if not ever! Thanks much Clay!

Thank you! Beginning golfer. So many videos on golf are 90% fluff, 10% info. You are 100% info. Clear, logical explainations for everything you suggest. I am a subscriber!

Where I stand in relation to the ball fluctuates a lot. Sometimes I’m too close, sometimes too far, and sometimes just right, and it makes for really inconsistent strikes. It turns out I was addressing from the ball and not setting up and moving to it like you said. Thanks for this video, I had no idea I was doing that wrong.

@TopSpeedGolf

4 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

Thank you for this. I’ve been struggling with inconsistencies in my irons and couldn’t figure out what I was doing. After an hour in front of a mirror, doing this setup and takeaway, I went out in the yard and hit some balls with a nice baby draw on them.

I measured Clay’s spine angle for the irons and driver. Using his belt line up to the base of the neck, he pretty consistently sets up at 45-50° on the irons and around 30-35° for the driver. Just for reference if you get a friend to take video or pics of your stance.

@TopSpeedGolf

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

This guy is great! Everything he says helps me. I love all his videos. Love how he explains things thoroughly but simply

I started with playing with my hands too close to the body. Watched this video and decided to change it after you said I was basically using arms only.. I'm still getting used to it but I gained a good 20yards per club on clean hits.

Must say Clay Ballard is a pure god to me as a new golfer! really enjoy all your stuff! Thanks from Denmark!

Wow. Everything you said about the negatives of being too close is EXACTLY my issue! I'm taller (6'4") so every time I go to the range or course (1-2x a week) I feel like I change my swing because my body forgets what I did when I was hitting well. I instinctively move closer and feel myself stand up straight as I make contact. Saved this video for my next range time and trying this out. Great video. As usual.

@TopSpeedGolf

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Paul! Hope it helps you out. Best of luck! Quentin | TSG Instructor

@Thysmart123

4 жыл бұрын

Paul Kandarianpkinl 09’’)bgoyggghggjb”

@joeschmoe2697

3 жыл бұрын

I AM ALSO 6’4” WHY ARE THERE SO MANY 6’4” PEOPLE HERE IN THESE COMMENTS😂

@badbogey7638

3 жыл бұрын

@@joeschmoe2697 I am also 6’ 4” lol!

@JGunit

3 жыл бұрын

@@badbogey7638 me too lol

Watched this video yesterday and had great day at the range this morning thanks a lot!

@TopSpeedGolf

4 жыл бұрын

Great to hear!

Thanks. Just what I needed without over-complicating the routine.

@TopSpeedGolf

5 жыл бұрын

No problem!

This guy knows what’s up. One of the most knowledgeable and well spoken teaching pros shooting videos.

@TopSpeedGolf

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Hi Clay, I have played golf at a very competitive level and been a scratch handicap but due to work and having lost a bit of interest in gold. and now playing again the past 3 yrs, I struggle with consistency, during a round and sometimes a play a great round to be followed the next Saturday with what I call clueless golf. I find your teaching fantastic, logical, simple yet technical. I started with your lesson on how to hit consistent drives, now the irons, my big issue is lack of confidence and trusting what I do...to concerned with trying not to make mistakes rather than playing to hit great shots and score...great teaching..

@TopSpeedGolf

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

This was extremely helpful

Thanks so much for all the videos, I had a problem with slicing, couldn't figure what I was doing wrong. So I started with this video and watched the next few, you broke down every aspect of the swing I cured my slice and added 30 to 40 yards on drive. What I appreciated most was your down to earth approach.

@TopSpeedGolf

3 жыл бұрын

Great job!

@davebradley1606

2 жыл бұрын

I’m yes for

Really great video on distance from the ball! I am always searching for that & seem to find it now & then! Looking forward to putting your advice in to my practice routine. Keep those Common Sense tips coming & thanks for all you do in helping to grow the game

@gradycornwell9343

5 жыл бұрын

Chuck Urwin lol

Always informative, thanks!!!

@TopSpeedGolf

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Thanks! I've wondered about this question for years.

@TopSpeedGolf

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Over time I lost a lot of muscle memory & proper tech. My swing speed is slightly over 100 so it’s hard to get my shot dialed down, even if I slow down my swing. This was a great explanation on how to get back to basic fundamentals. Went to the range & i saw a difference!

@TopSpeedGolf

3 жыл бұрын

Happy to hear that. Keep up the good work!

I don't understand 29 negative people. Clay is Best KZread golf coach ever. He explains in detail on all lessons. Clay, can you do a video on which muscle would be a focus on entire swing? I don't know if it's possible but that would be good explanation during swing thought. Just a suggestion... Thanks for all the great training!

