Shanking a golf shot, similar to most missed golf shots, is caused by the position at impact being different than the position prior to the start of the swing motion. The key to consistent ball striking is the ability to maintain your posture and balance throughout the swing motion. If the ball is positioned in the middle of the golf clubhead at address then returns to the shank or the heel of the golf clubhead at impact, in most cases the shanked hit is caused by the weight distribution of the feet moving forward resulting in the body and club moving forward. Consequently, the ball moving from the middle of the clubface to the heel of the clubface. If the posture at address is also altered prior to impact, the ball will also contact the clubface at a different spot on the clubhead than it was aligned with at address. This change in posture usually is identified as an increase to the knee bend or waist bend at address. A key to eliminating the shank and improving all ball contact is to consistently be aware of the importance of maintaining posture and balance throughout the swing motion.

A good drill during driving range practice to ensure posture and balance is maintained, and to eliminate the shank, is to place piece of wood parallel to your target at the toe end of your golf club. This will keep your clubhead on the downswing inside the swing path. This will result in a cure for the clubhead getting to the outside that can result in contact with the heel of the golf club that causes ball contact on the heel or the shanked wedge.

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