@TopSpeedGolf

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Christopher! The thing or swing thought you would want to focus on is really unique to you. There is not universal swing thought that works for everyone. Thanks would be a lot easier if there was though :-) Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

@falconboy38

4 жыл бұрын

This guy knows his stuff.

Very detailed video.I like that you actually show us a swing. Nice to have a worded explanation but I’m more a visual learner so that helps a ton. Thank you

@TopSpeedGolf

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Awesome explanation. Ran through the drill today and was hitting driver consistenly a lot further than normal - and where I wanted it to go !

@TopSpeedGolf

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Exactly the advise I personally need atm. 🙏. Thank You very much.

Thanks for the video! This will definitely help me the next time I go out to the driving range!

@TopSpeedGolf

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Great video. I never realized setup to the ball being so crucial until I watched video of myself swinging an iron. My swing was extremely flat and I was hitting awful hooks. I learned that I was standing too far from the ball. Figuring that out my swing is now perfectly on plane at the top.

@TopSpeedGolf

Жыл бұрын

Good stuff!

Thank you for the great and explicit explanation. will do this in my practice. many greetings from snowy Switzerland

@TopSpeedGolf

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Daniel!

Great video. I am new to Golf 5’10 tall and this distance thing seems to be the biggest issue. I feel uncomfortable too close and too far and end up hitting on top of the ball most time also because I adjust my height mid swing because of the discomfort. Cant wait to try this out, but for sure when I am comfortable in my position, I can hit 100 times better!

@TopSpeedGolf

3 жыл бұрын

Good luck!

Clay, I just saw this video yesterday 6.23.2019. I average 90-95 a round. I recently changed my grip from interlocking to 10-finger. Small fingers & old fracture. What worked in my 20s does not work today. The grip change gave me more power and 20-45 more yards. I used to slice and had no confidence with my driver. Set it aside 2 years ago. In the rain today I applied your setup tips. 18 holes, every shot I went through your setup. I paired up with the club pro instructor who was bored. I shot 84. No driver remember. Only used my Callaway Rogue X 3 hybrid off tees. He said "love your setup routine. Now get a driver and you'll save 7-12 strokes." Told him about your tutorial. My 84 is all thanks to your setup process. It works. I hope to meet you one day for a lesson! - Rob

@TopSpeedGolf

4 жыл бұрын

That is awesome!! Nice round! Glad I could help you!

One of the best video on the topics I saw

Very good video and extremely helpful for a beginner who is struggling with determining the proper distance to set up from a ball. I know I have struggled with this but this makes total common sense. Set up your body before you get to the ball and then make the distance adjustment with your feet keeping the correct body position so that your club is right at the ball.

@TopSpeedGolf

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dick!

I am a newcomer to golf after not playing for 50 years +. I'm now in my early 70's (71) and decided to get a golf club of some sort of iron just to get some exercise after last years back surgery and the next thing I know I have a driver, about 3 fairway woods and even picked up a complete set of irons (1-9+ a Pitching wedge) for a song and a dance. Found the irons in a Habitat for Humanity Restore for a total of $40 and they were a complete set of Lynx Blackcats with the 3 iron still in the cellophane. Guess I'm living right! Anyway, I wanted to say Thank You for this video and the bonus vid. I haven't played on a course yet since my renewed interest in golf, I have been practicing in the pasture with the sheep. If they don't try to eat my yellow wiffle balls I got it made. I have only been using my 8 iron for the time being and was having trouble topping the ball or hitting the dirt before I would hit the ball. Today took your advice from these 2 videos and found I was getting under the ball, getting the loft I have been looking for, and was hitting my shots a lot straighter and further even with the wiffle balls. The tip about holding my wrists straighter on the backswing until I was waist high and sort of cocking my muscles from the top of the backspring seemed to be the greatest help for me. I now can feel how much more effortless the swing is. THANK YOU SO MUCH! GaryT from New Braunfels, TX.

@TopSpeedGolf

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing Gary!

Quality instruction! Thx!

Hopefully I will give these tips a try on Friday and report back. I’ve been standing too far away from the ball for years.

"How close should you stand to the ball?" Preferably, about 275 yards after you've hit it.

@TopSpeedGolf

3 жыл бұрын

😂

@neilpark5819

2 жыл бұрын

😂 I only dream of 275yd drives.

Hi Clay thanks for this amazing video I was struggling in this Thank you very much Indeed you are the best golf teacher ever.

@TopSpeedGolf

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Steve! My pleasure!

@stevejames5844

5 жыл бұрын

Top Speed Golf - Clay Ballard Oh! You're welcome, no big deal ( haha)😀 kidding but I really want you to please create more and more of these great videos Thank you very Clay.

Great video, Clay really appreciate your video

@TopSpeedGolf

Жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

Helped my stance so much man. Ty

@TopSpeedGolf

Жыл бұрын

You're very welcome!

I will be trying this on my next range visit.....going through a bad patch and need to sort it quickly! Cheers

@TopSpeedGolf

4 жыл бұрын

Best of luck!

Not sure how Clay isn’t playing on TV cuz his knowledge of the swing and ability to demonstrate his knowledge is second to none!

@TopSpeedGolf

Ай бұрын

Thanks a bunch!

Great content and not a common mistake that golfer makes and this really helped me with my distance just being able to make pure contact in my shots

@TopSpeedGolf

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Changed my game , 🙏 thank you.

@TopSpeedGolf

3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

Thanks Clay. I wish I could get a one on one lesson with you.

Thanks for this! I always would be questioning where to stand and it makes a lot of sense how you explained it!

@TopSpeedGolf

3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

@williammills8953

3 жыл бұрын

Same here lately.

Very nicely explained. Appreciate your time and effort. - Mike

@TopSpeedGolf

4 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Excellent ! Thank you

@TopSpeedGolf

4 жыл бұрын

You are welcome!

2:24 great advice

I like this lesson.

@TopSpeedGolf

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Great explanation thanks 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🎩👌🏻🍻

@TopSpeedGolf

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Thank you so much. Brilliant video.

@TopSpeedGolf

11 ай бұрын

You're very welcome!

After I get setup I will sometimes let go of the club with my left arm being a righthanded golfer and if my arm falls towards my target I fill I'm in a pretty good position not to close or faraway and then I'll find another way to screw up during my swing....lol..... great video!

Thank you. Excellent explanatio.

@TopSpeedGolf

3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

Very good video , great drill for for any golfers whatever the handicap is.

@TopSpeedGolf

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it. Play well!

Very well explained! All golfers should learn this if not to at least avoid issues.

@TopSpeedGolf

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Bob!

Very thorough explanation. 👍

@TopSpeedGolf

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Thank you Clay! You are very easy to understand, if you were in Kerry i will call for lessons. Appreciate. Daniele

@TopSpeedGolf

3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure! Play well!

Nice explanation.

@TopSpeedGolf

11 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

very good Clay thank you 🏆

@TopSpeedGolf

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it. Play well!

class video Clay I think you and mike bender would pair well in your ideas of the golf swing spot on!

@TopSpeedGolf

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! Glad to help.

Thank you

@TopSpeedGolf

5 жыл бұрын

No problem Doug!

Hey Clay! Love your vids, thank you! The biomechanical explanations are great! I have a 6 pt checklist at every setup that I based on your guidance. The little shoulder “tilt” is the best tip ever!!! Question...in the past, pros always talked about “tail out”. Is this still as important to do or is it better to keep the tailbone in a natural position with the spine? Thanks!

@TopSpeedGolf

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Typically, it's better to be more neutral. It's a more athletic position. If you curve your back at address then you'll often stand up in the backswing to get into a more athletic position. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

I guess it's time to shorten my shafts a bit. Great video!!

@TopSpeedGolf

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

More great commentary. I was always told to at least be able to make a fist between my arms and thighs. You are sayings its between a hand to a hand and a half. Even better to be more precise. As good as any instructor I've seen.

@TopSpeedGolf

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words. Play well!

Hahah first 3 minutes you were doing exactly what iv been trying to fix in my downswing with extending the legs back like that telling me I’m to close to the ball I laughed😂 im new to golf had my first round the other day and looking forward to see myself progress, cheers for the tip👍🏽

this will help me cause i tend to be too close. thnx for the help.

@TopSpeedGolf

5 жыл бұрын

My pleasure Steve!

I’m guilty with my hands close to my body. Very informative Clay!

@TopSpeedGolf

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

I`m a self taught golfer. I play once a week and always felt uncomfortable at address. Now I square the face, let my arms hang natural, and move up or back to the ball. I have not broke 50 this year in leauge play. I shot 47 this week. I`m a 14 hdcp and feel like i have a shot to finally win a skin, or closest to the pin. You break it down simply, and it is trans forming my game. My partner could not beilive how nice my swing looked. Iv`e slowed my crazy backswing and turn my hips through the shot. I hit the ball first almost every time, and probably gained 15 yrds per iron. I`m hitting my 7 iron 165 compaired to 150 yrds. THANK YOU SIR> I`m getting free lessons

I always start my round of great, then I find that I'm grounding my club to close to my body and yes I'm standing up on my downswing and my round goes to ****... Thank you for that reminder Clay...

@TopSpeedGolf

5 жыл бұрын

Hi Alan, thanks for sharing. Glad the video helped. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

Excellent explanation. I can see that I've been too close to the ball with my driver.

@TopSpeedGolf

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Joe!

@tanzeemul-hussain2728

4 жыл бұрын

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@premprasitviseshk3819

3 жыл бұрын

@@tanzeemul-hussain2728 ฝฝฝใใใใใใใววมี

@LincolnFaalau

3 жыл бұрын

6555 yet

Great tip Clay with the irons (measurements) , no measurement shown for driver? This would really help as I am bad for stretching out with my arms with all my clubs! I have been trying the one plane swing for a while, but it doesn't work for me consistently, so I am back to the common golf swing!

@TopSpeedGolf

3 жыл бұрын

Roughly the same distance should be used between your body and all clubs - about a hand's distance. Play well! Nate | TSG Instructor

I’m also 6’4” and this has screwed me up for longer than I care to say. Thank you!

@TopSpeedGolf

3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

@joeschmoe2697

3 жыл бұрын

Wow I am 6’4” and just clicked on the video, I’m excited to watch!

@mikeriolo7734

3 жыл бұрын

I am 5.4" and this helped

I like this !

@TopSpeedGolf

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ron!

This seems to be one of the hardest habits, I would stand too far forever, great video

Beginner here. Thank you.

@TopSpeedGolf

4 жыл бұрын

You got this!

Ive always wondered, does it make any difference in terms of how tall you are when it comes to spreading out your legs, how close you should stand to the ball?

@TopSpeedGolf

5 жыл бұрын

Hi Izzat, it can make a small difference but it's mostly personal preference. There are pros and cons to a narrower and wider stance. You just have to find what works best for you. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

Clay, Just when I start thinking that you've already broadcast your best tutorial... YOU PROVE ME WRONG !! SALUTE YOU BRO

@TopSpeedGolf

4 жыл бұрын

Haha...thanks!

@carlaandreina5554

3 жыл бұрын

Cheers for the Video! Sorry for butting in, I would love your opinion. Have you thought about - Yanaylee Yanrooklyn Magic (do a search on google)? It is a good one of a kind guide for unlocking an effective golf swing technique without the headache. Ive heard some super things about it and my coo-worker got excellent success with it.

Thanks for the video..how about when using woods? Is it same with driver?

@TopSpeedGolf

3 жыл бұрын

You'll stand a little bit farther away with a driver because the club is quite a bit longer than the rest.

Wow nice video

Some of this also depends on your body type and where you are comfortable as well. Jim Furyk practically has his hands resting on his thighs at set up. Of course, with his swing, just about everything is unconventional. I tend to also have my hands a little bit closer to my body, as I have longer arms. Not too close, but it just feels a little more comfortable for me. But very good tips here.

Has anyone ever said you look like Jordon Speiths older brother .. Oh you have a better swing.. Thanks for all the tips you definitely know your stuff!!!!!

@TopSpeedGolf

5 жыл бұрын

Never heard that. Wish I had his bank account :-)

@tanzeemul-hussain2728

4 жыл бұрын

@@TopSpeedGolf hello sir free sample we are manufacturer golf gloves 100% quality and very best price please check our quality my whatsapp number 00923061473272

@michaelwhiteside2875

4 жыл бұрын

He wish he could play like speith

Hello top speed golf. Is it true the back of the driver should be on the ground? Which would mean hands a bit further back or the look of an open club head. Thanks

Two thumbs up!

@TopSpeedGolf

2 ай бұрын

👍⛳👍🏌

Great instruction mate , ur material is always worth watching , cheers.

@TopSpeedGolf

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Chris!

Can you please do a video on how to choose the right length of clubs?

@TopSpeedGolf

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Vijay, it'll will be different for everyone. The only way to know is to go and get fit by a reputable club fitter. I recommend somewhere like Club Champion. If there isn't one near you then I would check Golf Digest's list of top 100 club fitters. Best of luck! Quentin | TSG Instructor

oh yes you can always count on your videos being correct, thanks Clay

@TopSpeedGolf

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Hey clay! So what do you change we between a long iron and short iron? Just change stance width? Or ball position? Thanks for everything!

@TopSpeedGolf

5 жыл бұрын

Hi, you don't need to change anything. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

@mattsage4695

5 жыл бұрын

EnigmaOnStrib

👌. Now any tips on potting?

@TopSpeedGolf

4 жыл бұрын

Hi, we have lots of videos on putting on our channel. Go check it out. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

For a fairway wood, say a 3 wood, somewhere between the two, or more towards the stance you show for irons?

@TopSpeedGolf

3 жыл бұрын

somewhere between

for some reason with my irons when im up close on the ball is when i hit it the best. any advice

@TopSpeedGolf

4 жыл бұрын

Do what allows you to hit the ball the best.

What about Setup for Impact? Bernhard Langer said the other day "The most common reason for mis-hitting a shot is, at the moment the club meets the ball, the angle between the shaft and the ground changed from what it was at address." So because of your Angel of Attack and your Swing Path: Wouldn't it be better to create a posture which is similar to your impact position?

@thomasross1285

5 жыл бұрын

No, Your shoulders will be too open set left, right knee would be bent in. The problem is the ability to make a correct backswing. The golf swing is 2 different planes, 1 up & back, 1 down & into impact.

@TopSpeedGolf

5 жыл бұрын

Hi Christian, if it helps you create a better impact position then definitely. The probably is that it usually doesn't. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

I have to line my driver up about 2 inches past the toe at address. My downswing extends beyond the correct address position. Have you seen this? How can I correct it? Id like to line up at the ball at address for better consistency.

Rounding shoulders is good you’re right ab tilt tho

What doesn't add up for me is that, in order for me to bend forward and have the hands about a hand's length from the body my arms bend. To straighten my arms I have to either move the hands further away from the body or stand back up. Any thoughts on that? (I will say that I do have long arms.)

Will it be breaching a rule if one wrap red electric tape on shaft........having that as a aid to my setup, pointing were I should place my front toes ball.....distance. Each club having red tape then. As I understand the rules dont alow altering the dynamics of a club/equipment to make it easier. ????.

@TopSpeedGolf

4 жыл бұрын

Hi MJ, honestly, I'm not sure. I would think no but I'm not a rules expert. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

Any tips on not standing up. I was a power lifter and I continue to stand up in my swing so I keep topping or missing the ball unless I stand really close

@TopSpeedGolf

3 жыл бұрын

Check out our channel for many videos on this subject.

Before taking your set up stance, you can just set the face of the club square behind the ball and let the length of the club shaft determine where your feet should be. If you want to take a few warm up swings then do so away from the ball but then step into it and set the club face square behind and then adjust your feet back and square to each other to allow for the length of the club shaft.

@TopSpeedGolf

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

@seanscanlon9067

3 жыл бұрын

@@TopSpeedGolf No problem and I hope it did not seem as though I was opposing anything that you had said, which all made sense but I saw a few other comments saying that you look around six feet tall but what about someone 5' 6" for example? So what I said presumably incorporates that someone of that height will have shorter club shafts than you have (especially if fitted) and so will more than likely stand closer to the ball than you do.

The way I was taught was if the arms are hanging straight down when gripping the club then if I look down the hands should look just beyond the tips of my shoes - I have slightly small feet for my height so others might see the hands as being directly above the shoe tips

@TopSpeedGolf

5 жыл бұрын

HI Justin, yeah, that's fine too. Thanks for sharing. Hope you're playing great! Quentin | TSG Instructor

Why not let the shoulders round a little? Hogan, Snead and many other world class ball strikers addressed the ball this way. I find personally if I don't round a little bit, I tend to early extend because I've bent so much in my hips at set up.

@TopSpeedGolf

5 жыл бұрын

Hi Zachary, you want your shoulders to be in a neutral position. If you really round your shoulders then you'll be have a hard time making a good shoulder turn. Same thing happens if you're shoulders are retracted. Your shoulders can appear to be rounded as long as you're in a neutral position. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

Good video Clay.Should the upper arms be connected to your body?

@TopSpeedGolf

4 жыл бұрын

Yes but only at address and at impact. Let them disconnect at the top and in the follow through.

@geraldpetersen9188

4 жыл бұрын

Top Speed Golf - Clay Ballard Thanks

What exactly does shoulder width apart mean?

i noticed how still your head stays! on the down swing I break posture and move my head down like crazy. do you think its only a posture issue?

@TopSpeedGolf

3 жыл бұрын

Hey Mike, hard to say without seeing your swing. You may be rising up a lot in the backswing and or too bent over at address. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor